In your place...

Before beginning the thoughts in my heart today, may I point out what the Apostle said of those who penned the Holy Writ before him?  I believe this also applies to the writers of New Testament scripture.  The Apostle Peter said, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet 1.21) With these words in view, my prayer is that the reader of this blog will heed the other words penned by the preacher to the Jews.

Humility has been the theme recently in things heard from the pulpit as well as current devotional readings.

First, the definition of "humility" from Webster's 1828 Dictionary;

HUMIL'ITY, noun [Latin humilitas.] 1. In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.  Before honor is humility (Prov 15:33).  Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. (Acts 20:19).  2. Act of submission.

Second, scripture containing the word, "humility." 

• The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15.33)
• Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (Prov 18.12)
• By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. (Prov 22.4)
• Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, ... (Acts 20.19) 
• Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Col 2.18)
• Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body:  (Col 2.23)
• Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Pet 5.5)

Scriptures highlighting the very word that means "freedom from pride and arrogance," are necessary to the understanding of just what is expected for one to stay "...in your place." It is also necessary to give the verses regarding false humilty for contrast to what is true and real.  The title of this entry comes from a recent message preached from I Samuel 3.1-10.  Little Samuel, in the care of the priest, heard his name called three times.  We, of course, know this was the Lord "calling" Samuel to His service but little Samuel didn't realize it until the wise old man of God pointed the truth out to him.  The focus of this thought is that if Samuel had not been "in his place," as noted in verse nine of the passage, he would not have heard the Lord.  So it is with every believer.  One must be walking in the will of God, as much as possible, in order to hear Him.

There is a divine order in the life of a believer.  Staying in "one's place," is so much better and easier when one practices this order.  Regardless of where one is in life, that order is this, "God first, the man/husband second, the woman/wife third, last are the kids/children."  Further to this order is in I Pet 5.5, "ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder...be subject one to another... (Why?) for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble."  

The Apostle Peter also explains that if we will do this, "Humble (ourselves) therefore under the mighty hand of God...HE may exalt you in due time."  The hardest thing for this proud flesh to do is to stay humble.  This doesn't mean to be a doormat necessarily and let others walk all over you, unless the Lord has warned or instructed the believer to stay still and quiet while He moves on their behalf.  Remember, the Lord Jesus in Matthew 27.12, 14 never answered His accusers.  The Lord Jesus didn't need to defend His position because He was fulfilling the will of God and He knew it.  That truth alone will help a believer to "hold their tongue" while God fights your battle(s).  Remember also, what David said to the might army of the Philistines as well as the giant Goliath, "...the battle is the Lord's."

The shepherd boy was indeed "exalted" in due time.  As you know it was said that this young man was the greatest King Israel ever had.  He was not perfect and neither are we but when waiting and following the Lord's will in "humility" we will see and marvel at what He does in our lives IF we stay "in our place."

More could be said in many other areas of this truth but we will end here and ask the Lord's blessings on all who consider His will to "stay in your place."

God bless is this bloggers prayer.  Amen Ps 57.7

MORE than "meek and quiet"

The Lord has opened up a fresh look at the life of a believer for this blogger from First Peter.
We are reminded just how unique a Christ centered life should be.  We are told in 1 Peter 2.9 that we are "a chosen...peculiar people" who are to "abstain from fleshly lusts." (1.11)  Thus, it is established that believers are set apart from this world. A glorious study in itself - sanctification. But let us digress. What else sets the believer apart in manner and behavior so that we are not merely just "another religion?" 

For women, particularly, who are the "glory of the man," (I Cor 11.7) our "outward adorning" is not "plaiting the hair...gold...apparel. We are to exhibit...a meek and quiet spirit...which is in the sight of God of great price." (I Pet 3.3, 4)  This description is the complete opposite of what the world holds as beautiful.  In a word, a woman's most 'stunning adornment?' A "meek and quiet spirit."  For some, this is natural. However, for most of us, it takes work!

What are characteristics of this gentle spirit?  Let's look at the following verses. (1 Pet 3.8-21)

• she is compassionate which is one of the highest attributes of our Lord (Jude 1.22, Lam 3.22, 23)
• she is courteous - she believes completely in "preferring others" above herself - always letting others go first (Rom 12.10, Eph 4.32, Phil 2.3)
• she is fair-minded by virtue of being "pitiful" which is another word for tenderhearted -
• she does not gossip because she is more ready to hear than speak (James 1.19) - i.e. she gets her facts straight and even then exercises good judgment because she doesn't want to hurt anyone, before speaking to a matter
• she is interested in peace, even "pursues" it - she thoroughly believes (Rom 12.18)
• she is a prayer warrior - this is how she keeps such a "meek and quite" spirit
• she study's the scripture daily - this is how she is "ready to give an answer...(for) the hope" (she has in Christ when asked
• she exercises "good conversation" - her speech is above reproach because it is without ugly words or implications of others
• she is faithful to any directive of scripture - if we are identified with Christ's resurrection by baptism, then she is baptized in obedience to that directive

Is she always successful in obtaining a "meek and quiet spirit?" Probably not. But she does her best to obey        1 Peter 4.1, 2 because of her love for her Lord. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the SAME mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: (living) ...to the will of God."  It's pretty hard to deliberately sin when one is "suffering in the flesh."  

It's true this flesh bucks and kicks against any unpleasant feeling physically, emotionally or spiritually.  But given the lesson regarding the potter and the clay, at times, such squeezing, molding and shaping, no matter how hard or painful, IS necessary. (Isa 64.8, Jer 18.4)

Although the directive of a "meek and quiet spirit" is given to women, it is a lesson to every believer who would be a godly witness for our Lord.

The Lord bless you as you seek His will and way.  Amen

Post Service meditations...

