Faith in What Pleases God

Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Hebrews 11:4-7 (The Message)

 ⁴By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
 ^5-6By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God." It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
 ⁷By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

For Reflection

How much of your life has been realized because you had faith?  Can you think of a time when all you could predict was a dark ending.  How did your faith carry you through?  Think of a time when consequences were resolved well.  Can you see God's hand in the outcome?

Give thanks to the living God.  Celebrate your life with Him.