Hebrews_3

Scripture

 

Hebrews 3: 13-14

 

13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold to our original conviction firmly to the very end.

 

Observation

The chapter begins by exalting God and declaring above every living thing, as He is the creator of every living thing. However, the person writing Hebrews recognizes that sin still taints people’s perspective regardless of how great God is. For this reason the author pushes the readers to lift each other up and encourage one another in their faith, so that they might not encounter a forty-year roadblock like the Israelites.

 

Understanding

There is power in the name of Jesus, but there is even more power when many come together to call upon His name.

What I like about these verses is how it perfectly exemplifies strength in numbers; because let’s be real no one gets through life alone no matter how strong they may think they are. However, what goes along with this strength in numbers is the very real aspect of the deceptiveness of sin. As hard as it is to openly admit it becomes so easy to give into its lies. I recently realized that when their is a strong foundation of faith in one place or within a certain group of people, the enemy seeks to destroy that firm foundation even more than a weak one. If a mighty house falls then weaker ones are bound to crumble as well. So if your life in the moment seems hard, and it seems like temptation is constantly coming your way, then congratulations you’ve threatened the enemy. And guess what? You probably aren’t the only one. Which makes the above passage all the more important.

God is faithful to those who seek Him in the days gone by. Even though God hears our little voices in the night, I’m sure He loves to hear a loud roar of worship from the many who love Him. So encourage others in their struggle, let them know that the Father is worth it because when we “hold to our original conviction to the very end,” God has an even better surprise when you finally get to meet Him. Don’t let the sun go down without encouraging someone. They may need it more than you’ll ever know. 

 

Life Application

Make an effort in encouragement.

I know for a fact that when I receive encouragement from someone I admire I feel like I can do anything, so I shouldn’t hold back either. The same idea extends to all of us. You may never know who looks up to you until you step and encourage the person that God is placing on your heart. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either. I could a simple “hey, I’m praying for you,” or texting them to see how they’re doing, or (if you’re feeling really generous) taking them out for lunch or coffee. When you make an effort in encouraging people, you’ll find that it’s a gesture that doesn’t return void, I promise.

-Allison Khan

Hebrews__2

 

 

Scripture

 

Hebrews 2:16-18

 

16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Jesus was made fully human in every way, including being tempted to sin.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Temptation is inevitable if we identify as a child of God.

 

Even Jesus was tempted and suffered. He was tempted by the devil in the desert. He was tempted to back away from His mission and calling to die to save the sins from mankind. He sweat blood because of knowing what He would face. Physically, that only occurs if under tremendous stress and anguish. However, Jesus never sinned and always chose God’s will over His own desires of the flesh (while He was in human form).

 

Life Application

 

When tempted, run toward our Advocate and High Priest, Jesus. Don’t run toward the temptation.

 

Because Jesus was tempted and overcame, He is able to help us in our time of need. He is loving and compassionate and has literally been in our shoes. I love how Scripture not only says that He will be with us through the temptation, but it says He will HELP us through it too.

 

We are conquerors over sin because of Jesus. When His Spirit resides in us, we no longer have to fear or fall into the same traps of the past. Christ is greater and He conquered sin and death on our behalf.

 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” Romans‬ ‭6:5-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

If you feel overcome by the weight of your sin, run to Jesus, ask for forgiveness and repent. Allow the Holy Spirit to take over. Submit to God’s will for your life. Every time we say no to the flesh, it gets easier.

 

Dear Lord, thank You that You are our advocate and High Priest. Thank You for doing ALL the work on the front end so that we no longer have to struggle and be in bondage to sin. Thank You for freedom in You! I pray that we would run away from sin and sprint towards You when temptation hits. Thank You that You have already gone before us and can walk us through and help us in our time of need. Amen.

 

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalm‬ ‭25:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

-Michelle Gaddi

Hebrews_1

Scripture

Hebrews 1:10-12¹⁰ He also says,“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,    and the heavens are the work of your hands.¹¹ They will perish, but you remain;    they will all wear out like a garment.¹² You will roll them up like a robe;    like a garment they will be changed.But you remain the same,    and your years will never end.”^[f] 

Observation

“The Book of Hebrews begins with no mention of the author, only of God. The human author of Hebrews remains unknown, but the book’s inspiration by the Holy Spirit is evident.”Read more about the interesting history of Hebrews here…https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-1/ UnderstandingI didn’t necessarily find some deep profound meaning in today’s reading but I do love the artistry in the words here…picturing God – the ultimate creator – laying the foundations of the earth; the heavens, works of His hands.I also love the reminder of the constant and never changing nature of God. Life ApplicationGod, I love that you surround us each day in the works of your hands, the creative touch of a true artist.  Thank you for the daily reminders of your presence.  And as I’m reminded of your omnipresence, may I also be reminded of your unchanging nature.  May I remain as steadfast in search of your heart as you do in search of mine, because… The more I seek you, the more I find you.The more I find you, the more I love you.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di3O7nViVCE

May I seek you more, may I find you more, may I love you more.

In your name I pray.  Amen

 

-Rei

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