A visiting preacher, Bro. Keith Allison "dovetailed" a message this morning from a series preached during our October Camp Meeting.  The title was "A Servant's Confusion."  One point seemed to rise above the others; "You can be discouraged and not confused. But you can not be confused and not be discouraged."  This message was taken from I Kings 19.
The prophet, Elijah, had come to a point, after many wondrous miracles and acts by the Lord on his behalf, where he wanted to die.  He thought God had forgotten him and there was no one else left who felt as alone as he did regarding the things of God.
We know this isn't so because the Lord told him, "...I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal,..." (I Kin 19.18) And there are times when the Lord speaks "in a still small voice," (I Kin 19.12) rather than thundering's and earthquakes.

The prophet had been brought to this low point of discouragement because he was confused.  He didn't trust that God knows what He's doing, even if we do not.  It confounds the mind when circumstances or expectations don't go as planned.  Often, the flesh gets puffed up when things are going well and the Lord seems to be answering prayer after prayer.  Somehow,  a believer is inclined to think its because "we" have orchestrated the good outcome.

Sadly, this is when the Lord reminds us, it's all of Him, by Him and for His glory if things don't go as planned in our view.

I don't feel I'm explaining this very well but I will try to get the message on the church website and you may listen to it there.  In any case, let this blogger close by saying a visitor stood up at the end of this message during the Pastor's closing remarks and said, "that was for me, I thought God had forgotten me."  What a blessing to hear a weary saint thank the Lord for the encouragement.

God bless you is my prayer.

Context is everything!!!

"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5.19, 20)

It is no small thing to take scripture out of context.  Great error, injustice and harm is done to the Holy Word when this happens.  Rest assured it is done regularly and intentionally by the wicked one who would "exalt himself above the most High..." (Isa 14.14)  It is also a stumbling block to the unlearned, ignorant and babes in Christ.

For the sake of the "straight and narrow way," let us examine the closing passage in James 5.

All dissension would cease if one would focus on the first word in verse 19, "Brethren..." This passage flows from "Brethren," to "the sinner."  All "brethren" agree that we are "sinners saved by grace." (Eph 2.8, 9)
One would think it should be no hard thing to keep "brethren" in context with "sinner," rather than "sinner" OUT of context with a lost person.
Yet, there is one school of thought which does just that.  It allows that "sinner" is the lost person and we (the saints) are to buttonhole a "sinner" every time an unbeliever crosses our path.  If this is done, outside of the leadership of the Holy Spirit and without a believer who has been with the Lord and walking as upright as possible, it is disaster.  The unbeliever will scoff, mock or worse, believe to his/her on damnation in a truth that has not been placed in their heart by the awakening power of the Holy Ghost.  (Rom 6.11) That is, the have not been "awakened" by the Holy Spirit to their lost condition and will walk on just that way because the ignorant, unlearned believer has misread the scripture.  (vain religion, Jms 1.26)
Back to point.  Correctly read, "sinner" in this passage refers to a believer.  Note again, "Brethren, if any of you ERR from the truth, and one convert him, Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the ERROR OF HIS WAY...  How could one know their way is in error if that one is lost and dead to Christ?  The truth is that believers are to guide other believers when they see their brother/sister is in error.  In this way, the body of Christ stays as clean and pure as possible "until the coming of the Lord." (I Thes 4.15, 5.23)
Maybe this explanation is a bit scattered or muddled but if every believer will take the time to pray and meditate on this passage, this blogger is in full assurance the truth will be made very clear.
Amen and blessings to each reader.

Prayer in James 5

This blogger will attempt a simple alliteration regarding prayer.  Please note:

1. Riches Rebuked (1-6): "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.  Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you."
2. Patience Rewarded (7-9): "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door."
3. Perseverance Recompensed (11-14): " Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.  But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
4. Prayer Regarded (15-18): "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Before prayer, the other points above would buffet a believer. Riches and heavy labor, physical or mental, take a toll on the human condition. When praying as noted in points 2 and 3 and verses 7-14, one must exercise patience and extreme faith, all the while maintaining civility and a meek spirit. After diligent prayer shown in verses 15-18, answers are given, even when the wait for the answer is sometimes long.  

The term "prayer warrior" has been given to those labeled "righteous"(folks) who are fervent in their praying as described in verse 16.  The meaning of this word "fervent" in the NT is to "put forth power, display one's activity."  In other words, there is a physical, mental and spiritual effort going on in the prayer closet.

Quite simply, real prayer, isn't for the faint of heart. It is "work!" Yet, when we pray this way, we know the Father hears and answers in His time.  It is also a time of sweet communion and fellowship with our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ by way of the Holy Spirit.

So much has been preached and more could be said about this subject but this blogger prefers to let His Word speak for itself. (Isa 55.11)

Amen and blessings to those believers who "pray without ceasing." (I Thes 5.17)

What is your "thorn?"

 "... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh... For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, (Why?) that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses (Why?) for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  (II Cor 12.7-10)

This believer's particular affliction isn't as bad as some, yet bothersome nonetheless.  My specific trial has been mine to endure for nearly forty years.  Worse at times than at others.  In II Corinthians 12.5, the apostle tells us, "yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities."  Bearing in mind that not all "infirmities" are physical, permit me to continue.

Current devotion is in the book of James 4.2-10, giving us the following instruction(s);

"...ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 ...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

The conclusion of the matter:

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

We are instructed to make our "requests known to God..." in Phillipians 4.6. But there is a way to ask for our desires.  Then, according to His will, He answers.  Always remember, "No, IS an answer!"  If I have asked "humbly," the Lord, knowing the motive of my heart in that request, will lead me to trust His grace in accepting the answer.  
While awaiting an answer, it is reasonable to assume that Satan will attempt to get me into a snare that will cause me to be dissatisfied with the waiting or the answer thereby bringing reproach on the Lord's Name by my bad testimony.

