A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Thursday,
September 23,
2021
This photo near Silverton Colorado was taken by
Brooksyne's cousin Peggy Stepp.
Years ago Stephen rode the Durango &
Silverton Railroad through this beautiful area.
"Over
The Horizon Faith"
Listen to this message on your audio player.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16). “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).
Lately we have been hearing "over
the horizon”, a term used as an intelligence gathering
strategy in counterterrorism. As best as I can determine
this means that "eyes and ears on the ground"
intelligence assets are not needed but rather a country
can get the needed intelligence (in a military sense)
from a long distance. This, by using a type of radar system that
has the ability to detect targets at very long ranges,
typically hundreds to thousands of miles beyond the
radar horizon, which is the distance limit for ordinary
radar. Sadly and tragically recent events has revealed
that this does not always work properly.Today let us consider "over the horizon
faith". We may have a focus on the close up view but
have trouble seeing and focusing on the bigger picture
spiritually; that which is at a distance. It seems that
spiritually speaking having a distant "faith" focus does
not come automatically. I have to very purposefully
focus on that by faith.
Hebrews 11 is known as the Faith Chapter and
is a great commendation of men and women who lived by
faith. “This is what the ancients were commended
for” (v.2).
Hebrews 11:13-16 is an incredible interjection
by the unnamed, but divinely inspired author of Hebrews.
Prior to this Scripture passage and afterward Abraham is
the focus, but this section broadens the scope using the
phrase, “all these people”, which may mean those
who were with Abraham, or it may be referring to all the
people of faith mentioned in this chapter. Either
way you consider it, this powerful portion is certainly
true of all people of faith!
But the part that grips my heart is the phrase concerning the “things promised” they had not received at the time they died. “They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance".
In developing over the horizon faith:
But the part that grips my heart is the phrase concerning the “things promised” they had not received at the time they died. “They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance".
In developing over the horizon faith:
1) We must have divine enablement,
recognizing faith "is the gift of God"
(Ephesians 2:8).
2) We must fix our eyes for distant focus. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
3) We must train our will to seek God's will. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
4) We must place our minds on that which is above. "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
2) We must fix our eyes for distant focus. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
3) We must train our will to seek God's will. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
4) We must place our minds on that which is above. "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
I struggle with a lack of over the horizon faith when I am not focusing on God’s promises that are yet to be fulfilled. I am not seeing them and welcoming them from a distance. In fact the spiritual distance may become invisible since my focus is fixed upon that which I see with little to no effort.
Like the people who long ago lived by faith we need to regularly confess, “I am an alien and stranger on earth". Like them we want to be “longing for a better country—a heavenly one". May the Lord give each of us a distant heavenward focus using an over the horizon faith! “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the everlasting city which is to come."
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, so much of what I need to do
today and in the near future consumes my time and
energy. The commitments and problems I face can
easily crowd out the solemn moments that redirect my
attention and focus upon the future You have planned
for me. My soul is refreshed and my hope renewed
when I consider that all of heaven with its
splendor, majesty, absence of sin, and the presence
of Jesus is mine to receive. You prepared it all and
promised it as an inheritance for all who live by
faith. Though my eyes cannot presently see, my heart
believes by faith all that You have in store for
those who are looking for the city which is yet to
come, our eternal dwelling place. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"My
Faith Looks Up To Thee" Video Steve Green
"Yet
Not I But Through Christ In Me" Video
Lee University Singers What a joy to see
these young people joyfully expressing their
faith!
"Is
He Worthy" Video West Coast
Choir More young people singing to the
glory of God.
Regarding
lead photo: See here for some of my photos
of my train ride on the Durango & Silverton
Railroad. An amazing experience!
We
enjoy seeing and reading this faith statement
upon entering Sunset Grocery in Lebanon
County. Somebody sure has good penmanship! The
entrance also prominently posts the nine fruit
of the Spirit.
It's
great when churches provide a
thought-provoking inspirational witness on
their signs!
This
roadside stand is spread out along Mount Zion
Road in Lebanon County.
(Click on photo for larger image)
(Click on photo for larger image)
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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