Our final look at the way of peace in this Christmas series is departing in peace. A picture of this departure is found in Luke chapter 2. Simeon, the priest, arrives to the temple as the baby Jesus is presented to the Lord. I picture in my mind, an old man who has served the Lord faithfully his entire life. A man who encourages and counsels young couples as they present their firstborn to the Lord.

More importantly, he’s a man living under and ministering to people who fear ruthless Roman rule. Unfortunately the tactic Satan uses to steal their peace, and ours, is not a new one. However, it may be the most effective. Simeon knew their history of oppression and fear under Egypt’s control in the days of the Patriarchs. Then through various enemies of the land of Canaan in the period of the Judges. Not to mention, the control over them through Babylonian and Assyrian nations in later centuries.

Fear steals our peace more than any other tactic the enemy has. Whether it’s a virus and our restrictions of liberty, insecurity in our looks, doubt of love from our family, or fear of never living or knowing our purpose, it has a tight grip on our peace. Or lack thereof in our day to day thinking! The peace that comes through Jesus, says we don’t have to stay there. We too, can have peace in the hope of Jesus, just like this old man in the first century of our Lord’s birth.

In spite of Simeon’s dreadful circumstances of fear and Roman rule around him, God gives him hope in this innocent holy child. Accordingly, he is awestruck as the Holy Spirit reveals to him who this baby is. For Simeon, departing in peace meant not seeing death before seeing the Lord’s Christ. The fifth definition of peace comes into play as “the blessed state of devout and upright men after death”.

As the priests takes the baby Jesus in his arms, he blesses God, saying

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version 2016

We see the ultimate purpose of Jesus birth and life portrayed throughout scripture. Especially here as a culmination of eternal peace. Only Christ can offer a spirit of contentment in the place where God decides our short period of time and existence. Choosing to live in harmony with others in spite of differences in values and morals displays our desire to live in Christ. However, we cannot do it in our own strength. We must rely on Christ, through prayer, as each fearful, insecure thought sneaks in to create doubt and steal our peace.

Abraham in Genesis 15:15 is told by God he shall go to his his fathers in peace; and be buried at a good old age. He understood, as Simeon did, walking blameless before God. He further quotes Isaiah.

Departing in Peace is For Us Too!

Simeon also sees God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham revealed in this Christ child! Yes, us, Gentiles, are given the light of the world. Whoever walks in him will not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5) No matter how many times the enemy brings his dark intentions to our weary souls, our Spirit whispers within our hearts, “Hang on, I’m hear.” He sees us, he hears us, he wants us to depart in peace too.

But there is more! We don’t have to be afraid,

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Yes, indeed, Jesus grew to be the fulfillment of all God’s promises. His word assures us the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned (Mathew 4:16). Simeon, having lived a full life, is overcome with the glory of God’s plan for his people and a peace that surpasses understanding offered to the entire world. The history of oppression, fear, as well as the darkness of the culture living outside God’s way is put aside. Perhaps her hears the words of an adult Jesus saying,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Not only can he depart in peace with the full knowledge and comfort of a Savior in his time, we are privileged to see it too.

Father in heaven, I pray the peace of your Son fill us this day and every day. May we awake with hope and fullness of you in our thoughts instead of our fear and anxiety. More importantly, help us see your goodness in those around us. May we also live for you and be a light in our own dark places. Give us the boldness to smile instead of cry, return criticism with soft words, and open our eyes to our own faults. In you only, Lord will we depart in peace now and forever. In, Jesus name I pray, Amen.

For more bold faith read The Way of Peace Through Christ –

The way of peace through the arrival, and life of our Lord Jesus Christ continues through the announcement of his birth to the lowly shepherds in Luke 2. The shepherds are keeping watch over their flock by night as the glory of the Lord shines around them (vs8). Do you ever wonder why the presence of the Lord’s glory fills them with great fear?

It seems like a repeated occurrence throughout the bible and in opposition to the way of peace. After all, fear is not peaceful. Yet, in the presence of just the shadow of God’s glory, it demands a posture of submission. An indication to us of where we stand, in our own sinful flesh, in opposition to God.

