Daws

“You’re familiar with the Navigators?”

I nodded.

“My father and his twin brother were mentored by Troutman. There is a picture of them in the biography written about his life.”

“I’d love to read that if you have a copy of it!” My enthusiasm evident in my tone.

(Reading biographies on heroes of the faith encourages me.)

He smiled and left the room.

Upon returning, he handed me an aged copy with the dustcover still intact.

I was excited to read about the man God used to start the ministry.

(My husband’s brother was loved and discipled by a Navigator while in the Air Force.)

“Oh! Thank you! I’ll be very careful with it and get it back as soon as possible.”

That was months ago, but I’ve been reading it steadily of late.

I’m past halfway, but not finished.

My heart has been challenged by the practical foundation Troutman laid with new believers.

He believed the Bible was true and should be applied daily to one’s life.

One of the ways he encouraged others to do this was something he did: memorize scripture.

He took these verses literally:

Proverbs 7:2-3 NKJV — Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Troutman and his fellow laborers, came up with many materials to help people grow in Bible memorization as well as Bible study.

One of the things they put together was four verses for memory work to ground new believers in the truth of their belief.

After, reading these, my heart was pricked.

I’ve learned these truths, but never memorized scripture to give me a direct reference to refer back to.

Last night, we decided to start on the first one.

I’m looking forward to memorizing each verse and building not only my own spiritual foundation, but also encouraging our teens.

For:

Hebrews 4:12 KJV — For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I want that kind of truth written on the tablet of my heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for these verses and others, telling us the importance of reading, meditating, and applying Your Word. Lord, thank You for the practical applications to our everyday lives. Lord Jesus, I am so blessed by Your gifts! Thank You for those men and women who have left such a rich legacy of faith for us. Lord, thank You for encouraging me through the life of another. Thank You for Your guidance and direction and provision. Truly, You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! May my life bring glory to Your name, this day. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

“Now faith…”

Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV — Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Thus begins the list of Heroes of the faith.

Their lives are used as an example of these two verses lived out.

Faith is placing confident explanation in the LORD and living in such a way as to obtain a good testimony.

Because faith isn’t about understanding how things are going to happen,

It’s understanding Who is working through all things.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV — But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

People of faith are far more focused upon the Lord, than any other thing.

Yes, these lives listed have moments of sin, error, but they return to the Lord.

Yes, these people experienced pain and tragedy.

The very first name, Able, was the first person to ever be murdered, yet his faith in God is not overshadowed by the sins of another.

Enoch, the next name on the list, lived a shorter life on Earth than any in his generation, but it wasn’t because of his sin, rather it was because of his faith.

Hebrews 11:5 NKJV — By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Thus from the very beginning, we can see that the life of faith isn’t immune from the pain of sin.

But those who put their faith in God, not wavering from their trust in Him find comfort throughout life and an imperishable reward in their forever home.

Hebrews 11:8-10 NKJV — By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

The application is rich and the encouragement deep.

We too can be people of faith, focusing on God rather than our circumstances.

He alone can see the full picture of our lives and the fabric of generations.

Not only that, but He sacrificed Himself to save us from sin and death.

What more reason do we need to put our trust in Him?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. How great a blessing it is. How wonderous are Your works. Your truth, Your love, Your goodness are all beyond our comprehension, but just a taste of You is enough to prove Your goodness. Lord Jesus, there are so many who are hurting. So many who are struggling. Lord, my heart hurts for the helpless, the persecuted, the orphan, the abused. I know You are not pleased by wickedness. Your Word makes it clear, You are just and righteous. Please shine Your light of truth into the darkness. Let those who know You be steadfast and walk in Your ways. Please help us to put off anything which would hinder our walk with You and be people of faith, people who please You. Thank You, Jesus, for all You are doing, each day. May Your name be glorified throughout the whole Earth.