The Faith Hall of Fame by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

   Memorial Day is a time for us to remember and honor soldiers who have given their lives for their country. As Christians, I believe we should remember the people of faith who served the Lord and are mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11.This is called the faith chapter because it relates the way the people in the Old Testament lived by faith and trusted God. We are to remember their self-sacrifice and be encouraged by their lives. That is why we are to read the whole Bible. Many of these people were told to completely step out in faith, not knowing what the future would hold, and when God told them to do something, they did it. They were blessed by trusting God to do what He said He would do.

   I would like to relate to you how some of these people served the Lord, even in dire circumstances and believed in Him through many trials. These are written for you so that you might realize that these Biblical heroes suffered much, but still trusted in God. “Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goat-skins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated” (Hebrews 11:36-37 NIV). They were all admired for their faith.

    It is so important that we remember what these people of faith did so that we too can step out in faith when God puts a challenge in our lives. He expects us to do it with His strength, just as all these people of faith did. Remember that God is with you and believe that His presence will guide you always.

    Dear Lord,

We thank you so much for the Bible and how it tells us of the many people of faith who trusted in you to guide them. They did remarkable things through your strength. We know that you are with us now, and will help us do whatever you have planned for us. Help us to step out in faith and change our world.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

   

Build Each Other Up by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

    Do you have someone in your life that encourages you in your faith? It is so important to have a Christian friend you can trust, who you can confide in so that you can receive encouragement when your faith is faltering. Sometimes you need someone to pray with you and for you. I have a group of people that I know I can trust to pray for me when I have a need. That is what being a Christian all is about. It is a network of people who care about each other so much that the other person’s needs come before theirs. The first Christians shared everything with one another to the point of selling their lands to help others who were poor. (Acts 2:45). “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:43 NIV). You see we are to care for one another in just that manner. Pray for one another and genuinely care about their lives. Be someone’s cheerleader for the Lord.

  On Friday, my husband and I went to my grandsons’ baseball game.

It was so much fun watching both boys try to hit the ball and actually sometimes making a connection with it. Each time our grandson hit the ball and ran to the base, we cheered like crazy. He was so pumped when we did that and would raise his arms like he won the game. He also had a big grin on his face.

  You see all of us need someone to cheer us on as we struggle with temptations, sorrow, and even when we stumble and sin. We need someone who we can confide in and who will pray with us. We are to love one another, just as Christ told us too. So this week, be someone’s cheerleader. Encourage and pray for someone who you know needs extra help. We all need to be Christ’s hands and demonstrate His unfailing love.

Dear Lord,

Help me to be an encourager to someone else this week. Sometimes it is so easy to get all caught up with my own struggles that I don’t reach out to a fellow Christian who is suffering. Help me to be the cheerleader someone needs in order for them to grow in their faith.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Rejoice in the Lord by Ann Elaine Broughton

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NIV).

    When you wake up in the morning is the first words out of your mouth, “Thank you, Lord for this wonderful day that you have given me to serve you.”  I read somewhere that it is natural to feel a little sad in the morning and that you should have a picture by your bedside that makes you feel happy in the morning. I am thinking reciting the above verse will help you. You see every day is a gift given to you and what you do with this gift is up to you. If someone gives you a gift do you toss it in the garbage with a frown on your face? I doubt that.  

     When I get a present I am so very happy. I open it with happiness and cherish whatever it is because it was given to me in love. God has given you the gift of life, and it is up to you to look upon each day with happiness knowing that God loves you. So how do you think He feels when you wake up all grumpy and sad? Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). God wants you to have life to the full in every way. The way you view each day is up to you. You control what you think. Try starting your day with praising God and a smile and see if your day won’t go better.

    You do know that joy is one of the fruits of the spirit and is available to you all the time. It is up to you to seek it. You can change your viewpoint if you try. This joy is available to you all the time. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV). Christians have a wonderful reason to be joyful because Christ dwells in us. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27 NIV). Even the angels long to look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12). 

    But you see so many times in our lives we let worries and problems overshadow the joy that is within us through the Lord. I urge you to give them to the Lord and ask Him to help you find the joy in each new day. During this week try reciting the first verse every morning, and pray that God will help you use this new day to bring joy to others.

 Dear Lord,

We know that our lives are precious to you and that we must view each day as a gift. Help us to be joyful each day knowing that your strength is inside us, and we can choose to be happy.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen