Category: Hebrews

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Have Fun!

Going to talk about exercise for a bit this morning. When we first realize that we “need” to exercise it’s never pleasant. Accepting that we are out of shape and not as healthy as we should be is the first step. So, we decide to exercise.

The first few days you have a real commitment or at least that’s what you tell yourself. But then comes day 7 or 8; and it becomes harder to stay committed to the goal. Your muscles hurt, you’re not seeing any results yet, you start making excuses and when you do that you are on your way to failure. I know, I’ve failed many times.

When we were in Greece all we did was walk and hike. It was fun – we were off to new adventures, beautiful sites to see. Now that we are home, we don’t walk nearly as much. It’s not as much fun, however, we still need the exercise.

Now think back to our childhood days – exercise wasn’t a bad word. In fact it was called fun. To be outside with our buddies playing ball, running through the yard playing tag or football. Going hiking to our favorite fishing spot or walking the mile to the swimming pool in the afternoon heat (my personal favorite). It was fun and we were in shape.

Now of course you know this is going to have a spiritual correlation.

When we face trials and temptations it is an opportunity to exercise our faith. James tells us to count it joy because we will be developed and end up lacking nothing.

“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV

Facing trials is like building muscle. At first, we see little victories but then to continue to develop a muscle we must increase the weigh, the repetition or both. In walking with the Lord, we’re never left to do this on our own. We have a great coach who is with us every step. Under His direction and inspiration, we come out the winner.

“You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” I Corinthians 10:13 CEV

Jesus knows what this is all about because He went through every temptation we experience while he was here on earth. Who better to coach us than someone whose been there, done that and emerged as the Champion of Champions!

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ERV

Thank you, Lord for coaching me through life and providing all the help I need to develop and finish a winner!

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Well Able

There’s an account in the Bible that we all need to apply to our lives. The Israelites were wandering in the desert. Moses sent 12 men to spy out the land God was leading them too.

Ten men came back with reports that there were giants in the land; it was a good land but…there were giants. Two men had a good report, Joshua and Caleb. They said the land was good and they were confident that the Lord would give them victory over the giants.

“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 NKJV

However, the people listened to the report of the ten and missed out on the blessing of God.

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf, but He needs us to work with Him.

Because He is a loving Father he won’t force Himself on us and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives we will see His ability working on our behalf.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work within to bring Him glory.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

Father, today I give you my availability so that Your abilities may work in me, through me and for me; You are able!

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Today

Thinking about “today”. Living in present; the past tries to get us to look back. Looking back never gives us the best view.

The future with its promises and hopes is also filled with what if’s. Today is a gift from God. So, let’s praise Him for who He is!

” Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100 CEV

I know you’ve heard it said before, but it bears repeating. The “present” is a gift from God so we need to unwrap it and cherish it.

“Come, let us sing to the Lord!  Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. 3 For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. 4 He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. 5 The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. 6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
7 for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” Psalm 95:1-7 NLT

“My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. 13 You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. 14 We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let’s hold tightly to our faith until the end. 15 The Scriptures say, “If you hear his voice today, don’t be stubborn like those who rebelled.” Hebrews 3:12-15 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

Enjoy the gift of today, the present – God’s grace and strength is ours!!

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Holding Fast

It’s interesting how much we can learn about the Lord, his faithfulness, and the practicality of Scripture if we just open our eyes to see the examples placed before us in daily life.

The last couple of days the little harbor we see from our balcony filled with boats. Not the regular fishing boats and water taxis that we have seen each day since our arrival but bigger boats – catamarans, yachts, monohull sailboats. Bigger boats ranging in size from 50′ to 130′.

The weather forecast was for a severe thunderstorm warning, and this is what brought the boats in to a safe harbor. There aren’t nearly enough slips to tie all of them up to the docks, so they were anchoring safely across the relatively small span of sea.

One boat in particular hadn’t anchored well.

We watched as it slowly drifted, getting closer and closer to the shore. It was dangerously close to the rough shoreline. The drifting was subtle and since they were otherwise engaged, I doubt the occupants of the boat noticed they were inching closer and closer to the shore.

Bible lesson in moving pictures, literally.

“We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place.” Hebrews 6:18b-19 CEV

Our lives need to be anchored to keep us from drifting off course, even when the seas are calm there is still a danger of slowly drifting into dangerous waters.

Dave had a nice boat when we first married and he told me the secret to setting a firm anchorage is to drop the anchor, then apply backward thrust so the anchor digs into the bottom or gets a solid grab on something. He explained to me that this boat we were watching hadn’t set its anchor properly.

Sometimes, it seems we may be going backward in life however, it may be that during those times the Lord is actually bringing us to a place of stability and safety, helping us set our anchor. Pulling us back from dangerous shorelines so that we are established firmly on the rock.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

God’s word is referred to as a solid rock; our hope in God’s word is our anchor!

So, when life’s storms seem imminent it’s best that we pull back and get anchored firmly to the rock that will not move!

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Washed Away

For the last several days Dave and I have sat and watched the waves of the Aegean Sea come rolling in. There’s been a sea wind they call “Meltemi” and it has kept the otherwise calm sea, breaking its waves over the rock jetty with some considerable strength.

Boats have stayed safely moored in the small harbor.

As we were sitting in a local taverna yesterday we were directly at the waters edge. I watched each wave and enjoyed the sea spray on a warm afternoon.

Later last night I began to think about the waves and how they wash the rocks as they roll in and recede.

Washed. Washed clean.

Kind of like what the Lord does in our lives.

“God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy,
and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 6 God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit.” Titus 3:4-6 CEV

By the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives we are washed cleaned and given a new, fresh beginning!

“…But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.” I Corinthians 6:11 CEV

The things in our lives that we are ashamed of have been washed clean. Those things that make us embarrassed, that hold us by a grip of guilt, unworthiness and shame are the very things that are washed away by the Spirit of God and because of that washing we are cleansed.

“The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn’t the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices offered year after year. 2 If there were worshipers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices…21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God’s house. 22  So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.” Hebrews 10:1-2, 21-22 CEV

Religion has no power to make us clean. It only serves to remind us of our sins, our misdeeds and our failings. However, when we come to Christ (our high priest), His forgiveness purifies our hearts and gives us a clean conscience. We are free from guilt and able to live each day knowing we have been washed clean.

“A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. 27 Christ did this, so he would have a glorious and holy church, without faults or spots or wrinkles or any other flaws.” Ephesians 5:25-27 CEV

The power to cleanse comes from Christ alone. His death removed the guilt and stain of sin from our lives. Through the power of His word we are reminded daily of that cleansing. We are a holy people without spot or flaw.

All our sins have been washed away!

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One If By Land

This morning my thoughts are about “concerning” things. The things that pop into our minds trying to captivate our thoughts and rob our peace?

Pondering those things, a stanza of the “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” came to mind.

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear…

He said to his friend, “If the British march
By land or sea from the town to-night,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry-arch
Of the North-Church-tower, as a signal-light,—
One if by land, and two if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm,
For the country-folk to be up and to arm.”

Now what does that poem have to do with anything?

Everything. It seems we always have a foe to face. Not many are an actual foe like the British were to the colonists during the revolution, but we fight them just the same.

We are ready spread the alarm when lay-offs threaten, when doctors’ reports reveal a dis-ease, a move takes us to an unknown place or death robs us of a loved one. Political unrest, social threats, even the smaller things like the first day of school, changing jobs, driving the freeway or facing a thunderstorm can be unsettling.

There’s a favorite verse of mine, I quote it often, however, this morning I couldn’t remember it’s exact location, so I put the words “perfect concern” in my Bible app to find it. Before I hit the enter key, I stared at those two words, perfect concern.

Our Father’s concern for our wellbeing is perfect! He wants us to come to Him in every situation because it’s with Him we find help. That’s another favorite verse of mine so, let’s look at both of them.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8 NKJV

“ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV

Worry keeps us from trusting God and believing His word. He is always ready to help and handle our concerns. Worry isn’t from the Lord, peace is.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

There’s that word “perfect” again and this time it’s coupled with the word peace. Perfect peace comes when we trust our Father.

So, if trouble is coming, whether by land, sea, air or just in our minds, we can hang a signal lantern in our hearts and the Lord will come to our rescue.

“He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom will never end. 27 He rescues people and sets them free by working great miracles. Daniel’s God has rescued him from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:26-27 CEV

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The Finisher

Several times over the last week I have drawn your attention to the same verses in Hebrews. Today I would like to share one more thought from them.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV

I can still remember the street I was driving down in Scottsdale, AZ in 1984 when this verse came alive to me.

Kim and Koy were with me in the car as we were driving past a construction site. It was a new commercial building. We had been driving past it for weeks and each time we would remark on how much progress they had made. This time the crew was there removing the security fencing and the kids both said, “It’s finished”.

It sure looked complete except for a couple of things. I had the kids look at the architectural rendering on the sign. There were no sidewalks, trees, shrubs or signage on the building. Then I answered, “It’s not finished yet”.

As those words came from my lips, these verses came to my heart. “Jesus is the author and the FINISHER of our faith”. Not only has He written my story of faith, He is with me to see that the work is finished.

I hope that thought impacts you the way it did me!

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6 NKJV

A baker isn’t finished with the wedding cake when it comes out of the oven. No, the cake still needs to be iced and decorated before it’s finished. The artist isn’t done with the masterpiece until he has signed his name to it. The building wasn’t complete until the sidewalks and flowers were in place.

And Christ’s work in us won’t be complete until we finish our life here and join Him in heaven.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV

Don’t become discouraged or disheartened because your life seems like an unfinished work. Be patient. The finisher of our faith is still working in each of our lives – conforming us to His image.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

We are all in a stage of development as we conform to the image of Christ.

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The Author

There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “I know the Author of the world’s best seller”.

It doesn’t say I am acquainted with the author or that I met the author once in a book line when I got His autograph. No, it says I know Him. I am more than acquainted with Him, I have sat down and talked with him, I have gained insight and advice for life from Him. I have studied His words and found Him to be the writer of truth.

“… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

It’s important for us to understand that the Bible isn’t just a good book with good principles to learn from. It is THE book of life – not just life on earth but eternal life with God, the Father.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our example of a life lived by faith. Everything we need to know about faith, He has written. How do we learn more about faith? We read and we hear.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NJKV

The way of faith is not hidden, it is open for all, however, there are few who choose to utilize the faith that has been provided.

“…Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. ” Romans 12:3 CEV

The Bible tells us that when the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert God provided all they needed; their food and water and not even their shoes wore out. He had made them a promise.

“And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.” Deuteronomy 29:5 NKJV

“The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.” Psalm 105:40-41 NJKV

Jesus taught the Jewish people, reminding them of their promised blessings – building their faith in God:

“Why should you worry about clothes? Think how the flowers grow. They do not work or make cloth. 29 But I tell you that Solomon in all his greatness was not dressed as well as one of these flowers. 30 God clothes the grass of the field. It lives today and is burned in the stove tomorrow. How much more will He give you clothes? You have so little faith! 31 Do not worry. Do not keep saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32 The people who do not know God are looking for all these things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things. Matthew 6:28-32 NLV

Faith is the absence of worry and fear. Faith is trust in what God has done and said. He is the one who has given us faith and He is the developer of it. He promised to provide.

May I encourage you to spend time with the Author of our faith, read the Book and learn from Him!

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Thorns

A couple weeks back Dave was walking across our big area rug when he stepped on some prickly pear needles. If you notice in the picture, they grow in a small cluster.

He was able to get one out by himself and then he told me he needed my help to remove another one. I had him sit down, I got the tweezers and slowly applied pressure to remove it.

All better!

But not really, a week or so later he was still complaining about his heel being sore. I looked at his foot again and saw a small dark spot but I couldn’t get to it. The skin on his heel was so calloused. Even though he had soaked his foot I was unable to get to it. Honestly, I figured it would work itself out.

While we were on vacation, we did lots of walking. Some days he complained that it was sore but for the most part he walked on, relatively unhindered. We had teased that Kym, a nurse, should do “surgery” but then we forgot about it again…until yesterday.

Dave was favoring his foot so much that he had a hard time walking. More soaking – and then I remembered the little electric foot file I have. Long story short, I was able to remove a good deal of the callous, exposing the end of another cactus needle and it popped out.

Relief!

I bet you’re wondering how all this applies to this morning’s devotional thought.

“…let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. 2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor…3 If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience…”Hebrews 12:1-3 TLB

There are so many things in life trying to slow us down, trip us up and/or cripple us in our daily walks. Things like fear, anger, worry, jealousy, heartache, envy, disappointment, low self-esteem. I’m sure you can come up with your own list of things that have tried to destroy your walk with the Lord, things that have discouraged you and tried to get you to quit.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

We can become so discouraged that we allow our hearts to callous over. Just like Dave’s heel, that tough exterior keeps us from getting to the root of the problem. Left unattended the pain grew worse but when we allow God’s word to scrape away the surface, the thorn is exposed and can be removed. Healing begins.

“God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 CEV

Perhaps you’re trying to avoid dealing with some “sore” spots today. You’ve been wounded by life’s thorns. Isn’t it time to let the Lord help you remove them, so they are no longer a hindrance?

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Crowd of Witnesses

I remember this day well.

Our oldest daughter was competing in her first Ironman 70.3. She had trained for months – swimming, biking and running. Finally, the day had arrived and the excitement and adrenaline were high.

We were there as everyone gathered for the singing of the National Anthem. The participants were called in the starting groups. We watched her jump into the water for the 2-mile swim. When she came out, we were cheering as she rounded the bend into the bike area.

We cheered as she got her bike shoes on and rode away into the morning fog. We took the car to a place that we knew we would be able to see her topping a steep hill and cheered again as her bike came into view and she rode on. A little ways further we passed her again and could tell she was struggling. We all shouted words of encouragement and I remember her dad saying, “Don’t quit, you’ve got this”.

We drove on, back to a good place on the running course. Prayers on our lips for her success, signs waving, cheers and clapping she passed us as she ran. There were many runners, we cheered for them all as they went by, but she was our focus.

We were elated when we saw her enter the final lane to the finish line. Her husband was waiting for her, she fell into his arms, exhausted. She had done it. She finished the race!

There have been times when the memories of that day have come back to encourage me.

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete…3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:1-3 ERV

There will be times when we get discouraged, times when we hurt and don’t think we can go any farther. It’s then, if we listen we can hear the cheering of the saints who have gone before us. It’s then we experience the strength of Christ who dwells within us and we keep moving forward.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. 8 Now, a prize is waiting for me—the crown that will show I am right with God.” II Timothy 4:7-8a ERV

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to run this race for Christ. He gave it all he had, he changed the world with the message of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s grace.

We each have been given a race to run. We may not make a worldwide impact but we can change the world around us with the love of God.

Don’t give up, don’t quit, you’ve got this! Look to Jesus and listen to the cheering crowd. Can you see the finish line? There we will hear the Father’s voice:

“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

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