Our Race Against Time

Hebrews 12-Part 1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Hebrews 12:1-3


LET IT GLOW

Earlier this month, my husband and I went on a business trip by plane. Our connecting flight was in Chicago, with only a few extra minutes between flights. So when we landed, we hit the ground running. Each of us was carrying a backpack so it was a challenge. It was especially for me because I had my laptop, medicines, and purse inside my backpack. It quickly weighed me down and thus slowed me down in my pace. My husband realized it and took the backpack from off my back and carried both. The loud speaker announced the last call for three passengers-the two of us and another. We made it in time, in our race against time, but I was worn out. It was quite stressful since there was no other flight to our destination until the next day, which was when our meetings began. I thought of that when I read our key verses. Shall we take a closer look?

Here are some main points:

• The race is our spiritual journey, Christian life. My race is set before me by God. Race, in Greek is agona, is a conflict or struggle of many kinds; a contest of athletes, runners. (Our English word agony comes from it.) How am I to run it?
• I am surrounded by a great  multitude of witnesses listed in chapter 1, the audience. As I walk, I read from the Word of God about great men and women, courageous martyrs, shouting words of hope, endurance, and encouragement to people in the battle. These witnesses are not witnessing us as we conduct our lives. Instead, they are witnesses to us of faith and endurance. So they aren't watching me, but telling me how they continued with faith to the end. Their lives are models showing me how to make it through my race, to persevere.

LET IT GROW

How do I handle this race in order to please God?
         (1) Prepare by throwing off everything that hinders me, by laying aside every weight and sin which so
               easily beset me. Sin and/or hinderances can keep me from running effectively the race God has for
               me. What weighs me down? Is it an indifferent attitude, a lack of discipline, procrastination,
               impatience, worldly cares, pride, the law? Am I aware of any excess baggage I'm carrying around?
               The entangling sin is unbelief. Do I doubt that God can do what He says he will do?
          (2) Follow the command to run with endurance the race set before me. Endurance means to abide
                under or to wait with patience. How do I endure?
          (3) Fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Don't yield to distractions. Jesus endured
                the so much to provide my salvation. He finished His race perfectly, accomplishing all that God
                had planned for Him. Now He sits at the right hand of God.
          (4) While running, keep an attitude of an encouraged heart and a calm mind. Consider, in verse 3,
                 means to reckon, compare, weigh, think over. When I am meditate upon and occupy my mind
                 with my Lord Jesus, then I will be calm and encouraged.

The Bible is like a road map; step into the vehicle of application and drive.

[Resources: John Gill's Bible commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary, Hebrews II. , a Bible study guide by Charles Swindoll.]

LET IT GO

Look at the winners.

Look at myself.

Look at Jesus.

Look ahead.

Live by faith.


                                                                     

All of Us Together

Hebrews 11-Part 21
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, morover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatsskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:35b-40


LET IT GLOW

One of my favorite activities in grade school was jumping rope. Two girls would turn a long rope while some of us would take turns jumping it. We even made up chants to say while jumping. Of course, we would switch with the turners and let them have a turn to jump. It took all of us together in order for us to enjoy our activity. And so it will be when time on earth is completed and eternity is in session.

All those saints of Old Testament times obtained a good report through faith because they believed  in the promises of God-the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, and an eternal heaven, a new Jerusalem, and the law pointed them to Him. The New Testament believers saw the Messiah in the flesh, but believed in their salvation by Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection. Christians in our time believe Christ fulfilled the law by being the sacrifical Lamb in our place as payment for our sins. It shall be all of us believers, Old Testament, New Testament, and modern times that will make up the eternal church. What a sight and sound that will be, when we all together sing praises to our God (Rev. 19)!

So we have more reasons to hold onto our faith than these heroes of faith did. Even though they obtained a good testimony through faith, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross.We have been provided something better, seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf. Therefore, don't let discouragement and tough times defeat us.
The older saints aren't perfect, which means complete, without us. They looked forward to Jesus and His work, while we look at it from behind, and enjoy the fruits of His work. (Guzik)

LET IT GROW

By faith, some saints were victorious under their circumstances, even though they were:

• tortured, which refers to being stretched on an insturment of torture resembling a drum, and beat to death. (Strong's Concordance)
• not choosing deliverance, but death, looked for a resurrection of life, eternity.
• mocked curely-Isaac by Ishmael, Samson by the Philistines, Elisha by children, Jeremiah by Pashur, Jews by Sanballat and Tobiah when building the Temple, prophets, whom God sent to the Jews.
• scourged-smitings as Jeremiah (Jer.20:22) and Micaiah (2Chron. 18:23-24).
• bonds (chains) and imprisonments-Joseph, Samson, and Jeremiah.
• stoned-Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple; Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel's henchmen; Jerusalem stoned the prophets that were sent unto her (Matt. 23:37).
• sawn in two-Jewish tradition says Isaiah was by the order of Manasseh.
• were tempted to renounce their worship of God-an outside source states that Eleazar, along with his 7 brothers and mother were burned.
• were slain by the sword-85 priests murdered by Doeg, prophets in Elijah's day, priests of Nob ordered aby Saul, prophets of the Lord by Jezebel.
• wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins-Elijah, Slisha, and John the Baptist.
• destitute of food-Elijah was fed by ravens, the widow of Zarephath (1Kings 19:4-10).
• afflicted-refers to being driven to greatst straits, despairing of life, weary of it.
• tormented-or evilly treated, reproached, persecuted, made the filth of the world, offscouring of all things.,
• of whom the world wasn't worthy-such spiritual believers living for God were befriended by the world.
• wandered in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves-David, Elijah, prophets under Obediah's leadership.
• obtained a good report through faith-either those previously mentioned, or who were martyred.
• received not the promise of Canaan, the Messiah, and heaven.

[Resources: John Gill's Bible Commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary)

After reading about all these kinds of persecution for the faith, it seems such a small thing when I'm made fun of or criticized because of the stand I take for my Savior and His Word. I tend to let thosse things get me discouraged, but I shouldn't.

Did you notice that it took 21 lessons to make it through chapter 11? I have certainly enjoyed having you walk with me through it. Feel free to share any comments with us.

By faith Linda...


LET IT GO

Endure all for Jesus.

Keep the faith.

Walk with Him everyday.

A Bucket Full of Faith

Hebrews 11-Part 20
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.  Hebrews 11:33-35


LET IT GLOW

I recall having a big mud puddle beside our garage when I was a little girl. I would spend hours dipping a bucket into the water, filling it full, setting it down by my pile of dirt, then adding the water to make mud pies. Of course, the pies served no purpose, but I enjoyed the process. I want to have a bucket full of faith. I don't want to settle for just a teaspoonful. Oh, I don't consider myself a strong warrior, a great king, or a dedicated prophet for God. I'm just me, a country gal, striving to please my Savior in faith and obedience in my little corner of the world. Yet, isn't that what the Heroes of Faith did? Sometimes their corner was big and in the limelight. Sometimes they were ordinary folks called by God to do extraordinary things. Sometimes they were plain and simple with a lot of faith in their God. Whatever words describe me, I wanna have a bucket full of faith.

What has happened throughout the ages to Old Testament believers? Our key verse lists some things, but first I want to see what promises they obtained.

Promises means a promised good or blessing, according to Thayer's Lexicon.

God's promises were and are:

• victorious over enemies,
• concerning the Messiah,
• of everlasting life and happiness,
• rich in grace by which believers who received them, believed them, and waited for the accomplishment of them,
• for the future and invisible to them,
• great in themselves and precious to saints,
• all obtainable,
• sure and certainly fufilled,
• the work and business of faith to receive and enjoy them. (John Gill)

Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say:

2 Corinthians 1:20 says, For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
The promises of God find their affirmation and fulfilllment in Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1 states, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
These promises of God demand a purity of heart and life on the part of those who receive them.

What promises is Paul talking about here? Looking at the previous verses, 6:16-18, we find God said:I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (Ex. 29:45 and Lev. 26:11-12, which is applicable to all who are sons of Abraham by faith); Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you (Is. 52:11-12, Ez.20:34); And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters (Is. 43:6 and Hosea 1:10). The exhortation is to holiness before God and reconciliation with the apostle.
We have the indwelling Holy Spirit Himself as a down payment, pledge, or redemption, our surety and security of all that is to follow in the final salvation of the believer (2Cor. 1:22).

Please Lord Jesus, cleanse me of all my sins. I want You to walk with me, to dwell with me, to be my
God. Help me to be separated from the world and follow Your ways.


LET IT GROW

Looking at our key verse, let's go back and pick up phrases that were skipped.
By faith some were victorious over their circumstances. They:

1. subdued kingdoms: David-Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and Philistines (2 Sam. 8:12-14); Joshua, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, King Hezekiah, King Josiah. These kings subdued kingdoms by faith, yet not with fighting. This should encourage believers in the combat with powers of darkness.
2. worked righteousness: Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophest of God, and King Josiah also. They exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God and His people. True actions of faith are operating grace, works by love, has righteousness as its fruit and is evidence of faith, is received.
3. stopped the mouths of lions: Daniel, David, Benaiah, one of David's might men, Samson. When we're in the midst of men, comparable of lions, we do not fear the devouring lion, Satan.
4. quenched the violence of fire: Sadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Neb's statue; Lot was delivered from Sodom's fire and brimstone; the Lord's fire consumed complainers after Moses prayed at Taberah (Numbers 11:1-2). Believers quench fiery darts of Satan and are untouched by the fire of God's wrath at the second death (lake of fire).
5. escaped the edge of the sword: David escaped both Goliath and Saul's swords; Moses escapted Pharaoh's sword; Elijah escaped Jezebel's sword; Lot, Abraham, Joshua, the Judges, and Elisha all escaped.
6. were made strong out of weakness: Sarah, Gideon, Abraham, Esther, King Hezekiah, David; Samson was filled with courage and strength of mind.
7. became valiant in battle: David, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, Barak, Gideon wear engaged in good cause, under a good Captain. We're provide with an armor, assured of victory, and a crown.
8. were women who received their dead raised to life again: The widow of Zarepheth (1Kings 17:22) and the Shunamite (2Kings 4:34-35). Their sons were really dead and athey received them alive again, from the hands of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, in the way of a resurrection, and by faith. 

[Resources: John Gill Bible Commentaries, David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible ]

Now if that doesn't ring my bell, nothing will. I, too, am promised good, or blessings. I can see how faithful God was in all of those circumstances, can't you? What a mighty God we serve-El Shaddai!!!
Lord, forgive me when I doubt. You are the same God back then and now. surround me with Your shield of faith.

By faith, Linda...


LET IT GO

Keep a pure heart and life before God.

Stay on my knees in prayer every morning.

Remain in the Word so the Word remains in me.

Let go of doubt and grow in faith.

Other Heroes

Hebrews 11-Part 19
And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae, of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.   Hebrews 11:32

LET IT GLOW

Do you have any "heroes of faith" in your life? Will you share them with us? I can think of a few modern-day heroes in my life: my dad, who lost a leg in WWII; the soldier who marched in Dad's place that died of a sniper's bullet instead of Dad; a woman whose daughters were molested by their father; a couple who lost a grandson to cancer and a granddaughter hit by a car, the husband suffering a stroke; a young mother who lost her teenage son and another mother lost a baby; a man who had around 15 heart surgeries, yet died of bone cancer praising the Lord during it all;  my mother inlaw who battled cancer for years; my daughter who lives with rheumatoid arthritis; my husband with a heart condition. The list could go on. All of these have remained faithful to our God. These are my other heroes, yet unknown to the world. The story of their life has never been printed in a magazine nor in a book, but God sees their faith.

Dr. Charles Stanley said in his message, The Call of Faith:

• The walk of faith is to step into the unknown (Heb.11:8)
• The walk of faith is a call to separation.
• Step out of your comfort zone.
• We miss out on God's best because we won't let go.
• The call of God always includes the promise of blessing.
• Our idea of security is a distorted idea.
• We're shortsighted.
• The call of faith will involve testing and trials.
• We can respond in two ways: focus on Christ and obey Him, or react to fear and try to work things out ourselves.
• Taking your focus off God will get you into trouble (Abraham went to Egypt.)
• The call of faith has tests and trials. In obedience we are able to enjoy the best that God has to offer.

Friends, I hope your faith in God is increasing as mine is since we have been studying the heroes in the Hall of Faith found in Hebrews 11. I see the extraordinary things God did when the people exhibited faith in Him. Remember by faith Abel's sacrifice, Enoch pleased God and was translated, Noah's ark, Abraham moved without details and lived in tents, then offered Isaac, Sarah's baby at age 90, Jacob worshipped leaning on his staff, Joseph's belief in the resurrection and he wanted his bones carried into the Promised Land to be buried, Moses' parents hid him 3 months, Moses refused to be called the son of the Pharoah's  daughter, forsook Egypt, kept the Passover, the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, younger Israelites marched 7 days so the walls of Jericho would fall, and Rahab received and hid the spies. Those things  happened when God saw their faith that He would keep His promises, do what He said He would do, because without faith it's impossible to please God.

This list of men in our key verse held a position of power or authority, but none of them is praised for his personal status or abilities. Instead, they are recognized for what each one had accomplished by faith in God. (MacArthur)

Not one of these people mentioned in verse 32 was perfect, passive, persistent, or protected from hardship, calamity, and tragedy. The theme in  Hebrews 11 is endurance. (Swindoll)

I don't know all that God could accomplish through Linda, if she keeps  faith in Jesus and obeys Him fully. Insert your name dear friends.
Jesus, Your will, Your way, today, I say.

LET IT GROW

I had considered looking deeper into each man's life that is named in verse 32, but like the author, my time is limited. So I will give a summation (all 6 are found in the book of Judges) of how God used them to defeat a group and delivered Israel:

1. Gideon, by faith in God, with 300 men destroyed a countless multitude of Midianites and Amalekites; he threw down the altar of Baal, cut down his grove, in obedience to the command of God. Yet he was a man who doubted God's word to him at first, and repeatedly asked for confirmation. (Judges 6-9)
2. Barak, by faith in God, overthrew Jabin, the king of Canaan, and his numerous army. He had a agreat victory of all the host of Sisera. Yet he hesitated and went forward only when Deborah encouraged and accompanied him. (Judges 4)
3. Samson, by faith in God, destroyed more Philistines at his death than during his lifetime. He was a child of promise, devoted to the Lord. Yet he never lived up to his potential, and had a tragic ending to his life after being enticed by Delilah.  (Judges 13-16)
4. Jephthah, by faith in God, defeated the Ammorites. Yet he made a foolish vow and stubbornly kept it, killing his daughter. (Judges 11)
5. David, by faith in God, killed the giant Philistine, Goliath. Yet he failed with Bathsheba and with his own children. He spent about 15 years running for his life from King Saul, which resulted in the writings of the Psalms.
6. Samuel, who by faith, was a child of prayer, devoted to the Lord at a young age, became the last of the judges and first of the prophets. He annointed David as king of Israel, and was known as a man of intercessory prayer.
7. The prophets not mentioned by name, but from Samuel to John the Baptist, were famous for their faith in the Messiah and trust in God, and their honorable walk and conversation.

[Resources: The New Gill Expostion of the Entire Bible, David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible,
                    Matthew Henry's Commentary, Adam Clarke's Commentary]

I'm encouraged when I read of these heroes of faith who sometimes failed, but succeeded in spite of their failures.

I, too, find myself asking for signs of confirmation like Gideon, asking for someone to go with me as I obey as Barak, don't live up to my potential like Samson, run in fear of the enemy as David did, don't always pray faithfully for others as Samuel. However, I want to walk in faith with Jesus on this country road to wherever He leads me, honoring and serving Him.

By faith Linda...

LET IT GO

Let go of the worldly things and follow Jesus so I don't miss the best He has for me.

Step out of my comfort zone and walk by faith.

Pray all day.

Marching and Playing

483.  " Marching and Playing"                  March 26, 2012
Hebrews 11-Part 17
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.
Hebrews 11:30
LET IT GLOW

It was fun being in the marching band at my high school, but I was only in it my junior year. However, we had to practice in the hot summer before school opened in the fall. We were a small band, yet perfection was demanded of us, so hours were spent in the cooler mornings playing and marching, marching and playing. It wasn't enough practice time for me, so I played my flute and marched in the yard when I got home. No walls fell down around our town that year, like they did for Joshua and the Israelites. We performed at all home football games. We were quite good, if I say so myself.
I do regret not continuing band my senior year.

God gave Joshuas some promises found in Joshua 1:5, There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

What great promises; and to think, they apply to us today.
Here's some background.

The Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, which was located in the foothills about seven miles east of the Jordan River.
What do we know about Jericho? It was seven miles west of the river; it had a 6 foot brick wall, 30 feet high.

When did this take place? It was 40 years after the parting of the Red Sea.

Who was leading this inexperienced army? Joshua, a new and inexperienced leader, was in command. God appointed him, so ultimately God gave the directions.

What happened to the walls? The people marched behind the Ark of the covenant, and the priests marched in front, blowing horns around Jericho; this was done 6 days. On the seventh day, they marched quietly around the city, then gave a loud shout, and the walls fell down.

