By faith...

__________________________________________________
…Noah (guilty of drunkenness, Genesis 9:20-23) became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

…Abraham (twice guilty of lying to authorities about his wife, Genesis 12:10-20, 20:1-11) was looking for a city whose architect and builder is God.

…Sarah (guilty of weak faith in God’s promise, Genesis 18:9-15) received the ability to conceive.

…Isaac (also guilty of lying to authorities about his wife, Genesis 26:6-11) blessed his sons regarding things to come.

…Jacob (guilty of trickery, cheating and theft, Genesis 27:18-27) as he was dying, worshipped.

…Joseph (guilty of extreme arrogance, Genesis 37:5-11) when he was dying, made mention of God’s future faithfulness.

…Moses (guilty of murder, Exodus 2:11-14) considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking for the reward.

…Armies of Israel (guilty of unbelief, Hebrews 3:12-19) circled Jerico for 7 days and the walls fell down.

…Rahab (guilty of prostitution, Joshua 2:1-21) was saved from the destruction of the disobedient.

…Gideon (guilty of unbelief/doubt Judges 6:11-18, 36-40)…Barak (guilty of irresponsibility in leadership, Judges 4:4-8)…Samson (guilty of lust, Judges 14:1-2, 16:1, 16:4)…Jephthah (guilty of impulsive decision making, Judges 11:29-35)…David (guilty of adultery, murder and abuse of power, 2 Samuel 11:1-25)…Samuel (guilty of poor family leadership, 1 Samuel 8:1-3)…conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight…received their dead back by resurrection; were tortured, experienced mocking and scourging also chains and imprisonment…were stoned, sawn in two, tempted, put to death…were destitute, afflicted, ill-treated…wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

All these…GAINED APPROVAL THROUGH THEIR FAITH!!

_________________________

As I continually recognize the depth of depravity and violation of God's standard (from obvious to subtle ways in my heart) I am comforted that my approval is based on my faith and not my ability to perform.
__________________________________________________