Key Verse:
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:2) (NIV)
Central Truth:
The only way we can live in this world is by faith; the only way we can enter into the glory of eternal life with Christ is by looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
This chapter and verse got me to thinking: Why or how did I become a Christian ? What moved me to have faith in Jesus and accept him as my Lord and Savior? I’m pretty sure that I didn’t just wake up one day and decide that I am going to seek God today. I think that my questions are answered very clearly in Hebrew 12:2.
This scripture states that Jesus is the author of my faith. I feel this means that Jesus initiated my faith. He is the originator of my faith; He started it all. I think that His plan was to allow me to experience the difficulties, troubles, disappointments and sins of life without Him. As the author of my faith, Jesus knew that I would reach out for Him and ask for forgiveness and direction at that moment in time when I would realize that I cannot navigate life’s struggles without His help. Jesus solidified my faith by wrapping me in His loving arms, providing encouragement, comfort, strength and direction. I have eternal faith that Jesus will not leave me alone, unloved or uncared for.
Hebrew 12:2 also states that Jesus is the perfecter of my faith. As the perfecter of my faith, I believe Jesus’ plan for my life is to grow and nurture my faith in Him. It is totally unrealistic to think that everything in this life will be all "roses" and good times. That is not the way life is. It is at these troubling times that Jesus will encourage me to fix my eyes on Him. When I fix my eyes on Jesus I can overcome those things that hinder me from coming to a full and mature relationship with Jesus Christ.
We have times of peace in this life. There are times when things go well and we have few cares. We do not need strength in these times because it takes no strength to enjoy good times. It is the times when trouble comes that we need strength that can come only from the Lord. This is why the Lord tells us to "Look to Jesus," who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
October 28, 2010, Hebrews 11
Key Verse:
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
(Hebrews 11:8)
Central Truth:
God doesn’t always reward you right away, nor does he print out all the directions at once.
WHICH WAY DO WE GO ?
God doesn’t always make sense. There. I’ve said it. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but in all honesty, sometimes what God asks us to do seems completely ridiculous. I mean really, parting a sea with a staff? Building an ark to save one family and the entire population of animals? A teenage virgin giving birth to His son? To our limited understanding these things are outlandish, Hollywood plot lines. To God they are specifically crafted plans created to bring us to perfection in faith. (v. 40)
The good thing here is that God does not require us to understand why or even what. All He wants is our obedience in these things. He calls us to a specific purpose, each one of us. Every one of the people in this chapter was designed specifically by God to do what only they could do. So are you. Noah built an ark, Jochebed laid her baby in a basket, Moses led God’s people. All by faith.
About five years ago, God used Hebrews 11:8 specifically in our lives. We were content and happy serving in a local church. I loved the people I worked with, had built relationships with them, and they were my family. God saw our comfort (aka complacency) and began to use verse eight to call us out. We thought He was sending us back to Michigan
So, without knowing where we were to go, we resigned our places of ministry and left our church. God hadn’t given us step by step directions like MapQuest (don’t you wish He would!?). I kept trying to focus on the part that talked about receiving the inheritance later. If Abraham could get up and leave all his family and start wandering until God told him to stop, then we had to trust that He would tell us where to stop as well. He did. The first Sunday we visited Piedmont . God said, “Stay here.”
The people in this chapter aren’t really any different from me or you. They just believed that God would do what He said He would. They didn’t always know where God was going to lead them, and it wasn’t always easy (hardly ever!). The main thing is that they went when God said “Go.”
Where are you going?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010, Hebrews 10
Key Verse:
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”
(Hebrews 10:32-39)
Central Truth:
We will experience trouble in this life, but these problems are of little consequence compared to our eternal home.
Standing your Ground with an Eternal Perspective
A few years ago, there was a great battle going on between the Historical Society and our local Ronald McDonald House. An old, rotting house was donated to the Ronald McDonald House with the hopes of building a new house to accommodate the growing number of Pediatric Oncology patients. After inspection, the house was not a safe environment for our patient population and needed to be bulldozed. The plan was to rebuild a beautiful replica of the old home in its place. The Historical Society disagreed and was on a mission to save this house. The case went before Planning and Zoning, and I was asked to speak on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House and discuss the need for a “safe” environment for our patients. On the other side of this battle, the Historic Society was bound and determined to save this old house at all cost. Little did I know what I was getting myself into . . . .
My presentation on “children with cancer needing a safe environment” did not go over well with the opposition. In the weeks following the P&Z meeting, I was “publically exposed to insult and persecution” for taking a stand on what I believed was right. I even sat through another P&Z meeting and had to listen to the opposition refer to me as the “mom of the sick kid” as they attempted to discredit my reasons for NOT saving the old, rotting house. The human side of me wanted to desperately lash back and throw some mud, but my Spirit reminded me that no matter what the cost, I am called to testify God’s goodness, mercy and love- even in the face of adversity. Our key verse does not tell us to run from trouble, but to “stand our ground in the face of suffering” and know that “you yourselves have better and lasting possessions.”
I took a stand, stirred up some controversy, and moved forward with the attitude that as an alien in this poisoned world, I will experience suffering and hardship, but these problems are of little consequence compared to my eternal home.
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”
(Hebrews 10:32-39)
Central Truth:
We will experience trouble in this life, but these problems are of little consequence compared to our eternal home.
Standing your Ground with an Eternal Perspective
A few years ago, there was a great battle going on between the Historical Society and our local Ronald McDonald House. An old, rotting house was donated to the Ronald McDonald House with the hopes of building a new house to accommodate the growing number of Pediatric Oncology patients. After inspection, the house was not a safe environment for our patient population and needed to be bulldozed. The plan was to rebuild a beautiful replica of the old home in its place. The Historical Society disagreed and was on a mission to save this house. The case went before Planning and Zoning, and I was asked to speak on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House and discuss the need for a “safe” environment for our patients. On the other side of this battle, the Historic Society was bound and determined to save this old house at all cost. Little did I know what I was getting myself into . . . .
My presentation on “children with cancer needing a safe environment” did not go over well with the opposition. In the weeks following the P&Z meeting, I was “publically exposed to insult and persecution” for taking a stand on what I believed was right. I even sat through another P&Z meeting and had to listen to the opposition refer to me as the “mom of the sick kid” as they attempted to discredit my reasons for NOT saving the old, rotting house. The human side of me wanted to desperately lash back and throw some mud, but my Spirit reminded me that no matter what the cost, I am called to testify God’s goodness, mercy and love- even in the face of adversity. Our key verse does not tell us to run from trouble, but to “stand our ground in the face of suffering” and know that “you yourselves have better and lasting possessions.”
I took a stand, stirred up some controversy, and moved forward with the attitude that as an alien in this poisoned world, I will experience suffering and hardship, but these problems are of little consequence compared to my eternal home.
October 26, 2010, Hebrews 9
Key Verse:
"And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. "
(Hebrews 9:22)
Central Truth:
We will all die once on this Earth and face the consequences. By the death of Jesus Christ, He paid the ultimate sacrifice and will take care of our sins forever.
"SHEDDING OF BLOOD"
In this reading at the very beginning we look at how ceremonies were taking place. There was a big tent, called "The Holy Place," set up with a table, a lampstand, and the sacred bread. There was a smaller tent inside the bigger one that was called "the Holy of Holies." In this tent, there was gold incense with the gold ark of the covenant containing the gold urn of manna. The high priest was the only one allowed in the smaller tent as he offered a blood sacrifice not only for his own sins but for the people's sins too. This was only done once a year. This was later changed so that everyone could enter not only the big tent but the smaller one as well.
Jesus Christ changed the above for all of us by sacrificing his own blood for our sins. He did not use goat blood or the blood of a calf to sacrifice for His sins. Jesus Christ used His own blood and died for us on the cross. He was the ultimate sacrifice.
As we compare this to the old covenant stated above, Jesus Christ only had to do this one time. In the old covenant it was done once a year. If this was the case for forgiveness of sins, then Christ would have to repeatedly sacrifice Himself over the course of history, but He chose to sacrifice for us only once and for all, for all of our sins.
By Jesus Christ laying down His life for us, we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven's "tent," the most Holy Place.
"And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. "
(Hebrews 9:22)
Central Truth:
We will all die once on this Earth and face the consequences. By the death of Jesus Christ, He paid the ultimate sacrifice and will take care of our sins forever.
"SHEDDING OF BLOOD"
In this reading at the very beginning we look at how ceremonies were taking place. There was a big tent, called "The Holy Place," set up with a table, a lampstand, and the sacred bread. There was a smaller tent inside the bigger one that was called "the Holy of Holies." In this tent, there was gold incense with the gold ark of the covenant containing the gold urn of manna. The high priest was the only one allowed in the smaller tent as he offered a blood sacrifice not only for his own sins but for the people's sins too. This was only done once a year. This was later changed so that everyone could enter not only the big tent but the smaller one as well.