However, the beauty of the message speaks into the fear of the Shepherds and announces…

 “Fear not, behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

A Savior Who is Christ The Lord

Yes! A Savior to deliver, make alive, and preserve them, and us, from all evil and danger. Our Christ, the anointed Messiah. He rules in the hearts of his followers and directs them in the way of peace. He is announced as the great high priest who atones for our sins. Mary, herself rejoices in her need for this Savior, in Luke 1:47.

We also see in this title, he is “the Lord”. The supreme eternal being who rules heaven and earth. All spiritual authority is placed upon him to be a prophet that reveals the will of God. A the way of peace for the soul only Christ can fill. In addition, he is the priest who offers up atonement for sin. For he alone has the power to remove the guilt and pollution of sin. While he enlarges the influence of his Spirit to preserve and seal those who follow his way. (Adam Clarke Commentary, studlylight.org).

This bold revelation and proclamation of this all-powerful Savior is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (vs. 12) The shepherds will witness all this power in the humble state of our Savior’s birth and appearance. He came in this lowly state to destroy the root of all evil in the souls of men, pride. A sure sign for us to also live in humility, as the bold way to declare our fellowship with the Prince of Peace.

More importantly, this declaration is followed by a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This humble babe is given all worship, praise and honor among the heavenly beings. Perhaps a prelude to the promise of scripture later written by Paul in Romans. A promise that before him every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God (Rom 14:11).

Also, the way of peace through Christ is revealed in those who reconcile their state of sinfulness to the authority of the Savior. They experience peace in their soul and towards their neighbors. As well as boldly displaying this peace through their humble words and actions.

In closing, I pray you have the peace of Christ in you this season and throughout the coming year! Although it is not a state of being for those outside the will of God, it is for us who trust in Christ. Nor is it for the scoffers and professors in this fallen culture chasing after the alluring things the prince of this world dangles before them. It is for the light of peace in us that shines in the presence of a hostile world. Its purpose is to reveal the true longing of every heart is something only Christ can fill.

The Way of Peace Series Begins Here

Setting our hearts on our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel. For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage set his heart on God. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we set our hearts on God, Jesus touches our brokenness and places us upright in His love. We can then turn to the powerful message of God to reassure us further. In His Word, we hear his voice and understand His intentions. Please be encouraged today by what the angel of the Lord shares with Daniel:

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words (Daniel 10:12).

We are not alone.

Our prayers are heard and acted upon as the hand of the Lord reaches out to our inmost being to give us strength. Sometimes it is an illness or loss that brings us to that place of humility. A place that opens our mind to our own vulnerability and mortality. A battle ensues as we begin to fear loss.  A possible loss of health, income, or way of life.

We don’t have to be afraid, the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Protector is present during the battle with us. The temporary things are stripped away to expose the eternal things of true value. Empathy of friends, care of loved ones, as well as the consuming spiritual support of God’s Word.

We are loved! Just as Jesus reassures his disciples, he will not leave them as orphans, He comes to us too. He lives in us, and because our hearts are devoted to him, his commands are a joy to follow. There is freedom for our souls when we see His way and His Word as sweeter than honey.

Jesus says to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him “(John 14:18-21).

Daniel’s situation is a physical manifestation of what happens to us spiritually in our walk with the Lord. A picture of what is happening in the spiritual realm that we cannot see, although we feel in our hearts and know in our minds. It’s as real as the anger, discontent, and selfish greed of the world around us.

Although, the angel was detained in a spiritual battle, he reassures Daniel his words are heard.

Paul tells us in Ephesians our battle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).

It is reassuring to know that we are not alone in our battle against the darkness. There are messengers of God battling with us and for us. We battle through our dark and lonely places by knowing and reading God’s inspired word. It is there that we meet God on the page and are heard and feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 

Let the glorious words of “greatly loved” sink in a few minutes. Yes, the angel is talking to Daniel to reassure him, but God’s word assures us of the same promise. God’s love has been poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). May our hearts be encouraged as we set them on God! We are knit together in love to reach all the richness of full assurance, understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ Jesus ( Col 2:2).