My instruction is clear.  I am to "Humble (myself) in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift (me) up."  Easier said than done it's true but it is a peaceable solution to my personal "thorn."

Grace, peace, laughter and joy while you endure and/or await the answer for YOUR "thorn."

In His Name, Ps 57.7

Hebrews 13 - Examine...Act

After examining one's own heart, life, actions and reactions, according to the Lord's will - we are given further admonitions, yea directions for right living.

The writer of this wonderful book concludes the letter called "the book of Hebrews," with definite instructions for the believer to live by.  Stay with me as we examine the next twenty five verses.  You will be glad you did.

First,  verse one states plainly, "Let brotherly love continue."  Obviously, in the life of every believer there will be times when this godly love is tested and tried.  In more ways than one can count, the slippery, wicked one has a multitude of ways to derail godly choices.  It starts with the love a believer should have one for another.  If that can be broken or taken out of its right perspective, every other decision and choice in life will be harder to follow.  Remember, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Pro 4.23)

Second, verse two is the reward for following verse one: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  When will we realize such an amazing truth? Probably when we get to heaven and will know all we are suppose to have known on earth had we followed His perfect leading.  In any case, this verse is plain that there are angels, God's earthly agents, among us.  Also underlying this truth are these verses;

• (Psa 91.11)" For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 
• (Heb 1.14) "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
• (Psa 103.20) "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."

Third, maybe the ones that are "in bonds...and bound," are that way in verse three because of the behavior in verse 4. "Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled: BUT whoremongers and adulterers God WILL judge." With all the double marriage (a discussion for another time) inside the church,  i.e. "the bride of Christ," is it any wonder this verse is inserted in an otherwise positive, instructional chaper?
It would seem the directive would be when demonstrating love, kindness and care one for another, be warned to keep it clean.  Flesh is no match for the wiles of the wicked one and the ungodly passions that could be aroused when "loving" one another.  If one will keep the mind clean and pure, (Rom 12.2, Phil 4.8)  the heart will follow and fleshly lusts will be kept at bay.

Fourthly, How is one to be "content with such things as ye have? Verse five and six answers this question, just remember five things:

1. He said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Comfort indeed. (v5)
2. (v6) we are also reminded that, "the Lord is my helper..." from Ps 27.1
3. Verse 7 gives a discipline to be acknowledged; "Remember them which have the rule over you..."  as long as it is by"faith" from the "Word of God." 
4. Another truth to bear in mind always from verse 8, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." A believer may be comforted by the truth that no matter what happens in life, HE NEVER changes!  The truths presented in this blog are unchangeable as HE is the I AM and "changes not." (Mal 3.6)
5. The sternest warning and instruction for staying on the "straight and narrow" pathway come from verse 9.  So simple, yet all too often forgotten and set aside by weak minds. He said, "Be not carried about with divers an strange doctrines. Why? (because it is) a good thing that the heart be established with grace..."

Fifth thought, in verse 13; "...bearing His reproach."  Also remember where He said plainly, "they don't hate you they hate Me..." (Jn 7.7 and 15.18)  - You know the drill - all is going well within your company of friends or at work or even among family or church folk and then the atmosphere or attitude changes and you wonder why.  If you have been walking as much as possible in His way and will, there should be no reason, right?  The thing is as a believer, you have probably done a right, honest, righteous thing as is your nature and the flesh in an unbeliever was riled. For example,  because of  "goody two shoes," making sure to clock out on time and not milk the company for extra time, it makes the others look bad.  Another workplace example could be when you had a bad attitude towards someone, whether they knew it or not and you apologized.  An unbeliever who may have overheard such an exchange would be offended because they feel justified when having an attitude towards one "who deserves it."
The idea in verse 13 is that we do these things "because" of the Lord Jesus and what He has done for us and is doing in our hearts and lives by way of the Holy Spirit.  Satan HATES this.  When you "bear His reproach," as a believer, you are walking the "straight and narrow."

Sixth, remember when you practice all of the first five steps you will maintain the hope noted in verse 14 of the "city that is to come," and that will give a believer reason to "praise God continually...and give thanks to His Name.," as stated in verse 15.

Seventh instruction, as this blogger sees it is simple from verse 16 and 17, "do good...and Obey them that have the rule over you...for they watch for your souls...and must give account..."  One could apply this to the world as well but be reminded that scripture is written to believers.  It is a real balancing act to stay true to God while in the world but most important to do so within the body of believers such as Pastor and congregants.  It is no mistake the Lord set down an order of authority; God, the man, the woman, the children.  (I Tim 2.12, Eph 5.22, Eph 6.1-3) 
This is a worthy principle that should be taught at home, the church and exercised in the workplace.  Much heartache, confusion and trouble would be avoided.  Then, the peace of God would rule in all and there would be less chaos and turmoil in our family's and our lives.

The closing words of Hebrews 13 are a call to pray.  (I Thes 5.17) The writer wants the believers to "pray for us."  Then, he proceeds to tell of his prayer request(s) and closes with "Amen." 

So it is with each believer while walking in the light of His will.  Do so according to His Word and end in prayer with the same. 

Amen.  God bless all readers who would see this blog and gain insight or help. 

Hebrews 12...a pattern for the believer

Hebrews 12 gives wonderful insight into the spiritual growth and maturity of a believer.

When reading passages of scripture one of the things that usually catches this blogger's attention is pattern.  By unction of the Holy Spirit when reading His Word this is how I came to the following understanding.

