June 18 – Daily Devotional

31 May June 18 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

BY FAITH – PART I

Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

God has given us the sciences and scientists to study and explain them.  Through the means of God’s creation of inquisitive and creative minds of women and men most all that we have, use, and depend upon come to us for our use.  There is, however, the role of God that is foremost and above all that human beings have done, do now, and will ever do.  All that we know and even that which we do not know began with “And God said. . .”  By the power of His creating word the universe and all that is in it came into being.

Scientists do not create out of nothing.  They must use what God has already created starting with their own creative minds, the ideas that flow out of them using the infinite things God created to reshape, reform, mold, craft, and produce the vast array of “stuff” that now exists to support you and all people in daily living.

“And God said. . .” For you, a believer that God’s Word is truth these simple three words are sufficient explanation for how the universe and all that is in it came into being.  You know His Word is the word He used to create all that exists.  You know this by faith, the faith He has given you.  Your faith accepts what God’s word says.  Your faith gives credit to what God has done.  Your faith does not need further explanation.

The writer to the Hebrews says that it is by “faith” you understand that the universe was formed at God’s command . . .”  The Greek word from which is translated the English word understand means to “think over a matter with great care, to think deeply,” or “to think carefully what this means.”  As you think deeply and carefully about “And God said . . .,” the faith He has given you recognizes that this world is an intentional creation of God, not some accident that simply happened.  This world is the created, finite design of the infinite.

Only your faith confirms all of this, not scientific research, or mathematical formulas.  Your faith is the only means to take this information into your heart and mind and treasure God’s gifts with thanksgiving.  Only by faith do you acknowledge “And God said . . .” is sufficient explanation for the existence of the universe in which you live and gives you confidence this world will continue to exist until God speaks His final word that will bring this, His creation to an end.

Prayer:  Thank You Triune God for giving me faith to believe You are the creator of everything that is.  Amen.

Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Oh, victory! Loud shouting army! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

He has done marvelous things, I too will praise Him with a new song!

Hail, wind, and rain! Loud blowing snowstorm! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Flowers and trees! Loud rustling dry leaves! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Limestone and beams! Loud building workers! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Athlete and band! Loud cheering people! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song!

Daughter and son! Loud praying members!  Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

Children of God, Dying and rising, Sing to the Lord a new song!

Heaven and earth, Hosts everlasting, Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain:

(LSB 817)