Now did that take faith on the priest part? Here they were out front marching around a city, blowing horns. At any minute, the enemy could have come out and attacked them.
Did it take faith for the people to march around for 7 days? How about keeping quiet during the last march?What a story to tell their grandchildren-the day God brought down the walls of Jericho!

The people did nothing militarily to cause the fall of Jericho; they simply followed God's instructions in faith. (MacArthur)

Neither the marching nor the trumpets brought the walls down. Likewise, a doubting heart would cause one to stop maraching long before the seventh day. By faith they persisted in obedience to God's command. (Falwell)

David Guzik had this to say:

• At Jericho, the people of Israel had a daring faith. Theree was no turning back, having already crossed the river Jordan at flood stage, which cut off any line of retreat.
• At Jericho, the people of Israel had an obedient faith. They did not really understand what God was doing, yet they obeyed none the less.
• After they were encircled for 7 days: At Jericho the people of Israel had a patient faith. The walls did not fall down for the first 6 days, yet they kept marching as God commanded.
• At Jericho, the people of Israel had an anticipating faith. They knew God would acat on the seventh day when they shouted.

2 Corinthians 10:4 says, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

How strong is my faith and your faith? Is it strong enough for God to bring down the walls that have us in bondage to sin? Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

LET IT GROW

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31

Now skip back in time before the walls fell.

Review:

• Moses died, and God made Joshua the next leader of the Israelites.
• Joshua sent out two men to spy out the land on the other side of the Jordan River and Jericho before they attacked. (Joshua 2)
• The 2 spies stayed at the house of Rahab the prostitute, a harlot.
• Their presence was known to the king and he sent word for Rahab to give the men over to the soldiers.
• Rahab hid the spies on her roof, under stalks of flax, which were usually 3 feet long and dried on the rooftop,  while the soldiers visited her, so they were not found.
• She lied daringly to the soldiers, which resulted in them hunting for the spies outside the city gate; she was guilty of treason in the king's eyes.
• Rahab admitted to the spies that God is the supreme God of heaven above and earth below; her people were afraid because of what god had done for the Israelites at the Jordan River.
• She asked for her and her family's being spared when the Israelites attacked Jericho, which was granted.
• Rahab, a Canaanite, later married Salmon and had Boaz; she was the great, great-grandmother of King David; also she was an ancestor of Jesus. By God's grace, she was in the Messianic line (Matt.1:5).
• She was an example of God's saving by faith.

"Clement of Rome, the earliest Christian writer outside of the Bible, was tahe first to see a symbol of the blood of Jesus in the scarlet cord which Rahab hung outside her window," stated Guzik.

Isn't it amazing that the two spies ended up at Rahab's house. She obviously was a believer in their God. She risked her life by hiding the spies. Her life was spared because she put her faith in God.
Rahab's faith delivered her, and works justified her. Although her epithet as a harlot lingered, her life changed (James 2:25). (Falwell)

God commended Rahab's faith, not her lie. None of us are without sin, so I can't point a judging finger at her, because I'm in need of forgiveness like she was. God honors true faith, small as it is, and imparts saving grace (Ex. 34:7).

By faith, Linda...

LET IT GO

Be willing to march for Jesus, even if it's in a city, out in the open sight, in my community, in a foreign land?

Obey the detailed instructions of the Lord.

Have strong faith, stepping out daily, following Jesus.

Encourage other believers.

Crossing my Red Sea of Troubles

482.  "Crossing my Red Sea of Troubles"
          March 23, 2012
Hebrews 11-Part 17
By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.  Hebrews 11:29


LET IT GLOW

Pharoah and his mighty Egyptian army with horses and chariots pursued the Israelites. (God had hardened Pharoah's heart again in Exodus 14, so they turned against the Israelites.) Because the Israelites left Egypt, the Pharoah and his people lost slaves to serve them. Remember, they had slaves for 400 years to serve them. I don't think they cherished the idea of having to work and do for themselves.

"When the Israelites first reached the shores of the Red Sea, the people feared for their lives (Exodus 14:11, 21). But upon hearing Moses' pronouncement of God's protection (Ex. 14:13-14), they went forward in faith," states The MacArthur Bible Commentary.

Fear was quite deep that day, I'm sure, as the Israelites faced the Red Sea in front and the Egyptian army behind them. They probably didn't remember the promises God made them in Exodus 6:6-8:

• He is the Lord,
• He will bring them out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,
• He will rid them out of their bondage,
• He will redeem them with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments,
• He will take them for a people and be their God,
• they shall know He is the Lord their God, which brought them out from under their burdens,
• He will bring them into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
• He will give the land as a heritage to them,
• He is the Lord.

LET IT GROW

Flying over the ocean for 4-6 hours at a time is very nerve wrecking to me. You see, I am afraid of water that is over my heard or that I can't touch the bottom. I have experienced this feeling of insecurity only a three times-once when flying to Brazil, to Malaysia, and to Puerto Rico. Each time we crossed an ocean. I had to put my faith in Jesus' protection of the plane or else I would have been a nervous wreck upon landing. Everything turned out fine, praise to the Lord! So I can symphasize with the Israelites when they were crossing the Red Sea with a wall of water on both sides of them. Let's check out the events in more detail.

The Israelites were walking by sight and not by faith at that point before crossing, stepping into the Red Sea. Moses' pronouncement of God's protection in Exodus 14:13-14 said: Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Do I have those same promises? You better believe it! When I face my Red Sea of decision and leave my bondage to sin, unhealthy foods and drinks, ungodly tv shows, criticism, all behind and step into the water of repentance and deliverance, pass through those troubles, then I will come out on the other side a new person. Jesus is my Redeemer and Deliverer!!

Whatever my situation, I need not fear, but stand and watch the Lord part a great sea of trouble into a wall of dry land for me to walk on, as a red carpet leading to the King's throne. (Hey, it was a Red Sea.) I don't have to fight, just hold my peace. He will fight for me. (The hardest part is my taking that first step of faith into the sea of trouble.) I will see His outstretched arm working and hear His Holy Spirit speaking. I sing praises to Your Name, Lord Jesus, for You are Almighty God, ElShaddai.

Will you take that first step with me, friend? I am praying for you.

Look at the rest of  Hebrew 11:29, the Egyptians drown after they made an attempt to capture the Israelites.
Assaying means to make an attempt, according to Strong's Concordance.

However, the Egyptians were not successful, because God was in charge, not Pharoah. They were all drown.

Faith is not a daring leap in the dark. Faith is man's response to God's command. (Falwell)


LET IT GO

Leave my troubles and sins at the foot of the cross of Jesus and let Him free me from my bondage of sins.

Trust Jesus and take that first step of faith.

Watch His outstretched arm take care of my troubles, enemies.

Praise my Redeemer, who lives today!!!!

Pray for others that are at their Red Sea of decision.

Passover

Hebrews 11-Part 16
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. Hebrews 11:28


LET IT GLOW

Did you ever feel that you were passed over when it came to smarts and looks? That was how I used to feel when I was growing up. You see, my big sister was a straight A student, never having to study, valedictorian of her graduating class.  She was also very pretty, homecoming queen her senior year in high school. Then, there was my brother, who was very outgoing and popular. I grew up feeling I was passed over when it came to looks, brains, popularity. I was just the opposite-plain looking, studied hard for grades, and quiet in personality. When I grew up, I realized that I am made by God, who made me as He was pleased.However, Moses was passed over when it counted, death did not take him in Egypt. Shall we stop a while and look deeper into his life?

Moses kept the Passover before he departed from Egypt the second time.

Matthew Henry Commentary says:

Though all Israel kept this passover, yet it was by Moses that God delivered the institutioon of it; and, though it was a great mystery, Moses by faith both delivered it to the people and kept it that night in the house where he lodged. The passover was one of the most solemn institutions of the Old Testament, and a very significant type of Christ. The occasion of its first observance was extraordinary: it was the same night that God slew the first-born of the Egyptians; but, though the Israelites lived among them, their houses were passed over and spared them and theirs.

MacArthur suggests that the instructions God gave to Moses about the Passover meal was during the three days of darkness .He said, "The detailed instructions for the Passover included what animal to select, when to kill it, what to do with its blood, how to cook it, what to do with leftovers, how to dress for the meal, the reason why it was being celebrated "in haste," and what the shed blood signified."

Exodus 12 gives the instructions by God for the Passover:

• a male lamb without blemish, perfect (verse 5),
•  lamb's blood sprinkled on the two dise posts and upper door post of the houses (vers 7),
• lamb's flesh eatten that night, roasted with fire, eaten with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs (leaven represents sin, bitter herbs represented their slavery in Egypt) (verse 8),
• don't keep any leftover lamb (verse 10),
• they ate, dressed with shoes on feet, staff in hand (verse 11), ready to move,
• the destroyer would not come into their houses to kill their first-born if he saw the blood over the door posts (verses 12, 23),
• the Lord said He would not execute judgment on the Israelites, but would on the Egyptian's people and animals first-born.

