Hebrews 12 - 6.22.23

Scripture

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Observation

In this passage, the author uses the analogy of running a race, and comparing it to how we need to live our Christian lives. In a race, our eyes are always focused on the finish line. We keep grinding, we keep running, until we cross that finish line. We strip anything off from our bodies that may slow us down. We strive to do our best, so we can win that race.

And the same thing goes for us in our Christian life. As we run the race of our lives, we must run with our heads up and our eyes focused on Jesus. We need to keep striving each day to be more like Him. We need to strip off/take out anything in our lives that hinders us from completing this goal. And we keep “running” that race until He calls us home.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”-2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭

Application

What things in my life are slowing me down in this race of life? 🤔

Any athlete at the top of their sport got there with hard work and dedication. They had a strict focus. They made sure to get rid of any distractions in their way that would hinder them from achieving their goal. And just like that athlete, we too need to find the things in our life that is hindering us with our spiritual growth. Is our focus too much on our career? Is it family? Is it the friends we hang out with? Or maybe it’s the music we listen to or the movies we watch?‬‬ Whatever the case may be, we need to FOCUS!

I love how our church implements the discipline of prayer and fasting. We do it every year in January, and we also implement these times during various parts of the year as well. It’s a great way to hit the “reset” button. It’s a way we can get our focus back on God. We rid ourselves of all the distractions, (television, secular music, social media, and yes, even food), that can slow us down from our spiritual growth, and more importantly, hinder us from our relationship with God. Then we replace those things with spending more time with God by reading His Word and praying. It helps us get our eyes and our focus back on Jesus.

So are we stuck in a rut right now? Did we hit that “wall” in our spiritual life? Do we need our “second wind” so we can get back in the race and cross that finish line? How about we fast and pray. See what breakthroughs can happen when we put our focus back on God.

Prayer

Father God, I pray that I can finish this race strong. I pray that I can hear Your words when I cross the finish line telling me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Give me the strength and endurance to continue running. May I keep my eyes focused on You. May I stay on course and help others around me cross that finish line along the way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Hebrews 11 - 6.21.23

Scripture

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see….And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:1, 6 NIV

Observation

The author gave “examples of faith to help the discouraged.” (enduringword.com) Then, he described what faith is and why it is important to have it.

Application

Here’s several things about faith from this chapter that we can apply to our daily lives.

-The heroes of the faith proved that faith was an action word; therefore, faith requires action. 

-It’s impossible to please God without it.

-We must believe He exists when we come to Him.

-We must EARNESTLY seek him. Definition for earnestly in Oxford dictionary is “with sincere and intense conviction; seriously.”

-We must be confident in what we hope for, even though we don’t see it yet.

What faith move or prayer is the Holy Spirit asking you to make today?

Prayer

Dear Lord,

It is impossible to please You without faith. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would increase my faith as I press into prayer and Your Word daily and also obey, even in times when it is hard to. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

Hebrews 10 - 6.20.23

Scripture

Hebrews 10:8-10 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Observation

There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s love and forgiveness – we are powerless to save ourselves. BUT we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Let me say that one more time for those in the back (like me!) that need to hear it:

There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s love and forgiveness – we are powerless to save ourselves. BUT we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Application

After all these years, I still struggle with this concept. I still try to earn God’s love. And when I don’t do enough, or I fail, I feel undeserving. But the fact of the matter is that no matter what or how much any of us do, we are still undeserving.

vs. 11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

But verse 9 says, He sets aside the first (the law) to establish the second (forgiveness/ restoration through the sacrifice of Jesus).

vs. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Prayer

God, forgive me for my unbelief. That unbelief minimizes the great sacrifice You made and instead puts my focus on me. Today I want to focus on You and Your great love for me.

Jesus Paid It All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymkl0t0FOcw

- Debbie Dunn