No amount of preparation can prepare us for a devastating diagnose, except this! Courage is facing our fear in the oncoming battle and moving forward anyway. That invisible hand reaching out to hold us upright is the hand of our Lord. I pray he touches you today through the power of his word and renews your courage to face the days ahead with poise and resilience. May God be with you and keep you always.

This 3 day reading plan can be viewed and shared on the YouVersion app

As He Spoke to Me, I was Strengthened

Letters to Those We Love

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love?

For many of us, it’s seems like ages ago. Although, social media and texting make messaging one another easy and quick, it oftentimes lacks the personal touch of a letter.

Yet, how often do we fail to relay the depth of our empathy in a text. Perhaps, more importantly, our remorse for a harsh word. In fact, how clear are we to declare how much we care to those we cherish?

Under those circumstances, maybe it’s time to get out the stationary and pen a letter to someone we love.  Who is on our heart? What will we say to the special person in our lives?  Perhaps, we’ll start with our usual term of endearment, “Dear” … meaning darling, cherished one, precious.

Wow, it’s already sounding more personable and real. Much like the letter of Jude begins in our first day of bible study.

Jude 1:1 says, “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
 To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.

We learn in our first day of study how ancient letters address recipients. The sender introduces himself by name and states he is a servant to Jesus Christ. However he mentions his brother James but neglects to mention his other siblings. One of whom is Jesus, as well as the others listed in Mathew 13:53-55.

The humility shown in these few words is a wonderful example of how we can address people in our current volatile climate. Although, he is a brother to the Messiah and James a pillar of the church, he doesn’t boast of his credentials. Instead, he calls himself a servant (in many translations-slave). He then clearly states who he is writing to. 

“Those who are called”.

Since the beauty of bible study is looking deeper into what the text says, Jackie directs us in our study to clarify the people called. 

*We read in scripture people are called according to God’s purpose (Rom. 8:28-30).

*Christians are called into fellowship with His son (1 Cor. 1:4-9)

* We are also called through the gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14)
*As well as, called to a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:8-9).  (Perry, 2019, p. 22)

Beloved By God

Furthermore, the letter’s introduction states the recipients are “beloved in God”.

A word meaning dearest, darling, precious, and cherished. Words so much needed to hear and words we need to hear. God poured out his love for us by sending His only son to suffer and die for our sin (John 3:16).

When we fully place our trust in Him, we walk away from our intention to sin. Submitting our lives to him, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the recipients of the letter are being “kept’ in his grace. No broken promises or contracts for Jude’s listener’s as they face the false teachers and violent culture around them.

Therefore, Jude reassures his listeners in his first sentence: Since they commit to following Jesus, they are not disregarded, cast aside, or broken in spirt.

They are kept FOR Jesus Christ.

Jesus says in Mathew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Furthermore, Jesus also makes it as clear to us as he did His disciples, in this world we will have trouble. But his words to them can also be an assurance to us,  “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33).

So, dear sister in Christ, who God the Father cherishes, from Mysty, who loves Jesus, please let scripture lift you up today.

God’s Holy words are a whisper on the pages of scripture to draw us closer to Him. We have the privilege to treasure and share them with those we love.

I pray you write a heartfelt letter to someone special and tell them how deeply you love and appreciate them. How glorious, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ!

References:

Perry, Jackie Hill, 2019. Jude, Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture. Liefway Press, Nashville, TN 37234.

And he said, “Oman greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19

How blessed are we that our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel? For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

The Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

God hears our cries

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

For further encouragement check out the devotion page on this site!

Sometimes I just need a picture…

Do you ever see scripture paint a picture of a concept you can’t fully understand?

Or perhaps, you’re like me, and not ready to accept the message pointing to an area of continual struggle.

If you do, we can explore together how the bible prepares a word canvas we can all accept and navigate. Although it takes time and thought, we’ll find the investment is well worth the effort. As a matter of fact, a picture of others bowing before God is helpful in opening my eyes to areas of pride in my own life.