What a promise! The Lord would save the Israelites who had faith enough to trust Him to pass over their family, saving them from death.
It took faith to believe that the blood of the lamb on the door post would save their household from death. Moses had that faith and led the nation in observance.  (Guzik)


LET IT GROW

John Gill said:

The sprinkling of blood was of the paschal lamb; which was received into a basin, and was sprinkled upoon the lintel, and two side posts of the doors of the houses, in which the Israelites dwelt; which was done with a bunch of hyssop dipped into it; for the Lord, seeing the blood sprinkled, when he smote the firstborn of Egypt, passed by the houses of the Israelites, so distinguished; and they were all safe within, and not one of them touched: this was a typical of the blood of Christ being sprinkled upon the hearts and consciences of His people; whereby they are purified throught faith; which blood is looked upon by Jedhovah, so that justice passes by them; and they are all safe and secure, and will be, when others are destroyed; nor can they be hurt by the second death.

I Corinthians 5:7 says ...For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

How is this a type of Christ?

Matthew Henry Commentary says:

• Christ is that Lamb, He is the our Passover, He was sacrificed for us.
• Hid blood must be sprinkled; it must be applied to those who have the saving benefit of it.
• We are saved by the blood of Christ and His imputed righteousness. 
• Wherever this blood is applied, the soul receives a whole Christ by faith, and lives upon Him.
• This true faith makes sin bitter to the soul, even while it receives the pardon and atonement. 

What a wonderful plan our Creator, Adoniah, had and carried out! He took my place, paid for my sins, so I would not have to do so. Salvation is a free gift to me, but it cost Christ everything, even His life. And so He did for you, my friend. Death cannot touch us believers in Christ.

LET IT GO

Remember that Christ is my Perfect Passover Lamb; His blood was shed for my salvation.

Thank You Jesus for all you did on the cross for me.

Praise be to the Lord Jesus! He is a Risen Savior, not in the grave.

Glory and honor to the One and Only God who provides His grace for me.

I Refuse To...

Hebrews 11-Part 16
By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.  Hebrews 11:24-26

Review:
Moses was:

• the third born child of Amram and Jochebed, of the Levite tribe,
• was spared from death when the Pharoah's daughter pulled him out of the water,
• adopted by that princessess,
• indoctrinated by his mother, a Hebrew, who taught Moses about God,
• highly educated, of noble rank, pure in character, saved by faith alone,
• watching his people, his family work hard as slaves, be mistreated, some killed.

LET IT GLOW
I can't even recall what Mom told me to do, since it's been over 50 years, but I didn't do it. The reason I know that I didn't do it, was I ran away from her, outside. I never knew Mom could run, but that day I found out she could. By the time I got to the tall pinetree, which I was going to climb, she cought me. I got a deserved spanking that day, and learned my leason-do what your mother tells you to do.
My refusal was different from Moses. Mine was out of rebellion, his was following God, refusing to be called the Pharoah's son. Let's take a step closer to the story.

There were significant decisions that separated Moses from his Egyptian peers and nobel family:

1. His decision to refuse to be called the son of the Pharoah's daughter wasn't made in haste by a man who dreamed of being great; he was already a great man in a great position. Neither was it made in ignorance or on the crest of emotion. He wrestled with the choice of living for the temporal, fleshly life or the spiritual life with eternal reprocussions.

Refused means "denied;" choosing means "to take oneself a position;" considering means "to think before hand."
Moses made the choice and thought ahead. he could have been the next Pharoah in Egypt, but he choose not to. Insstead, he choose to follow God. Do I make a choice to follow God before a specific situation  arises? Am I prepared to seize the opportunity to witness for Jesus before the opportunity arises?
      
       2. Moses chose to suffer affiction with his people instead of enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
           season. What happened in Exodus 2 was that Moses killed an Egyptian for smitting a Hebrew,
           then Moses hid him in ther sand. This act was seen by other Egyptians, so Moses was afraid to
           face Pharoah.
[Reference: Hebrews, Volume II, a Bible Study Guide by Charles Swindoll]

I'm a daughter of the King, King Jesus. My inheritance is an eternal one-heaven. As the King's child, I'm assured protection and provision. I'm educated by the Creator, using His Holy Word as my textbook. My Father and Teacher know every detail of everything and how they work. He also controls all happenings in His kingdom. As I submit to my King Jesus, I become a mighty warrior, since He's the Captiain of the Lord's army. He gives the orders.

Do I act like the King's daughter? Do I take advantage of knowing the King personally?

Am I alert to opportunities that come my way?
" God guides us and leads us by opportunities. He will equip us to do what the opportunity presents. Ask Jesus to give us opportunities to witness for Him. Some opportunities may be difficult, have hinderances, but don't quit. Let no excuse keep you from Jesus," said Charles Stanley.

Do I seize the opportunities to witness for my Jesus? Moses fled to the land of Midian, to escape the Pharoah. Do I flee from chances to stand up for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greaater riches than the treasures in Egypt. He knew his reward was greater in heaven than any treasures he could have in Egypt. Remember, the Egyptians were the richest society on earth at that time in history.

Am I willing to give up treasures on earth, things, money, prestege, power, in exchange for serving my Savior Jesus Christ to the fullest of His will?

LET IT GO
Let go of all the riches on earth to serve, worship, and live for my Savior, Jesus.

Refuse to walk in the world's steps, but walk in Jesus' footsteps.

A Special Baby

Hebrews 11-Part 15
By faith Moses, when he was born was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Hebrews 11:23

Olah from Puerto Rico! What a beautiful place which the Lord made. I see a deep blue Carribean ocean, palm trees, a rain forest, exquisit flowers; it's a breathtaking view from the 6th floor of our hotel. This is one business trip I don't mind sitting through meetings so I can enjoy the scenery. Tonight we take a boat ride to an island and have a festive dinner (dress and tie). I ate coconut rice, sweet potato biscuit, and spiced chicken. It's a gorgious sight so breathtaking for this country gal from Arkansas to take in.
Sorry I was late for the posting, but I'm sure you will understand.(I'm thankful that internet reaches around the world and so does the love of Jesus.)
LET IT GLOW

I know a young woman who had a premature baby girl, weighing only 4 pounds. It was a long process, but with the help of the Lord and medical staff experienced in caring for this type of special needs baby, she lived. She was so tiny, that you could see through her hands and arms. What a sweet little bundle of joy she was. That was seven years ago and she is the cute little girl, doing everything a seven year old does. We marvel at this blessing the Lord has given to her mother. I think Moses' mother must have felt the same way. Let's take a peek into their home.
These wonderfully dedicated people (Moses' Parents) have a testimony that still lives and speaks to us today. They lived in a very cruel time, but their active faith literally changed history. Exodus 1:6 tells us that the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous. They grew from 70 to approximately 2 million. Then a new king, who didn't know Joseph, came on the block, probably Tuthmosis I. (Jim Henry, pastor of FBC, Orlando, Florida)

E.T.Sullivan, quoted in The Marriage Affair, said:

When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn't stir up His earthquakes or send for thunderbolts. Instead, He has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of obscure parents. And then God puts the idea into a mother or father's heart and they put it into the baby's mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are young children.
May I add, "Then these children, influenced by parents to serve and worship Jehovah God, grow up to do just that."

Parents and grandparents have the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, a task that is tremendous as they teach and direct a child.

In 2007, the Barna Research Group released the results of a recent survey in which they discovered that more likely than not, it is the mothers who are fortifying the family with faith, and not the fathers. It said, "Mothers inhabit many roles inside and outside the family. Within the household, they are often counted on to be the emotional compass, organizer, multitasking manager of the familly, and spiritual energizer. Women who are raising children are among the most faith-minded and spiritually active segments of the American population. Three-quarters of moms identify "family" to be their highest priority. The majority of mothers agree that faith is very important in their life. Fathers also tend to list family as their top priority in life, but less likely to equally attribute importance to faith."
The president of this group said,"Whether they are a parent or not, women in America have high levels of spiritual sensitivity and engagement." (Brad Whitt)

Exodus 6:20 tells us Moses' father was Amram and his mother was Jochebed. Exodus 2:1 tells us they were both of the family of Levi, which were priests in the Israelite family. I wonder if that was why God chose this family to nurture the future deliverer, He saw their faith. Just an idea. At any rate, Moses' parents were listed in the Hall of Faith or Hall of Fame.

Is my faith alert to God's will, when it requires something I don't want to do? Or when it requires seperatioon from family?

LET IT GROW

Moses' parents were not afraid of the king's edict, law, nor the conquences of disobeying it.

