Hebrews

June 14th – Isaiah 55:11

Isaiah 55:11

We are living in turbulent times. And now more than ever people are asking why these things are happening, what they mean, and what comes next. So what a blessing it is to have God’s Word. For the Bible is filled with the answers to our many questions. And in it contains history, prophecy, wisdom, and most wonderful of all, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Everything we need to get through life in victory. And as Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “the word of God is alive 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.” Every word it contains true, and every promise will be fulfilled. God gave us the Bible so we wouldn’t walk in darkness and ignorance. And now is the perfect opportunity to share God’s Word to a questioning world. The harvest is ripe and ready for reaping!

June 14th – Isaiah 55:11 Read More »

May 30th – Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12

Many are the ways and forms in which God sends us help. And one of the most powerful is His Word. The Bible contains the history of creation, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and the wonderful promises of God. It’s also a blueprint for life, giving us valuable advice and practical applications for any and all situations. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “I believe the Bible is the best book God has ever given to man. All the good of the Savior of the world is communicated to us through the Book”. I couldn’t agree more. No matter what I’m going through, God’s Word is there. It’s the first place I turn to when I am afraid, weary, lost, happy, and most of all, when I want to be close to God. It fills me with joy, nurtures my soul, heals my wounds, and protects me from the Enemy’s attacks. More than just a good book, the Bible is God’s life preserver to all and instruction manual for life!

May 30th – Hebrews 4:12 Read More »

April 19th – Hebrews 4:15

Hebrews 4:15

Does it comfort you to know that the Creator and Lord of the universe knows you personally? Every detail about you; your interests, fears, and failures. He knows what upsets you and what brings you joy. God knows our hearts, desires, and thoughts. (1 Chron. 28:9) And He regards us as the apple of His eye, taking  delight in each of us. (Zec. 2:8, Is. 62:4) Because of all He endured, the Lord empathizes with our weaknesses” (Heb. 4:15) Suffering what He did from out of a love so great that He laid down His life for us, His friends. (John 15:13) And as such, He is our perfect, great, High Priest. For like A.W. Tower says, “Many men can be touched by the sorrow of another, but they are not touched with the sorrow.  It is one thing to see pain but another thing to be touched with the feeling of it. Our pain, depression, trembling, and sensitiveness. Jesus was touched with these though he did not fall into sin that so often comes of them. We must treasure this view of our Lord’s sympathy, for it may be a great support in the hour of agony and weakness.”

Blessings,

Sue

April 19th – Hebrews 4:15 Read More »

Honoring The Final Words of the King – Mark 15-16

Mark 15-16

The story of the Crucifixion is a tough one. It’s gut wrenching what Jesus suffered at the hands of His captors. He endured savagery, mockery, and rejection. He was brutalized and spit upon. And He did so willingly. At any time more than twelve legions of angels were ready to rescue the Lord at a moments notice. (Matt. 26:53) Yet Jesus bore His Cross to the end. He bore it for our salvation and to see the will of God done. …

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April 15th – Hebrews 12:12

Hebrews 12:2

“I love you.” “How much?” “SO much.” “How much is so?” “Way, Way more than you know.” This comes from a book I used to read to my son entitled, “I Love You So…” by Marianne Richmond. It’s a beautiful story about the unconditional love a parent feels for a child. It perfectly expresses the height and depth of the love I have for my son, and reminds me of that same love Jesus has for us. His entire life here on earth from birth to death, was a perfect, shining testimony to the selfless love He so freely offers to all. Even while hanging on a Cross in excruciating pain, and until He breathed His last, He demonstrated grace, mercy, and love until the end.

Tortured and nailed to a cross, no one would blame Jesus for being so overwhelmed by His pain and suffering, that He could think of nothing else. Yet instead He repeatedly demonstrated His incredible love for others; never wavering in His grace and mercy. And Christ endured all of this; the wounds, humiliation, and shame for the “joy set before Him.” What is this joy? It’s you, it’s me, and all who would be saved through His death and resurrection. With His never ending love He gave His life, and with His dying breath He gave us life. Never again will we find condemnation, for as Jesus cried, “It is finished!” (John 19:30)

 

 

April 15th – Hebrews 12:12 Read More »

March 2nd – Hebrews 4:14-16

Hebrews 4:14-16

Not only is Jesus our Savior and Lord, He is God’s anointed High Priest. And through Him we have been made fit to approach the awesome throne of God Most High. This means Christ’s high priestly role is an eternal and continuous one. Because of His sacrifice, He has once and for all atoned for all our sins. We’ve been sealed by His Holy Spirit which can’t be rendered void. And our access to a Holy, Omnipotent, God has been sealed as well.

Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate and final Word of God. He is the incarnate Word, who took upon Himself human flesh (John 1). And as our great, High Priest, He is forever interceding day and night for His Church. Jesus is the only Mediator between man and God. We need to remember this each time we seek to approach God’s mercy seat. Beloved, Jesus is our righteous, Kinsman-Redeemer, who has become our Mediator. He was given the name that is above every name. He cannot fail! And all of us who have trusted in His death, burial, and resurrection, for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life, have been called to “hold fast our confession.” (v.14)

No wonder we are exhorted by the writer of the book of Hebrews to hold fast to our confession! To take God at His word and boldly approach His throne of grace in order to leave our baskets of burdens there at His feet; trusting the One Who is able to make all grace abound to us! He waits to hear from you!

Blessings, Sue

March 2nd – Hebrews 4:14-16 Read More »

February 16th – Hebrews 6:1

Hebrews 6:1

Some are content to know only the basics about being a Christian. They let days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months turn into years. Although they have gained new worldly experience, knowledge, and physically they have aged, spiritually they have not grown. And they produce no spiritual fruit. They may attend church and occasionally read their Bible or say a prayer. They may even be able to quote Scripture and recite the lyrics of every popular Christian song. But those words have never penetrated into their heart and made a real difference. 

This is not what God desires. God doesn’t want us to be content with an elementary education. He desires to continually challenge and enhance our spiritual growth and understanding. The most important gift we can offer God, who so lovingly saved, us is a teachable and yielded heart. True devotion to God requires letting the potter mold us as clay and truly transform us from the inside out. As God remakes us, we should become more and more reflective of Christ. That is the ultimate goal of spiritual maturity. And just imagine the impact of a collective body of mature Christians reflecting the light of Christ to a dark world. 

Blessings,

Becky

February 16th – Hebrews 6:1 Read More »

February 10th – Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2

In today’s scripture we find the encouragement we all need to thrive in our Faith. If we first read Hebrews 11, we will find the names of some of the Heroes of The Bible. God’s people who like you and me faced many afflictions. And in Romans 15:4 we find these amazing words of comfort. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” Yes, we are not alone in our trials and sufferings! And by breaking down the verses in Hebrews 12, we will find the following instructions:

–        – “ …stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us…”

–         – let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us

–      –    “[looking away from all that will distract us and]…

–        –  focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],

Over the years as I remember each and every trial and suffering in my life, I can only say that they have made my faith and love grow stronger for my Abba Father. For throughout all I have experienced His Faithfulness and tender love that endures forever!

Blessings, Mari

February 10th – Hebrews 12:1-2 Read More »

January 9th – Hebrews 13:6

Hebrews 13:6

Too many times we put our confidence in the wrong things. And sadly, faith misplaced in possessions and people always leads to disappointment. In turn, disappointment leads to fear and anxiety. True peace can only be found through faith in God to meet all of our needs. And not just physical needs, but our need for security, safety, protection, and peace. I heard it said that fearless love never comes without facing fearful situations. And let’s face it, this world is filled with fearful situations. But God gives us His promise to never leave our side, no matter who or what we encounter. And when we put our faith in Him alone, we stand on the unshakable foundation of the Creator and Ruler of all things. So whatever the circumstance, or who tries to hurt us, we know we have nothing to fear. For with God as our helper, we too can confidently declare, “What will man do to me?”

January 9th – Hebrews 13:6 Read More »

December 7th – Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2

Did you know that the wise men who came to see the Christ child probably traveled 800-900 miles to see Him? Not an easy task. For the journey took preparation, provisions, and a commitment of weeks, months, and maybe even years. Yet to find the Lord was the race set before them. A race they ran in joyful anticipation of looking upon the face of God. We too are called to the same race. A race of endurance, patience, and faith. One that requires us to lay down worldly living, and run whole heartedly for the Lord. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be a sprint. But when we remember all Jesus endured for us, it makes the race not just bearable, but joyful. For the Lord suffered pain, sorrow, betrayal, and rejection. All for the joy of seeing us restored to the Father and giving us the greatest gift of all, eternity spent at His side. And how can we not rejoice for that?

December 7th – Hebrews 12:1-2 Read More »