The life of a believer is full of ups and downs, peaks and valleys.  We understand the law of sowing and reaping but there is a deeper truth and pattern that emerges from Hebrews 12.
First, based on the previous post regarding weariness, one would ask, "is that all there is in the life of faith?"  This is why Hebrews 12.11 grabbed my attention.

Following the lesson on "chastening" are these words..."afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness." My heart is always desiring that "peace."  While we understand there is a "peace that passeth all understanding," there is a pattern before and after such peace.  Obviously this peace can be disturbed because the writer says to, "lift up the hands which hang down."
  
It is also explained in verse 20 that the children of God "could not endure that which was commanded." They knew that to touch the Holy Mount and things of God was to die.  It was so terrible to see the mountain quake with thunderings and shakings that even "Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake." Again, to enter into the presence of the Lord without a remedy is death!  Ahh, but there is a remedy; verse 22 says we can come "unto Mt Zion...the city of the living God, the heavenyly Jerusalem..." Then, we are told how.

Hebrews 12.24 gives the answer to entering into the Lord's presence: "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things..."  After this answer, a warning; "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh." (12.25)

So, here is the pattern I see in this passage of Hebrews:

• .11  "Chastening yields peaceable fruit"
• .12  then praise - "lift up hands"
• .14  which brings more "peace and holiness"
• .20  His way and law are hard to endure during spiritual growth - but enduring yields...
• .22  hope when a view of things clean, right and pure. See Mt Zion - the city where God lives
• .24  the presence of "Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant" (His blood)
• .25  WARNING!: "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh." 

                 The Reward?

• .28  "a kingdom which cannot be moved" or shaken because of grace

                The Admonition,once more

•       "serve God acceptably with reverance and godly fear."

Hebrews 8.5 explains that these things are an "example and shadow of heavenly things..." and we are to "See...that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount."
Obviously, we are not perfect and can never be until we are in our glorified bodies. But we are to "strive" (Lk 13.24) to be so and to be as "perfect" as possible (Phil 3.15). Also, "he remembereth that we are dust." (Ps 103.14)
So, don't beat yourself up when you mess up.  "Get back in the saddle," ask forgiveness and go again.
It is my hope and prayer that any reader of this blog gets at least a little illumination and help on the journey home.  God bless and "Press along, weary pilgrim..."

weariness...

The preacher's recent message was from the book of Job and titled "Don't let the storm move you."  His "friend," Bildad, was "counselling" him on why all the misfortunes were taking place in Job's life. 

The truth is, I have moved from the tenderness granted during the darkest storm in my life, almost 16 years ago.  Then I read Hebrews 12.3; "Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."  Wow! Talk about hitting the proverbial, "nail on the head." A few verses later, (12.8) says, "But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards (illegitimate child), and not sons."
This intense weariness is definitely some of that chastisement because I ignored His bidding some 32 years ago.  Forgiven, yes. Reaping, yes.  His child, yes.  The consolation for this weariness is the last part, I'm His child and I know it because of the reaping/weariness.
I also know I'm not alone and I know that (Heb 12.10) after "a few days chastened..." it is for my profit that (I) might be partaker(s) of His holiness."
In conclusion to this short "sermonette," YES, I'm in!

faith...then "run" with patience

Heb 12.1:

"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,"

God provided all we need to understand His Word.  to "run with patience," seems a bit of an "oxymoron," as they say.  How can one "run" and be patient about it?  Simply put, "pace yourself."  The Lord has a time for everything that is and will be in our lives.  We are to "be about the Father's business," (Lk 2.49) but we are to be "patient" while He fulfills His will in our lives.  In view of that understanding, we will humbly study and compare the spiritual life with the natural life in reference to "running a race."
So, buckle up, your faith is with you and now you must put it to task.

How do you prepare for a running race?

1. Make sleep a priority. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night during your training. ... (Ps 4:8: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Pro 3:24: When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet)
2. Practice and plan. ( Lk 14.28 -For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]? )
3. Set a goal and a backup goal. " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mt 6.33)
4. Hydrate before and during the race.." But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst..." (Jn 4.14)
5. Stay upbeat and positive. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3.14)
6. Relax and enjoy the run. "Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion." (Eccl 5.18)
7. Start out slow. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa 40.31)
8. Get your doctor's go-ahead. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."  (I Cor 6.19, 20)

Pre-Race Planning

A simple strategy for the days leading up to a race is to make sure every meal has some high-carb food in it—bagel, bread, pasta, rice, cereals, fruit, etc. Your goal is to eat items that are high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein (meat, cheese), and low in fat. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (I Cor 10.31)

 

How do you breathe when running?

Bottom line: Avoid shallow chest breathing while running and focus on deep belly breathing. Breathe through both your nose and mouth, but primarily through the latter.
Wow - didn't know there were so many verses about breathing: 

• "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." (Job 33.4)

• "And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Gen 2.7)
  

• "All the while my breath [is] in me, and the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils;" (Job 27.3)

• "And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" (Jn 20.22)

• "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Ps 150.6)
  

Is it safe to run everyday?

Running every day may have some health benefits. ... How many days it's safe for you to run each week depends on your goals and physical fitness levels. Scheduling days for cross training, strength training, and rest should be part of your training plan. They may make you a stronger and healthier runner overall.

• "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (Ps 4.8)

• "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph 6.11)

• "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil 4.13)

Simply stated, "running a race is not for the faint of heart."  It is possible to not only run but win when one is prepared.  Of course, this is a spiritual as well as a natural application.

Are you running this race well?

by faith...all others...

