Transform Your Faith (My 100th Post)

First, let me share my good news. I am so excited my first article came out in the NOW Magazine. The pictures make the whole article beautiful!! I am so blessed and overjoyed!! Check it out. My article is the cover.   www.nowmagazines.com/flip-book/online-edition/
Select Weatherford. Next month starts two markets I write for: Burleson and Weatherford. I am so blessed to be doing something I love!!

Read Hebrews 11
Title in NIV: Faith is defined and illustrated through the lives of Old Testament heroes.

This is my 100th post!!!! This year I would really like my blog to be more interactive. Please, send me your thoughts.

I would love to be in a future chapter with this title someday. I strive to be in the "Faith" chapter in God's book.
Faith can be seen in the lives of, what the title calls, heroes. Are you considered a hero of faith? Will you commit to be transformed into a hero of faith? I don't think anyone really calls themselves a hero. That is usually a label others put on someone when they have done something great. But, what action is great enough to be labeled a hero? Have you seen Courageous? They were heroes. Not because they were policemen who caught bad guys, but because they claimed the promised of God in their life and strove to live them out with their wives, children, and community. They took a bold stance. They signed a Resolution. They did it in front of people so they could be held accountable.

Let's look at the heroes of the bible and see how we can transform our lives into "Wo/Men of Faith". Think of examples in your life.
-Able offered God a better sacrifice. His heart was different than his brothers. His faith still speaks today even though he is dead. His faith translated into a legacy that has lasted over 2000 years. What will your legacy be? Example?
-Enoch did not experience death. He was commended as one who pleased God. Do you please God or shy away from actions?Examples?
-Noah, in holy fear, built a big boat and was mocked and ridiculed. How often do we do things for God that get mocked? I have to admit, I don't do many. Examples?
-Abrahan obeyed God to the point he pack up and left even though he did not know where he was going. He was like a stranger in a foreign country. A missionary maybe? He was looking forward to heaven (vs.10). Examples?
-These people did not receive the promise because it was just not time yet, but they longed and yearned to see it. They wanted that better country...a heavenly one. God has prepared a city for them and they looked forward to it.
-Abraham had faith to offer his own son, knowing that God could raise the dead. How extreme/radical is your faith? Does your faith look different? Examples?
-Isaac blessed his sons...even the one who had deceived him. Do you bless those who hurt you? Examples?
-Jacob blessed Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. And he worshipped right up to the very end of his life. What do we focus on in difficult situations? Examples?
-Moses' parents had big faith to set him in the basket, allow him to be raised by the Pharaoh...because they knew God had big plans for him. What do we give up and allow God to use? Examples?
-Moses chose to be mistreated along with his people rather than to enjoy pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater value than treasures because, like Abraham, he looked forward. Do you live in the "now" and seek comfort and peace in your life. Or do you act on your faith even when it is against what society and the world would do? Examples?
-The people passed through the Red Sea on dry land. I have to believe some were so scared they stayed on the shore and refused to go through. Are you a person who gives up when situations look hopeless or do you go through them with faith. Now I said go through with faith....not understanding. We can not have a clue but do something anyway because we are being faithful and blind at the same time. Examples?
-The walls of Jericho fell. Wow! How have you trusted God to tear down your walls? Examples?
-Rahab was obedient and saved her family in the midst of chaos. How do you stand firm when the walls all around are falling? How do you stand firm when everyone all around does not support you? Examples?
-More are mentioned but I have faith you have some ideas how to strengthen your faith. So, go out in the world and shut the mouths of lions, quench flames, turn weakness into strength, turn enemies away, don't be afraid to be tortured for the Word of God. Some faced jeers and flogging, chained up and put in prison. Some were stoned and sawed in half and killed by the sword. They were destitute and had no clothes, persecuted and mistreated. They lived in holes in the ground and in caves. BUT it says they were commended for their faith and the world was not worthy of them. God planned something better for them...resurrection. We are blessed to live in this land where we are not persecuted like this, however...I know people who have no home....I know people who have limited clothing...I know some who have no transportation....I know some who are abused....I know some who are mocked. What do I do for those people around me everyday? Examples?