Genuine Magnet

Genuine Magnet

Hebrews 11: ⁷ It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. As a result, the world was condemned, and Noah received from God the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

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Hearing my assignment, I groused a little. The projects that were high visibility seemed to go to other people and I seemed to get the leftovers. Someone said to me, “Just do a good job”, so I did. After a while, the higher ups asked me to help them out on their projects.

 

• I originally thought I had to complain in order to get my way.
• I thought I had to be someone else in order to be seen.
• I thought I was unfavorable and others were getting all the favors.

 

Paul, the assumes writer, gives a different example of faith, namely obedience. He used the example of how Noah chose to stay away from violence and was not trying to get his way, rather he lived a peaceful life and worshipped the LORD. GOD blessed Noah’s obedience.

 

My Observations:

• I don’t have to broadcast my abilities to GOD when I genuinely serve HIM.
• I don’t have to tell GOD where I am, when I am genuinely doing what HE wants me to do.
• I don’t have to wonder if GOD sees me when I am genuinely being who HE wants me to be.

 

Sometimes I want to be “found” by the right people. I mean, I work hard and want my work to be noticed. But when the work is overlooked, I may be too tired to tell “the right people” what I have done. BUT GOD sees and knows what I do for HIM.

 

GOD gets excited when I do things for HIM that no one sees or acknowledges. HE finds me even when I am not seeking HIM. HE wants my love to be genuine so HE can use it to draw people to HIM. I am glad GOD can use a sinner like me to do HIS marvelous works.

 

Challenge

• What type of faith is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever done the right thing simply because it was supposed to be done, even though no one would see your action?
• Will you be genuine with your relationship with GOD and seek those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF through you today?

Stick-to-itiveness

Stick-to-itiveness

Hebrews 11: ⁵ It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God. ⁶ No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

 

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Looking at the science book the night before the science fair, I chose something easy to do and three pages in. I had given up, but wanted to win the fair. I did not win. Later I joined a team. I practiced, but not to the fullest. I wanted to win but didn’t. I gave up.

 

• I gave up many times.
• I convinced myself, that I would not amount to anything.
• I finally got tired of giving up and eventually stayed the course.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. He chose a strange, extraordinary example named Enoch, father of Methuselah. Twice it said “Enoch walked faithfully with GOD.” He never gave up.

 

My Observations:

• Choosing to stay with GOD versus leaving HIM is the better way for me to go.
• Making choices that align with HIS desire helps me navigate life when it gets difficult.
• Staying with GOD makes me realize there is no other place to go.

 

Thinking that humans can develop a plan without GOD is the problem. I mean, HE should be involved with every aspect of our lives, yet there are many times when I want to try to do things without HIM. I then find myself in a world of trouble. If I get into too much trouble, I blame HIM, doubt HIM and leave HIM. BUT GOD provides faith.

 

HE solves issues and breathes life into our relationship. HE stays with me through tough times and never gives up on me. I had to finally decide if I was going to stay with HIM. I am glad HE increases my faith to stick to HIS plan for me.

 

Challenge

• What was the reward mentioned by the writer, that Enoch received?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD?
• Will you ask GOD for stronger faith so you will not try to leave HIM when times get difficult?

Right Kind of Approval

Right Kind of Approval

Hebrews 11: ⁴ It was faith that made Abel offer to God a better sacrifice than Cain's. Through his faith he won God's approval as a righteous man, because God himself approved of his gifts. By means of his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

 

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Wanting to be part of the “in-crowd,” I sought to change how I looked. I finally had a job that afforded me to buy my own clothes. I put on my new shirt, pants, shoes and jacket. Excited, I went to show off my new apparel. “You are too skinny” someone said to me.

 

• I was crushed because the clothes didn’t work.
• I wanted approval from the “in-crowd” but it still seemed far away.
• I did not like my appearance so I tried to change it to gain approval.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, begins his list of faith examples with Abel, who was a child of Adam and eve after they were thrown out of the garden of Eden. Cain was the firstborn and brother of Abel. Both decided to give something to the LORD. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected by GOD and Abel’s was approved.

 

My Observations:

• Cain’s offering may have been motivated by trying to rebuild the Garden of Eden.
• Abel’s offering may have been motivated by recognizing GOD’s love and mimicking HIM through an animal sacrifice, similar to when GOD made clothes for Adam and Eve.
• GOD loves when I sacrifice for HIS approval versus my own or when I try to win the approval of humans.

 

Fitting in can feel good but can sometimes carry consequences. I mean, when I gain the approval of humans, I may not know their motive. I may be trying to do something that goes away from GOD and towards someone who is trying to “be” GOD. I have a choice.

 

I can look at the what the “crowd” stands for and see if they are really seeking GOD or their own pleasures. HE gives me HIS HOLY SPIRIT to discern who to follow. I then have to get out of my own way and not follow myself. I am glad GOD rewards me when I seek HIM for approval.

 

Challenge

• What example of righteousness did the writer provide?
• Have you ever thought you were doing something great for the LORD, but were really doing it for human approval?
• Will you seek GOD’s approval and submit to HIS ways so HE can show you a “better sacrifice” today?

Obtaining the Invisible

Obtaining the Invisible

Hebrews 11: Now faith is the ^]substance of things hoped for, the  evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

 

³ By faith we understand that the  worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

 

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Driving uphill, I came to an intersection. I could not see the road in front of me because the incline was too steep. Thoughts ran through my mind. “What if there is no road in front of me?” A little fear set in and I hesitated for a while. I was a new driver.  A car came behind me, blew the horn and I was forced to make a decision to go. I went and was relieved there was a road.

 

• Fear made me create a picture of something bad.
• Doubt made me think something was wrong.
• Uncertainty made me hesitate when I could have easily gone forward.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, had just told everyone to keep moving forward by saying “no turning back.” He then explains why… because you have to have faith. Now he gives the definition of what faith is.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows I cannot handle life’s decisions all at once, so HE shows me a little at a time.
• GOD does not show me everything I will face, probably to protect me from fearing moving forward.
• GOD knows the outcome of where HE is taking me and asks me to have faith.

 

Trusting GOD is hard sometimes. I mean, when it is hard to see how in the world is “this” going to come together or “this” be resolved, I start to get scared and look for ways to “see” my path forward. In may instances, GOD does not show me the path but says “Trust ME.”

 

I take a deep breath and step out into the unknown. The first step is the most scary one. The second is a relief because I am now on a path GOD has chosen. I am grateful, GOD wants to grow me up and does not show me everything so my faith will grow.

 

Challenge

• What parts of the writer’s definition stick out to you?
• When did you use faith and what was the outcome?
• Will you place your faith in GOD so HIS plan can be made known through your life today?

No Turning Back

No Turning Back

Hebrews 10: ³⁶ You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. ³⁷ For, as the scripture says,

“Just a little while longer,
    and he who is coming will come;
    he will not delay.
³⁸ My righteous people, however, will believe and live;
    but if any of them turns back,
    I will not be pleased with them.”

³⁹ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.

 

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Changing majors was a thought that ran through my mind. I did not know what the future held, so I figured I would try something different. I met with a counselor. “You have close to enough credits to graduate. Are you sure you want to start over?”

 

• I was about to wander again.
• I was scared of starting over and scared to finish.
• I did not have a passion for anything and felt lost.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives sage advice to everyone. He tells us not to turn back from Gospel of JESUS. He knew the people grew impatient and wanted everything to be fine for a change. He probably saw weary faces and heard discouragement. He lets everyone know that we do not turn back, instead we have faith and are saved!

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return for me someday.
• GOD wants me to live an abundant life for HIM, believing that JESUS guides my life.
• GOD is pleased with me so much that HE saved me and gave me faith in HIS power.

 

Discouraging times makes me want to give up on GOD> I mean, when I am broke, lonely, wounded and in pain, praising GOD seems to disappear from my lips. In fact, temptation pops in and says “there is an easier way than following JESUS.” BUT GOD fortifies my mind.

 

HE wipes away any thought of me turning back to my old way of trying to live life without HIM. HE shows me how I should seek HIM to praise HIM daily. HE helps me navigate difficulties and endure pain. I will never turn back.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “Be patient?”
• Have you ever wanted to give up on GOD to try things on your own?
• Will you keep facing JESUS so HE will guide you to places you have never dreamed of today?

Something Much Better

Something Much Better

Hebrews 10: ³² Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. ³³ You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. ³⁴ You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. ³⁵ Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward.

 

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Many wars broke out at the company. Some were ego related, some power related, some were racially motivated and some were just plain greed related. Whatever the case, I was ready to fight! When I “lost” the battle, I questioned GOD.

 

• I wondered if GOD loved me.
• I questioned HIS motivation for taking me out of the struggle.
• I thought I was supposed to stay where I was, doing the same battles over and over again.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed suffering. He spoke about it in two ways. First he spoke about past suffering. He suggested that GOD brought them through this difficult time and they were not defeated. He then spoke about other people’s struggles and how those who were not struggling at the time, empathized with those who were.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees me when I am going through a struggle.
• GOD hears me when I cry out to HIM.
• GOD may move me out of a struggle that I wanted to hold onto.

 

Pain and struggles are something I can get used to even though I am not supposed to. I mean, when I am in a bad situation where there is abuse, slander and mistreatment, I think I should stay there and simply take it. I also think it is okay to receive no help when I ask for it and be insulted for trying to serve. I then wonder if GOD is there... HE is.

 

GOD shows up in marvelous ways during the insults, slander, abuse and manipulation. HE fills me up when nothing else in the world can do the same. HIS SPIRIT guides me and provides me with hope that can never be tarnished. All things I hold onto pale in comparison to what GOD has for me. I am glad HE has something much better than I can imagine!

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer present?
• Have you ever suffered mistreatment and insults?
• Will you look beyond the current struggle and remember how GOD brought you through many of life’s battles and also know HE has great rewards for you because of your endurance today?

Healthy Fear

 

Healthy Fear

Hebrews ²⁶ For there is no longer any sacrifice that will take away sins if we purposely go on sinning after the truth has been made known to us. ²⁷ Instead, all that is left is to wait in fear for the coming Judgment and the fierce fire which will destroy those who oppose God! ²⁸ Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty from the evidence of two or more witnesses. ²⁹ What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God's covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! ³⁰ For we know who said, “I will take revenge, I will repay”; and who also said, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

 

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“This same job again?!” I said to myself. I was tired of cleaning after people and felt stuck doing so. One guy suggested I sneak off work. I feared doing that, but the thought kept running through my mind. Weeks later, I said I would do it. I hurried through my work and snuck away.

 

• I had lost my fear of getting fired.
• I had gotten comfortable with doing wrong.
• I had lost sight of what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives a stern warning over believing in the SON of GOD. He implies the importance of needing either the Law or JESUS to remove the consequences of sin. He shows how ineffective the Law is towards removing sin. He then turns to JESUS being the only effective one who can absolve us from sin. Getting comfortable with disbelief will be dealt with harshly.

 

My Observations:

• My fear of the LORD is the beginning of my wisdom.
• I should fear taking JESUS actions lightly.
• Every one of my sins are forgiven, but I should not be ready to continue in sin.

 

When led by the HOLY SPIRIT, I no longer get comfortable with my sin. I mean, I get this feeling that I am doing something wrong and I feel I need to not do this particular sin, this time. I feel relieved when GOD guides me away or places a barrier in the way of my blatant sin.

 

Unhealthy fear to me is when I fear humans or job loss or money loss more than fearing belief in JESUS.  The HOLY SPIRIT whispers “don’t do that” when it comes to sin. I ignore the voice and instantly feel awful. I usually feel better when I heed HIS voice. My biggest fear is not trusting in the LORD. I am grateful for HIS forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s judgment?
• Have you ever gotten comfortable with sin?
• Will you ask GOD for help in areas where you need HIM so HE will guide you to HIS places of refuge today?

Dirty Hands, Dirty Feet

Dirty Hands, Dirty Feet

Hebrews 10: ¹⁹ We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. ²⁰ He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body. ²¹ We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. ²² So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. ²³ Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. ²⁴ Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. ²⁵ Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

 

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After playing outside, a neighbor invited us into their house. It was a strange invitation, because we really had never been inside this particular home. “Take off your shoes” was the first statement. “Sit on the plastic covered furniture” was the next statement. The walls were white and so wase the carpet.

 

• I felt like I was dirty.
• I felt uneasy being around something clean while I was dirty.
• I felt I could not touch anything or do anything because I would make the clean stuff dirty.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone that, through JESUS, there is “complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place.” This is the sanctuary of GOD and no sin is allowed. He implies that we have freedom to walk around because JESUS made us clean.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is holy enough to clean me up to be in HIS presence.
• JESUS died for my sins so I could become holy enough to into into the Most Holy Place.
• Since I am in the Most Holy Place, GOD wants me to use it well.

 

Bam, “you are clean, now what?”” is the tone of the message. I mean, as dirty as I have been, JESUS cleaned me up. I don’t even know the areas I am dirty. HE sees my entire being and cleans areas of me that would not be allowed to enter into the Holy Place.

 

I can now come near to GOD with a purified heart, clean body, firm hope concern for others and a desire to meet with others. The HOLY SPIRIT provides the ability to do go and show love. I am glad GOD allows me to be cleaned of all unrighteousness.

 

Challenge

• What is “The Most Holy Place” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever felt that you have sinned too much to be loved and forgiven by GOD?
• Has someone made you feel less than clean?
• Will you turn your life to JESUS so HE can truly cleanse you and give you access to GOD who has great things planned for you today? 

Prepared for Imperfection

Prepared for Imperfection

Hebrews 10: ¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also gives us his witness. First he says,

¹⁶ “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    in the days to come, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts
    and write them on their minds.”

¹⁷ And then he says, “I will not remember their sins and evil deeds any longer.” ¹⁸ So when these have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed.

 

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Leaving for vacation, I hoped the keys to the car would be left behind. To my excitement, they were. I knew I didn’t have permission to drive it, but how would they know. I jumped in the car and drove every expressway. But then I noticed the car was running hot. I stopped and checked. It needed antifreeze. I bought some and continued. It needed oil. I spent all my money just trying to drive the car.

 

• I knew I wasn’t supposed to drive the car in the first place.
• I chose to drive the car anyway.
• I didn’t tell my parents that I had driven it until I was an adult.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, is revealed words from the HOLY SPIRIT. Laws have been written in the hearts and minds of everyone. This is to help people know right from wrong. But then the HOLY SPIRIT comes back and says “I will not remember their sins”, knowing people would disobey willingly.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew I would not obey the Law but HE forgives me anyway.
• The HOLY SPIRIT sympathizes with me and does not remember my sins and evil deeds.
• JESUS provides a way for me to be forgiven and wants me to confess my sins to HIM.

 

Imperfection is annoying. I mean, no matter how hard I try, I will not be perfect. I make mistakes constantly and even when I try my best, something out of my control comes along and messes things up. “When will there be true peace?” I cry out. GOD hears it.

 

HE was prepared for me to sin when HE didn’t want me to sin. HE knew I would doubt HIM or depend on my own thinking or fall into another popular hole of sin. HE picked me up and dusted me off and says, I forgive you because you recognize you need to be forgiven.” I am grateful GOD cares enough about me to forgive me in the middle of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What two sides are revealed to the writer?
• Have you ever done something you knew was wrong and tried to justify it?
• Will you ask GOD to protect you from sin that so easily harasses you so HE can provide clarity into HIS forgiveness today?

Effective Forever

 

Effective Forever

Hebrews 10: ¹¹ Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. ¹² Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. ¹³ There he now waits until God puts his enemies as a footstool under his feet. ¹⁴ With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.

 

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Rummaging through my parents garage, I found the perfect piece of wood to “repair” the seat of my car that would no longer stay upright. I figured I could shove this piece of wood in-between the upper and lower parts of the seat to keep the passenger from falling backwards. It worked! That is, until I hit a bump.

 

• My solution was temporary.
• My solution worked under certain conditions.
• My solution was not really a solution.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about the futility of the services of the priests. They would perform sacrifices that were symbolic and could never truly remove sins. People depended on this ritual with their lives, but it was ineffective.

 

My Observations:

• What JESUS did was effective forever.
• JESUS repaired the relationship between humans and GOD forever.
• GOD will one day put the enemy of sin under JESUS feet where it will do me no harm forever.

 

Satan’s pride of trying to be GOD caused major problems. I mean, he tried to tempt the first humans, Adam and Eve, into sinning. He enraged the Living GOD to the point where the earth was cursed and humans would struggle through life. BUT JESUS volunteered to do something about it.

 

HE sacrificed HIMSELF as the permanent solution. Sin no longer has the same effect of ripping me away from GOD forever. JESUS made it so I could be forgiven for my sins and to have a perfect loving relationship with HIM forever. I am glad JESUS’ solution was powerful enough to save me forever.

 

Challenge

• Can you sense the futility from the writer?
• Have you tried to please GOD by following the rules harder?
• Do you think GOD is harsh, mean and stubborn?
• Will you ask GOD to renew your mind and look at HIM in a different, caring and loving way today?

Wanted Provided

Wanted Provided

Hebrews 10: ⁸ First he said, “You neither want nor are you pleased with sacrifices and offerings or with animals burned on the altar and the sacrifices to take away sins.” He said this even though all these sacrifices are offered according to the Law. ⁹ Then he said, “Here I am, O God, to do your will.” So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place. ¹⁰ Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all.

 

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After a number of hot days, I noticed the duct tape was peeling on one of my car “repairs.” I finally got tired of the temporary nature of taping things together. I went to the junkyard and found a replacement part. It wiped out the few dollars I had, but fixed the car.

 

• I needed a permanent fix, but was using a temporary one.
• I got used to the temporary fix and was willing to keep doing it for a while.
• I finally reached a point where I could see the futility in a temporary fix.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, discussed the futility of animal sacrifices. GOD didn’t want those. HE wanted a pure sacrifice from a sinless human. JESUS volunteered to be the perfect sacrifice. HE said “Here I am, O GOD, to do YOUR will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD would prefer my admission to sin versus me trying to hide the fact that I cannot follow the rules.
• GOD provided me with a way to have an everlasting relationship with HIM, namely JESUS.
• GOD got exactly what was needed by JESUS becoming a sacrifice, all HE wants me to do is recognize this act of love.

 

Trying to follow the rules feels good to me. I mean, I can measure when I “did” stuff, but I cannot measure when GOD took care of it all. I want to be part of my salvation, so I jump in with moments of abstaining from sin. I then look to GOD for my pay as if to say “See how good I was, now give me more of life’s comforts.”  HE sees through my righteousness and is forgiving.

 

GOD knew I could not handle what it would take to have a loving relationship with HIM. HE was only satisfied with the act JESUS did. This selfless act of love was just right. I am glad JESUS was just what GOD wanted.

 

Challenge

• How are we purified according to the writer?
• Have you ever thought your being “good” give you more of GOD?
• Will you focus your praise on what JESUS did so HE can guide you today?

Good Enough

 

Good Enough

Hebrews 10: ⁵ For this reason, when Christ was about to come into the world, he said to God:

“You do not want sacrifices and offerings,
    but you have prepared a body for me.
⁶ You are not pleased with animals burned whole on the altar
    or with sacrifices to take away sins.
⁷ Then I said, ‘Here I am,
    to do your will, O God,
    just as it is written of me in the book of the Law.’”

 

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Not understanding the assignment, I went to the teacher and asked for help. The homework I turned in had many marked up mistakes. He showed me what I did wrong and allowed me to turn in my revised work. I got a good grade on that assignment.

 

• My revised work passed the test.
• My revised work met the criteria.
• My corrections made the assignment perfect.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, had a revelation from GOD and was given a conversation that was vital to the Law. JESUS knew that animal sacrifices would never cleanse the sin of mankind. A perfect sacrifice was needed and HE volunteered.

 

My Observations

• JESUS knew the passing criteria and became the perfect sacrifice.
• JESUS knew what it would take to fulfill the Law and did so just for me.
• JESUS became the perfect sacrifice which fulfilled the entire Law and now I have freedom.

 

No animal or actions were good enough to meet GOD’s criteria of perfection. Only JESUS was perfect. GOD had to lose HIS SON for you and me to be saved. JESUS died and was raised from the dead, now HE holds the choice to forgive.

 

My efforts of fasting, prayer and abstaining from sin are not good enough. The only way I can ever be good is to recognize the one who was perfect, namely JESUS. After that, all things fall into place.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use this example?
• Have you ever thought your efforts were good enough to please GOD?
• Will you look at what JESUS did as perfection so you will not try to measure up and so you can be comfortable, knowing HE loves you to the maximum today?

Necessary Reminder

Necessary Reminder

Hebrews 10: The Jewish Law is not a full and faithful model of the real things; it is only a faint outline of the good things to come. The same sacrifices are offered forever, year after year. How can the Law, then, by means of these sacrifices make perfect the people who come to God? ² If the people worshiping God had really been purified from their sins, they would not feel guilty of sin any more, and all sacrifices would stop. ³ As it is, however, the sacrifices serve year after year to remind people of their sins. ⁴ For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins.

 

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After realizing my life needed to change, I stopped hanging around certain “friends.” I also stopped doing some things that I felt were detrimental to my relationship with GOD. Things got much better. I attributed it to “my” cleansing efforts and felt others needed to do the same.

 

• I was “proud” of myself for turning “my” life around.
• I thought I had “arrived” at being holy.
• I judged those who were still struggling with sins “I” had overcome.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed piety and self-pride. While the Law was extremely useful, it is not the “full and faithful model of the real things.” In fact, the Law was to be used to show how futile our efforts are to be clean. Traditions, and following the rules, would never ever cleanse sin.

 

My Observations:

• My efforts to be clean are similar to a full diaper.
• Only JESUS can make me clean because my thoughts are never on HIM.
• When I remember what JESUS did, I am also reminded that I need HIM daily.

 

Sin doesn’t go away because I act good from time to time. I mean, if I think my “good” efforts merit GOD doing something different, I am in a world of trouble. HE says “Your righteousness are like filthy rags.” I can never do or say anything that is “clean” to HIM because the Law is not the “real thing.”

 

JESUS is the real thing. HE took away my sin and declared me holy. Only through HIM am I seen as clean. HE makes my pitiful efforts righteous and enhances my words to draw people to HIM. I am glad JESUS did it all so I do not have to think I need to save the world.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “faint outline?”
• Have you ever been proud of yourself for not doing the same sin on a particular day?
• Will you stop looking at your own efforts to please GOD and know HE loves you dearly as much as HE can and HE is willing to live inside you with full love today?

Patiently Waiting

Patiently Waiting

Hebrews 9: ²³ Those things, which are copies of the heavenly originals, had to be purified in that way. But the heavenly things themselves require much better sacrifices. ²⁴ For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God. ²⁵ The Jewish high priest goes into the Most Holy Place every year with the blood of an animal. But Christ did not go in to offer himself many times, ²⁶ for then he would have had to suffer many times ever since the creation of the world. Instead, now when all ages of time are nearing the end, he has appeared once and for all, to remove sin through the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. ²⁸ In the same manner Christ also was offered in sacrifice once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him.

 

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Craning my neck, I looked for a bus. I did not see the distinctive headlights shining off in the distance, so I decided to walk. “I bet I could beat the bus” I said to myself. Far into my trip I saw a but coming. I ran to the nearest stop, but the bus passed me. It was full. I kept walking and another bus did the same. I missed two busses!

 

• I could have had a seat on the bus.
• I did not want to wait because I could not see anything coming.
• I thought I could take matters in my own hands, but found myself worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his discussion about sacrifices. One sacrifice that humans performed was a copy of “the real thing.” Humans would need to die for sins, but instead, they used animals. JESUS, on the other hand, used HIMSELF as the perfect sacrifice. HE did all this for those who “wait” on HIM.

 

My Observations:

• I sometimes forget that life is all about CHRIST trying to redeem me.
• I get lost by focusing on the day to day problems, so I take matters into my own hands.
• When I wait on the LORD, I can still live life, but in a way that knows HE can return any minute.
• Knowing JESUS will return, changes some of my decisions to take matters into my own hands.

 

Wait on the LORD is sometimes confusing to me. I mean, should I do something or do nothing? I believe it means live life as if HE can return any moment. I ask myself, “What would I like to be caught doing when HE returns?” Obviously, I would Like to be doing something HE would prefer.

 

JESUS will return to save those who are waiting on HIM. Every step taken should be towards HIM, not away. All the activity done on earth that points to HIS return is a form of waiting. I gladly wait on HIM and hope HE finds me serving who HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What “copy” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever lost your patience and tried to take matters into your own hands?
• Will you ask GOD for guidance in your activities, so HE will help you prepare for HIS return someday?

Something Precious

Something Precious

Hebrews 9: ¹⁶ In the case of a will it is necessary to prove that the person who made it has died, ¹⁷ for a will means nothing while the person who made it is alive; it goes into effect only after his death. ¹⁸ That is why even the first covenant went into effect only with the use of blood. ¹⁹ First, Moses proclaimed to the people all the commandments as set forth in the Law. Then he took the blood of bulls and goats, mixed it with water, and sprinkled it on the book of the Law and all the people, using a sprig of hyssop and some red wool. ²⁰ He said, “This is the blood which seals the covenant that God has commanded you to obey.” ²¹ In the same way Moses also sprinkled the blood on the Sacred Tent and over all the things used in worship. ²² Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out.

 

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After wearing some clothes for a while, I found them dated and out of style. It was easy for me to donate the dated clothes because I did not “want” to wear them anyway. But when I ran out of money, each garment became more and more precious.

 

• I gave when it was easy to give.
• I did not feel that anything was precious when I had plenty.
• I understood, on a small scale, when something was precious and highly valued.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains a very complicated subject, namely death. He begins by explaining that a will does not go into effect until a person dies. He then explained that Moses placed extreme importance on bloodshed as a symbol of redemption.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was the most precious being to GOD, yet HE accepted HIS SON’s request to die for the world.
• A tremendous loss had to happen to gain all humans back.
• My belief in what JESUS did is precious to GOD.

 

My life is precious to GOD. I mean, JESUS want through all the trouble of dying just for me. HE was raised from the dead and placed over everything, just because HE was obedient to HIS own word. JESUS was precious and HIS bloodshed paid for the atonement of my sins.

 

Satan, who wants to be GOD, tried to stop JESUS from choosing to die for humanity. He tempted HIM and tried to scare HIM on numerous occasions. JESUS was relentless. I am glad JESUS followed through with HIS own sacrifice. I owe HIM everything!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the sacrificial ceremonies in the Law as the example?
• What would happen if you lost what is precious to you?
• Will you try to understand GOD, knowing HE lost something extremely precious and can empathize with you enough to provide eternal life through JESUS, who was raised from the dead?

Truly Free

 

Truly Free

Hebrews 9: ¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the one who arranges a new covenant, so that those who have been called by God may receive the eternal blessings that God has promised. This can be done because there has been a death which sets people free from the wrongs they did while the first covenant was in effect.

 

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Sitting in the classroom, I stared out the window, longing to be outside. When the bell rang, we were released for the day, but destined to return the next and the next and the next. “When will I be free?” I wondered.

 

• It seemed like I would be there forever.
• It seemed like I was serving a sentence.
• It seemed like I was being kept from enjoyment.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the “new covenant” that was arranged by JESUS. He mentions that JESUS died to set free, those who believe in HIM. HIS death would also cover those who died following the Law.

 

My Observations:

• My definition of freedom is marred by sin.
• My daydreams of what freedom looks like usually do not include GOD.
• Admitting I have wrong in my life can be hard when I have too much pride to do so, therefore I remain in bondage, BUT JESUS sets me free when I admit I need HIM.

 

Worldly freedom can place me in bondage. I mean, when I am free to do as I please, I usually will not choose to follow JESUS. Instead I will justify why I need to get “my” way and try to convince others that “my” way is okay. BUT GOD sees through my false freedom.

 

HE wants me to see that I am trying to live a lie, but will allow me to do so until I can say, “LORD I need you to open my eyes to the lie I am living.” HE is willing to heal the blind and give us freedom from the sins we so easily fall into. I am glad JESUS gives true freedom.

 

Challenge

• What freedom is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to be “free?”
• Will you examine your definition of “freedom” to see if it aligns with GOD so HE can truly make you free today?

Purified Conscience

Purified Conscience

Hebrews 9: ¹¹ But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. ¹² When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. ¹⁴ Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

 

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Wanting to serve the LORD was met with “Look at all the sinning you have been doing.” This battle was in my head and in my heart. I was trying to return to the LORD, but I felt my sins were too great.

 

• I did not feel “good” enough to serve the LORD.
• I did not feel “worthy” to serve the LORD in any way.
• I did not feel “secure” enough to know I am a sinner who is saved, therefore I let “my” sin get in the way.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives everyone some great news. “CHRIST has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here.” He then goes on to explain how JESUS was the perfect sacrifice, unlike “useless rituals” that would temporarily cleanse until the person sinned again.

 

My Observations:

• The Good News about JESUS has to remain “Good News” without the need for trying so hard.
• JESUS died for my sins and that makes my relationship with HIM permanent.
• By adding “useless rituals” onto JESUS’ death burial and resurrection, I am enslaving myself rather than being freed.

 

Feeling “not good enough” to serve the LORD is a major problem. I mean, believing that JESUS forgave me of all my sins should be enough, but sometimes I think there should be more. Perhaps I did something to make GOD mad or perhaps I said or did something wrong are the false thoughts that run through my mind. BUT GOD knows about this too.

 

HE took into account the fact that I would doubt HIS power to save me ultimately. HE knew I would try to jump in and start doing stuff to “prove” my worthiness to HIM. JESUS died for my doubt and for my trying to take control from HIM. HIS resurrection clears my conscience, knowing I am a sinner who serves the living GOD. I am glad JESUS took care of it “all!”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “useless rituals?”
• Have you ever felt not good enough to serve GOD or to ask HIM for something?
• Will you consider that you are being lied to and that JESUS was raised from the dead and that is all you and I need for a perfect relationship that is full of power and authority because JESUS has it today?

Outward Appearance

 

Outward Appearance

Hebrews 9: ⁶ This is how those things have been arranged. The priests go into the outer tent every day to perform their duties, ⁷ but only the high priest goes into the inner tent, and he does so only once a year. He takes with him blood which he offers to God on behalf of himself and for the sins which the people have committed without knowing they were sinning. ⁸ The Holy Spirit clearly teaches from all these arrangements that the way into the Most Holy Place has not yet been opened as long as the outer tent still stands. ⁹ This is a symbol which points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, ¹⁰ since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time when God will establish the new order.

 

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“You’re too skinny” were the cutting words I did not like. “Your hair is nappy” and “Your glasses look like professor glasses.”  At the time I felt I could do nothing about my appearance, but really wanted to change.

 

• I found myself insecure about my appearance.
• I wished that people would have looked on the inside instead of focusing on the outside.
• I thought that if I focused on the outer appearance, then maybe people would investigate the inner me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer,  discussed the “outer” and “inner” tents that were used by priests and the high priest for sin offerings. Special rituals were performed to atone for sin, but this atonement was temporary. They could never truly cleanse the heart.

 

My Observations:

• Following the Law temporarily gives me relief from the enemy, but following GOD gives me eternal relief.
• Trying to do what the Law says makes me look good in front of people, BUT GOD knows my inner heart and is the only one who can cleanse it.
• JESUS became the sin offering for me and the HOLY SPIRIT dwells in me to protect the inner sanctuary.

 

Trying to be perfect only appeals to the outer appearance. I mean, when I try to look good in front o everyone, yet I carry sin that he or she does not know about, my righteous appearance carries an odor of stench to the LORD. BUT GOD has a way to cleanse me.

 

Through JESUS, I am cleansed. HE does not look at my outer appearance, rather searches deep in my heart. HE then sends the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me and cleanse me of all my sins. HE even protects the inner sanctuary from the enemy. I am glad I do not have to look good to GOD for HIM to love me.

 

Challenge

• What futility is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever tried to be “good” or look “good” in front of people?
• If you are focused on your outer appearance, will you begin to ask GOD to cleanse your inner appearance that is naked before HIM anyway?