Let's look at the writer's conclusion to his examination, by the Holy Spirit on faith:
(Hebrews 11.32-40)

³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, (Who me?, Judges 6, 7) and of Barak,(Insecurity, Judges 4.9) and of Samson, (momentary weakness, Judges 13-16) and of Jephthae; (Illegitimate, orphaned child, Judges 11-12) of David also,(Shepherd and tender-hearted but spoiled by wealth and power)  and Samuel, (Godly mother and father raised him in church) and of the prophets:
What was their contribution, to the faith, by faith?
³³ Who through faith

•  subdued kingdoms,
•  wrought righteousness, 
• obtained promises,
•  stopped the mouths of lions. 
• ³⁴ 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. 
• ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again:
•  and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 
• ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, 
• yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 
• ³⁷ They were stoned, 
• they were sawn asunder, (killed by the sword)
•  were tempted, 
• were slain with the sword: 
• they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; 
• being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy:) 

• they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Faith, is, like much of scripture, sans the practical applications, "a mystery."  To sum up these 17 study's regarding this great subject of "faith," this blogger will quote one verse used before the "Hall of Faith" is penned in scripture; look at Hebrews 10.38 -

"The JUST shall live BY faith

by faith...Rahab

Lesson 16, from "Greenland Bible Studies," on the matter of faith.

Always and forever, the faith of this woman is predicated on her past life, "a harlot."

The walls of Jericho and the faith needed to gain victory over them are mentioned in this passage before the story given for this wicked woman.  Just saying...think on that. I'm not sure I see anything there but will continue with her story...

The name "Rahab" means,  "broad", "large", Arabic: رحاب, a vast space of a land),  according to the Book of Joshua , a woman who lived in Jericho in the Promised Land and assisted the Israelites in capturing the city by betraying her people (Jos 2.1-24). In the New Testament, she is lauded both as an example of a saint who lived by faith,  and as someone "considered righteous for her works. (Heb 11.31, Jms 2.25, Mt. 1.5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahab

In Matthew 1.5, Rahab also spelled "Rachab," tells us that this woman is the great-great-grandmother of King David.  Quite notably, she is in the lineage of Christ.   Pretty simply put,

the Lord can use "whosoever in He will," in his service.
(Eph 1.5, 9)

by faith...Jericho

Interesting. Scripture tells of a city, not the one who led the people to "march seven times around."

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down..." (Heb11.30)

Clearly, study should go to the significance of this ancient city before telling of the faith of the one who led the priests and "armed men or men of war, "to march, 

• with the ark of the Lord, 
• quietly, 
• with the exception of blowing the trumpets as they started around each time and as each round was completed, 
• seven times around,
• until the shout went up on the seventh revolution round the city
• "and the walls came tumbling down." (Joshua 6)

Why Jericho?  The Walls of Jericho were a defensive or flood protection wall suggested to date to approximately 8000 BC. If interpreted as an "urban fortification", the Wall of Jericho is the oldest city wall discovered by archaeologists anywhere in the world. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_of_Jerich These walls, at least 13 feet in height and backed by a watchtower or redoubt some 28 feet tall.
To put this into perspective, envision a 4 story tall building. Such was the height of the walls of Jericho. On the other side of the double wall, the embankment continued to climb upwards. The third tier was at the very top of the embankment, where yet another mud-brick wall stood.
At their base, the walls of Jericho stood 46 feet (14m) above ground level outside the retaining wall. To the Israelites below, Jericho seemed impenetrable.

 The total area of the city was probably about ten acres.  So, in all probability, the children of Israel could've marched around the city several times in one day. http://www.israel-a-history-of.com/walls-of-jericho.html

To conquer this city, on foot, would've been in a word, impossible.  It was all uphill with impenetrable stone walls.  All Joshua and his men had would've been homemade swords and no ladders or ropes long enough to hoist themselves upward.  Ahh, but they had so much more.  They had the Lord and His Word.  They were told, clearly, what to do in the book of Joshua, chapter six.  Note the warrior's encounter in Joshua 5.13 and 14,  before the battle ensued.  Joshua saw, "a man...with his sword drawn.." who said, "but captain of the host of the Lord am I now come."   Remember, years later how David said of his fight with Goliath, "the battle is the Lord's." (I Sam 17.47)

Dear believer, any battle you face is not yours. Does it seem impossible to survive and go on?  God put your battle or your problem there for His glory.  Why?  Can't answer that but to point to His Word and know that He is always there beside you, fighting for you, in His time and His way.  They were told to march Seven times around.

In God's economy, seven is the number of completion and perfection.  Much explanation aside regarding the number 7, take it for just that.  God's way is perfect and complete.  If you will "fight" your battle His way, He will prevail and you will be victor.  You will see the enemy fall. (Isa 54.17) "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...this IS the heritage of the servants of the Lord..."

When the walls are too high and impossible, trust in the Lord and His Word for victory.

by faith...Moses

When thinking of this Moses, if there has been any Sunday School at all in ones life, the first scenes that come to mind would be crossing the Red Sea or the Ten Commandments.  These two great events are monumental, no doubt, but this blogger wants to visit why, "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." (Heb 11.24, 25)

Where did this faith come from?

In Exodus 2.1-10, the story of how he came to Pharaoh's daughter is given.  This story alone, assuming he knew it, would've caused him to inquire further of his lineage. It was indeed miraculous how he was delivered, safely to "another" mother's arms.  Also, in Exodus 2.11, clearly he knew of his lineage. "...he went out unto HIS brethren and looked on their burdens:..."  Of course, we also read how he took matters into his own hands when he saw "his people" being abused. (Exo 2.12)  This of course, didn't turn out so well.  Then, we find him in "the land of Midian." (Exo 2.15)  What did he learn there?  He assisted some women who were being tormented by undesirables and when telling their father, Jethro, the priest of Midian, they called Moses "An Egyptian." (Exo 22.19)  He still had the mark of the world on him (Egypt being a type of the world) by his manner of clothing.

