Hebrews 11:17-30 – It Was By Faith

Read Hebrews 11:17-30

It was by faith that … [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] … was able to do mighty things that many thought impossible [INSERT YOUR STORY]. What mighty story can you tell about how God intervened in your life when you stayed faithful?

The stories we read today can really conjure up some intense feelings if you put yourself in the “hero’s” shoes. Did one of the stories make more of an impact upon you than the other? I certainly have many a Sunday School memory both of learning the stories and then teaching them to a new generation of children. For me, the thought of sacrificing my child, as Abraham was about to do, makes my heart race. To imagine your son looking into your eyes asking, “where is the sacrifice?” I often cry when I read this story and am so empowered to be faithful. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:17-30 – It Was By Faith”

Hebrews 6:13-20 – God’s Promises

Read Hebrews 6:13-20

Did you know that Abraham waited 25 years from the time God promised to multiply his descendants until he had his first son? That was patience! That was obedience! That was God being true to his word. We can always be sure God will keep his promises.

There are many things in life we can not be sure of. You may have had a life experience when you were trusting in someone or something only to be hurt in some way. It’s not the same with God. I especially like the image of an anchor. “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” We can have confidence in this hope for God will not disappoint. We can be grounded in the truth that God loves us and has our best interest in mind. Continue reading “Hebrews 6:13-20 – God’s Promises”

Hebrews 5:11-14 – Growing Up

Read Hebrews 5:11-14

How long have you been a Christian, that is a Christ follower who believes and trusts in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Maybe you always remember being a Christian, maybe you’re just beginning to experience  Jesus’ life-saving grace. We are all walking along in our faith journey at different points with experiences to share. We are growing up in our faith daily by spending time with God, reading his word, seeking his will for our life.

The original readers of this text were brand new Christians, Jewish Christians, who had so much to learn. They knew how to be Jews, but their whole world changed when they claimed Jesus as their Messiah. Many had probably been left behind by their family members who remained true to Jewish belief that the Messiah had not yet come. Imagine the turmoil inside them. It makes sense they would need the counsel of other Christians further along in the journey and understanding to come alongside them. Continue reading “Hebrews 5:11-14 – Growing Up”

Hebrews 4:1-11 – Rest is Important

Read Hebrews 4:1-11

Our last reading was about obeying God and taking the sabbath rest he intends for us. Today’s passage continues to focus on our need to rest in response to God’s provision. He has prepared it for us, so we should gratefully accept and enjoy. If we don’t, we are being disrespectful to God’s wishes. The author says that only those who believe can enter the rest. If we don’t take God up on his offer, are we saying we don’t believe?

If we say, “I don’t have time to rest,” that, too, is pretty lame. I’ve said those words myself, many times. Now as I’m reflecting on this passage, I’m feeling empowered to do better at resting. I’ve asked forgiveness for all the times of rest I’ve missed out on and set aside the feelings of guilt. Telling God we don’t have time for him is exactly what we’re doing when we fail to take his rest. Ouch – are you feeling empowered yet? Continue reading “Hebrews 4:1-11 – Rest is Important”

Ruth 3:1-13 – Surprise!

Read Ruth 3:1-13

What do we learn from Ruth today? Obedience. She follows Naomi’s instructions as well as Boaz’s. There is a lot going on in this passage we don’t want to overlook. It may help us get a good picture of the setting as well as gain an understanding of some of the “hidden” gems here.

It’s harvest time and the threshing process is often overseen by the owner, it’s that important. That’s why we find Boaz sleeping in the middle of the harvest field instead of his own bed. Naomi would be familiar with the process. That’s why she wanted Ruth to dress up all pretty and be there for Boaz to find. It was time for Ruth to move on and find love or at least a husband to take care of her. Continue reading “Ruth 3:1-13 – Surprise!”

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