This will be the last Hello From Maple Grove for this school year. I will begin sending them again when school starts in August. I pray that in some small way that these e-mails have been a blessing to you. I pray that they have helped to turn your mind and heart to God. Please continue to take time in the weeks ahead to encourage someone in the Name of the Lord. May God bless you! Have a great summer. -Shan

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
-Hebrews 11: 1

Faith

Have you ever thought about your faith or what it means to have faith? According to the author of the book of Hebrews 11: 1 (above), faith is believing in things that we know to be true but that we have not seen for ourselves (my paraphrase :) ). In fact, chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews gives a great history of our faith. This chapter of Hebrews gives an account of how important faith has been throughout history for believers. From believing that God created the universe, to the many examples it gives of great people of faith (Noah, Abraham, the prophets...).What's amazing is the fact that these 'heroes of the faith' did not live easy lives. Some of them never saw or received, while living, the 'fruits' of their labor. "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Hebrews 11: 39-40) Yet they were strong and persisted.

The Christian church has a great history of faith. It is there for us to see and to draw strength from. "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned into strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. " (Hebrews 11: 33-34) From these examples we know that we are not alone. The same God who loved, aided, and provided for the heroes of the past is there for you today. The same God who had a purpose for their lives has a purpose for yours as well. Celebrate your faith! Don't be ashamed. Do not fear. Be strong and trust in Lord! Have Faith!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"...Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."
-2nd Chronicles 20: 20

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