Awarded Honor

 

Awarded Honor

Hebrews 5: ⁵ In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the honor of being a high priest. Instead, God said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”
⁶ He also said in another place,
“You will be a priest forever,
    in the priestly order of Melchizedek.”

 

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“You need to brand yourself to be noticed” was the advice given to me. In the middle of all the noise, people were trying to teach me how to “manage upward” and to “self-promote” to get noticed by the higher ups so I could be pulled up to their level.

 

• I wanted to be noticed.
• I wanted to be promoted.
• I wanted to gain power.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about the humility of JESUS. Infinite power and the highest title was not the goal of JESUS, rather HE took the lowest form and served humanity. GOD awarded HIM with the “honor” anyway.

 

My Observations

• GOD said “the first will be last and the last will be first.
• Sometimes when I think “I” should be elevated I really should take a step back and focus on serving.
• Serving others give me the leadership style GOD wants me to have.

 

Titles, power and fame are holes I can fall into easily. I mean, I can seek “likes” on social media, or a title in a company or business and be recognized by the world as being “successful.” BUT GOD sees success in a different way.

 

JESUS gave the best example of being successful. HE died for the sins of mankind even though HE was innocent and did not sin. HE then served humanity by sending the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort us, instead of scolding us. HE went away to build a permanent place for us even though we don’t deserve it. I am glad HE did all of this with love for me and you in mind.

 

Challenge

• What honor is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever wanted to be noticed or elevated to a higher status?
• Will you seek that GOD wants for you and not worry about what people think about you or the title you have?

Plenty to Do

Plenty to Do

Hebrews 5: Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. ² Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. ³ And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. ⁴ No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest—just as Aaron was.

 

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When the position opened, I applied for it. I did not get the position, because It was clearly not in my skillset. But I wanted a promotion. A mentor said, “Don’t worry. It will come. Just be patient..” I did get promoted later.

 

• I wanted to be in charge.
• I wanted to be chosen to lead a group.
• I wanted to be in a higher position, but I could not place myself in it.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, wrote about the position of the High Priest. He explained that the High Priest was fallible. Although prone to mistakes, the High Priest was called by GOD for HIS purpose.

 

My Observations

• Though I am not called to be a High Priest, I still have plenty to do to serve the LORD.
• Even if I am not a pastor, I can lead many people back to CHRIST.
• My service to the LORD does not depend on who is leading a group of people.

 

Atonement for sin is no longer through a High Priest. I mean, JESUS was and is the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the need to use the blood of animals to symbolize the washing away of sins. HIS sacrifice provided the necessary blood to save me.

 

JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me after being raised from the dead. The HOLY SPIRIT guides me to serve others and be served when I need to be picked up. I am glad GOD cared enough for me to put me in HIS plan.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in this passage?
• Have you ever wanted to be in charge?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to all that is needed to be done, so you can take your eyes off of someone else’s life and accept HIS calling on your life today?

Just When We Need It

Just When We Need It

Hebrews 4: ¹⁴ Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. ¹⁵ Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

 

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Having come out of the trial, I felt I needed a vacation from being “good.” I let down my guards and decided I could sin a little here and a little there. Soon I was back to old habits, never once praying to, nor communicating with GOD. But then troubles hit again.

 

• I wondered if GOD was punishing me for something I did.
• I also wondered if HE would forgive me “this” time.
• I also wondered if GOD would reach a limit on HIS forgiveness and just get tired of me coming to HIM with the same request.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains that JESUS is different than the human high priests. They, being human, have fallen into sin. JESUS was tempted in every way and never sinned. He explains that we can hold onto our faith firmly because JESUS provides mercy and grace.

 

My Observations

• There is no sin too great that GOD will not forgive.
• I can approach GOD with all my sins and be forgiven.
• JESUS knows what I am going through and sympathizes with me because of what HE went through.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver versus the ultimate punisher. I mean, sometimes I get scared of GOD, especially when I sin. I think I may not get “my” way. Consequently, I also think I can manipulate GOD into giving me “my” way by temporarily being good. HE knows that too.

 

GOD sees me different than I see myself. HE loves me and is concerned about me. HE grants me mercy when I should receive the ultimate punishment. HE pours out grace when I do not deserve it and HE seems to do it just when I need it. I thank GOD for HIS grace and mercy. It is always right on time!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer portray JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a situation where no one sympathized with you?
• Have you ever been blamed by “everyone” around you?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and learn about truly being forgiven so you can experience HIS everlasting grace and mercy today?