It was a genuine test. Pharoah was convinced that the Hebresws' strength in numbers lead would lead to the fall of Egypt. Thus, he initated a program of persecution. One edict followed another and finallly Pharoah decreed that the Hebrew sons be cast into the Nile and drowned at birth. But within the tribe of Levi was a family that believed they had to supercede these orders. By faith they placed their infant son, Moses, into hiding. Their belief that God had a special plan for Moses was rewarded by his escapte from death.He not only escaped, but a significant future was in store for him (Ex. 2:10-3:10). (Swindoll)

At the time of his birth, Pharoah had published an edict ordering every male child to be cast into the river; but instead of oveying this order, Moses was hid three months by his parents.. A act of his mother was done, no doubt, with knowledge, advice, and consent of his faither (Acts 7:20).
They believed that God would deliver the people of Israel and He would also deliver their son.They perceived something remarkable in him, which to them was a token that he would be the deliverer of God's people, therefore they hid him. (John Gill)

As it turned out, the Pharoah's daughter found the Hebrew baby and adopted him as her own son. How strong is my faith? Am I willing to follow God's plan even when it requires death? John the Baptist was, along with Mopses' parents.

Spurgeon said,"Moses became a man of noble rank, high education, and pure character, saved by faith alone."

Someone once said,"We don't know what God can do with a man who is totally surrendered to God."
Do I have contagious faith that others see in action and want to follow?

LET IT GO

Watch for God's plan to unfold in the life of a child as they grow up. Pray for their faith to not fail, but they follow God.

Don't be afraid to obey God's leading, even if it means death.

Offer my life as a sacrifice to the Lord Jesus.

Departing Soon

Hebrews 11-Part 13
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.  Hebrews 11:22

Review:
Joseph:

• was the eleventh son of Jacob(Israel) and his father's favorite,
• his mother was Rachael,
• had the ability to interpret dreams, which he recognized was from God,
• dreamed that his parents and brothers would bow down to him, which came true,
• had jealous brothers that sold him into slavery,
• spent most of his life in Egypt, age 17-110,
• became a servant to Pharoah, put into prison because Pharoah's wife lied about Joseph,
• was later promoted to second in command over Egypt,
• interpreted Pharoah's dream, thus saving Egypt during a 7 year famine,
• fed his family during the famine and moved them into the land of Goshen in Egypt, which began the 400 years of slavery for the Hebrews,
• forgave his brothers of what they did when he was 17,
• had two sons, Manaseh and Ephraim,
• Joseph's sons inherited land in the Promised Land in his place,

LET IT GLOW


In a few days, my husband and I will be departing for Puerto Rico for a business trip. I know where the suitcases are, where the clothes are, where the tickets are, but nothing is packed and ready to go. Joseph was different. He was looking forward to the day his people and his bones would be carried back to his homeland. He was also looking forward to the resurrection of his body. Now that is faith. Shall we look into his life for it?
Isn't the faith of Joseph remarkable? After the way his family treated him, you'd think Joseph would have just abondoned his baith, but he didn't. Instead, it grew stronger. Even the ungodly influence of Egypt didn't weaken his trust in God. Joseph didn't use his family, job, or circumstances as an excuse for unbelief. Joseph knew what he believed-that God would one day deliver his people from Egypt and slavery (Gen.50:24-26).
(Reference: Be Confident by Warren Wiersbe)

Isn't it easier to talk faith than to walk faith? Don't we fight constantly to live by faith? At least, I do. By nature, we resist trusting God. We would rather walk by sight, since that's a lot more predictable. The problem is that walking by sight doesn't please God. Seriously, faith is to be an everyday companion, not a weekend guest (2Cor. 4:16-18; 5:7). The best place to cultivate, teach, and learn faith is in the home with the family. There were four homes in Scripture where faith was taught and learned. The lines of faith stayed strong. We can see the faith relationship spoken of in Hebrews 11, in the relationships between:

• father and son (Abraham to Isaac),
• grandfather to grandson (Abraham to Jacob),
• brother to brothers (Joseph to his brothers),
• parents to child (Moses' parents to Moses).

Faith in God was deeply entrenched in Joseph's heart, and he displayed it as he responded to his brothers, who mistreated him. Genesis 50:20 says But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Joseph not only reiterated the promise of God, that the Lord would take care of them and bring them from Egypt to the land promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (Gen.50:24), but by faith he could also foresee the events of the future. He know that for the promise to be fulfilled, an exodus would eventually have to transpire.
(Reference: Swindoll's Bible Study Guide on Hebrews, Volume II)

After they spent all their money buying food from Egypt, the Hebrews became their slaves. It was only 400 years after Joseph's death that the Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt.

Am I practicing walking by faith instead of by sight? Do I live depending on Jesus for everything? I'm a work in progress.
What am I a slave to? What has me in bondage, holding me down so I am not free to serve Jesus?

LET IT GROW

What was the last thing Joseph commanded his sons to do for him? He wanted them to carry his bones into the Promise Land. He might have been an Egyptian without, having lived his entire adult life there, but Joseph was a Hebrew within. Joseph's faith held no compromise. Wasn't it the result of the faith that had been transmitted to him through his lineage, from one generation to the next? (Swindoll)

Joseph knew God's promises were true! When he died, Joseph was never buried. His coffin laid above ground for 400 years or so, until it was taken back to Canaan. (Guzik)

Instead of being buried with the kings of Egypt, Joseph chose to be buried with his fathers. It shows his belief of the resurrection of the dead and his enjoying the heavenly inheritance. (Gill)

Revelation 20 talks about the resurrection of the dead. Now that's something I don't want to miss seeing. What a sight it will be-graves opened and dead rising up! Whew! Come Lord Jesus!


LET IT GO

Cut the strings holding me to this worldly living and are keeping me from living by faith.

Let go of the sins that keep me from serving Jesus.

Let Jesus live through me.

On My Knees

477. "On My Knees"                     March 14, 2012
Hebrews 11-Part 12
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.  Hebrews 11:21


LET IT GLOW

Review:

Jacob, whose name means catcher, supplanter, following after, deceiver:

•  was the second-born son of Isaac,a twin,  the grandson of Abraham.(Gen. 25:26)
•  was the son whom Abraham was about to kill, offering on an altar to God, when a ram replaced him.(Gen. 22)
•  bribbed his twin bother, Esau, into trading his birthright for a bowl of stew.(Gen. 25)
•  deceived his father into thinking he was Esau when Isaac passed out the family blessings.
•  fled for his life in fear of Esau killing him whenever Esau found out what Jacob had done.
•  reaped what he had sown-fauther inlaw switched girls so instead of marrying Rachel, he actually married her sister Leah.
• worked 14 years for Laban in order to marry Rachael.
• met Jesus in a dream of a ladder. (Gen. 28)
• had 12 sons, who became the "twelve tribes of Israel. (Gen. 30)
• wrestled with the Lord Jesus at Peniel, where his thigh was permanently placed out of joint. (Gen 32:24-32)
• had to admit his name was "deceiver," and had a name change by God to "Israel,"which means "ruling with God." (Gen. 32:28)
• met his Redeemer, Jesus Christ, as his Savior. (Gen. 48:16)

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes in my quiet time of worship, and  prayer, I would be on my knees. Notice I said "sometimes." Well, it took being on my knees, crawling under a fence, while wearing my Sunday clothes, that the Lord showed me He wanted me in that position daily. The reason I was crawling under a fence on Sunday, in my grey suit, hose and sandles, was that I locked myself out of the house and I was going to my son's house to get the key, so I could get my purse, which had the car key, so I could go to church. Yes, I did it again. (If you have followed my postings, I have done this before.)
Am I a slow learner? Thank You Jesus for Your patience.

Looking at our key verse, it was by faith that Jacob did something for which he is remembered. What was it? It was done by faith when he was almost blind and dying, he blessed both sons of Joseph. Now Joseph was his most favorite son of the twelve. Joseph was a chosen patriarch. His two sons were Manaseh, the first-born, and Ephraim, the second-born (Gen. 41:51-52). It was at this time that Joseph took his two sons to his dying father for their inherited blessings of God to the family. (Gen.48)
The unique thing that happened was while blessing them, Jacob switched hands and touched Ephraim's head with his right hand. What was so significant about this act? Ephraim, the second-born,  received the blessing from God, a double inheritance, not the first-born Manaseh. By the way, the same thing had happened to Jacob and his brother Esau.

John Gill said:

This was done in faith, under the direction and inspiration of the Spirit of God, as appears by his setting Ephraim before Manaseh and when he delivered the blessing he firmly believed it would be fulfilled, though they were then in a strange land.
Jacob sat upon his bed, weak, leaned upon the top of his staff, and worshipped God, and gave praise and glory to Him, that he had lived to see not only his Joseph, but his seed also (Gen. 48:2, 11, 20).