In our Tuesday study group we are delving into this a little deeper. The Proverbs 31 team has provided “The Answers to Your Deepest Longings” A bible study giving us an overview of the principles leading to salvation through Jesus Christ.

How Our Eyes Are Opened

In week seven of our study we see a man on murderous path. No one following The Way is safe from his wrath. The sad part is, he thinks he’s serving God to the best of his ability. A man, educated and driven to violence for a cause (stopping Christianity) that is futile. This man we learn about is Saul of Tarsus. My cultural study bible describes Tarsus as a highly developed, philosophical place valuing education and higher thinking.

Paul describes himself as ” a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city (Jerusalem), educated at the feet of Gamaliel  according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day” Acts 22:3  (Full Passage)

Paul is a student of the scriptures, just like us! Yet, at that time he lacks a full understanding of God’s plan. In Acts chapter 9, Paul is on his way to Damascus to persecute believers. We read of the bright light that temporarily blinds him and brings him to his knees. The voice from heaven is Jesus, asking:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4,5)

Walk Humbly

Furthermore, Saul, like us many times, has no recourse but to fall humbly before Jesus. It’s not surprising the proud require force to find that place of humility. However, it only takes one deep humbling to convince him, and sadly some of us too, to willingly come to a place of submission.

Possibly, like many of the Pharisees, Paul lost sight of God’s mercy woven through the law. His situation reminds me of  Isaiah falling before the holiness of God in Isaiah chapter 1 as the prophet sees his vision. He cries out “Woe to me, I am ruined, for I am a man of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Psalm 25:9

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Psalm 69:32

When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

Moreover, in the presence of holiness, we can only bow and repent. For it is then, that we see ourselves as we truly are: Full of sin and selfishness with the light of scripture shinning on our faulty ways. But we don’t have to stay there.

We have hope! Awareness of our status is good news because we cannot correct what we do not see!

When the Holy Spirit leads us to this place of humility, we are open to change.

Just as the seraphim fly to Isaiah and purge him of unclean lips, Jesus covers us in His righteousness when we come to faith. The picture of scripture could not be more clear. When we read God’s inspired Word and come to the place of repentance, our hearts melt before him in humble adoration. Eagerly, we confess all to Him. He sees and forgives as our hearts are renewed! (Romans 10:8-10).

 It’s a beautiful picture of God’s restorative power over sin in our hearts. I pray we understand this concept with gladness and joy as we continue our studies!

The Results of This New Canvas

We arise, like Paul to a place of wonder and reflection. A new insight and purpose take hold of our being. In Christ’s marvelous light we overcome spiritual death and live to please Him. Furthermore, we yearn for more of Jesus in His Word.

Love grows and spills over to those around us. We have a new desire to be kinder, more understanding and softer in our approach to others. The strokes of God’s pen are ingrained on our hearts forever and our area of struggle just got smaller in light of His mercy.

That picture of scripture, my friends, is a masterpiece.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:15

I once had poison ivy so bad I missed two days of school. The raised rash covered my body as if I’d rolled around in it. To this day, when I see its red tinted leaves vining through a flower bed, my skin prickles with dread. It must go. So, I apply gloves and carefully pull it away from my blooming flowers.

To my surprise, the pesky poison is back two weeks later! I realize the roots are firmly entrenched among the bed of tall phlox. The plants tenacity reminds me of another kind of root bearing “poisonous and bitter fruit” (Deuteronomy 29:18 ESV). The root I’d like to dig out and burn thoroughly. It’s called bitterness and it creeps into my budding bed of faith just like poison.

Although ’d like to blame hurtful words, restrictions of a virus, work stress, or demands of child rearing, those are not the root. The root is my heart focusing on what is said over what is read. Do you ever fall into that trap? When you and I read the Word of truth, we cherish its grace-filled message.

However, walking into our workplace or chaotic home environment, we struggle to keep the good news active over stubborn hurt feelings in our hearts. (Deuteronomy 29:19).