Exposed

Exposed

Hebrews 4: ¹² The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. ¹³ There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.

 

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After the night of drunken sex, I put on my best suit and went to church. Maybe this would erase the guilt, was my motive for going. As I transitioned from Sunday School to morning service, a guy called me out. “We had fun at the club last night!” “Why did he have to be there?” was my thought!

 

• I didn’t want anyone to know that I went to clubs and had drunken sex.
• I had plenty of sins that I was planning to take to my grave.
• I felt embarrassed when I was exposed, but it turned out to be a relief.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the power of the word of GOD. This is the revelation of how GOD interacts with humans, given through prophets, poets and priests. This revelation also includes the fact that everything in all creation is exposed to GOD.

 

My Observations

• There is nothing I can hide from GOD.
• The more I try to hide my sins, the harder it will be for me to confess them and to let go of them.
• GOD called the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they refused to expose their own sins.

 

It is real easy for me to tell others “You have sinned” but it is tougher for me to say in front of everyone “I have sinned and her is how I did it.” I mean, it just feels better when the spotlight is not on me when it comes to something yucky. But GOD sees my yuckiness and loves me anyway.

 

There is nothing I can hide from GOD. HE sees every thought that pops in my head and allows me to decide to choose HIS way or mine. HE gives me HIS word as a revelation to HIS love and I have, at my fingertips, a guide that brings me back to HIS love. I gladly expose my sins I still make mistakes on and believe they will not sting as much when I stand before HIM someday.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “Purpose” in this passage?
• Have you ever done something wrong and felt so insecure about it that you plan on taking the hidden sin to your grave?
• Are things going wrong in your life and you don’t know why?
• Will you expose your heart to GOD and confess everything directly to JESUS so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Preparing for Rest

 

Preparing for Rest

Hebrews 4: ⁸ If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. ⁹ As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. ¹⁰ For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. ¹¹ Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.

 

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“There has got to be more to life than this” I thought to myself. I went to work, ran into a bunch of conversations that were exhausting, came back to my apartment and flopped on the couch. “Is this it?” “Am I going to do this the rest of my life?”

 

• I was living to work and working to live.
• I had fallen into a rut and could not see much purpose in what I was doing.
• I worked hard trying to live but I still ran into problems.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the old covenant to the new. He mentions Joshua as a representative to the old covenant. If Joshua provided the rest that GOD promised, then there would be no need for another covenant. BUT GOD spoke of a different rest.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my refuge in whom I place my trust.
• JESUS is who I can go to when I am not feeling rested.
• JESUS is my Savior and one day I will receive the rest promised to me.

 

After a trial, I feel relieved. I mean, I can breathe out and finally get rest from what I was worried about. This feeling also applies to following JESUS. As difficult as it is to live fore HIM, telling others about HIM and being an example for HIM, one day I will be with HIM to receive rest.

 

No more worries, no more troubles, no more fears, doubts or worries. Pure rest. This rest comes to those who believe that JESUS is the only one who can provide the rest. HE died for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead. HE went to prepare a place for us so we can rest from the work we do for HIM today. I look forward to this rest and will continue my “work” until then.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever wanted some rest but could not find it?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS so HE will give you what HE promised, namely rest from being weary?

Today is Amazing!

 

Today is Amazing!

Hebrews 4: ⁴ For somewhere in the Scriptures this is said about the seventh day: “God rested on the seventh day from all his work.” ⁵ This same matter is spoken of again: “They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest.” ⁶ Those who first heard the Good News did not receive that rest, because they did not believe. There are, then, others who are allowed to receive it. ⁷ This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called “Today.” Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn.”

 

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Replaying what he or she did to me kept “it” fresh in my mind. After replaying the wrong that was done, I would contemplate some words I would say or maybe some words I would like to hear. I looked back at the past and held on tight. I also looked at the future and it looked bleak unless a radical change happened.

 

I looked at the past a lot and re-wounded myself often.

I did not want to let go of the past, because I thought it guided my future.

I simply wanted things to be in a good spot, but I focused on the bad “a lot.”

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a special day, namely “Today.” He warns everyone to focus on “Today” in obedience to GOD. He spoke about the importance of resting and how GOD promised rest for those who believe. The warning gives immediacy in turning our hearts to GOD “Today.”

 

My Observations:

Listening to GOD is the utmost important thing I must do daily.

Putting into action what HE wants me to do is the act of belief HE wants me to have.

