Hebrews 11:9-16

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Hebrews 11:9-16

9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.
12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
14Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.
15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
16Instead, 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 11:9-16

Related Resources from Heartlight

Devo: Praying with Paul

"Holy Father, in whom all faith is safe, I cannot imagine what it would be like to be asked to do what you asked Abraham to do. He was willing to..."

Article by Tom Norvell

What are you searching for? Our true home is in heaven, it is our homeland to which we are journeying.

Article by Tim Archer

Where are you from? They had a heavenly accent. They spoke in such a way that everybody knew they were on a journey, one that would end in heaven. They knew, as the old hymn says, "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through." They were on their way to the city God

Article by Rubel Shelly

How can change be a constant that ties us to the past and gives us hope for the future? Change is a constant so how we deal with it is crucial and is part of our heritage as God's people.

Article by Joey Cope

Where do you want to be right now? So many things make us long to be somewhere different.

Article by Lynn Anderson

Can we ever really go home again? As much as we would like to go home again, we must remember that home is not a place until we are home with God.

Devo: Today's Verse

"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. And...."

Devo: Today's Verse

"Instead, 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."

Devo: Morning & Evening

"Behold the epitaph of all those blessed saints who fell asleep before the coming of our Lord! It matters nothing how else they died, whether of old..."

Illustration of Hebrews 11:16

Inspirational illustration of Hebrews 11:16 -- 16 Instead, 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.

Illustration of Hebrews 11:13

Inspirational illustration of Hebrews 11:13 -- 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. And they admitted that they were aliens and stranger

Article by Phil Ware

That passion to pursue Jesus must never die! Phil Ware continues his series tied to Thanksgiving called "...and thankful" and this week he is thankful for the longing to move toward Jesus and pursue the things of God.

Article by Patrick D. Odum

Who lives in your home? We must not get too attached to home here on earth, it is just a temporary place and we are transients here.

Article by Tom Norvell

Have you found home? Tom Norvel writes about his daughter moving and how his heart is still in a quest for home and that after she settles in to this place, he hopes she still continues her quest for home.

Article by Lynn Anderson

Where is your real home? We are not at home until we are home with God.

Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware

Jesus rose from the dead, so we choose to live based on the conviction that this world is not our home, while we long for our lasting and more glorious one! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to glorify God as we remember the life-changing implications of Jesus' resurrection.

Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware

Once we grasp the robust definition of faith, we understand why active faith is so important to us! Phil Ware and Demetrius Collins remind us what genuine faith looks like using the examples of the people in Hebrews 11 and the definition of faith the Holy Spirit gives us in this chapter and the three principles that make faith real.

Article by James Nored & Phil Ware

Someone who is without faith in God doesn't yearn for answers for their deepest questions from God. Our questions as believers can be signs that we are reaching out to God for reassurance. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us in word and video that faith is not about always having the answers and never having doubts, but persevering on the journey to Jesus.

Article by Steve Ridgell

Lots of people are worried about the future during this election. Not me. There is a lot of stress and worry over the future during this election cycle. There is a different way.

Article by James Nored & Phil Ware

Will I follow on the journey, or will I choose to let where I am, where I'm comfortable, and what I have hold me in bondage? James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the call of the Lord to leave and follow no matter the cost.

Cross References for Hebrews 11:9-16

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.