Monday – March 21st – Hebrews 10:32-35 -----
10:32) But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
33) partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34) for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
35) Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
GOOD CHARACTER IS LIKE GOOD SOUP— IT IS USUALLY HOMEMADE.*
Welcome to Monday! We are off and running today fully anticipating that God will provide for us ample opportunities to share our faith and to be in service to others. The resume of a believer should be endless pages of times we have helped others when in need and moments that record our telling others about Jesus. I think there may be times when we preachers and evangelists fail in full disclosure as to the expectations of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Being a Christian is more than a title, using that name represents a life that is dedicated 24/7 to personal spiritual growth, intentional witness, and selfless service. Many people are recruited to Christianity on the simple premise that it is a way to gain heaven and a way to avoid hell. Which of course it is – but it doesn’t stop there for a believer. In fact, usually after the fact, is when we spring on new Christians the fine print part of discipleship. A fully committed disciple of Jesus is expected to be involved in making disciples of other people. At SunRise we call it populating the Kingdom of Heaven. How many folks have you invested time into their being awakened to Jesus?
In our pick verses today, we focus on four interwoven verses that lay out the author’s argument of why it is vital for us to stay close to the teachings of Jesus. Life will bring challenges and sufferings, and without a closeness to Jesus we are opting to go it alone. This reality is true for all believers regardless of the date on the calendar or the geographical location of their residence. For these first century believers their conversion experiences were followed by the reality of persecution and suffering because of their faith in Jesus. Sufferings were a result of both their personal tribulations and their helping of other believers who were also suffering. These early Christians were encouraged to endure joyfully because of their hope of eternal life in Heaven. After enduring their personal sufferings for Jesus, it would be tragic for them to choose to “cast away” their confidence in Jesus when life got too tough for them. The same would be true for us today if we fell to the devil’s temptation for us to turn away from Jesus’ teachings and guidance.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Tuesday – March 22nd – Hebrews 10:36-37
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Locations 15621-15622). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
10:32) But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
33) partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34) for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
35) Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
GOOD CHARACTER IS LIKE GOOD SOUP— IT IS USUALLY HOMEMADE.*
Welcome to Monday! We are off and running today fully anticipating that God will provide for us ample opportunities to share our faith and to be in service to others. The resume of a believer should be endless pages of times we have helped others when in need and moments that record our telling others about Jesus. I think there may be times when we preachers and evangelists fail in full disclosure as to the expectations of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Being a Christian is more than a title, using that name represents a life that is dedicated 24/7 to personal spiritual growth, intentional witness, and selfless service. Many people are recruited to Christianity on the simple premise that it is a way to gain heaven and a way to avoid hell. Which of course it is – but it doesn’t stop there for a believer. In fact, usually after the fact, is when we spring on new Christians the fine print part of discipleship. A fully committed disciple of Jesus is expected to be involved in making disciples of other people. At SunRise we call it populating the Kingdom of Heaven. How many folks have you invested time into their being awakened to Jesus?
In our pick verses today, we focus on four interwoven verses that lay out the author’s argument of why it is vital for us to stay close to the teachings of Jesus. Life will bring challenges and sufferings, and without a closeness to Jesus we are opting to go it alone. This reality is true for all believers regardless of the date on the calendar or the geographical location of their residence. For these first century believers their conversion experiences were followed by the reality of persecution and suffering because of their faith in Jesus. Sufferings were a result of both their personal tribulations and their helping of other believers who were also suffering. These early Christians were encouraged to endure joyfully because of their hope of eternal life in Heaven. After enduring their personal sufferings for Jesus, it would be tragic for them to choose to “cast away” their confidence in Jesus when life got too tough for them. The same would be true for us today if we fell to the devil’s temptation for us to turn away from Jesus’ teachings and guidance.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Tuesday – March 22nd – Hebrews 10:36-37
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Locations 15621-15622). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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