Jesus Christ changed the above for all of us by sacrificing his own blood for our sins. He did not use goat blood or the blood of a calf to sacrifice for His sins. Jesus Christ used His own blood and died for us on the cross. He was the ultimate sacrifice.
As we compare this to the old covenant stated above, Jesus Christ only had to do this one time. In the old covenant it was done once a year. If this was the case for forgiveness of sins, then Christ would have to repeatedly sacrifice Himself over the course of history, but He chose to sacrifice for us only once and for all, for all of our sins.
By Jesus Christ laying down His life for us, we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven's "tent," the most Holy Place.
Monday, October 25, 2010
October 25, 2010, Hebrews 8
Key Verse:
We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
(Hebrews 8:1)
Central Truth:
The Difference between the Old and New Covenant.
What a tough subject. There is so much material to cover with this topic, therefore, I am only going to scratch the surface. Here it is in a nutshell.
Covenant
1 : a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement
The Old Covenant was an agreement between God and the Children of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. It was basically a slew of laws and orders that people had to follow in order to be "right" with God. It also consisted of continual animal sacrifices in order for blood to be shed on behalf of their sins. But there were issues with the Old Covenant. As Paul states in Hebrews 7: 18.
18The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
For God new that it was virtually impossible for humans, who are born into this world as sinful creatures, to follow all of the rules of the Torah. Obeying the law, or attempting to, didn't make anyone perfect.
Then Jesus comes along. He is referred to as the High Priest who performs the ultimate and final sacrifice on himself as an atonement for EVERYONES sins. Of course, the sacrifice was himself. Jesus took upon the sins of the world and through His sacrifice, he makes us righteous with God (aka perfect). Hebrews 8:12
12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Therefore, there is no need for any other sacrifice. God's blood was shed and the new covenant
was formed. Our salvation is not based on how well we don't screw up. However, our salvation is
based upon our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And through Christ alone, we are made Holy in
the eyes of our God. Thank you Jesus for what you have done.
We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
(Hebrews 8:1)
Central Truth:
The Difference between the Old and New Covenant.
What a tough subject. There is so much material to cover with this topic, therefore, I am only going to scratch the surface. Here it is in a nutshell.
Covenant
1 : a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement
The Old Covenant was an agreement between God and the Children of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. It was basically a slew of laws and orders that people had to follow in order to be "right" with God. It also consisted of continual animal sacrifices in order for blood to be shed on behalf of their sins. But there were issues with the Old Covenant. As Paul states in Hebrews 7: 18.
18The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
For God new that it was virtually impossible for humans, who are born into this world as sinful creatures, to follow all of the rules of the Torah. Obeying the law, or attempting to, didn't make anyone perfect.
Then Jesus comes along. He is referred to as the High Priest who performs the ultimate and final sacrifice on himself as an atonement for EVERYONES sins. Of course, the sacrifice was himself. Jesus took upon the sins of the world and through His sacrifice, he makes us righteous with God (aka perfect). Hebrews 8:12
12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Therefore, there is no need for any other sacrifice. God's blood was shed and the new covenant
was formed. Our salvation is not based on how well we don't screw up. However, our salvation is
based upon our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And through Christ alone, we are made Holy in
the eyes of our God. Thank you Jesus for what you have done.
Friday, October 22, 2010
October 22, 2010, Hebrews 7
Key Verse:
“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on [our] behalf.”
(Hebrews 7:25)
“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on [our] behalf.”
(Hebrews 7:25)
Central Truth:
Jesus always has our back, if we have a personal relationship with him.Do we always have His back?
WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK ?
Wow! When I read this verse I was taken back quite a bit to be honest. I mean, I do not feel worthy enough for Jesus to plead my case to God when I mess up. I am really nothing in the scheme of things . . . . I am little old me, living in Macon, GA, raising 2 girls with a wonderful husband, working in the medical field and trying desperately to develop an intimate relationship with Christ but falling short daily and asking for forgiveness. But, the cool thing is that Jesus loves me anyway. You see, God loved you and me so much that He made the greatest sacrifice of all time by sacrificing his son, Jesus, on the cross for us. This point still blows me away. So, if push comes to shove, would you do the same for him? Would you give up everything that you have here on Earth if you were asked by Christ to do so? Would you stand up for Christ knowing that it will result in death?