Do you look like the world by the way YOU dress?

So, it appears he settles down to marry a wife and have a family. (Exo 2.21, 22)  It seems Moses quite forgot about his humble, miraculous beginnings because the Lord had to get his attention by way of the "burning bush." (Exo 3, 4.1-18).

Again, to answer the question "Where DID his faith come from," we see that he probably learned many practical as well as spiritual lessons while on the back side of the desert in Midian.  It is also noteworthy that the Lord may wait on us many years before working a miracle in our lives to remind us of that early faith.

His faith was "birthed" into him.  His parents are noted in Hebrews as seeing that he was "a proper child." They would've understood, in a measure, the ways of the Lord in the telling of their fathers and forefathers.  That is, "Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph..." All before the birth of their son.

If we apply this text spiritually, it is true that God gives one faith to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus and his death, burial and resurrection - the gospel.  As believers, we call this "the new birth." (Jn 3.4, 7) We know He is "the Author and Finisher OF our faith..." (Heb 12.2) but How DOES one come to faith in Him? Quite simply, the Holy Spirit makes one "alive" to God.  Faith is "a gift." (Jn 4.10, Acts 8.20, Rom 6.23, Eph 2.8) It is a supernatural thing that takes place.  Many have expounded the more on this subject but the best picture is the scripture that tells the story of one Lazarus being raised from the dead. (Jn 11.43)

Moses, of God's chosen earthly people, was "birthed" into his faith by way of his heritage.  An heritage that was given as a gift to a people.  So it is with any believer.  Each one called from a dead spiritual life is given a gift to believe. (Eph 2.8)  We can take no credit for it but the knowledge that God has called us to this faith.  "...if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart." (Heb 3.8, 15)

To conclude; the faith Moses had was from his "goodly heritage." (Ps 16.6)  The faith any believer has is a "gift " from God, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Jn 11.25, Rom 10.17)

Has He called you to this "gift?"

faith...recap

Going forward to the next patriarch in the "Hall of Faith," let us first review.

Before beginning with the chronilogical roll call in the Hall of Faith, let's remember the first lesson. Moses' parents. It is worth mentioning that the Lord can use anyone, anywhere and at anytime.  But to have a "goodly heritage" is especially beneficial in the life of every believer.  However, even if one does not have such a background, one can learn from the experiences of others and gain knowledge from the "hoary (white)" head.

Now to recap, chronilogically:

1. Abel - God was satisfied with his testimony.
2. Enoch - His testimony "pleased" God.
3. Noah - He preached a long time, seeing his family safely in the Ark
4. Abraham - Trusted God's leading, no matter what.
5. Sarah - Overcame jealousy to trust God
6. Isaac - Weak faith but still true to his belief in the end.
7. Jacob - Struggled most of his life with his trust in God.
8. Joseph - Integrity that remained intact in spite of many injustices.

The next study, Lord willing, will be to look at Moses - the Great Deliverer.  But to understand his faith, one must look at the events that shaped him.  Stay tuned...

by faith...Joseph

Installment 13 on the matter of faith.

Joseph's mention of faith has to do with his request to take his bones out of Egypt when his people would be allowed to leave this foreign country. ( Heb 11.22, Gen 50.24)

1. He knew he would never get to leave Egypt alive.
2. Obviously, he knew his people would one day be delivered of this foreign land.
3. He prophesied to "take his bones with them," when they did leave.

To outline Joseph's life is to point out the life of every believer and the injustices that will, inevitably take place.

• Betrayed at the tender age of 17 - when all was still youth and innocence, his own flesh and blood double-crossed him because of jealousy.  The coat of many colors, throwing him into a pit without food or water, selling him into slavery...quite a start to this young man's life.  The pain would've been far greater emotional than physical.  Yet, we will see he stayed true to the integrity of his father's training. (Gen 37)
• A believer may be reassured even in the face of such betrayal that God is watching and loves us still.  He may not deliver as quickly as we want but He is watching.  Joseph was put in the care of one "Potiphar," a close advisor to the Pharaoh himself.  "And the Lord was with Joseph...and Joseph found grace in his sight." (Gen 39.2, 4)  However, don't expect the old "deceiver/the devil" to take it lightly.  Potiphar's wife is first on the scene to trap Joseph. (Gen 39.7-19).  Joseph stayed true and faithful to his father's teaching and the Lord "made (him) to prosper." (Gen 39.23)
• Betrayed a third time by his prison mates...promise broken as he asked them to "remember him" when they got out of prison. (Gen 40.5-23) The prison mate who did not die only remembered him  later to advance his own favor with Pharaoh. (Gen 41.9-13)
• Still this young man kept his integrity.  He was called out of prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream and never once accused the chief butler of forgetting him. (Gen 41.14-57)
• His true spirit and nature shines through again and again.  Now he sees his brothers who had sold him into slavery years before, come to Egypt in want of food.  He had opportunity and reason enough to send them away but he tests them, instead, to see if they are truly repentant.  A warning to believers to discern the face of evil.  Sometimes we can see it, sometimes we can't but this blogger believes in spiritual discernment, as long as one seeks the Lord's face and waits on Him in all things. (Gen 42-44)
• Because of the things he had learned in his youth and kept all his life, God, mercifully, restores him to his family. (Gen 46.29, 30)
• Joseph's conclusion in all this? He knows he will never leave Egypt and prophesies concerning his bones. Yet, he concludes, regarding his life and all the events that made it up and shaped such an exemplary life, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; God meant it unto good..." (Gen 50.20)

What is the lesson here regarding faith concerning Joseph?  