Jacob intentionally switched his hands in order to pass the blessings of Abraham and Isaac onto Ephraim. He couldn't distinguish them by sight, yet he could distinguish them by faith.

Liberty Bible Commentary says:

Even though these events of the Book of Genesis 27:1-28:5 seem to involve deceit rather than faith, Isaa's part was in faith in that he was accomplishing God's will. Likewise, Jacob's blessing of both sons of Joseph involved faith, for it also involved the carrying out of God's promise. Both times demonstrated the intimacy between faith and God's will and Word. Probably, Jacob's leaning upon his staff depicted Jacob's dedication and faith dramatically. Jacob's staff was a daily reminder of God's promises, and his life of faith was  best symbolized by his staff.

Jacob never forgot the faithfulness of his father: it was ingrained into his very being. As a result, he relayed it to the two generations that followed.  (Swindoll)



LET IT GROW

Worshipped, in this verse, means to pay homaage shown to men of superior rank; to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence.
Leaning on his staff, Jacob worshipped God.

How do I worship? Since reading the definition of worship I will be on my knees during my quiet time with the Lord. When I wear my grey suit I will remember. Yes, Lord.

LET IT GO

Stay on my knees.

Bless others.

See You Later

Due to a sudden death in our church family, I will post later. Please excuse me, but I'm needed elsewhere. Check back later today. Thanks. Please remember us in prayer. It was a handicapped boy named Brody.

In the Family

Hebrews 11-Part 11
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.  Hebrews 11:20


LET IT GLOW

According to my family's geneology, my father's family were believers. In fact, there was even a Protestant preacher somewhere in the list. What a blessing it is to have ancestors who believed in Jesus as Savior. Now, my children are believers and their children are being taught about Jesus. I can say that it is in the family. So could Isaac.

Isaac was the" son of promise" born to Sarah at age 90 and Abraham at age 100. He was the one whom God required as a sacrifice by his father, but the Lord intervened with a ram so he wasn't killed. It is faith that pleases God (Heb. 11:6). That faith was passed down to Abraham's son, Isaac, whose name meant "laughter".

The faith relationship spoken of in this verse is father to son. Isaac was dependent on the faith that had been modeled for him by his father, Abraham, and continued and preserved it in his relationship with his own sons, Jacob and Esau. (Swindoll)

What about Isaac's life before he blessed his sons? Didn't he exhibit faith in God? When a famine,drought, comes, he obeyed God and stayed put. However fear leads him to lie, as did Abraham (chapter 20). Then, Isaac backs off from conflict over water rights, especially significant in times of drought. (Illustrated Bible Handbook)

Do I have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to faith? I admit there have been times in which I trusted God and times I acted on my own strength without faithfully obeying God.


LET IT GROW

How could it have been by faith that Isaac blessed his two sons when deceit was involved?  To find this answer, I want to back up to the events leading up to Isaac's blessings in Genesis 27:

• Blind Isaac thought he was near death at age 137, so he blessed his sons, then lived 43 more years.
• Wife Rebekah overheard Isaac talking to Esau, so she devised a plan to deceive Isaac in order for him to bless her favorite son Jacob the family blessing. (Easu was the first-born twin.)
• While Esau was out hunting deer so he could make dad's favorite dinner, Jacob snuck in the tent and immitated his brother using goat hair, skin, and meat, then received his blessing. (Esau had previously traded his birthright for stew Jacob had made.)

Getting back to my question-how could it have been "by faith" that Isaac blessed his sons when deceit was involved? How could it please God?
John Gill suggests, "Isaac might have done it in faith, believing that the person he blessed would be blessed, though he was mistaken in him, and which he confirmed when he did know him (Gen. 27:33.37). Jacob was blessed in 28:1-3."

Esau was blessed in Genesis 27:39-41.

Even though these events of Genesis 27:1-28:5, seem to involve deceit rather than faith, Isaac's part was in faith in that he was accomplishing God's will.  Liberty Bible Commentary

Ultimately, God's will was accomplished. Malachi 1:2-3 tells us that God loved Jacob and hated Esau.
That's the way it was. Sometimes we have to accept the Word as it is and let God be God, doing as He sees best.

Do I accept His ways as my ways?

LET IT GO

Don't deceive in order to get my way.

Accept the fact that God's will shall be done, one way or the other.

Do what's right.

Testing

Hebrews 11-Part 10
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.  Hebrews 11:17-19

Review:
At what age was Abraham when certain events took place in his life?
-75 when he left Ur, homeland,
-86 when Ishmael was born,
-100 when Isaac was born,
-137 when Sarah died,
-160 when grandson Jacob was born.
-175 when Abraham died.

What promises had God made to  Abraham? What promises had he received so far?

• He would have a son of promise (from Sarah).
• His offspring would be as numerous as the stars and sand.
• He would inherit the land of Canaan.
• The Messiah Himself should be of his seed.

It was by faith that Abraham went out from Ur, his homeland, following God, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
It was by faith that Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob.
(Hebrews 11:9)
That brings us up to date in the life of Abraham. Shall we see what's happening now?

LET IT GLOW

So far, Abraham had received a son, just as God had pormised; Isaac was born by Sarah just as he was foretold in Genesis 17.
As the faithful servants are listed in the Roll Call of Faith, before their name, the scripture begins "By faith...".

Abraham and Sarah received their son of promise by faith, believing God was able and would fulfill His promise to them.

Do I believe  that God is able to keep His promises to me? Is my faith strong enough to wait on those promises to come to pass? Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac to be born. It was all according to God's timetable.


LET IT GROW

Jerry Vines said, "Faith is trusting what God says and acting upon it regardless of circumstances or consequences."

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

"Whatever God requires is justice and good. He is the Lord of life. So He has the right to dispose and take away life, when and by what means, instruments He thinks fit," said John Gill.

Abraham's faith was tested again (Genesis 22:1). King James uses the word tempt.
Tempt, nacah (naw-saw') in Hebrew, means to test, prove, try. (Strong's Concordance)

The verb tense for offered up indicates that as far as Abraham was concerned the sacrifice was complete. In his will and in his purpose, he really did sacrivice his son.  (David Guzik)

Accounting is a term from arithmetic expressing "a decisive and carefully reasoned act." It means Abraham calculated God's promise worthy of confidence. Isaac was as good as dead. It was from the dead that he received him back, in a manner that prefigured the resurrection of Jesus. (Guthrie)

Accounting in Thayer's Lexicon means to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on; tried means to try, make trial of test: of God.

Charles Swindoll, in his study guide on Hebrews, enlightens us about testing:

Life is marked by tests. Some are major, most are minor; some linger, most leave about as quickly as they arrive. In this process of growth toward maturity, trouble plays an essential role: it puts faith on the line. Occassionally, we encounter a time of testing that is so difficult that it fits into a category all of its own: an ultimate test. That's what Abraham was forced to face one day when God broke the silence and told him...
The word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reveal four levels of stress. the levels of testing or stress asre indicated by the following terms:

1. Afflicted. This is the slightest level of testing. It is mild or moderate. The Greek word Paul uses is the one from which we get our word "pressure." This type of stress comes from people, deadlines, interruptions, and delays. It is easily forgotten but it attacks us on a daily basis.
2. Perplexed. This indicates a level of testing which is more intense than the former and less often experienced. The term means "without a way" and conveys the idea of not knowing where to go or to whom one can turn. This kind of testing would include not knowing how to handle unfair treatment from unfair people.
3. Persecuted. This is an extreme level of testing. It can be either emotional or physical. This form of irritation or stress does not pass quickly.
4. Struck Down. This is ultimate testing, maximum stress. It can include the loss of someone or something near and dear to you: a spouse to divorce; a mate, child, friend to death; something you considered valuable; a dream. For Abraham, it was the potentioal loss of his "only begotten son" (verse 17).

God had brought to Abraham an ultimate test: offer Isaac as a sacrifice. He believed that God existed and was the rewarder of those who sought HIm. He trusted God. Abraham's faith was immediate and was characterized by confidence.

"Testing reveals your heart," said Blackaby.

The picture of Isaac here is a type of Christ. Let's compare how the two were alike:

• miracle birth,
• circumsized on 8th day,
• sons of Abraham,
• only begotten son,
• heirs,
• carried the wood on which they were offered,
• offered on a Mount,
• offered by their faither, by whom neither of them were spared,
• by the command of God,
• were alone,
• neither had bones broken,
• delivered on 3rd day, one delivered from death, other really from death,
• returned to father's house.

