134th Week, Hebrews Chapters 5-9 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Hebrews Chapter 5
Hebrews 5
Verse 8
Mindy Strayer

Verse 8:  But even though he was God’s Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient.

THOUGHT
God is always in control. He knows the past, present, and future of the whole universe. Everything has been perfectly planned out by God. His Will reaches far beyond our capacity to understand completely. It is important to remember that God does not start affliction. No, the devil is behind affliction as he is behind sin. But God will at times allow affliction to occur in our lives. So, when affliction and suffering enter into our lives, we are not going to completely understand why. 

One basic reason, however, is to teach us obedience. Jesus is the perfect example of One who is obedient to God. Jesus did not want to suffer and die. He said to His disciples, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me.” (Mark 14:34) And twice while praying to God in the Garden of
Gethsemane before being arrested He said, “If you will, take this cup of suffering away from me.” But in the same statement, because Jesus was humble and devoted to God He also said, “Not my will, however, but your will be done.” Jesus drank of the cup of suffering given to Him.

Sometimes, experiencing suffering whether great or small, physical or emotional, is, if for no other reason, to be obedient to the Lord, trusting that His will is good and perfect. Because of our faith in God, we are able to endure the frustration, pain and suffering. God never gives us more than we can handle. When we persevere through these trials, we will have grown and come out a changed person. God uses the trials and tribulations that we face to mold us into the likeness of Christ.

PRAYER
Help us, Lord, to have a heart of obedience like Jesus. We will trust and obey, for Your Will is good and perfect. You hold each one of our lives in the palm of Your hand, and we trust You completely. Jesus, we give You praise and thanksgiving for Your obedience to the Lord. We thank You for
purchasing our salvation. All glory, honor, and praise to You!!!!  AMEN


Tuesday, Hebrews Chapter 6
Hebrews 6
Verse 15
Tanya Ruden

Verse 15:  And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

THOUGHT
This passage really touched me this morning. Maybe it was spending all weekend with my children or the excitement of Christmas; either way, waiting and patiently are the hardest things I do each day. Somewhere I think I read Abraham waited 25 years to have a baby. Can you imagine? After the first year would you start to question God? Did I hear you right, God, it has been a year...5 years....25 years!! I can’t imagine. I begin to lose my patience waiting for Sierra to buckle her seat belt every time we get into the car. How long is that 1 minute? 

I truly think God teaches us invaluable lessons through waiting. Waiting when He says to our prayers, ‘not yet’.  Waiting for His coming.  I believe God calls us to not only wait faithfully but also patiently. For me this is my biggest daily challenge, and I pray several times a day for it. As we all wait for some answer from God, which I know we all are, I pray your attitude and heart reflect one of faithful patience.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, help us all to be thankful for the life You have given us, excitement about the joy we as Christians know that so many don’t. Allow this to fill our spirit and reflect in our attitude today. Help our joy to reflect onto others who may not be motivated today.  Jesus, so many times we as Christians must wait. Help us to wait faithfully and patiently. I pray for patience in all aspects of my life, especially in dealing with my children. Help me to not lose my temper, get angry, etc. Help me to reflect and try to imitate the ultimate example of You when I am tempted to lose my patience. AMEN


Wednesday, Hebrews Chapter 7
Hebrews 7
Verse 7
Tanya Ruden

Verse 7:  And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.

THOUGHT
I loved this verse when I read it, and I really didn’t know what it meant or how to discuss it. So, I went to my Bible notes, and it says it means “a person who has the power to bless is always greater than the person that he or she blesses.” I guess I have never felt I have the power to bless people, but I do believe that since we are children of God we do bless people with our witness. How awesome is that?  I pray you bless those you contact today, knowing you will be greater in the eyes of our Lord than those you affect.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, it has been amazing to witness Your awesome power this past week. You are in control of the weather, and although it has caused destruction and inconvenience, it is a witness of who You are.  You are in control.  Thank You for Your protection in this time.  Lord, I pray we bless all those we contact, knowing the benefit is so great, greater than those receiving the blessing. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for my smile. AMEN


Thursday, Hebrews Chapter 8
Hebrews 8
Verse 10
Tanya Ruden

Verse 10:  I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

THOUGHT
When I read this thought it sounded familiar? Who could forget Jeremiah and where it says, ‘declares the Lord’? This part of Hebrews is a quotation from Jeremiah.  The thing that makes this covenant new is the fact that now, since Jesus, we have grace as part of the equation. It offers us a new way for forgiveness instead of animal sacrifices.

I like the part about the law on our hearts. If we only obey God through our mind, then we have not developed a personal relationship with Jesus.  We are acting like “Sunday” Christians. We must have changed hearts, or it will be difficult to obey God’s law. It is a tall order to follow without God’s help and our humility in knowing we are not perfect. If our hearts are changed, we find joy in serving God and following His Law. It becomes a part of us we can’t live without.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to earth to bear our sins. Without that deed we would not be able to have You as our personal friend. What a blessing it is to be able to love You and find joy in that. Help us to desire to obey Your law, not finding it something that is a ‘task’ we have to complete as your follower. Thank You for Your Covenant with us. AMEN


Friday, Hebrews Chapter 9
Hebrews 9
Verse 24b
Tanya Ruden

Verse 24b: ...but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

THOUGHT
I loved this chapter. It is amazing how far we have come. We have come from a time when the church building and sacrifices were the only way to repent of our sins and get in touch with God. Now, since Jesus, we are able to go to God directly. We can talk to Him and repent of our sins. How awesome is that?  I can’t imagine living back at that time. It would be hard for them to change their ways I think. It is almost a total change in worship, but yet all done to the same all-knowing, all-powerful God. To me this change just goes to show how God appreciates and understands our different ways of worship. It is OK to worship traditionally or contemporary. The most important thing is to worship God and go to Him directly!!

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, I don’t think we can find the words to thank You enough or praise You enough for what You did for us. Taking on the sins of the world and becoming our intercessory were priceless gifts.  We are so humbled. Thank You for changing the history of our church through Your resurrection. AMEN









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