Category: 2022 – Hall of Faith

On the Tuesday after Labor Day (September 6^th), I took some time for some personal strategic planning (to learn more about what that entails, refer to my 2016 post “Strategic Planning for You”). As I considered my role as a father, God impressed on me that I needed to pour more intentionally into Cody and Tanner, so we started weekly devotions where we each share a verse for discussion.  This week, we expanded our time to include Jennifer, Katy, and Evan as part of my birthday dinner celebration.  For my verse, I focused on Enoch in Genesis 5:22-24.

Enoch’s life is summed up in just fifty-one words in the Old Testament!  Yet the author of Hebrews singles him out as a man of great faith. In LifeGuide Bible Studies’ Heroes of Faith, Douglas Connelly points out how Hebrews 11:5 addresses Enoch as a “hero of faith.” What distinguished Enoch was that he “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24) and he “pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). Wow, now that’s a great eulogy!

In fact, Enoch’s relationship with God was so close that his removal from earth to heaven didn’t interrupt a thing!

What would you ask Enoch if you could interview him today?

What desires does Enoch’s walk of faith prompt in you?

Click here to learn more about Faith from the life of Enoch

Like the other heroes of Hebrews 11, Joseph is a man of hope.  Before he dies, he arranges for his body to be embalmed, Egyptian style, and entombed in Egypt until the family moves as a people back to Canaan, God’s land of promise.  Despite all his success, Joseph remembers this life is not all there is (Hebrews 11:22).

Joseph teaches us hat the life of faith requires trusting God through the obstacles of both adversity and prosperity.  It demands obeying God despite the soul-wrenching hurdles of family betrayal, sexual temptation, bitterness, despair, compromise and pride.

Joseph also demonstrates that in living by faith we may hit a spiritual wall.  But faith recognizes God’s good purpose in all things, even when we may thirst for vengeance. Like a successful marathon runner, we can overcome the “wall” and finish the race. 

While Joseph is an unlikely hero of faith, we can use the same resources he used—knowing the Word of God, hearing the voice of God, and harboring a holy fear of God.

Click here to learn more about Faith from the life of Joseph