Without Faith, we cannot Please God.

This is a foundational and sobering truth from Scripture that places faith at the very center of our relationship with God. It is not merely a virtue, but the essential conduit through which we receive His grace and approval.

Here is a reflection on Hebrews 11:6.

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Without Faith

We can give our goods to feed the poor,

We can pray and seek to even the score

Of every wrong we've ever done,

Beneath the earth,or moon, or sun.

We can fast and strive and study long,

And sing a loud and worshipful song.

We can serve and lead and teach and preach,

And perfect practice,try to reach.

But all of it, however grand,

Is simply dust in our own hand.

A hollow gong,a clanging noise,

If it's not born of faith that trusts and obeys.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Without faith, we cannot please God.

For faith is the hand that takes the gift,

The soul that on His promise lifts.

It is the"yes" to what He's said,

The trust that on His blood was shed.

It is believing He is real,

And that His word is true and steel.

It is believing He isgood,

And will reward us as He said He would.

This faith is not a blind, cold leap,

But trusting Him our soul to keep.

It is the root,and all our deeds

Are but the fruit that from it proceeds.

So let this truth sink deep inside,

In Him alone,we must abide.

Not in our works,or our own name,

But in the faith His grace does claim.

Without faith, it is impossible.

Butwith faith, all things are possible with God.

(Mark 9:23)

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What is This Pleasing Faith?

The faith that pleases God has two key components, as outlined in Hebrews 11:6:

1. Belief in His Existence: This is the foundational belief that God is. He is the Creator, the Sovereign Lord, the great I AM. It is a belief that moves beyond intellectual assent to a life-altering recognition of His reality and authority.

2. Belief in His Goodness: This is the trust that He is a rewarder. He is not a distant, capricious deity, but a good Father who delights to bless and be found by those who seek Him. It is faith that He keeps His promises.

This faith is active. It is the "assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It is what empowered the heroes of the faith to obey, even when they couldn't see the outcome.

A Prayer for a Faith that Pleases God:

"Heavenly Father,

Your Word is clear: without faith, I cannot please You. Forgive me for the times I have tried to earn Your favor through my own works and striving.

I believe that You exist. I believe You are the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

And I believe that You are good. I believe You are a rewarder, a loving Father who gave His only Son for me. I trust that You reward those who earnestly seek You.

Right now, I place my faith entirely in You. I renounce self-reliance and put my full trust in Your character and Your promises. Let my life be a life of faith, a life that is pleasing to You.

In Jesus' name, Amen."