I would like to say that the answer is no doubt a forceful "Yes," but I pause every time I think about it. Fortunately, we have not been put in this situation, but we have read many accounts of those who have in the Bible. Just give these some honest thought. God already knows your heart.
Christ really only asks two things of us once we have accepted Him as Lord and Savior of our life. These should come as no surprise to any of us in that they have been touched on several times throughout our Journey. One: love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and mind. Two: love your neighbor as yourself. The common theme is LOVE.This is what Christ demonstrated so unconditionally when He died on the cross for our sins. I venture to say that all of us would say that we love Christ, but do we show Him unconditional love, no matter what happens in our lives? Our GL2 group talked of unconditional love, and all of us realized that we rarely show unconditional love. This, however, does not mean that we are unable; it may be that we are unwilling for fear of being hurt. Well, let me tell you something, Hebrews7:25 reinforces the fact that Christ is not going to harm us; rather, He is going to plead with God on our behalf. He is worthy of our unconditional love.
It is my hope that we all step up and truly show Christ how much we love and honor Him by ‘pleading’ His case to those around us and truly loving others as He loves us. When we share our testimony with others, it interferes with Satan’s agenda. Jesus does not want anyone to perish as stated in II Peter 3:9. As our love grows for Christ, our love for our fellow man will follow, and we will see some drastic changes in our hearts, in our lives, and in our community.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to love as Jesus loves. Teach me to love unconditionally. Remind me that Jesus has my back and pleads my case to you when I falter. Help my love for Christ to grow on a daily basis, and help me play a more active role in my relationship with Christ.Amen.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
October 21, 2010, Hebrews 6
Key Verse:
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
(Hebrews 6:19-20)
Central Truth:
Put your hope in God because He is unchanging.
Ok, I admit it. I’m one of those stubborn people who resist change. I know that change can be a good thing. I know that change is necessary sometimes, but I still get that queasy feeling as I enter the “unknown.” I’m a creature of habit. I like my daily routine. My family eats at the same restaurant every Sunday. We get up at the same time everyday and follow a schedule. I take comfort in that routine. I enjoy things that are familiar. But unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go the way I want or happen on my time table. Sometimes things change.
Why does the TV schedule change just as I finally learn what night my favorite show is on? Why did they move everything from the left side of the warehouse club to the right side? Why is the best flavor of coffee creamer a limited edition for a limited time only? The world is always changing. People will come and go in and out of your life. Jobs may require that you move. Kids grow up. Friends and love ones die or move away. People don’t always do what they say they will do. So how do you cope when nothing seems certain, when you feel like you can’t depend on anyone?
Put your hope in God. God is unchanging. He cannot lie. No matter what trial you are going through, you can take comfort in this. God loves you and will never forget you. When Garrett and I first moved to Macon 6 years ago I was miserable. I didn’t know anyone. Garrett worked long hours, and I was home with a toddler by myself most days. I had no idea how to make friends as a stay at home mom. I was in a really deep rut with no light in sight. Things seemed pretty hopeless. I clung to the one thing that I knew to be true- God loves me. I put my energy and faith into Him, and He saw me through that time. Moving to Macon is small potatoes compared to enduring a serious illness or losing a loved one; but hope is the same. Hope is the key.
God promised Abraham a son. Abraham waited patiently. He had hope. He knew that God is faithful and does not change His mind. And God did give Abraham a son; He gave him Isaac. But God worked in His perfect time and Abraham had to wait for 25 years. Abraham could not have waited that long without hope. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
(Hebrews 6:19-20)
Central Truth:
Put your hope in God because He is unchanging.
Ok, I admit it. I’m one of those stubborn people who resist change. I know that change can be a good thing. I know that change is necessary sometimes, but I still get that queasy feeling as I enter the “unknown.” I’m a creature of habit. I like my daily routine. My family eats at the same restaurant every Sunday. We get up at the same time everyday and follow a schedule. I take comfort in that routine. I enjoy things that are familiar. But unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go the way I want or happen on my time table. Sometimes things change.
Why does the TV schedule change just as I finally learn what night my favorite show is on? Why did they move everything from the left side of the warehouse club to the right side? Why is the best flavor of coffee creamer a limited edition for a limited time only? The world is always changing. People will come and go in and out of your life. Jobs may require that you move. Kids grow up. Friends and love ones die or move away. People don’t always do what they say they will do. So how do you cope when nothing seems certain, when you feel like you can’t depend on anyone?