God was testing Abraham's love for God.  He wanted to see if Abraham loved God more than his only begotten son, son of promise.
Abraham believed in the resurrection, that God had the power to raise Isaac.
Has God asked you to give up anything lately? Is there something you would not sacrifice to God because you love Him most?

LET IT GO

Let go of whatever God wants.

Love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Trust God to keep His promises.

Keep my Focus on the Gate

Hebrews 11-Part 9
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.  Hebrews 11:13  NAS
These all died in faith, not having recived the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. KJV


LET IT GLOW

One summer we took a trip with our son and daughter inlaw, to visit our daughter and son inlaw.
We flew by airplane that time. Due to a delay in the first leg of the trip, we hit the ground running through the terminal to catch our connecting flight. During the jog, we heard our names called for us to board. We kept our focus on the gate through which we were to board the plane.  Everyone was on the plane, waiting for us so it could take off. Whew! We did make it in time. Surprisingly enough, our luggage made it to our destination with us. We had a great visit, inspite of the hectic beginning. In the same way, I need to keep my focus on heaven as I walk this road of faith.

These Patriarchs, which included Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah all died without having received the promises. (Enoch was translated, without dying, went directly to heaven.) They moved through the desert headed toward the Promised Land, but never settled there.  However, they had faith that pleased God. How? By faith:

• Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice;
• Enoch was translated;
• Noah built an ark;
• Abraham went out into a place he should afterwards receive;
• Abraham sojourned in the land of promise;
• Abraham offered up Isaac;
• Sarah bare Isaac.

The chief end of man is 'to please God.' (Charles Spurgeon)
They were looking for a better country, a heavenly one. (verse 16)
Their faith was looking for a Savior, whereas, our faith believes there  was a Jesus, the Savior who died on the cross and rose from the grave.
With eyes of faith, they saw "from a distance" the promise of God's redemption and greeted it, remaining essentially "strangers... on the earth." Shepherd's Notes

So when each one died, they received the promise, heaven, because of their faith in God.
Don't we admire the faith of the patriarchs? They didn't have the complete Bible like we do, yet their faith stayed strong. In spite of their faillures and testings, these believed God. He bore witness to their faith.Shouldn't we have even more faith?

LET IT GROW

Looking at our key verse; there are some verbs that stand out:
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but

• having seen
• having welcomed, persuaded means to be induced to believe, to have faith;
• having confessed, embraced means to receive joyfully

that they were  strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
How about our walk of faith today?
Is my hope in the vision beyond the present?
Is my pursuit in cultivating my identity with God?
Am I willing to release all earthly ties?
Do I desire, yearn for a godly life-style?
Remember, God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He prepared a city for them.
In the same application, God isn't ashamed to be called Linda's God; He has prepared a city for her.It's an eternal city that will last forever.

LET IT GO

Keep my spiritual bags packed, ready to fly to heaven when my name is called to go.

Keep my focus on the gate of heaven.

Keep running to Jesus.

Keep the faith.

Waiting for a Baby

Hebrews 11-Part 8
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.  Hebrews 11:11-12

LET IT GLOW

One of my close girlfriends got married a year before I did, so when she got pregnant, my thoughts turned to babies. We gave her a baby shower in due time. I saw all her preparations for the little one. Exposed to all of that made me want a baby of our own. After our first wedding anniversary, we  agreed it was time. So I went off the pill, contraceptive, and we waited. There was one time that the signs  made me think I was expecting, but it did not happen. Crushed,  I crawled up in my husband's lap in the rocking chair and cried into his embrace. My heart wanted a baby so much. The disappointment shattered my dreams.  I wanted to give my husband a child, but it didn't happen at that time, in my timing. As a Christian, I knew that God was in control of the situation and I had to wait on His timing, the right time.
I was young and very impatient with the situation, so I can understand a smiggen of how Sarah felt. My story was different from Sarah's By the time our second anniversary came along, I was in the hospital, holding our precious baby girl. so you will agree that my wait wasn't very long compared to 25 years that she and Abraham waited after receiving the promise from God. I'm certain that you will agree with me-as women, waiting for a baby month after month is like an eternity. Will you join me in zooming in on Sarah's situation?

Background:
Genesis 15 gives the account of the covenant between God and Abraham. Our story begins there.
-The biblical account of Sarah's life doesn't really even begin until she was already 65 years old.
-Sarah is remembered for her legendary beauty, which is a stumbling block for some men.
-Abraham was her half-brother. (Terah was father to both of them, Sarah being ten years younger.
  Names of their mothers is not told. At that time it was acceptable to marry relatives.)
-Submissive to her husband's headship, completely devoted to Abraham; Sarah lived in tents, on the
  move with Abraham; no retirement at age 65.
-Sarah's barrenness was a bitter burden for her to bear. She became a battle-ax, a bear to live with to
  say the least. Adjectives, such as temperamental, conniving, cantankerous, cruel, jealous, whinner,
  complainer, nag, could have described Sarah at this time of her life.
-Sarah's name was originally spelled "Sarai" which means my princess, then changed to Sarah, which
  means princess.  She would become the mother of nations; kings would come from her. God changed
  it when she was 90 years old (Genesis 17:15).
-In the midst of a bleak situation, out of desperation, during a time of weak faith, Sarah gave
  Abraham her permission for him to lie with her handmaiden so Sarah could obtain children by her.
  What a blockhead! In Genesis 16:2, it says Abram harkened. What were they thinking? Well they
  weren't thinking!
-With the birth of Ishmael, Haggar and Abraham's son, Sarah becomes a worse bear to bare her burden
  of barrenness. Jealousy raises it's ugly head and Sarah becomes a bully. (Oh boy, do we have a soap
  opera here?)
-Back in Genesis 12, God had promised blessings, one of which Abraham would become a great
  nation, but how is not told. Then in Genesis 17:16-21, the Lord told Abraham that it was Sarah who
  would bare him a son, Isaac, a year later. Friends, we're talking about a 90 year old woman and a 100
  year old man having a baby. It was physically impossible. That's why God had to intervene with a
  miracle.
-When Sarah first heard about this happening, she laughed (Gen. 18:12). In Hebrew, this laugh,
  tsachaq, means "to mock, make sport." In Genesis 21:6, Sarah's laugh, tschoq, means" laughter in
  pleasure." (Thayer's Lexicon)
-Born to Sarah and Abraham at a ripe old age, was a bounching baby boy, Isaac. What joy she must
  have felt when she held, cuddled, sang to him who was the fulfillment of God's promise to this
  couple.
-Bygones were never gone bye-bye with Sarah because she was a bully toward Haggar and her son.
What will I remember about Sarah? What will people remember about me?

I wonder if everytime Sarah saw Ishmael that she thought of her lack of faith, her disobedience. I wonder if her faith grew when she saw God gave Abraham a son to her handmaid and she considered God able to do the same with her. Just a thought.

LET IT GROW

Looking at Hebrews 11:11-12, I see Sarah listed in the roll call of faith. Why? It was because of her faith in God; she believed that God would keep his promise. So a whole nation came from them; as many people as the stars and sand; there's no way to count them all.

In Genesis 18:14, the Lord asked Abraham Is anything too hard for the LORD? 
The obvious answer is no. But when I insert a situation or specific problem, do I believe it?
Is Linda's finances to hard for the Lord to provide? Is Linda's family situation too hard for the Lord to solve? Is Linda's health too hard for the Lord to cure? How about you?

Is anything in your life too hard for the Lord to take care of or resolve? Nooooo!
Where is our faith? Is it in God?

David Jeremiah said,"Don't despise your older years when God can make you as fruitful as when you were young. God hasn't called us to bear fruit for Him up to a certain age, but forever!"

By faith Linda...

LET IT GO

Through faith in God, I can...

God can...

Where's the Map?

Hebrews 11-Part 7
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  
 Hebrews 11:10

Background:
Abram's name was changed to Abraham (Gen. 17:5), which meant "father of nations."He was the  tenth descendent of Noah. His Grandfather was Nahor and father was Terah. Abram had two brothers named Nahor and Haran, who had Lot. Abraham's father served other gods, yet God chose Abraham anyway. (Joshua 24:2) Abraham is known as the "friend of God," which caused the Hebrews to boast in their herritage. He was age 75 when God came to him in Ur and issued the challenge and had a wife, Sarai,  who was affected, also. Abraham was rich in flocks, silver, and gold; he had servants, too.


LET IT GLOW

Verse 16 says But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

God referred to Himself as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" in Genesis 28:13, Exodus 3:6, and Matthew 22:32. This is a significant covenant formula whereby an individual or a people identified with God and He with them.

