Saving Faith

"For the faith that saves has one distinguishing quality--saving faith is a faith that produces obedience, it is a faith that brings about a way of life.  Some have quite successfully imitated this way of life for a long time, but for those who trust Christ for salvation, that faith brings about in them a desire to live out that inward experience of faith.  It is a power that results in godly living and surrender."

~from Peace with God by Billy Graham~

Beloved by God

Growing up, I used to think that God was mad at me. I have since realized that this is not the case. Even so, I was still awed by Hebrews 9:7 - "But only the high priest entered the inner room...and never without blood..."

We have access to that inner room every time we commune directly with God. His blood PAID for me, so why would he reject me?!

Pinnacles of Faith - Hebrews 11

I've got to tell you . . . I am REALLY enjoying Hebrews!  I am currently at a faith-testing moment in my life as my job for next year hangs in the balance . . . God placed Hebrews into the mix of books to read for the BOOK Club at just the right time!  I love when that happens.

One of my favorite parts of Hebrews has been chapter 11, where a "list" of sorts, the "pinnacles" of faith are listed and briefly discussed.  I'm not going to write much more . . . the verses speak for themselves.  Be encouraged . . . exemplify an "act of faith" in your life today!

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.  It's our handle on what we can't see.  The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
~Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)

Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing.  How did they do it?  They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.  People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home.  If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted.  But they were after a far better country than that--heaven country.  You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
~Hebrews 11:13-16 (The Message)

By faith (by an act of faith) . . . Abraham . . . Isaac . . . Jacob . . . Joseph . . . Moses . . . Israel . . . Israelites . . . Rahab . . . Gideon . . . Barak . . . Samson . . . Jephthah . . . David . . . Samuel . . . the prophets . . .
~Hebrews 11:17-32 (The Message)

Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised.  God had a better plan for us:  that their faith and our faith would come together and make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours."
~Hebrews 11:39-40 (The Message)

Anchored

Hebrews 6:19-20 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

When I was in high school, we lived at the edge of a lake. One summer day, we took the boat to the far side of the lake to fish for some walleye. We found a spot and dropped the anchor. With the anchor down we were able to fish without care that we would drift from our spot. Without the anchor, we would drift and need to adjust our course.

Our life need not drift on the wind and waves. This verse tells us that our anchor is firm and secure. It is not too small for the task. Our anchor will hold. I also find it encouraging where this anchor is fastened. That day on the lake we picked our spot. The fishing was good. The sun was shining and the fish were biting. Our life anchor is in an even better spot. Our soul is anchored to the inner sanctuary where we have fellowship with God through Jesus. My understanding is this is the area that only priests could enter. We are not worthy on our own to enter but Jesus has entered on our behalf. He entered and he holds us secure. I find that encouraging and refreshing.

Surgeon's Scalpel

Hebrews 4:12
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

This verse has been on my mind since I read it last week. In reading this and contemplating it, I picture a surgeons scalpel. It needs to be sharp to do its job without damaging healthy tissue. A skilled surgeon can cut out the damaged or infected tissue with their scalpel. Often the longer we wait, or the longer the tissue is damaged, the more damage it causes. I think this is true of our attitudes and thoughts as well. The word of God is even sharper and used by the Master, the damage is limited to removing that which is not needed. The offending thoughts and attitudes are removed before they become habits that we hold on to. Unless...
I don't like change and yet there are times I crave change. I know that what God has planned is better than I can dream. He promises in Ephesians more than we can ask or imagine. But it is unknown and worry or fear or self sufficiency or any number of attitudes that get in the way of God's best for me. I find myself holding back and trying to hold on to things I need to let go. Worry and fear are two biggies for me and this month they have tried to take up residence again. It is only by allowing the Word of God to penetrate and divide that which is healthy from that which isn't that I can overcome them. Unless...
We have to give a surgeon permission before they start. So too with God, we need to submit to His will for us. We need to be willing to let go of that which is being cut away.

Spring Growth

I'm not much of a gardener but I love this time of year where I can go to my flower beds and look for 'green things' shooting up. I pick, I prod, I cover (when snow flies once again) and in general I am quite interested to see what is happening, what is growing. I can't wait to plant and water and then watch.