Focusing in on “Today” helps me have a more stable relationship with the LORD.

 

Looking into the future seems like the right thing to do, but I would be wrong every time. I mean, who would have predicted where the world would be “today”, years ago? Only GOD knows the true future. Humans guess and sometimes the predictions come true so their reliance on GOD wanes. BUT GOD wants me to rely on what HE revealed for the future so I can rest.

 

HE also wants me to let go of the past. This is very hard for me, because in some instances, the past continues to become fresh. Another example is piled on top of the many examples I could bring up from “old tapes” I replay in my mind. GOD wants me to choose HIS remedy and seek HIS grace which HE poured out on me generously. I gladly ask GOD for help in letting go of the past and to stop looking into the future so I can focus on the blessings of “today.”

 

Challenge

Do you feel the immediacy of the writer?

Have you ever been stuck in the past or been worried about the future?

Will you get some rest by praising GOD for “Today” and allow HIM to be amazing?

Promise Offered

 

Promise Offered

Hebrews 4: Now, God has offered us the promise that we may receive that rest he spoke about. Let us take care, then, that none of you will be found to have failed to receive that promised rest. ² For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith. ³ We who believe, then, do receive that rest which God promised. It is just as he said,

“I was angry and made a solemn promise:
    ‘They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!’”
He said this even though his work had been finished from the time he created the world.

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Facing turmoil caused me to lay awake at night. Trouble here and trouble there made my mind continue to spin a web of unresolved questions. I wanted to get some rest, but couldn’t. In fact, just looking at the clock in the middle of the night, made me more anxious that I needed rest to survive the day.

 

• I was exhausted.
• I was worried and could not find rest.
• I figured that I was on my own and “I” had to come up with the solution, but could not.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, mentions “promised rest” from GOD. The ancestors refused to believe GOD and did not receive HIS “promised rest.” The writer warns everyone to believe in the Goon News about JESUS, so we can receive this “promised rest.”

 

My Observations

• Trying to control life makes me lose rest.
• GOD wants me to give HIM control so I can get some rest.
• Scary moments must be given to GOD so HE can provide the right solution.

 

“Come unto me all you that are heavy laden and I will give you rest” is the promise given to me. But sometimes I don’t believe it is that easy.  I try to give “it” to GOD, but then I peek to see if HE has fixed the situation to my liking and in my time. When I don’t see the results I was looking for, I jump in with “my” plan, possibly tearing up other people with my actions. BUT GOD has another way.

 

JESUS wants me to have rest. HE wants me to have peace that is beyond understanding. As scary as life is, GOD is in control of every situation. Belief in HIM providing rest in this life and the next raises my hope. I am glad GOD has all my scary situations.

 

Challenge

• What rest is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever worried so much that you could not get any sleep?
• Will you place your trust in the LORD today so HE can give you rest in all situations?

Hearing Test

 

Hearing Test

Hebrews 3: ¹⁵ This is what the scripture says:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were
    when they rebelled against God.”

 

¹⁶ Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. ¹⁸ When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. ¹⁹ We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.

 

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Wanting to be mad, I thought of all the “bad” things that had happened. Then I heard something within me say “Let it go. Your hatred is hurting you more than you know.” I had a choice. Let go of the hurt I replayed in my mind or move forward, carrying GOD’s love.

 

• I could not hear GOD when I was fuming.
• I could not hear other people when I was upset.
• I could not hear words of reason when I had anger, rage, slander and hurt in my heart.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns everyone to listen to GOD “today.” He mentions ancestors who heard GOD, but refused to obey as a warning to everyone. Their rebellion caused death and GOD promised they would never reach the promised land.

 

My Observations

• My stubborn heart is no match for GOD.
• Any time I rebel against GOD, I lose.
• Since GOD is pure love, my rebellion is against pure love.

 

Not listening to GOD is a huge mistake, I mean, when I hear HIM tell me “forgive that person” and I don’t, I am rebelling. HE wants me to voluntarily choose love as my path to all my relationships. The more I choose hatred, hurt, and slander, the harder my heart gets. After a while, I get friends who agree with my hatred and slander and we feel better spreading poison versus love. BUT GOD has a remedy

 

HE wants me to see that my heart is on its way to becoming hard and stubborn as those HE did not deliver into the promised land. HE can open my eyes to HIS promises, but I have to be willing to let go of things HE does not want me to have. I am glad GOD wants to be my guide, therefore, I choose to hear HIM.