Put your hope in God. God is unchanging. He cannot lie. No matter what trial you are going through, you can take comfort in this. God loves you and will never forget you. When Garrett and I first moved to Macon 6 years ago I was miserable. I didn’t know anyone. Garrett worked long hours, and I was home with a toddler by myself most days. I had no idea how to make friends as a stay at home mom. I was in a really deep rut with no light in sight. Things seemed pretty hopeless. I clung to the one thing that I knew to be true- God loves me. I put my energy and faith into Him, and He saw me through that time. Moving to Macon is small potatoes compared to enduring a serious illness or losing a loved one; but hope is the same. Hope is the key.
God promised Abraham a son. Abraham waited patiently. He had hope. He knew that God is faithful and does not change His mind. And God did give Abraham a son; He gave him Isaac. But God worked in His perfect time and Abraham had to wait for 25 years. Abraham could not have waited that long without hope. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 20, 2010, Hebrews 5
Key Verse:
"By this time you ought to be teachers. Instead, though, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food."
(Hebrews 5:12)
Central Truth:
We can go to church forever and never be spiritually mature.
TIME TO MAN-UP (WOMEN, TOO)
In the fifth chapter of Hebrews, we are told of the Hebrew Christians who went through the same experiences again and again, all the years of their Christian lives, but had never grown. The unknown writer of Hebrews makes it very clear that age will never, in itself, bring spiritual maturity.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, an American pastor and author of Christian literature, explains it best when referring to four marks of spiritual immaturity:
1) Dullness toward the Word - One of the first symptoms of spiritual backsliding is dullness toward the Bible.
2) Inability to share - Not all Christians have the gift of teaching, but all can share what they learn from the Word. One of the hardest lessons children must learn is to share. The same is true with many Christians when it comes to sharing spiritual things.
3) A "Baby Food" diet - The "milk" of the Word refers to what Jesus Christ did on earth -- his birth, life, teaching, death, burial, and resurrection. The "meat" of the Word refers to what Jesus Christ is now doing in heaven as our High Priest.
4) Unskillful in using the Word - Little children lack discernment. A baby will put anything in its mouth. An immature believer will listen to any preacher and not be able to identify whether or not they are true to the Scriptures.
Our capacity to feast on the deeper truths of God's Word will depend on our own spiritual growth. In order to feast at God's banquet table, we must grow in the Lord and put into practice what we have learned. Only then will our capacity to understand increase.
"By this time you ought to be teachers. Instead, though, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food."
(Hebrews 5:12)
Central Truth:
We can go to church forever and never be spiritually mature.
TIME TO MAN-UP (WOMEN, TOO)
In the fifth chapter of Hebrews, we are told of the Hebrew Christians who went through the same experiences again and again, all the years of their Christian lives, but had never grown. The unknown writer of Hebrews makes it very clear that age will never, in itself, bring spiritual maturity.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, an American pastor and author of Christian literature, explains it best when referring to four marks of spiritual immaturity:
1) Dullness toward the Word - One of the first symptoms of spiritual backsliding is dullness toward the Bible.
2) Inability to share - Not all Christians have the gift of teaching, but all can share what they learn from the Word. One of the hardest lessons children must learn is to share. The same is true with many Christians when it comes to sharing spiritual things.
3) A "Baby Food" diet - The "milk" of the Word refers to what Jesus Christ did on earth -- his birth, life, teaching, death, burial, and resurrection. The "meat" of the Word refers to what Jesus Christ is now doing in heaven as our High Priest.
4) Unskillful in using the Word - Little children lack discernment. A baby will put anything in its mouth. An immature believer will listen to any preacher and not be able to identify whether or not they are true to the Scriptures.
Our capacity to feast on the deeper truths of God's Word will depend on our own spiritual growth. In order to feast at God's banquet table, we must grow in the Lord and put into practice what we have learned. Only then will our capacity to understand increase.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 19, 2010, Hebrews 4
Key Verse:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12)
Central Truth:
God’s word is not just history. It is His Story. You have a huge role to play in that Story. A role that is bigger than you can imagine.
A STORY FOR THE AGES
“A Story. An Epic.
Something hidden in the ancient past.
Something dangerous now unfolding.
Something waiting in the future for us to discover.
Some crucial role for us to play.