Hebrews 6:7 says, "For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it was also tilled, receives a blessing from God"

Just like the ground needs to be taken care of for plants to grow, Paul says that our spiritual lives need to be taken care of. Are you 'often' in God's Word? Are you watering your mind with God's Words? You can then bring forth 'vegetation' that is useful to yourself and others.

Hebrews 6:8 says, "but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless..."

I spend much time getting rid of weeds from my flower beds. Let's make sure we get rid of the weeds in our spiritual journey as well. Allow God's Word to speak to you and remind you of areas in your life that need 'cleaning up'.

Keep reading!!!

The Flu

Have you ever had the flu really badly? We probably all have. You feel horrible, everything aches, and nothing stays down. You end up eating nothing for awhile but eventually you start with crackers, or gingerale and maybe possibly chicken broth.

Now when you have the flu your goal is not to remain on those foods. You want to start eating more. BUT... for awhile that is only what your body can handle. Slowly, your body can handle more and more - and that is the goal.

The same holds true spiritually.

Hebrews 5:13-14 says, "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe."

If you go too long only eating crackers, gingerale and chicken broth, it takes your stomach time to get used to new foods. And if you only eat that, you will not be healthy. You eventually need solids, in order to grow and be healthy

"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."

We eventually want to start eating solid food. We are healthiest when we can eat a good diet of food that is good for us. A liquid diet is only good for certain situations.

I think we sometimes forget the last part of verse 14. '....who because of practice have their senses trained...' Nowhere in there does it say, when you have been a Christian for 20 years you will be mature. You can be a 20 year old Christian and still be eating milk. It is practice that enables us to grow. Practice is reading God's Word. Practice is going through our day and applying what we have learned from our devotions. Practice is dealing with a situation based on what the Bible tells us. The more we practice the more solid food we can handle. The more we practice the more we are able to distinguish between good and evil.

Practice does make perfect.....perfection comes when we get to heaven. While on earth, we are to practice.

Keep eating that solid food.

Promises Mixed with Faith & Obedience

I was talking with my friend yesterday, who was diagnosed with cancer back in April. She went through surgery, and now faces chemo and radiation. Her faith is so strong as she walks through this - and it reminds me of the challenge in chapter 4 of Hebrews. 'For as long, then, as that promise of resting in Him pulls us on to God's GOAL FOR US, we need to be careful that we're not disqualified.' The author reminds us that the Israelites chose to doubt what God was going to do for them - where He was taking them, and how we would accomplish His purpose in their life. Their doubt DISQUALIFIED them from receiving the blessing of rest and life in the promised land. Silly Israelites....

I am challenged. Do I really believe that God is working in my life - pulling me toward His goal for me- even through wilderness walks? I believe it for my friend who is facing the ugly C word, but I am struggling with trusting God with issues in my own life. I don't want to submit....

The next verses say' This promise (of rest) has not yet been fulfilled. Those earlier ones never did get to the place of rest because they were disobedient. God keeps renewing the promise and setting the date as today...And so this is still a live promise. The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God.'

Pray for my friend. Pray for me. Pray for yourself that we take Him seriously in both His promises and His ask for obedience. 'God means what He says. What He says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it - no matter what.'

Signs and Wonders

In Chapter 2, verses 3 and 4, it talks about salvation which was first announced by the Lord and was confirmed by those who heard him. Then it says that God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. It made me stop and think about some times where I've heard others - and I've done this myself - asking for signs that God is working in our lives. This basically says that God has already done that! I mean, looking around at some of the stories we've heard about miracles being performed, like medical ones for example, are some of God's works. And when I think of 'wonders', I think of the 7 natural wonders of the world, like the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Aurora Borealis, Mount Everest. I interpret all this in a way that everything is there before us. I think if I wasn't a believer and this was pointed out to me, I might seriously stop and rethink about the whole 'God thing' which would lead me to salvation if I made the correct choice. Being a believer, this just kind of reaffirms my beliefs and stuff. I hope it all makes sense and I was interpreting this the right way, or I portrayed my ideas clearly... It's hard for me to go from ideas in my head to writing, ha ha.

Hebrews 1 - Angels

Isn't it obvious that all angels are sent to help out with those lined up to receive salvation?
~Hebrews 1:14, The Message~

I have read Hebrews chapter 1 over and over this week.  I am so intrigued by angels . . . I collect angel "things" and whenever angels are mentioned in the Bible I like to get all I can out of the information provided.