 

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever knowingly done something wrong and now you have justified your wrong for so long, that it seems like there is no way back to right?
• Will you let go of things that are obviously wrong and allow GOD to rescue you and guide you with the HOLY SPIRIT today?

House Materials

House Materials

Hebrews 3: ⁴ Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. ⁵ Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.

 

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“I feel like giving up” are the words I have used many times when things got difficult. Something ultra scary or painful would arise and it would seem like there was no way out.

 

• I would get worried.
• I would get scared.
• I would think of what could go wrong versus thinking about what has gone right.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about GOD being the builder of HIS house. JESUS is in charge of GOD’s house and remains faithful. HE builds the house out of those who follow HIM.

 

My Observations

• When times get difficult, GOD gives me courage.
• When times get painful, GOD gives me confidence that HE will take care of it.
• When times get rough and I cannot see a way out of the trouble, GOD comes through with HIS grace.

 

Having courage and confidence is difficult. I mean, there are scary people, situations and diseases out there. BUT GOD wants me to place my trust in HIM. When I trust GOD to handle the situation, I can let go of it.

 

HE then does something quite miraculous. HE takes the thing I was trying to fix or build and HE fixes it or builds it HIS way. I am so glad HIS plan is far greater than anything I could ever think of and HE is the one who builds HIS house out of me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the example of a house?
• Have you ever been part of a community ad felt valued?
• Have you ever gotten scared because you need help from others?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who knows your situation, so HE can give you the courage and confidence to face today’s situation and renew your hope for HIS plan in your life?

More Honor

More Honor

Hebrews 3: My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. ² He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. ³ A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 

 

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After working hard, I received an award for the thing my team built. It was state of the art and highly desired. Years later, it was mundane and complained about. I heard someone mention how difficult it was to update to the “newest” stuff.

 

• I felt great when I was on top.
• I did not feel as good when my name was associated with something that needed to be thrown away.
• I felt even worse when people felt “I” should be thrown away with the thing that was built.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appeals to those who follow JESUS as their Savior. He knew people had elevated Moses to a place of honor because of the first five books of the bible. Moses had an amazing encounter with GOD and wrote out laws and history that was revealed to him. The writer says “JESUS is worthy of much greater honor than Moses.”

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me with more honor than the projects I complete.
• I am more valuable than the likes I get on social media.
• JESUS is the most valuable being whom I should follow.

 

Before I seek any honor, I must ask myself, “Have I given any honor to the one who created me?” Many times the answer is no. BUT GOD deserves more honor than the thing I am trying to build. HE gave  me gifts, abilities and talents to be able to accomplish whatever I would like.

 

HE guides me and leads me to do things I never would have dreamt of. HE deserves the honor whenever I accomplish something. I gladly give JESUS more honor than the latest project that will one day be outdated.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer compare JESUS to Moses?
• Have you ever felt valuable because of a project or something you did?
• Will you take some time to reassess your value so you can understand JESUS values you to the extreme, so maybe you can give HIM more honor today?

Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Special Meeting

Special Meeting

Hebrews 2: ¹¹ He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. ¹² He says to God,

“I will tell my people what you have done;
    I will praise you in their meeting.”

¹³ He also says, “I will put my trust in God.” And he also says, “Here I am with the children that God has given me.”

 

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“All meetings should be cancelled” was the message received. Something big must have happened, was the first thing on my mind. There was a major announcement that the entire company had to hear. We all gathered to hear the announcement.

 

• I couldn’t wait to hear what was about to be said.
• I wondered what was going on.
• I had many thoughts, good and bad, run through my mind so I discussed them with others.

 

Paul, the assumed author, writes about a great gathering that will happen someday. This gathering of those who believe in JESUS will have an announcement. JESUS will tell everyone the great things GOD has done. This meeting is also a great presentation, praising GOD for the “children that GOD has given” JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unimaginable great things are being done by GOD.
• JESUS will need to explain these great things to everyone.
• One day I will value GOD for what and who HE is.

 

Walking through life blindly can be difficult. I mean, it seems like there are difficult decisions that need to be made that require GOD’s intervention daily. It gets tiring. But one day GOD will reveal all that has been done.

 

Those who value GOD for salvation will one day hear what the great plan HE has had for each since before the beginning. Everything done, good or bad, will be revealed in front of everyone and GOD’s grace and mercy will also be revealed. I look forward to the great meeting someday.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer refer to family?
• Have you ever gathered with a group of people to hear some good news?
• Did you celebrate?
• Will you look forward to gathering with those who love JESUS by celebrating HIM today?

