Scripture: Hebrews 11 v 6 - 8: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
To be diligent is to show care and consciencousness in all that we do, and especially applies when we seek God by faith. It's the seeking to know Him, and know more about Him that is important.
We come into His Kingdom as new born Christians and everything is different to our world. We accepted Jesus as our Lord, and the Father as our God, forsaking all others, by faith. We cannot see them but we are comforted by their presence.
Great men like Noah and Abraham, heard God's voice, like Adam and Eve had heard it. Loud and clear. No distractions of social media, tv or billboards to blur the incoming voice of God. And they instantly obeyed that voice by faith and something more, real belief.
When we respond to God and know that He is directing our steps, our faith becomes belief and knowledge. When we take those first tottering steps of Faith and don't fall, we become more confident, and wisdom starts to grow.
Without faith it is impossible to please our Father God. Faith is a must have ingredient in our hearts and minds. We need to remove all fear, doubts, worries, paranoia, and grasp that we are a new creation. A new being that is already living in eternal life mode. Whether we live or die we are with the Lord. Absent from the Body, present with the Lord. No purgatory, no limbo, immediate arrival in Heaven.
2 Corinthians 5 v 4 - 7: "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
If you need proof of this watch the YouTube testimony of Betty Malz. "My Glimpse of Eternity". No matter how often you see this incredible story you need tissues handy. If you need two different experiences then watch the miraculous testimony of Betty Baxter. Keep the tissues handy!
When we start to read the Bible earnestly we meet Jesus on every page. He is the Word made flesh. The Bible is God's Word. The more we read, study and obey the Word, the more we know Jesus and our Father. We see them reflected in the behaviour of other Christians towards us and each other. The Bible is the Living Word. It has answers for every need we may have.
In a number of places the Word is a Sword. It cuts through enemy attacks, red tape, impossible situations, and was supremely successful when used by Jesus against Satan for forty days of his attacks. He told that evil liar .... Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Know the Word so well that you can defeat any argument with it.
Many years ago I worked in a place full of unbelievers. It was required for all staff to have a drink with the bosses on a Friday before going home. They knew I was a Christian and used to try challenge me. One Friday I was asked why the one true church was divided into so many different denominations. The Lord dropped into my mind.... because the people have added to or subtracted from His Word and disagreed on those differences. Jesus silenced them!
The real change when we diligently seek Him is revealed in the love we have for one another. The nature of our Father, and Jesus, is love without condemnation. Only those who refuse to believe that Jesus is the Son of God will be condemned. He will also sort out the sheep from the goats based on our attitude to Israel. If we love her we are sheep.
Matthew 25 v 31 - 34: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"
So spend quality time in the presence of God, singing praises, studying the Bible, and have fellowship with other Christians. Spend time in prayer diligently seeking answers and being thankful and receive the rewards from Jesus in wonderful ways.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we commit ourselves to diligently seek Your face for the wisdom, answers, changes we need in our lives that will more truly reflect Your love and glory to a dying world. In Jesus' name. Amen.