Month: July 2022

“So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35

One thing that I know for sure is that God knows how to richly reward. Double, triple and more than we can imagine. I don’t know about you but I love to be rewarded by God.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1-2

We are in a race, not just to run but to win. What we are doing is very important. We can not let things such as sin ruin our effectiveness. It’s a matter of life or death, literally.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Being told what to do just seems wrong, but when you realize it is coming from someone who loves you so very much and that it’s for your good, helps. After a while you see fruit, righteousness and peace are such wonderful feelings. They are a medal worth wearing.

“Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelations 3:4-5

This town had grown complacent and had stopped serving the Lord. I want to stay strong till the end. I don’t want to barely get in the gates. Regretting all I have missed. I may be in heaven but what could I have had here on earth?

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelations 3:20

He wants to come in and fellowship, to be a part of our lives. To help us with all our needs and to carry our burdens.

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Revelations 5:9-10

Jesus is the only one who was ever perfect and also human, so he was able to purchase us back from sin and death. He knew that ultimately this was what his Father wanted most. Not just Israel but everyone everywhere. There are no exceptions. Then once we come to him , we serve, then he gives everything to us to reign with him forever.

“For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17

That is such a beautiful picture of God making everything right. Everything we have been holding on to and reliving over and over. Causing ourselves more grief than necessary. He will one day make it all ok. Give it to him now.

“They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes.” Revelation 9:5

The people who are left after the rapture have nothing to look forward to but misery. The wrath of God will finally be released and all things will be made right. People will wish to die but death won’t come. I am so glad I’m apart of the family of God.

“But there is a place where someone has testified: what is mankind that you are mindful of them? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet. In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.” Hebrews 2:6-8

Why does God even bother with us. We are a mess and imperfect. Humans are trouble because of their sin nature. Even Jesus was a man but God gave him complete authority. He has given everything to humans to control, although we have lost control and our world is in a mess because of sin, selfishness and pride. But God still loved us that much.

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

Jesus knows what we go through. He was tempted just like us, but he stayed strong because he wanted to do what his father wanted. He will show you a way out if you listen.

“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” Hebrews 4:1

Rest is so important to finishing our race. God has shown us how important it is. We can get burned out trying to do good. Trials can weigh us down. We need to rest in God physically and spiritually by spending time alone with him.

“For 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.” Hebrews 4:12

Every word of the Bible can teach you something if you are open. If you really focus on what God is trying to tell you, he will speak and your attitude will be obvious. Some of the words can strengthen and encourage you, give you peace and hope, and convict you. It is alive.

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14

The word of God is our food and we need it regularly. Just like our bodies need fuel to survive. If we want to thrive we will eat regularly. Chew slowly.

“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”. Hebrews 6:18-19

Jesus is there behind the curtain, it is no longer separating us from God. We can come to God anytime in Jesus name because he is our personal high priest. One of the joys of being his children.

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” Hebrews 9:14

Because Jesus willingly died as a sacrifice for us, perfect and spotless. We have been forgiven and our consciences can be free from the burden of sin. How can we serve God with that burden still on us?

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

That day is approaching, the signs are all there and we need to be lifting each other up and supporting each other. Now more than ever we need to be drawing others to our savior. They don’t have much time.