remain faithful – Be Still…

Hebrews 10:19-39 – Perservere!

How do you feel after reading that passage? Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t enter us into a popularity club with lots of perks. We’re likely to face a lot of persecution. We’re likely to stumble and fall. But the final reward, a life forever with Jesus, is the best thing possible. We’re called to persevere.

Focus on what Jesus has made possible for us. We can enter into God’s presence whenever we want. We can experience an audience with God like many before us never could. “Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.” We can do that only because of Jesus. It’s incredible when we fully grasp the privilege we have. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:19-39 – Perservere!”

Job 27:1-23 – Job’s Oath

Read Job 27:1-23

Job’s integrity has weathered a great blow from his friends. Despite it all, Job refused to succumb to their attempts to discredit him. In his final speech, Job boldly says, “I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.”

There is peace when you know you’ve done your best, when you’ve hung on to your integrity despite the pressures of the world. One simple example that comes to mind for me is driving the speed limit. I used to be a “lead foot” always on the look out for law enforcement who may not appreciate my “skill.” Once I embraced being more “lawful” in my highway driving, the more peace I had. No longer was I on the edge of my seat looking to the horizon or the skies for an officer who might “catch” me. What sinful behavior is it for you that you could change to feel that peace? Continue reading “Job 27:1-23 – Job’s Oath”

Job 2:1-10 – To Your Health!

Read Job 2:1-10

Again we see Job being tested. This time, we also see his wife and her attitude toward all that is going on. She has lost her children, and still the Accuser is seeking more access to Job from God. This access will make Job sick.

Boils doing sound like a lot of fun. Even his wife thinks the best thing he can do is just give in, blame God, and die. I sense a very hurt woman having a hard time with all of troubles that she is facing. Her faith is not as steady as Job’s apparently. Continue reading “Job 2:1-10 – To Your Health!”

Mark 13:1-23 – Jesus’ Warning

Read Mark 13:1-23

Jesus gives us so much detail in this apocalyptic passage, and it’s frightening. I don’t think Jesus meant for us to be scared, rather to be prepared. The end times are not going to be pretty. For those who will witness such things, there will be death and chaos. The promise is also there for us believers. The Holy Spirit will be with us.

I have vivid memories of being afraid of my closet as a child. I was sure there was something to fear lurking in the shadows, and the closet door had to be closed every night lest I couldn’t fall asleep. I can still hear my dad saying, “There is nothing to fear; I’ll be right across the hall.”