What is the lure of holding onto angry words or hard feelings despite the freeing power of grace? Perhaps, the reaction feeds a false sense of power. Latching onto the adrenaline rush, we sometimes shed the grace-filled message in favor of the feeling. If we’re not careful, we may miss what God is weeding out. Tangled in a shaded perspective, we can give the lingering root of bitterness room to grow.

Before we know it, careless words and stress are working their way like fresh springs of water to feed disgruntlement. Questions arise as thoughts spiral out of control in the onslaught of indignation. “Did he really have to say that again?” “Why can’t I do anything right?”

It’s the age-old tactic of the devil, plant the seed of doubt in the mind of someone who takes their eyes off Jesus for one moment. Subtly entwine an overwhelmed heart with slight criticism so they are easy prey. The writer of Hebrews says, No! “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God”

The grace of God goes immediately to the source of bitterness and soothes the emotions it evokes, every time. All we must do is pray.

Praying fiercely to cover ourselves and our opposition with grace removes resentment. The tiny tentacles clinging to our hearts release their hold. The gift of grace showered upon us from the day of our redemption teaches us to confess the bitterness God already sees gripping our hearts! We can then place the peaceful power of Jesus over ploys to pull us away from His will.

Soon after, spirit-filled grace will overflow from our grateful hearts onto the pesky poison around us. Roots of bitterness will die when their nourishment is cut off …and no gloves are necessary. Grace wins over bitterness, every time.

For more encouragement check out this post on Sticky

Hebrews Chapter 11

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”
Hebrews 11:14

The hall of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven mentions the most notable people of the bible. People our study group, and perhaps yours, has spent weeks and months studying.  I admit, I missed an important detail in studying these individuals the writer of Hebrews brings to light. They thought of themselves as strangers and exiles on earth (vs. 13).

As new testament believers and end of the age Christians, we understand the concept of being exiles and strangers on earth. Yes, you and I know and believe faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (vs.1).  But do we long for and hope for that time with the Lord when all things are made right?  

Life with Jesus in my permanent homeland, is something I’ve always looked toward as later in life. Peacefully accepting the difficulties of the here and now, I understand He will make all things new…sometime later.

But truthfully, for me, not until 2020 did I long for that new home, every day!

The escalating hate, selfishness, and greed of people and governing bodies bring the words of Paul to the forefront of our current place in time:  

“But understand this, that in the last days there will be times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
2 Timothy 3:1-4

English Standard Version

A sad condition of the human race without God at the center. Perhaps just as evil as what Abel, Noah, Abraham, and the rest of them faced. But to understand now, they looked forward to a city that has foundations designed and built by God (vs. 10) amid their desolate circumstances sheds more light on their hope.

The intensity of their hope in God and this place gave them the faith to conquer kingdoms, enforce justice, quench the power of fire, escape the edge of the sword, make strength out of weakness, become mighty in war, and put armies to flight. (vs. 33,34) All the while they also suffered mocking, torture, imprisonment, stoning. Although praised for their faith, they did not receive the promise of the city designed and built by God until Jesus came.

When Jesus came, He conquered death on the cross and established the eternal covenant. Bringing the city built by God to the spirits of the righteous made perfect (12:23) Since apart from new covenant believers, the old testament saints could not be made perfect (vs.40). Praise be to God, the God of timing!

We can hold onto our hope with wonder and awe of God’s saving grace. Despite our evil world, He is working out His plan. He helps me understand the innocent suffer because of raging sin, but they will be comforted in his loving arms. Their bodies are abused and discarded, but they are so much more than temporary bodies, they are souls birthed in the mind of our loving Father, who long to return to Him. Their pain and suffering here will be forgotten as he wipes every tear from their eyes!

There, my friends, is the most glorious hope, safe in His presence forever!

Hebrews Chapter 10

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds.” Then he adds, “ I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”   (Hebrews 10:16-17)

Do you know what I love most about scripture?

Scripture displays the heart of God wooing, reminding, chastising, and giving every opportunity for selfish hearts to turn to Him for healing. A spiritual healing from the love of money, sexual immorality, lack of love for others, the need for approval, our selfish pride, love of material things, and even putting the love of our children above Him.