No matter what befalls the life of a believer our goal is to look to the endgame and goal, the Lord Jesus, our Hope "....the Author and Finisher of our Faith." (Heb 12.2)

by faith...Jacob

Here is one whose testimony is that of "schemer."  So, why would he be mentioned in the "hall of faith?"  (Gen 25.27-34, 27.1-29)  Nothing he did testified of faith. 
Back to the beginning:

• even from the womb, he was a manipulator.  He tried to come out first when his little hand grabbed his twin brother's heel (Gen 25.26) - His name means, "deceitful or supplanter."  We are all born with a genetic makeup from our parents.  His came from his mother's side, which came from her daddy, who was also a schemer, to be discovered later in Jacob's narrative.
• He is described as "a plain man."  (Gen 25.27)  He was never the "outdoorsy" type
• We know he could cook and cook well.  (Gen 25.29-34, 27.4)
• Yet, this gift of culinary skill was used to deceive.  First, on his own, then at the direction of his mother. (Gen 25.29-34, 27.4)  He asked for the birthright that belonged to the eldest child.  Because Esau was so hungry, he cared nothing of what was his because he was the eldest.  He favored his belly over his inheritance. Isaac was the same.  The difference was Isaac had grown soft, frail and blind in his old age and thought only of the next meal, it seems.  A warning for the believer; We should get stronger in the faith, not weaker, because of age.

A spiritual lesson may be applied at this point. It is a firm conviction of this believer that God gives each individual gifts and strengths.  When used for His glory, Amen.  When used for personal gain, shame.  Also, Esau is like the believer who favors worldly pleasures over the "gifts and calling of God" that would give so much blessing and contentment. (Rom 11.29)
Believer, beware when you attempt to accomplish any goal your way.  If it's not the will of God you will have to do it on your own and may seem to prosper for a while but you will never be completely happy or content with the result because you did it your way and not His.  Remember when Israel wanted a king and they got one, Saul?  His heart was never like King David who said he was like the "hart that panteth after the waterbrook." (Ps 42.1)  King Saul was not God's will for the people and of course, he eventually failed.

• Because of his scheming and his brother's wrath, Jacob had to flee for his life! (Gen 27.41) Now, he is sent to his Uncle Laban, who would return the same deception for 14 years! Because of Rebekah's part in such deception, she would not see her son anymore.  The law of sowing and reaping is unchangable. (Gal 6.7)
• Before he gets to Padan-aram, where he sees Rachel for the first time, Jacob dreams of how the Lord effects His will in our lives, via angels "ascending and descending" on a ladder stretched form earth to heaven. (Gen 28.12)  He is also given a promise in this dream.  In spite of his horrible manipulation of his birthright, God gives this man a promise in Gen 28.13.
• He finally marries Rachel.  Yet, Rachel's heart is not free from her upbringing, she takes an idol with her. (Gen 31.34)  It seems he cannot escape reaping his youthful manipulation.  Idolatry is brought into his home by his beloved Rachel.   His journey continues...
• He prepares to meet his brother as he journey's towards home. (Gen 32) 
• Before he is reconciled with Esau in Genesis 33, once again, he has a very restless night! (Gen 32.24-30).  This time,  after wrestling with "an angel" all night, he says, "I have seen God face to face..." (Gen 32.30) 
• Other trials and tests befall him and he loses his beloved Rachel in childbirth. (Gen 35.18)

Still struggling to understand why the Lord would name Jacob/Israel in the "hall of faith,"  this blogger can find no reason the Lord would have wanted this man except "the good pleasure of HIS will." (Eph 1.5, Phil 2.13)

Jacob's life was full of deception and lies,  whether his own or those in his own household which should've been in order.  However, one begins to see he is changing.

• He faithfully serves for the object of his affection.  (14 years to win Rachel)
• He cleans up his home when he discovers the idol Rachel took. (Gen 31.34)
• He is genuinely sorry and repentant over the treatment of Esau. (Gen 32.26)
• He struggles with all these issues as we see in his "all night prayer meeting with the angel." (Gen 32.24-30)

And, just in case the pattern of deception with the younger serving the elder continues, it is the younger grandchild of Joseph, he blesses.  He does so and "worships upon the top of his staff." (Heb 11.21, again)  My impression here is that he is STILL upright as he ends his miserable life.  But he has not been destroyed! (2 Cor 4.9-11)

Dear reader, understand, no one is perfect. We are instructed to "strive to enter in...and be ye perfect...as He is." (Lk 13.24, Mt 5.48)

The struggle is real and worth it all.

faith, gone adrift...Isaac

Ahh, here's a believer that relied on outside senses to guide his faith.  In his old age, Isaac could not see. (Gen 27.1)
Hebrews 11.20 tells the good part. We are told that "by faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."  However, this verse does not reveal the whole story.  In OT times, the birthright or blessing of inheritance, was given to the eldest child.  When reading the story of this event in Genesis 27, one discovers how the youngest child, Jacob, used his father's frailness and blindness to obtain such a blessing.

First, a little back story.  The only information we are given about Isaac is his miraculous birth to aged parents and how he obtained his bride, Rebekah. (Gen 21 and 24)  Both are beautiful testaments of the faithfulness of God to the believer.  Also, both are types of God's only Son, the Lord Jesus and His bride, the church.  But let us digress to one whose faith had gone adrift.

Because the way had been long.  His parents were gone.  He was old and probably had not a few health issues, Isaac had grown soft.  All he could think of was something to conquer his hungry belly. (Gen 27.4)  A lesson to be taken seriously; When the way of the believer has grown long and weary, most of the time all we can see are earthly comforts.  Beware!