Careful Thoughts

Careful Thoughts

Hebrews 2: ⁵ God has not placed the angels as rulers over the new world to come—the world of which we speak. ⁶ Instead, as it is said somewhere in the Scriptures:
“What are human beings, O God, that you should think of them;
    mere human beings, that you should care for them?
⁷ You made them for a little while lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
⁸     and made them rulers over all things.”

 

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Feeling alone I complained to myself “What’s wrong with me?” Everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves in life and I have “no one” who thinks about me.

 

• I was feeling lonely.
• I thought that “no one” was thinking about me.
• I wanted at least someone in the crowd to reach out to me for a change.

 

Continuing with the comparison of angels to humans, the writer, who is assumed to be Paul, explains a strange hierarchy. Humans, while frail and fragile, will someday be mightier than the angels. GOD will somehow place humans over all things.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me and knows my thoughts.
• GOD does not want me to be alone in life so HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me.
• GOD has precious, loving thoughts about me and for me.

 

Thinking about people is GOD’s specialty. I mean, HE knows every hair on your head and mine. This means HE is concerned with every single detail about you and me. JESUS understands loneliness like no other human. HE voluntarily took on becoming the blame for all sin. HE had no one who could empathize with HIM or even be there for HIM even when HE asked.

 

HE was murdered even though HE could have rightfully called for help from thousands of angels. HE was raised from the dead and sent the COMFORTER to be with every lonely person who seeks HIM. I am glad GOD will never, ever leave me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer pondering?
• Have you ever wondered who is thinking about you?
• Have you ever come up with the false conclusion that “no one” is thinking about you?
• Will you let go of the lie and believe that GOD loves you and cares deeply about you and is thinking about you even this very minute?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please provide this reader with the love and care he or she needs today. Thank YOU for caring for us and for thinking about us. amen

Hold On Firmly

 

Hold On Firmly

Hebrews 2: That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. ² The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and those who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment they deserved. ³ How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. ⁴ At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will.

 

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When things got a little rough, the first thing that I would drop is following GOD. I would look for things I could get into that I knew in my heart, were not pleasing to GOD. “I just needed a vacation from being good.” I justified.

 

• I easily let go of GOD when I wanted to.
• I ran conveniently back to HIM when I got into trouble.
• I saw the value in following GOD’s ways, yet I easily let go of them.

 

“Hold on all the more firmly” is the warning from the writer, who we assume is Paul. This passage also explains that scripture was delivered from GOD through angels to mankind. This message has proven to be true and still does to this very day.

 

My Observations

• Relative truth can reject GOD, JESUS and HIS Word.
• GOD wants me to hold firmly to the solid truth with is JESUS as the Savior.
• The HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me and offers the truth to me daily.

 

Let me say out loud that I am not GOD. I mean the thought that GOD is everywhere and “everything”, so by associative thinking, I am GOD is false. GOD made me a living soul with free will to choose HIM. I can never lay claim to having HIS power, nor diminish it by claiming I am HIM.

 

GOD is all knowing, all seeing and is everywhere, yet, HE made me with free will and the ability to choose or reject HIM I choose HIM by believe in JESUS who is the way the truth and the life. I gladly hold firmly onto the only truth, which is JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this warning?
• Have you heard relative truth statements that go against what GOD says in the Bible?
• Have you ever questioned the Bible yourself, saying this does not make sense?
• Will you ask GOD to reveal the truth to you and open your eyes to any lie you may have been told or believe in so HE can guide you to HIS truth today?

Unaware of Help

Unaware of Help

Hebrews 1: ¹³ God never said to any of his angels:
“Sit here at my right side
    until I put your enemies
    as a footstool under your feet.”

¹⁴ What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.

 

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Thinking of the mischief I could get into, my heart pounded with anticipation. I had not done this particular thing before, and I figured I was already a mess so I would try something new. Out of nowhere, a person was there, asking if I knew the LORD. “Why that question of all questions!”

 

• I stopped pursuing the thing that I shouldn’t have been pursuing in the first place.
• I have been blocked from doing things I should not be doing .
• I have also been protected from harm and survived brushes with death.

 

Paul is the assumed writer who received a revelation from GOD. He compared angels to JESUS, stating JESUS holds the highest honor, while angels are servants sent to help those who are saved.

