Today’s Reading: Hebrews 13
And let us run with ENDURANCE the race God has set before us. – Hebrews 12:1b
I love the word ENDURANCE. The word challenges me. When I think of endurance, I think of courage and strength even in the most difficult of situations. The writer of Hebrews challenges his readers to
ENDURE God’s discipline and not to give up when He corrects you because he loves you as a Father loves His child.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. – Hebrews 12:10-13
ENDURE the discipline so that we might share in His holiness, which looks like this:
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. – Hebrews 12:14-15
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking…Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is UNSHAKABLE, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire. – Hebrews 12:25a, 28-29
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison…also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. – Hebrews 13:1-8
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a CONTINUAL sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. – Hebrews 13:14-16
How do we do this?
How do we live this kind of holy life?
It seems impossible to endure and meet this high mark.
Well, it is impossible…without God’s help.
God, who is unshakable.
Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
HE will equip you.
HE will produce in you every good thing that is pleasing to him.
Now may the God of peace –
Who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
The great Shepherd of the sheep,
And ratified an eternal covenant with his blood –
May he equip you with all you need for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
Through the power of Jesus Christ,
Every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21