“Just have faith,” she said. “It will all work out.”

You’ve probably heard those words many times. But what are they based on? Positive thinking?

What is faith anyway? Can you describe it? I know I had a hard time defining this basic word. So, I decided to go on the hunt for official definitions. Come with me today and see what I found.

KEY PASSAGE:

Hebrews 11:1, 6-11 (ESV)

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised."

RESOURCES:

Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com

Sometimes life stinks. People we trust let us down. It hurts when we’re the one left in pieces.

Thankfully, God is faithful. We can always count on him. Even in the toughest of times and the sharpest of wounds, God remains faithful. Oh, how comforting that is. No matter who comes against you, deceives you or tries to destroy you, you can rest in God’s faithful character.

Are you looking for God’s faithfulness in this season when someone has let you down? His faithfulness is here. In fact, it was never gone. The faithful, loving God is here for you.

We'll reflect on that today.

KEY PASSAGE:

Psalm 89:5-8 (NIV)

"The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,

your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?

Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;

he is more awesome than all who surround him.

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you."

RESOURCES:

Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com

Just showing up can make a person’s day. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for many.

People need people. Whether they have a serious disease or they’re lonely and discouraged, stopping by can change your friend’s life. Occasional visitors helped carry my wife through her tough season. We all want to know someone cares.

One of my favorite Bible verses is this: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).

Let's explore this today.

KEY PASSAGE:

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

RESOURCES:

Download the 21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE at www.retreatingwithgod.org.

Visit FRESH FAITH 24/7, a place where you can retreat with God and get to know him more deeply: www.freshfaith247.com.

Connect with Jon at jon@freshfaith247.com