Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV

Today we begin a series exploring the Biblical definition of faith. We don't have to wonder what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 very plainly explains it to us. Many times, however, I think we don't fully

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3 NIV

Yesterday we looked at the definition to faith as found in the Bible. Today, we expand upon that definition with an illustration of faith from God's Word. In verse 1 and 2, we learn that faith is

By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews 11:4 NIV

What if I gave my wife sent my wife some flowers this week? It just might make her day, you think? What if, however, she found out

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:7 NIV

It hadn't rained. Prior to the flood of Noah's day, the earth had never experienced rain. I have heard that all my life and I fully

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV

I have heard it said that a title should grab attention, set the stage, and adequately reflect the subject of the text. If that is the

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV

My 87 year old grandmother doesn't quilt anymore. She is really in fairly good health, but her eyes and hands just won't let her do the delicate sewing she used to do. She made some of the most beautiful quilts over the years. Most every cover we

For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16 NIV

I don't know if you have realized it yet, but the world loves to tempt you.

Recently my pastor used this verse to point out the types of temptation we receive from

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Wow! That's good news!

Here I have been fighting this battle all by

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 NIV

Illustration # 1:

I wish I could show you this picture I keep in my Bible. Let me try to describe it to you. It

I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

I like the choice of words from the Psalmist. In order to see God, sometimes you have to "lift up" your eyes.

I can usually tell when our boys are upset about something. At their age, they can't hide their

But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 1 Chronicles 11:14 NIV

Christians, wake up! Victory is in the hands of the Lord!

I don't know about you, but it seems the Christians are pretty quite these days. Mustard Seeds is read in many parts

But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Psalm 22:19 NIV

When the Lord is your strength, you won't want to get too far from Him.

When we went white water rafting recently, I noticed my son was a little more clingy than usual. He had never been rafting before, and when he heard all the safety regulations, I think

Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12 NIV

As a part of a sermon series my pastor is

How great is God--beyond our understanding! The number of His years is past finding out. Job 36:26 NIV

I opened my newspaper this morning to see that scientist believe they have actually sent light faster than the speed of light. Or, at least what they thought to be the speed of light. I read the article, examined the diagram, and I have to

Then I heard a voice from Heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13 NIV

If you have ever studied the book of Revelation, then you know that the middle of the book describes some terrible days to occur on

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on. Mark 12:44 NIV

A reader of Mustard Seed Thoughts wrote to me from South Africa recently and I felt led to share her story with you. It is really not about her, but rather a lesson she learned. While attempting to minister to others, she was

"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." John 1:48 NIV

Jesus knows your name. Isn't that a blessing today?

Nathanael was a person who just had to know how and why. He reminds me, quite frankly, of my own Nathaniel. Have you ever met someone in public, and

Micaiah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne with all the host of Heaven standing around Him on His right and on His left. 1 Kings 22:19 NIV

Where else are you going to see the Lord, except on His throne?

The world would have you to believe there is no Savior. I've been carefully watching this

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. Psalm 86:8 NIV

Nothing compares with the greatness of God.

The world is on a mission. We are searching for a cure to cancer. We keep trying to find ways to improve infant mortality. Scientist research genes in order to try and eliminate the disease AIDS. We study the

For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede. Deuteronomy 32:31 NIV

Everyone holds on to something. Some people trust in their abilities. They know how to lead people, or how to make money. They may have great self confidence. They trust that whatever happens in life, they will be able to handle it.

Others trust in what they