By Faith Thomas...

 "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth...They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11: 13, 16

    The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been referred to as "The Hall of Faith" because of its compilation of the faithful from the Old Testament. "By faith Abel...By faith Enoch...By faith Noah...By faith Abraham," and so the scripture proceeds to exemplify how each person's life pointed to salvation. 

    I have wondered how the statement would be completed if I installed my own name: "By faith Rachel..." How have I lived being confident in what I hope for, assured of what I do not see? (Hebrews 11:1) Have I sown seeds of love, joy, patience or hope that may lead others to Christ?

    After the sudden death of my brother-in-law, Thomas, it did my heart well to read over the writings this Christian firefighter had left behind. As president of his county's firefighters' association, he penned a monthly newsletter for many years. Though most of its content dealt with issues of the firehouse, Tom also used this platform as a podium for his faith. In his Prayer Portion, he would implore readers to "Keep God first in your daily lives, thank Him for your many blessings and pray for lost loved ones."

    In a December issue, Tom scattered seeds of faith when he wrote: "This is the time when we celebrate His birth and give thanks for this Savior that was sent to earth so many years ago. Do you know His story? Do you know the good news of this Jesus? Do you know of His love and sacrifice? Find out today of this Jesus before you make that 'last run.'"

    Now that Tom has found his home in that city God has prepared for him, we who survive him are left to carry the torch. Sometimes I pray for those readers of Tom's, that the seeds fell on the "good soil" of which Jesus spoke (see Matthew 13:23) and I also pray for the strength to carry on, showing others the way to Jesus. 

 By faith, Thomas shared his faith in Christ with his readers.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3