As the story goes, Jacob, the youngest, was guided by a less than faithful believer (his mother) to scheme and fool this old saint of God for the blessing that was not his to obtain.  Also, true of aged, weary Christians who view the blessings of God on others and attempt to get the same that is not theirs to have.  Sometimes, the Lord gives gifts of talents, for example, music, and it is sickening to listen to someone who "thinks" they can sing or play an instrument but cannot.  Grieving the Holy Spirit, service after service.  It is a mess and worse, discourages other believers who are looking for true worship.

Isaac could not understand the full import of relying on emotional, physical feelings rather than faith.  He knew the voice was not Esau but relied on everything else but faith to feed his hungry belly.  Waiting on the Lord is the hardest thing one will ever do.  The Lord Jesus expressed clearly, "My sheep know my voice." (Jn 10.27) Beloved, listen from the depth of your soul.  If you've known His voice in salvation, there is no mistaking His voice as you journey home.

Once, only once, this blogger heard Him say, "wait."  I didn't and because I didn't that moment of unbelief bore fruit after sixteen years.  "The sword has never left this house."  I have been forgive and moved on and have know peace and contentment.  But I will never know how different things would've/could've been if I had heeded that Voice.

Isaac did not hearken to the Voice (a type of the Lord Jesus) he knew to be Jacob's voice and gave Esau's birthright away.  Still, the Lord in His merciful, compassionate way, forgave Jacob for stealing what was not his and bestowed on him the fulfillment of the promise of God's chosen earthly peoples, "Israel." (Gen 32.28, 35.10).  Isaac did not get to see the end of the Lord's promises, though he was also forgiven.

When faith gets weak. Don't quit.  When faith gets weary.  Don't lie down.  When faith gets low.  Don't forget His promises.  Stay true.  Ephesians 6.11-17 reveals an arsenal of weaponry at our disposal when faith is in short supply.

By His grace, "you've got this!"

faith...works, because of it

^{After declaring how believers "receive the promises" of God and are persuaded of them in Hebrews 11.16, the writer of this passage begins to speak of the place prepared for believers where "God is not ashamed to be called their God." (11.16)
In this bloggers bible there is a note that asks the question, "If in that country that is prepared for believers, God is NOT ASHAMED of them, then it reasons by contrast that there are times, in this earthly life, that HE IS ashamed of His children.}  

 ^{WHAT WOULD MAKE THE LORD ASHAMED OF HIS CHILDREN?}  

^{In the examination of faith following verse sixteen, we begin to see "working faith."  That is, things done in obedience to God that believers DID BECAUSE they believed.
We also note in another passage these words:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph 2.8, 9) To be clear, we are not "working" to gain faith, we "work, BECAUSE of faith." So, to get perspective on just how far one may be called on to go "BECAUSE" of faith and trust in the Lord and His Word, let's examine what Bro. Abraham had to do;
In Genesis ....we read the account of Abraham's sacrifice of his only son, Isaac.  Many bible scholars have given decided opinions on the age when this daddy was given such a heartbreaking task.  However, even though Isaac is called, "lad," (Gen 22.5) he would've had to be strong enough to carry the wood. (Gen 22.6).  It would be safe enough to assume, then, that he was an older teen, maybe even twenty or twenty-one since "lad" refers to anyone younger than the writer of this scripture.  
The point is that Abraham had enjoyed fatherhood in his old age for at least 15-20 or so years.  We can ascertain that Bro. Abraham had watched the child grow and gain knowledge and wisdom of all the father could teach him concerning God and the ways of life.  Certainly, Isaac knew about sacrifices, given his inquiry in this passage. (Gen 22.7).  Maybe Isaac had learned, at his father's feet, to give the best of his flock, a young, innocent, beloved lamb for sacrifice. That too, would've been a heartbreaking experience for a young boy.  A prized, loved, soft, sweet, innocent baby lamb. Now, in obedience to his father's command, he travels to a place to make a sacrifice.  He hears his father tell the "young men," that are with the company," I and the lad will go yonder and worship and come again to you." (Gen 22.5)}

^{This blogger has heard it preached, more than once, that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead, if it was the Lord's will.  It is in this strong faith, Abraham "sets his face like a flint" (Isa 50.7) to obey the Lord's command.}

• ^{Abraham left his home "looking for a city..." (Heb 11.10)} 

• ^{Abraham trusted God for the well-being of his nephew, who chose poorly and lost his wife but was delivered from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen 13.10,  19.29)}

• ^{Abraham had believed God when told he would have a son in his old age and that his wife would bear a son in her old age.} 

^{Abraham had seen and heard things of God that built up this strong faith in him.  Faith, strong enough to take the life of his only son at God's command.}  

^{We also know, of course that this is a picture of the Lord Jesus. However, back to the point of what one would do BECAUSE of faith.}

^{I can think of some difficult things I've been directed by the Holy Spirit, to do or not to do because it is right and BECAUSE He said so.  Hard, yes.  Regret, NO!  I even called a woman one morning at 5am at the Spirit's urging to apologize for my attitude about a thing.  Needless to say she wasn't happy at being woke up but later received the apology in the spirit it was given.  I also had to call a woman once and apologize for my attitude, thirteen years after the fact!  She was also gracious in her reception of my words. However, there was a time the Holy Spirit said, "wait," and I didn't.  That particular decision took sixteen years to bear fruit but bear fruit it did.  Don't be caught in that mess.}

^{In Nehemiah's day, when the Lord instructed him to build the wall, " the people had a mind to work." (Neh 4.6)   Do you? Remember what Mary told the servants at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, " whatever He tells you to do, do it!"  (Jn 2.5) Dear reader, it is not known what you will be called on to do for our Lord.  However, it is faithfully believed by this blogger that you've seen enough in your walk of faith to know you can trust Him. "...His commandments are not grievous." (I Jn 5.3)} 

^{So, roll up your sleeves and get to it!}