week of 2-15-11 1st recorded Highquest bible study

The passage I read was Hebrews 11:23-29

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011:23-29&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Because Hebrews was written to a growing number of Jewish Christians forsaking their new found truth and reverting back to Judaism or being tempted in multiple ways to lose faith, it only makes since that the author (unknown) would attempt to give examples of considerably great men of faith from the Old Testament. In this case, the author does just that as he writes about the faith of Moses parents hiding him and then as an adult refusing to be the son of pharaoh’s daughter and choosing to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

v.26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

As I reflect:

I too should be and am encouraged by the faith of the “greats” of the Bible. I look at them and gain encouragement that they weren’t great because of their own merit or qualifications but rather that they in faith simply followed after God and were made great doing His will and giving glory to Him. The same should be true in my life, that I should seek first the kingdom and be heavenly minded. I should everyday not only be willing to follow but to follow with perseverance and preparedly do what God ask of me. I must keep faith always and forever give glory to God. So must we all as Christians. Do not decide to become a Christian and then simply stay in one place. Please. Satan has many people working for him (the majority of which are unaware), and God wants us to be an army here as well. Whether you admit it or recognize it or not, we are engaged in a great spiritual war here on earth that has been waging since the fall of man. We must chose a side (failure to choose is choosing Satan’s - fyi) and stand in faith doing God’s will daily. Do not be merely readers of the word and thus deceive yourselves but rather be a “doer” of the word and trust in God to work through you and keep you till He calls you home faithful Christian. Perhaps one day, someone will use you as the example as the author of Hebrews does here to convince others to have faith and not turn from the lessons of God.

My response to the Lord:

Holy Father, I am encouraged and charged up at reading such passages defining the faith of those who came before me. Help me to be so faithful to have your will done through me also Father. I daily commit myself to your use and ask that you would help me to keep my eyes on you and my mind on your word and Heaven focused. May I be used to draw more to follow after you that they too may accompany me in this battle along with your angels. Thank you Father for always being so faithful that even when I fail you (which is seemingly constant) or sin against you, you are there to guide me back to the straight and narrow road. I give you all glory God. In Jesus Name.