"God shows His affection for them by preparing for them a city," said Adam Clarke.
Of course, we know that city was located in heaven, an eternal city, the New Jerusalem. It was a permanent and eternal home. Its builder and maker is God.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Patriarchs, did not receive the Promised Land as their inheritance, where they actually lived (Acts 7:4). It was their descendents who lived there. Joshua 13 tells of the distribution of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

What is this city, Promised Land like? Hebrews 11:13 says:
*The Patriarchs didn't receive the country of their own for which they were looking.
*They were living by faith when the died.
*They saw and welcomed the things promised from a distance.
*They longed for a better country-a heavenly one.
*They looked for a city which had foundations. Tents don't have foundations.
*They looked for a city whose builder and maker is God.
*Their ultimate Promised Land is heaven.
*The city is called Mt. Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. (Hebrews 12:22)
*It's called an enduring city, the city to come (Heb. 13:14).
*Revelation 21 describes such a beautiful city.
*By faith, Abraham expected that city; so he never returned to Ur, not even to Haran. (Falwell)

Am I prepared to go to such a glorious city? He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I (God) will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev. 21:7)

God wasn't ashamed to be called their God. He adopted Abraham and his family as His children.
What were some promises that God gave to Abraham? Genesis 12 tells us about these promises of blessings were:
(1) a land, (a great nation)
(2) a seed, (a great name and huge family/family of faith)
(3) be a blessing (to others of faith).

Am I resting on the promises of God? Does my life make Him ashamed to call me His child?


LET IT GROW

My family has done a lot of traveling during our soon to be 40 years together. Most of the time we tried to avoid the big cities and traffic by taking the bypass around them. Such was the case of Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville on our trip to Rhode Island to visit our daughter and her family. However, on that same trip I was navigating using two maps and didn't bypass Louisville, Kentucky. We ended up downtown some way or other. What a mess for us to get out of there. (One good thing that came out of it-we drove by the basketball arena. Arkansas and Louisville colleges are often in the playoffs against each other.) Finally, my husband pulled the car over, asked,"Where's the map?" and rescued us from the big city.
Abraham was given instructions to leave his homeland and family and go to a place that God would lead him to, but he didn't have a map.

Chapter 11 tells us some things Abraham did:

• He obeyed when he was called from his ancestral homeland to leave.
• He didn't know where He was going, just followed God's leading. (verse 8) There was no map or picture of where he was going, nor the outcome of the journey. Abraham would received the land as an inheritance.
• He lived in tents so the family could be ready to move when God said.
• He sojourned the the land of promise, a strange country, as aliens, strangers, pilgrims.
• He looked for a city with foundations, whose architect, builder, and owner is God. 
• He was enable to become a father, even at age 100. He didn't know how God's will would be accomplished.
• He offered his son Isaac, the son of the promise, as a sacrifice. He didn't know why God wanted this to happen, but when Abraham's faith was tested and tried, he obeyed with exceptional faith. He believed that God could raise his son from the dead. (Gen.22)

He believed in the Lord and God counted it to him for righteousness. (Gen. 15:6). As Christians, we consider Abraham as our "father in the faith." He received justification by faith, not works.

Now if you have ever read and studied about Abraham, you know that he wasn't perfect. He stumbled and sinned like I do and like you do. God gave him a second and third chance to obey and follow Him. I'm glad He gives me another chance when I fail.

Charles Stanley said, "The walk of faith is into the unknown. It is a call into seperation. Step out of you comfort zone. We can miss out on God's best because we won't let go. The call of God always includes the promise of blessing. Our idea of security is a distorted idea. We're shortsighted. The walk of faith will involve testing and trials. We can respond in two ways: focus on Christ and obey Him or react to fear and try to work things out ourselves. Taking your focus off God will get you into trouble. In obedience we're able to enjoy the best that God has to offer."


LET IT GO

• When God calls, I want to obey and faithfully follow Him.
• Seperate myself when God tells me to do it.
• Step out of my comfort zone.
• Realize that I am a stranger and pilgrim on earth. This world isn't my home; I'm just traveling through. (verse 13)
• Don't expect details or to have my life mapped out; live by faith.
• Be ready to move whenever God says it's time to move.
• Keep my eyes of faith focused on heaven and that beautiful city prepared for me in which to live forever.
• Let go of ...
• Trust God for miracles.
• Make sacrifices when needful to accomplish God's purposes.

Isn't that the way I want to be, but I am working on it. By faith Linda...

A Hundred Year Job

                                              

Hebrews 11-Part 6
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.   Hebrews 11:7

Review:
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice.
By faith Enoch was translated.
By faith Noah built an ark.
{Resource: Charles Spurgeon]

Background:
In the previous lesson we talked about the geneology of Enoch. He was Noah's great-grandfather. Enoch had a son name Methuselah, whose son was Lamech, whose son was Noah. During that time, the world had corrupt, evil, wicked, violent people. God was sorry that He had made man on the earth (Genesis 6:6). He planned to destroy everything, wiping it all out, even the earth.

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:8)
In Hebrew, grace comes from a root meaning "to bend or stoop"; thus, the condenscending or unmerited favor of a superior person to an inferior one is implied. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Noah was a  righteous man. He was the only blameless person living on earth at the time. He walked in close fellowship with God. (NLT tells us.) So God didn't kill everyone nor every living thing. He decided to save a remant of 8 people-Noah and his wife, Noah's 3 sons and their wives and pairs of animals. God told Noah His plan.

What I plan to do for God isn't important. What He plans is important. What He plans to do where I am is critical. Will I let God use me to accomplish His will, His plans?


LET IT GLOW

Our key verse says By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet...

Actually, God warned Noah about something that had never happened before-a flood from rain, and one that covered the entire earth. We see Noah's faith by his agreeing that the flood would come and doing what God told him to do regarding the flood. He was moved with fear. Real faith will always do something. The book of James repeats this theme. (Guzik)

Why did God warn Noah about what He was about to do. God saw Noah's faith, righteousness (lived by God's righteous standards), and they walked and talked together.
Noah was a favorite of God; his faith rested in the Word of God. (John Gill)

What was God about to do when He told Noah to build an ark? God was about to destroy the world. He wanted to work through Noah to accomplish His purposes of saving a remnant of people and animals to repopulate the earth. God always speaks with a purpose in mind. He reveals Himself to increase faith that leads to action. God didn't ask Noah, "What do you want to do for Me?" Instead, God revealed what He was going to do. It really didn't matter what Noah's plans were. (Experiencing God, by H.&R.Blackaby)
Do I listen to God's warnings in the Word? Do I heed His warnings?
God remembered Noah, which is found in Genesis 8:1. God remembers those who live righteously and express their needs to Him. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

LET IT GROW


Probably the longest I have ever stayed at one job has been six years. I do the bookkeeping at our family shop, which is only two days a week. However, there is a job that I have had for almost 40 years, washing my husband's dirty dishes. I can't imagine doing it for sixty more years. Realistically, I'm not too worried about it. I plan on being in heaven before that happens.
But I do I wonder what it was like sending a husband and three sons off to work on building a giant boat during the week. And they were doing it inspite of the fact that it had never rained.

What else did Noah do? By faith Noah:

• was moved with fear; Noah's fear caused him to obey because He believed God would do what He said He would do;                                                                                                                            It was the awful sense of fear of the judgments of God upon the wicked; a reverence of God; a religious fear with which he worshipped God; this fear rose from grace; is a fruit of faith; (John Gill)
• prepared an ark according to the pattern he was given. Noah followed explicit instructions for the details of the ark. He worked diligently for 120 years. He had a working faith, not a do-nothing faith.  MacArthur says there may have been as many as 72,000 creatures and a million species of insects, for eating for a year, on board. Noah was instructed on how to make an ark, as Moses was, in like manner, how to make a tabernacle (8:5). (The ark was 450' long x 75' wide x 45 ' high and a barge-like vessel, 3 stories, with a top window and a side door. Falwell) Someone (can't recall who) said that Noah was 500 miles away from any body of water.
• saved his family from annihilation; God shut the door, securing his family by grace, just as He does us who are saved;  
• condemned the world by his faith; Noah's godly conduct, without preaching at all, could have convicted the sinners; as a preacher, Noah declared the people would be condemned; so by his words and actions, Noah reproved and condemned them.
• became the heir of righteousness according to faith; not of the law, but of the righteousness of Christ received by faith or through faith in Christ, the antitype of the ark. (John Gill)
• heard God declare the rainbow (and saw it) as a sign of His covenant with the earth, that no other universal flood to occur (Gen.9);
• built an altar after everyone and everything was out of the ark (Gen. 8:20) and offered burnt offerings to God.

Noah was a man who believed in God as Creator, Sovereign, and the only Savior from sin. He found grace for himself, because he humbled himself and sought it. He was obedient, as well. But Noah wasn't spared because of his good works alone. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

What can be said of my life? By faith Linda...

LET IT GO

Live by grace and faith.

Stay in God's ark of protection.