Discipline is earnest correction which leads to education. As parents, we always wish our kids wouldn’t have to learn things the hard way. So training and instruction is for their benefit, not us just trying to be mean. The same goes for our Heavenly Father. We learn much from adversity…we discover just how strong we are, and are able to realize the true depth of God’s love and mercy for us . Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Remember that our loving and ever watchful Heavenly Father is wanting only the best for us when hardships head our way.
Tag: Hebrews Chapter
House Rules – If you open it…close it.
Hebrews 12:1 states, “…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Don’t give up,but finish the race, for much can be learned during it. We learn how faithful our God is and we learn just how strong we are. So don’t surrender what you’ve started… rather, set your face towards the finish line and pursue with determination…for God’s goal for you is closer than you think.
Hebrews 10: 39 ” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
The scripture today is a continuation of the thought from yesterday…a encouraging thought for all of us… that we are stronger than we think, braver than we can ever imagine, and only need to trust the Lord in order to succeed. We are exhorted here that we are not of those who shrink back, but rather have faith. For what hangs in the balance is simple…eternal life, or eternal damnation.
Hebrews 10: 37-38 ” For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.’ “
The writer of Hebrews is paraphrasing Habakkuk 2:3-4 in this passage. He’s stressing that our spiritual walk is made up of constant, focused, decisions to trust and obey the Lord…even when we can’t see change. He warns us against retreating or drawing back from trials simply out of fear. If you’re in the middle of a storm today, don’t allow fear to rule your life…don’t hesitate when apprehension rises in your throat…rather make a conscious decision to listen to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and walk by faith.
Hebrews 10:36 ” You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
I’ll be the first to admit…I’m not a patient person. But patience is exactly what God wants from me. He asks that I steadfastly pray for unsaved loved ones…even if I don’t see change. He asks that I not give up on dreams He’s given me…even if it’s been years. God only asks that I be patient in my faith…unwavering in my trust of Him, as He works towards His divine purpose in my life. For if you think about it, it’s very little He’s asking.
Hebrews 2:9 ” But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”
Jesus died for you. He experienced the stark reality of dying… for you. In II Corinthians 5:15 it says that Jesus died for all…and that includes you. Have you ever given thought to the profound notion that the Savior of the world died for you…just you? No matter where you are in life…no matter where your walk is right now…remember, Jesus loves you enough to have suffered unspeakable horror and death… just for you.
Hebrews 12:14 ” Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
We are to live in harmony with all. Not with just those we like…not with those who only believe as we do. No, we are to live in peaceful co-existence with everyone. Jesus came preaching the Gospel of Peace, not that of elitism, isolation, or hatred. It’s a tough road though to love your neighbor as yourself…for many around us are unlovable. That’s why the second part of this verse is so important. We may not be able to change the unlovable around us, but we can change ourselves and how we interact with them. Sanctification or holiness is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ Jesus everyday…of looking at all people – even the unlovable- through His eyes.
Hebrews 9:27-28 ” Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”
We are dust and to dust we will return. (Genesis 3:19) Each one of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday. But Jesus paid the price for our sins…once for all, and became the source of eternal salvation…and in Him and Him alone we will find redemption.
Hebrews 2:18 ” Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
The temptations of Satan attempt to entangle us in sin to show that good or evil…weakness or strength exists within. It is not a sin to be tempted…rather, it’s the decision we make with the temptation that matters. For it says in Hebrews 4:15, “Jesus was tempted in every way – yet was without sin.”
Hebrews 1:3 ” The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”
As so perfectly said by our Savior in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus walked this earth as the magnificent shining of God’s glory and splendor for all to see…He was God with us, and the reality of God’s word come to life.