 

My Observations

• GOD has some special purposes that can only be fulfilled through JESUS.
• GOD sends supernatural help to me when I am not aware that I even need help.
• GOD loves me so much that HE guides me, leads me and protects me even though I have free will to choose HIM.

 

Supernatural help is wonderful! I mean, it is provided to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. Since GOD wants everyone to be saved, there is no exclusion to HIS love. It is up to me to choose HIM as my Savior. When I do, I receive special treatment from the one who has all the power.

 

HE sends angels to help me go through trouble, not around it. GOD is not worried about my situation because HE dispatches angels to help me when I can’t figure it out myself. HE does this at weird times too. HE sends the right help at the right time. I am glad GOD watches over my life.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of angels according to the writer?
• Have you ever received help and did not know where it came from?
• Will you give your life to GOD so HE can provide supernatural help for you that you need in life today?

 

More Valuable Than Clothes

More Valuable Than Clothes

Hebrews 1: ¹⁰ He also said,
“You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth,
    and with your own hands you made the heavens.
¹¹ They will disappear, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like clothes.
¹² You will fold them up like a coat,
    and they will be changed like clothes.
But you are always the same,
    and your life never ends.”

 

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After purchasing a new suit, I felt pretty good about myself. But after wearing it only once, I noticed a seam open. I was enraged as I took the garment back to the suit shop. “I didn’t pay this kind of money to get low quality!” was the beginning of my rant. I continued with more words.

 

• I did not even know who I was talking to.
• I did not care that he or she had a relationship with CHRIST.
• I wore the new garment until it went out of style, and I never once thought of the salespeople.

 

As magnificent is the earth, it will one day be destroyed by the one who created it, according to what was revealed to Paul. “They will wear out like clothes” is the analogy to the moon, stars and planets we see and experience. Paul then points to something that is eternal, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD loves people far more than possessions.
• My focus on possessions can sometimes get in the way of GOD’s love for me and other people.
• I am loved eternally.

 

Having clothes and possessions is not a problem until they have me. I mean, when I get mad at people over lack of possessions, or dented or torn possessions, then I forget what GOD wants me to see, namely HIS love for him or her.

 

JESUS is eternal and so are those who believe in HIS salvation. Our life here on earth is temporary. All the titles, things and places will some day be destroyed. All that will remain will be you and me standing in front of GOD, accounting for our lives. I only hope my life is not squandered, rather it bear fruit for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use clothes as the example?
• Have you ever bought clothes that went out of style and felt like you needed more and more and more and more?
• Will you seek what is eternal, namely a relationship with CHRIST so HE can guide you to bring others to HIM today?

Chosen Anyway

 

Chosen Anyway

Hebrews 1: ⁷ But about the angels God said,

“God makes his angels winds,
    and his servants flames of fire.”

⁸ About the Son, however, God said:
“Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever!
    You rule over your people with justice.
⁹ You love what is right and hate what is wrong.
That is why God, your God, has chosen you
    and has given you the joy of an honor far greater
    than he gave to your companions.”

 

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Questioning GOD’s love for me became the norm. My sins had piled up and I wondered if GOD could love me at all. I figured HE was away from me doing good things for other people and holding me accountable for all the bad things I did.

 

• I had a negative view of a loving GOD.
• I thought that HE disliked me because HE disliked sin.
• I was missing something very important, namely HE loves me.

 

JESUS was placed way above powerful angels according to the revelation given to Paul. Because JESUS loves what Is right and hates what is wrong, HE chose to do something about it. Rather than lose humanity, HE died for it. HE gave up everything. GOD raised ZHIM from the dead and placed HIM above powerful angels.

 

My Observations

• GOD cannot stand sin, but chose me anyway.
• GOD decided to do something about my sin, namely die for me so I would not have to experience eternal pain.
• GOD loves me so much, that HE took my sins away from me as far as the east is from the west.

 

GOD loves me and you. I mean, sometimes I have a sinful view of GOD, especially when I am not getting my way. BUT GOD does not have that same view of me or you. HIS love is unfathomable.

 

HIS love cannot and will not be stopped by my sin or yours. HE hated sin so much, that HE did away with it by dying for it. HIS resurrection gives HIM the right to raise anyone who is thankful for HIS loving act, to live eternally. HIS love is wild and passionate. I am grateful for love that never diminishes.

 

Challenge

• What honor is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s love for you?
• Will you have a different view of GOD, knowing HE loves you and has forgiven you today?