Christianity, in its true form, tells us that there is an Author and that he is good, the essence of all that is good and beautiful and true, for he is the source of all these things. It tells us that he has set our hearts’ longings within us, for he has made us to live in an Epic. It warns that the truth is always in danger of being twisted and corrupted and stolen from us because there is a Villain in the Story who hates our hearts and wants to destroy us. It calls us up into a Story that is truer and deeper than any other, and assures us that there we will find the meaning of our lives.”
- John Eldredge, Epic
God is writing a Story. A story of love and betrayal, good and evil, life and death. A thriller. A romance. An adventure. And you have an epic, crucial role that only you can play. You are part of His Story.
Don’t believe me? Pick up a Bible. Now open it. Where to? It doesn’t really matter. Just start reading anywhere. The word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8); so that means your story is in there. Really, it is.
· Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. Maybe your trouble isn’t with food (or maybe it is), but every one of us knows what it’s like to be seduced and tempted by something that seems so sweet it can’t possibly be wrong, only to find out after we’ve tasted it that we were wrong, and we spend tons of energy and time trying to cover ourselves up.
· A woman was caught in adultery and brought to Jesus by a bunch of “holier-than-thou” religious folks who were so stuck in tradition that they wouldn’t know Grace if it was standing in front of them (which, by the way, it was). Maybe your story is that you’ve actually been caught in adultery. Maybe you’ve done it, but haven’t gotten caught. Or maybe, just maybe, your heart says that she should have been stoned. Either way, none of us are without sin. And how many times has Jesus said to you to “go and sin no more”?
· Jesus is crucified. Yeah, your story is here too. Do you mock Jesus as He hangs on the cross? Are you the one hammering in the nails? Are you the mother watching your child die? Like it or not, we are all in that story.
God’s word is real and relevant -from before the beginning of time up until today. And you can bet it will still be “living and active” tomorrow. It will teach you everything you need to know, and it will tell you everything you ever wanted to know (or not know) about your heart - which, after all, is the source of your life (Proverbs 4:23) and where your story resides.
You are part of a grand story that the King of the Universe, the one true Author is writing. Go play your part.
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010, Hebrews 3
Key Verses:
“[T]heir hearts are always going astray, and they have not known myways . . . . [S]ee to it, brothers, (Christ followers) that none of you has a sinful unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God (all other “gods” are dead in their graves) . . . . but encourage one another daily . . . so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
(Hebrews 3:10b, 12-13)
Central Truth:
Christ followers need each other. I need you . . . you need me!
Hebrews . . . challenging, wonderful Hebrews! It is a Cliff Notes condensed version of fulfilled Old Testament themes in the New Testament. The new Jewish Christians needed to be reassured that Christianity was indeed true and that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. (Sounds practical for the multi-religious culture of today!) The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better than the laws and regulations of Judaism: Christ is supreme - Christianity is superior . . . . It surpasses Judaism . . . It is much better! In Hebrews we are challenged to hold onto our new faith, encourage each other, and wait for Christ’s return. (Information: thanks to the NIV Life App. Study Bible---my favorite!)
Warnings abound to not harden our hearts to the good ways of a good God. (Incidentally, my assigned Ephesians chapter also dealt with hard hearts---amazing connections in scripture!) It is so very easy to be deceived, because the nature of deception is that we often don’t recognize it. It is easy to think that our own choices are “not too bad.” Verse 13 says, “if we continue in sinfulness, wanting our own way, rather than God’s way, our hearts get hard." Ouch!
Our hearts stay softer to God when we:
1. Delight in his longer email to us (the Bible) and shorter text messages also (verses)
2. Stay in fellowship with other Believers (Christ-followers)
3. Evaluate with whom we spend the most time -THEY are powerful influences on our lives and our children’s lives
4. Speak often of faith issues
5. Know that sinful things attract at first but later destroy our faith and strength
and
6. Stay close to those who encourage us to live obediently to our good heavenly Daddy.
These things help keep our hearts tender to Christ. That’s why we needto meet together often, build relationship with other Christians, study His word and encourage one another in Godliness. The Christian faith is nota solo trip. Hebrews reminds us that it is a “one another” faith, growing in a family of faith.
When we are strong in our faith, our power of influence for the Lord is ever so much stronger. So keep your heart tender---the world can harden it! Please do what it takes to “hold firmly to the end.” (v. 14).
That’s what I plan to do. It’s worth it!
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