Post by Woody Williams on Sept 11, 2009 7:18:05 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2
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And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon,
Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who
through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained
promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the
edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in
war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by
resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in
order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and
flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to
death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they
went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted,
tormented - of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in
deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not
receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so
that they would not, without us, be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so
closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before
us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for
the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of
the throne of God.
Devotional
----------
Remembering the faith of the past saints of God should encourage us
in the present to hold on to what we know of God's love and promise.
Perseverance in the face of adversity is a strong mark of faith.
Jesus goes before us and is with us. Let us look to him and follow in
faith and courage.
Prayer
-------------
Gracious God let my heart be strong in trust of your promises. Amen
----------
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon,
Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who
through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained
promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the
edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in
war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by
resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in
order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and
flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to
death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they
went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted,
tormented - of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in
deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not
receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so
that they would not, without us, be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so
closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before
us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for
the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of
the throne of God.
Devotional
----------
Remembering the faith of the past saints of God should encourage us
in the present to hold on to what we know of God's love and promise.
Perseverance in the face of adversity is a strong mark of faith.
Jesus goes before us and is with us. Let us look to him and follow in
faith and courage.
Prayer
-------------
Gracious God let my heart be strong in trust of your promises. Amen