I know Hebrews 1 is a comparison of Jesus vs. angels . . . obviously Jesus is above them.  But what I really like about this chapter is the last verse, stating that angels are sent to help us out.

Several days ago my family and I were having a discussion about angels and the reality of them in our lives as Christians.  I was able to share the above verse with my boys and tell them about a couple of real-life experiences I've had where I believe angels were involved in helping me and/or protecting me.  This has heightened their awareness of the spiritual world around them, which is something I don't emphasize enough in our daily living.

Have you ever encountered an angel?

Eph. 3:10

I am not usually one to have Bible references at my fingertips, but tonight I did, thanks to book club. My daughter asked me why did God create the world when He knew all the bad things we were going to do. I was able to go straight to Eph. 3:10, (a verse that intrigues me greatly) and we talked about how what we're doing here is somehow teaching something to the authorities and principalities in HEAVEN! That's pretty crazy! In my mind I see a pattern: God using individuals (prophets) so a group of people (the Israelites) could learn from them. God using the Israelites so His Church could learn from them. God using His Church so the authorities and principalities in heaven could learn from them. And the Church is made up of- individuals. I sometimes think I have barely a sniff of what's really going on. Not just the big picture, but the REALLY BIG PICTURE. If I did I'd probably do a lot of things a lot differently.

^{Eph 3:10}His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, ¹¹according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Peek at Heaven

In the first Chapter of Hebrews we get a "Wee peek" at the glory of the Spiritual realm where Christ had such a lofty position. To be in line with and equal to the Supreme God of the Universe above angels and man, then to willingly take on the fragile man form. All because he loves us and wants better for us than the trap of sin has us stuck in. He really does love us/me/you. What a wonder!

encourage one another

I was really impacted by Hebrews 3:13 this morning. "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin".

Isn't it interesting that encouraging one another will help us to not be hardened by sin. I've thought about it quite a bit today - even challenged my students to encourage one another. If I encourage someone, it immediately softens my heart, especially towards them. I think, when we think positively, we are less inclined to dwell on the negative - negativity is one breeding ground for sin. I also think, just by being obedient and encouraging one another, that it helps stop us from sin.

We encourage others to build them up but think about all the ways encouraging others helps us, as well.

Run with perseverance

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I have a confession to make, I sometimes like to read the end of a book before I get through the rest. That is what I did with this book. This verse has been on my mind since we were reading 1 and 2 Peter, so I took a better look at it.

When I read this verse, I picture a group of racers running a long race such as a marathon since they need to persevere. It is not a 12 second sprint but a long distance, a distance that takes training and effort. They are cheered on by crowds in the stadium and along the race as they run the preset course. The racers do not veer off through the crowd, there is a path and a goal. The racers are not carrying anything they do not need so they are not weighed down. They have thrown off everything that is unnecessary.

Our faith journey is to be like this. We are not running a short sprint but the race of a lifetime. Unlike these racers, we sometimes get distracted by our worries and worldly cares. I find it interesting that we are not only to throw off sin but also that which hinders, those things that are a distraction from the purpose God has for us need to be removed. I find that it is not always easy to identify these things. They are often good things, they may have had a good purpose in our life. They may be things that we needed but no longer need. I have been in the process of evaluating my commitments and habits to see if I am holding on to things I no longer need. It is not easy. Some things are part of the race marked out for us. Unlike the marathon I envision, each of us has a different path to take, yet we work together to the same goal. We are part of the cloud of witnesses as are those who have already finished their race and whose stories we have recorded as an encouragement.

Our paths take us over uneven ground. Some are running in what seems to be an uphill journey and exhaustion threatens. Others are running over uneven ground where rocks may cause them to stumble. Still others may be passing through the meadow where the ground is level and the challenges few. I have had times where this all seems to occur within one day. In 2 Peter 1, we are promised that we have everything we need for life and godliness. I am so thankful for that and for those God has provided to encourage us as we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. I am thankful for God's grace that allows us to get up and start over when we stumble and fall and for the strength he provided on those uphill journeys that we can't see the end of.

Now I'll go back to the beginning parts of the book so I can find out what else the writer has for me.