Yes, we need the kind of healing only Christ has the power to offer!  Then God will then remember our lawless deeds no more. What? All those things mentioned previously, are lawless deeds?

Yes! Anything, we love above our Lord and placed higher in our priorities above Him is a lawless deed. I am guilty, maybe we both are. But at the same time, we can be thankful!  The love of things or people above God does not have to take over our lives.

The writer of Hebrews urges us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22-23.

English Standard Version

This may be just as hard for us today as it was the first century Christians. After all, after they were enlightened, they endured a hard struggle with sufferings, public reproach, and affliction (vs. 32).  

They joyfully accepted the plundering of their property, as many Christian throughout the world do today in India, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Korea…..because they knew they had “a better possession and an abiding one (vs. 34). 

The better possession of course is eternity with God. The writer of Hebrews assures us to not shrink back but have faith and preserve our souls (vs. 39)  It’s deep, I know, and a little scary. But so real to our fellow Christians around the world today.

Their reality may hit a weak spot in our souls. Do we see a glimpse of what they endure coming here? I think we do. Are We ready to defend our faith to the death? Will we refuse a very suspicious vaccine that will be mandated in order to continue in a job we’ve enjoyed for years? Will our children and grandchildren be spared the coming judgment for our nation?

Truthfully, we don’t know, but we do have hope! We have powerful weapons to prepare! We have hearts that love and serve our Lord! We offer up a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name (Hebrews 13:16). We share what we have with a clear conscience and we desire to act honorably in all things (13:19). Most of all, we pray fervently, that hearts and minds of our loved ones and all we know with turn to Him for healing and salvation!

The faithful, promising hope of Jesus and His truth, dear friends, is what you and I can love about scripture!

Hebrews Chapter 9

We are Purified One Way…Jesus

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”

Hebrews: 9:22

Sometimes I think of how thirsty I’d have to be to drink a cup of water from the Ohio river. The thought of drinking sewage, pharmaceutical, and industrially contaminated water is down right repulsive. Just like my sin is to God. I’m like water needing purification before I enter the presence of God. A process similar to what river water needs before entering the pot to brew my favorite tea.

Purify means to make pure; clear of any material defilement or imperfection. Different processes of purification are used in cleaning our river water, fine jewelry, and even cloth for clothes and sheets. Let’s face it, in their natural state, things come along to contaminate what was meant to be pure.

 Our need for purification is an ongoing process that we face daily with repeated contaminates. We learned a couple of weeks ago our inner conversation with God is never hidden from His sight. When we read in His words to us in the bible, He is giving us His divine instruction on how to live. The living, active, sword that pierces to the division of our soul and spirit also discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. We are all naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Although we are seeking Him, we still struggle to fully submit ourselves to Him. As we read, we may think “Well, that’s not for me” or “He can do that, I can’t.” “Ok, Lord, I’ll try to do better.”  “I’m not sure about this…” Taking a step towards sacrifice in today’s culture is to obey the uncomfortable things He’s asking us to do in His word.

God highlights in His word, His holiness, and our great need for Him.

The first century Christian coverts from Judaism, understood a different arrangement of gifts and sacrifices. The need for various washings, and the sprinkling of blood for the forgiveness of sins was ingrained upon them since childhood. Although, those rituals were offered, they could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. (Hebrews 9:6-10)

Knowing we are helpless babes in need of a powerful advocate to cover our pathetic attempts to clear our own conscience, God sent His son. He made a greater and more perfect sacrifice to cover our sin for eternity. Jen Wilkin, in our Hebrews study (2019) points out the inspiring words of Paul to Titus as he emphasizes this point.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Titus 2:11-14 ESV, Bible Gateway)

The apostle Peter closes this lesson out well with his words of encouragement:  

“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18, ESV)

Lord, how wonderful and awesome are your ways! The savored and treasured blood of Christ covers us in ways we may never fully grasp but recognize as a powerful gift. Thank you for your cleansing power! Thank you for refining us like silver and gold to be a people zealous for pleasing You!

Have a blessed day, secure in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus!