Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Reading: Hebrews 9:1-10
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.--vs. 6-7

The inner room the high priest was allowed to enter once a year was separated from the sanctuary behind a curtain. It was the most holy of all places. The very presence of God resided there. This is the place Zechariah heard the angel's message of John's birth. Once a year the high priest entered to offer sacrifice for the sins of the people.

The curtain provided separation... a barrier between God and man. Now think of the crucifixion. The moment Jesus breathed His last breath.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Matthew 27:51

Jesus was the final sacrifice. His blood offered on the cross made a way for us to enter the most holy place at any time. Gone are the days of separation. We have the incredible opportunity to be in His presence every moment of every day. When is the last time you've entered into the holy place? felt His presence? encountered the Holy Spirit? Make time this day to experience His love, redemption, healing. 

Sometimes we forget Lord. The very thing you've done so that we might have access to you. Thank you for your sacrifice... for ripping the separation right in two. You are holy and we praise you for your presence in our lives. Show us how to live fully in you. In your name... amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 8
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"...This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time,

declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them

on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

No longer will they teach their neighbor; or say to one another,

'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me,

from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness

and will remember their sins no more."

Hebrews 8:10-12

I can't imagine what it must have been like under the Old Covenant. Having no direct access to the Father... no Bible to hold in my hand... no Spirit speaking to my heart. Can you imagine sacrificing animals time and time again to pay for your sin. It was messy business. We are New Covenant people. The very people God spoke of in these Old Testament words. Last week the young ones at Bible camp memorized a scripture. 

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 
Psalm 119:11

Let us not become complacent living under the New Covenant. We must continue to seek Him in His Word... hide it in our hearts. It is our privilege to tune into the promptings and teaching of the Spirit, to seek repentance in our sin... to know the Lord. Let's remember today to live as New Covenant people and grab hold of the joy it brings.

Open my heart to Your Spirit, Lord,

to know You, to learn from You, to rest in Your grace.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation...

Psalm 51:12

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Reading: Hebrews 7: 11-28
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Did you see what I did there in the last paragraph? I almost missed it. All this talk about high priests, and Melchizedek... of earthly priests and the law had me going. There in the last paragraph lies a phrase which caught my attention. Just the words I needed to hear today.

"Such a high priest truly meets our need--"-vs. 26

Let me tell you Jesus did exactly that today. Because I was all a mess this morning with neediness, and in the midst of it Jesus provided just what I needed. He brought the right person at the right time to give encouragement and listen. It was not coincidence or luck... not some good fate or cosmic happening. He knew my need before I even knew I would need. He put His plan into work before this morning even existed. He is our high priest. The one who meets all our need.

Maybe you've been where I was this morning... I'll probably be there again and so will you. Because we're all made to need Him and every moment is an opportunity to allow Him to meet the need. Some days He uses us to meet someone else's need. It's a glorious, beautiful thing He does, and what a blessing it brings!

Oh Jesus... thank you for meeting our needs... every single need. There are days I don't trust it. Days I work and work to meet my own needs. Forgive me Lord for trusting myself more than you. Show me how to trust you more. Allow me to be your instrument today, to meet someone else's need. In your name... amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-10
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

There has been a lot of discussion about who Melchizedek truly was. Some say he was an angel... others believe he was a form of Jesus. Some even think he was Noah's son Shem. He is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament, so there is much mystery associated with him. Honestly, I don't know who, if any, are right.

But, here is what I do know. He was a king of Salem. A king that led his people to worship the Most High. If you read much of the Old Testament you realize this was a rare thing. Most kings did not lead their people to serve the one true God. Melchizedek wasn't like most kings.

We could take a lesson from this king. In the midst of kingdoms worshiping all types of gods, Melchizedek remained faithful to the Most High. We too, live among nations worshiping other gods. We too, stand out in a sea of others going a different way. Like Melchizedek, we must stand strong and remain faithful, pointing others to the Most High every chance we get. God is not calling us to be like those around us. He is calling us to be like Jesus.

Lord Jesus, You are the One Trust King of Peace and Righteousness.

May I live my life as worship to You and pointing others to You as Most High.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner

sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.

Hebrews 6:19

Webster's defines hope as "to cherish a desire with anticipation." Hope... an anchor for the soul. Hope is firm and secure. Hope enters the very presence of God where Jesus has already entered on our behalf. The Message puts it like this:

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.

Imagine yourself running... for your very life... right into the arms of God. Imagine grabbing hold of the promise like a relay runner grabs the baton. There's nothing better to hold on to with all your might. This hope is one we never have to let go. So let me encourage you today. Let go of circumstances you can't control. Let go of guilt... shame... bitterness. Let it go and grab on to the anchor for your soul. He won't let you go.

This scripture has me singing. Below is the link to one of my favorite worship songs.

[Email subscribers click here to view on YouTube, or click the post title to read on Growing In Faith at FUMC.]

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Verses: Hebrews 5:11-6:12
(Click on the link to read the Scripture for today.)

Let me ask you a tough question. Take a moment... think about it... be honest. Have you moved on from the elementary teaching of Christ? Are you still expecting to be fed milk each Sunday and neglecting to dig deeper... to move toward maturity? Are you further along in your faith today than last year?

If your answer is Yes... keep going friend. If the answer is No, maybe the time is now to move to solid food. One of the best ways to grow in your faith is to find someone to walk with you. A friend who challenges you to love more, obey more, seek more. There is no better time to seriously study His Word, pray more, spend quiet time listening. We are not called to be spiritual Peter Pans, never growing up in faith. Faith grows and matures until we can truly live the faith found later in Hebrews.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

Father God, grow me up in Christ Jesus.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Verses: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are ---

yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15

This is one of the most comforting verses found in Scripture. Jesus is fully God, fully human. A man capable of sin, but chose no sin.  A man subject to desires like us, hunger, disappointment, weariness, sadness. Just. Like. Us. When I think about it, really ponder it, I am filled with praise. God didn't have to wrap himself in flesh and walk among us, but He did. He did it so that we might know He understands, He's been there... done that.

Whatever we come up against in this life, we are not alone in it. Our God comes even now in this moment assuring us we are never alone. Praise be to God!

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:13-14 NIV

Prayer Challenge:
Think about every temptation you face or have faced. Those you've resisted and those you've fallen prey to. Picture Jesus struggling the same way you have, only not giving in to temptation. Now, come before His throne of grace honestly and openly sharing your struggles and failures with Him. Ask for forgiveness. Ask for healing. Ask Him to lead You in His Way.

Lord, thank You for Your sacrifice on my behalf.

I am grateful You understand all my weaknesses.

There is not one thing You have not been tempted by.

I humbly come before You now, with my weaknesses,

my failures, my struggles with temptation and sin.

Minister to me as only You can.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-13

(Click on the link to read the verses.)

There remains then, a Sabbath-rest, for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their work, just as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:9-10

I remember when the only store open on Sunday was the grocery store, after 1:00 pm of course. One of my favorite things to purchase at the Piggly Wiggly was white bobby socks, but you couldn't buy socks on Sunday... only food. I remember when the personal computer was being developed for business and hearing some say it would help us work faster. It would turn a five day work week into four. And it did make work more efficient... our output much faster. But we didn't take the extra time to rest did we. Americans are obsessed with work. So much so, rest has become synonymous with being lazy. If you're resting, there better be something wrong with you because able bodies don't need rest!

From the very beginning, in the first chapters of the Bible, God instituted rest. He did it and He commanded it. Yet, we seem to think we know what's best for us and often ignore this all together. Several years ago I began to practice taking a Sabbath. Most often I choose Saturday because Sunday I'm working. Sabbath takes preparation and forethought. And for me it takes a lot of self-discipline because I like to work. I like to keep busy and doing and going. When is the last time you took even one hour to simply rest? how about an entire day? In our culture rest takes planning. May I challenge you to plan a Sabbath this week. Go ahead, take a day to rest... this is God's will for us.

"Be still and know that I am God. ..."

Psalm 46:10 ESV

Father God, teach me to rest and know You are God.

Teach me to trust You with a day off this week.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:7-19
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

At the same time I am writing the devotionals for this month, Carol and I are also leading a Bible study. Our first week of study was about belief. We discussed what we believe, why we believe it, and where we struggle with unbelief. It's not a new subject. Here the writer of Hebrews gives warning about unbelief. One of the most difficult aspects of being a Christian is knowing what beliefs are most important. What items we should build our entire faith upon. Here is an excerpt from our study I think might apply.

It was over eighteen years ago but I still remember it. There the professor of Old Testament stood at the front of the class behind a table. On the table were two jars, two piles of rocks, two containers of pebbles, and two cups of sand. He begins to pour the items into one jar beginning with the smallest item first and says,“Faith is made up of many beliefs. Some are like tiny grains of sand and others seem big like these rocks. The question is which is which?”

He continued pouring until he came to the five rocks. In the end, only two of the five rocks would fit in the jar. He goes on to say, “When we place the small things in first, then often times there is not room for the big things.” He takes the next jar and begins again only this time in reverse. He places the rocks in the jar… then the pebbles… finally the sand. “What are your rocks?” he asks. “If you can identify your five core beliefs, those five things that will never, never change, then the rest will fall into place around those rocks.”

I'll never forget the professor's demonstration. I often go back to those rocks. It helps me remain grounded in a world where everyone seems to be screaming out their beliefs. It keeps me from being led astray, or becoming hard-hearted about issues in our world. Take some time today to think about your five rocks. Write them down. Maybe even share them with a friend.

Lord Jesus, I ask You to help me test my beliefs.

Help me to identify the five core beliefs that will keep me grounded in You.

Reveal areas where I am believing lies about You or me.

Root out any unbelief that keeps me from being faithful to You.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"...the builder of the house has greater honor than the house itself" and the potter more honor than the clay, a painter more honor than the painting, the creator more honor than the creation. Do you see where I'm going here? So often we forget who we are in the scheme of things. We tend to lose sight of the fact we are the creation, the painting, the house. When we begin to act as if we somehow created ourselves, there is just one word for it... pride. Let me tell you, pride is an ugly thing. I know, I've been there. It can slip into our thinking so quickly we sometimes don't notice until we fall. This is the clear message of Proverbs.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 ESV

The Message puts it this way,

First pride--then the crash--the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

Remembering we are His creation, a house under Christ's authority, is the best defense against the ugliness of pride. Do you find yourself being master of your domain? king of your hill? in charge of your life? Let me gently say with love to you... you aren't. Let us humble ourselves before we crash.

Oh Lord, forgive me for every thought, every action, every word rooted in pride.

Help me to remember I am nothing apart from You.

Teach me to honor You and not try to steal Your glory.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Reading: Hebrews 2:5-18
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy

are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 2:11

Ponder it for just a few minutes. The one who makes us holy... Jesus. The ones who are made holy...that's us, are the same family. This is a tough one for me to believe. Me, a sister of Christ? Jesus claims me before God as a sister. I think about all the reasons I am not sister material for Jesus. I know my sin, my short comings, my failure. I can't imagine why in the world Jesus would want to call me family. 

Yet, these words tucked into the second chapter of Hebrews are real... there in black and white. I wonder, do you find it hard to believe it too? Are you like me and think of all the reasons why you can't possibly be one of Jesus' siblings? This is the message of grace. On our own we don't have a bit of holy in us. None. Zero. Zilch. Only someone truly holy can make us holy. All this holy making business is God's work... not ours. Jesus finished the work on the cross, and by faith we believe it.

Go ahead, embrace your family today! You are a child of the Most High God, a sister or a brother of the King!

Lord, thank You for bringing me into Your family.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4
(No Bible handy? Click on the link to read the verses.)

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore,

to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Hebrews 2:1

Pay attention, careful attention, so that you do not drift away from the truth you have heard. I spend a lot of time with children. It is a common phrase we often say to them, over and over, "Pay attention!" And here it is in God's Word... directed toward us.

Pay attention. Pay. Careful. Attention!

Let's take an honest look at just how much attention we pay to the message we have heard. Here's a little test. Have you read his Word recently? Did it change something in you? give you peace or hope? Do you remember the last message you heard? the sermon from Sunday?

Now, what do you think? Have you been paying attention lately? It is easy to get distracted and drift. If you find yourself drifting and nothing around seems familiar just take a moment and pay attention... to the message you have heard. The good news of Christ will always, always save us from our drifting.

Father God, thank You for Your precious Word.

Forgive me for the times I have neglected it.

Fill me with an urgency to pay attention to Your message.

Beyond the Gospels: Hebrews

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 1

(Click on the link to read today's Word.)

The first few verses in this chapter give us a clear picture of the one we call Savior. I made a list for you... to remind us all of who Jesus is.

Jesus is...

... heir of all things

...the universe was made through Him

... the radiance of God's glory

... the exact representation of God

... His word sustains all things

... the Cleanser of our sins

...seated at the right hand of the Father

Let us not become complacent in acknowledging who Christ is. He is King... Lord of Lord... Savior of the World. Take time today to acknowledge Jesus in some way, in many ways.

Jesus, fill me with a hunger to know You better.

Help me to see the radiance of God's glory in You

whenever I read the gospels. Bless me with the spirit

of revelation as I read Your Word which holds all things together.

Open my eyes to see You in and around me.

Fill my mouth with praise for all that You are.

Beyond the Gospels: Philemon

Today's Verses: Philemon 8-25
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Paul spends time telling the believers what he wants them to do. He is making a way for his friend Onesimus. Paul asks them to welcome him back in spite of what happened before. He encourages them to love him like a brother, and is even willing to pay his debts. As he closes up the letter he writes,

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me,

because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Philemon 22

The words caught me by surprise. Hebrews defines faith as "being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." Paul's faith and hope urge him to tell the believers to go so far as to prepare the guest room. I wonder if they really prepared the room. Did they clean the floors and get rid of the dust? How long did they keep it ready hoping and waiting for Paul to return?

Maybe you've been waiting for something too. Maybe you've even given up on it. Heed the words of Paul. Stir up your faith until it flames. Is there something you need to prepare in order to be ready? Run the race... keep the faith.

"...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ..."

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Lord, You know the things I've been asking for, praying for...

sometimes it feels like my words don't make it past the ceiling,

nothing seems to change. Bless me with the faith to be sure of what I hope for

and certain of what I do not yet see. Show me how to prepare
for the answer to my prayers.

Beyond the Gospels: Philemon

Today's Reading: Philemon 1-7
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your

understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Philemon 6

Older kids have often asked the question, "Mrs. Stacy, can you be a Christian on an island all by yourself?" Most often they are looking for an excuse to not be in fellowship with other believers... not come to church. I smile and answer, "No!" I don't really mean it in that way. Yes, you can be a believer on an island by yourself. But, we are not on an island, and rarely by ourselves.

We live in community with each other. This is who God is. A perfect community of Father, Son, and Spirit. He calls us to live in community: church, family, and friendship. Paul talks about his prayer for effective partnership. Partnerships grounded in Christ deepen our understanding of who God is and who we are. Do you have a faith partner? Someone who continually encourages you to grow in Christ? If not, begin today asking God to provide this kind of relationship in your life.

Father God, bless me with a faith partner, someone to walk the Way of Jesus with.

Someone to help me understand the good things of Christ more deeply,

to challenge me in my faith, and keep me accountable to what I say I believe.

Open my heart to recognize this person when You bring them into my life.

Bless me with the boldness to invite them into a Christ-centered relationship.

Beyond the Gospels: Titus

Today's Scripture: Titus 3
(Click on the link to complete the reading of Titus today.)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. --- Titus 3:3-5

At one time...

Take a moment and consider who you were at one time. The time before Jesus captured your heart and changed your life. What were you like? Do you remember being foolish, addicted, disobedient? It can be so easy to forget where we came from, especially if you've been following Christ for many years. Maybe you're like me and you can't remember not knowing Jesus. I'm confident you can look back and see how He has saved you, too.

We must never forget "at one time." We must never forget we need a Savior. The whole wide world needs a Savior. Our "at one times" are the places we can offer grace and mercy to a world trapped in malice, envy, and hate. These are the places He uses to create a passion for those who remain trapped in those same places. May you remember who you were and praise Him for who you are now. May your day be filled with opportunities to offer mercy in the face of judgement.

Father God, remind me today of who I was before Jesus.

Bless me with a fresh reminder of humility and need,

so I might be a well of grace for others,

just as You have been for me.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ..."
Matthew 5:7 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Titus

Today's Reading: Titus 2:7-15
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. ---Titus 2:9-10 

Sometimes we tend to skip over verses like this. We don't experience slavery any more so it doesn't really pertain to us, but maybe it does. No, we are not slaves to anyone, but we do come under the authority of many. This scripture doesn't give allowances for what slaves think or feel about the task at hand. It doesn't matter if you think you were treated unfairly... or what you deserve. God places authority in our lives, and we are called to be subject to them, to try to please them and not talk back. This doesn't mean we are supposed to endure abuse or do something unethical. It simply means that as followers of Jesus when we come under authority with a humble heart and right attitude, it makes the message of Christ attractive.

Jesus taught "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Do you consider those in authority over you your neighbor? Consider praying specifically for them today.

Lord, today I pray for those whose authority I am under:

____________, ______________, ______________...

Bless them today. Help each one to remember they are 

ultimately responsible to You for the authority You have given them.

Bless me with love for each individual and organization

under whose authority You have placed me.

Bless me with the faith to serve in love and make

the message of Christ attractive to others.

Beyond the Gospels: Titus

Today's Reading: Titus 2:1-6
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

Three times the word pops up in the NIV translation... self-controlled. No person is left out of Paul's instruction: older men, young men, young wives, older women, and children. When it all comes down to it isn't it always about self-control? We tend to let our mind, will and emotions control us. Excuses are made about why we lose control. Some believe emotions control us, not the other way around. This is a lie that leads to destruction.

It leaves me questioning. How does one do it...? have constant self-control? I've tried self-help books and what the world has to offer. I decided at one point will-power was the only way to be self-controlled. That didn't work either. Self-control comes from the Spirit... that's it... end of story.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Self-control is the fruit of being grounded and rooted in the Spirit. Trees don't will-power fruit and neither can we. The more we soak our roots in God's Word, and bask in the sunshine of His presence, the more fruit we produce. This is the secret to self-control laid right before our eyes.

Have you been lacking in the self-control department? Do emotions seem to rule and reign in you? If this is the case, maybe instead of focusing on controlling yourself, focus on Him.

Lord, You know I can't control my mind, will, and emotions

apart for Your Holy Spirit. I can't but You can.

I surrender my self to You today.

Beyond the Gospels: Titus

Today's Reading: Titus 1
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.--vs. 16

I was recently reading in the Old Testament and came to a phrase that stuck in my head. 

 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.--Judges 21:25

These were the days of Samuel, and the Israelites wanted one thing: a king. All around them the nations were ruled and reigned by earthly kings and God's people wanted one too. Even though they had never had a king and were warned of the consequences an earthly king would bring, it's what they saw as fitting for their nation. The thing that caught my attention... the Israelites had a king... they had The King. They knew God, but did what was right in their own eyes. Let me tell you, their actions became vile, perverted, down right scary. Actions denying God as King.

Paul speaks of the same thing. Claiming to know God... denying Him with their actions. I would like to say we've moved past this spiritual disease, but you see the illness all around. Just this year  my daughter told the story of a speaker in one of her classes. She came to speak on Judaism and living out this faith. The kicker... she spoke openly that she did not believe there is a God. I was a bit surprised. How is this possible? And the reality is... anything is possible when you have no king.

We've all recognized it in ourselves too. Acting in a way that denied our faith in God. Forgetting to recognize who is King in our kingdom. Claiming to know God is not enough in a broken world. Actions speak louder than words. Take some time to notice your actions today. Do they reflect who your King is? or do they deny the King even exists? Do you go about your day as you see fit? Are you depending on God to order your daily steps? Make a stand today. Don't just claim to know God, claim Him as King over all.

Father God, reveal the places in my life where I'm not allowing You to rule.

I choose You as my King today. I choose Your Kingdom, not mine.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:9-22
(Click on the link to read today's version.)

Paul finds himself almost completely alone at this point in our reading. Some have deserted him and others have been sent out into the world... only Luke is left.  Not only was Paul left behind but Alexander treated him terribly.

We've all been there... deserted... mistreated... feeling completely alone. Sure there may be other people around, but being lonely is not about having people around you. It's about connection. God made us that way. He created us to connect with Him, and to connect with others.

The problem is we're broken and broken people have broken connections. Have you felt lonely lately? like no one just quite understands? Friend, you are not alone. The Lord is standing by you and giving you strength. He will deliver you and rescue you from every single evil scheme... provide a safe journey to His kingdom. Some may never choose faith, but our God is faithful.

Lord, thank You for standing by me.

Please, make Your presence known,

remind me I am never alone.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

(Click on the link to read today's Word.)

Paul's words to Timothy remind me of instructions a parent might give to their child when they leave for college. Paul had a deep love for Timothy. He wanted the very best for him just like we do for our children. The letter Paul wrote we read now as Scripture... a letter from God to us. Imagine for a moment God writing these very words to you today.

Dear Child in the presence of God and Jesus Christ. You are in my presence, you know. Not for one minute of one day am I ever far from you. I know it seems tough to realize at times since you can't see me standing there, but I AM there. You are in my presence always... no matter your circumstance or frustration... your sin or failure... your joy or success. Know I am here and I have a challenge for you. Be prepared in season and out of season. Whether times are good or bad, let me prepare you through my Word. Let's talk about things. Remember to be grateful. 

So many still don't know my presence. Preach my Word... rebuke, correct  and above all encourage them to be who I designed them to be. There are teachers out there who don't understand my Word. Some are being deceived by those who use my Word to further their own desires. They turn away from truth. But you, you keep your head in all situations. Don't get angry or frustrated but endure the hardship and keep doing the work of an evangelist. 

Fight the good fight... finish the race... keep the faith. When it seems hard keep going. I'm not looking for you to win the race, I just want you to finish with a mighty faith. Faith in who I am and whose you are. There is a crown in store for the righteous... that's you! I can't wait to put that crown on your head and the heads of all those who have longed for his appearing. 

Honestly, writing this was a bit surprising. I don't plan words before I sit to write. The process goes more like this: Read... pray... listen... write. Some days we need to hear a personal word from God. It can be so easy to forget His Word is personal, that He is personal. That's me today. In the midst of tough stuff, I've forgotten God knows me intimately. He gets my hang ups and baggage. He understands my anger... my pain. Somehow in the writing of these words His Spirit gently reminded me... I. Got. This.

Maybe you need to hear it too. No matter what you are facing you are in His presence. He loves you enough to write a letter just to you... just for you. These are the moments when His strength inspires us to just keep moving towards the finish line... each step strengthens our faith... each step teaching us to trust Him in all things. Always remembering on the glorious day He appears He'll place a crown on our heads and whisper, "Well done righteous one."

Father God, speak to me through Your Word.

I need to hear Your truth today, not what I want to hear,

not what others want me to hear, but what You have to say.

Thank You for being near and loving me.