Tuesday – April 26th – Hebrews 12:18-20 -----
12:18) For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.
20) (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
IN THE BATTLE FOR YOUR HEART, ALLOW NO POCKETS OF RESISTANCE.*
Hello Tuesday! I pray that your week is off to a great start, and you have been able to see God at work in all things around you. I am also praying that others will see God in your words, actions, and reactions this week. Our inspirational thought for today speaks volumes about what God desires from us. While God is beyond thrilled when we begin our journey away from self and self-centeredness, yet in the end God is only interested in 100% of us as we grow in faith. Our relationship with God is more than an hour on Sunday, or a handful of minutes doing daily devotions, or a weekly Bible study. God designed us to be in constant and continuous connection to our creator. Anything less explains that feeling we have that something is missing. The devil tempts us to fill that void with the pursuits and pleasures of this world – good old fashion distractions. To counter the devil’s tactics of resistance, remember that the Bible is quick to point out that believers are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and Jesus stated that we are to seek first the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:33). Such great wisdom when we feel ourselves drifting toward an attitude of resistance.
In our pick verses for today the author explores the contrast between seeking God with a desire for spiritual holiness and our human centered desire to promote self. Our author focuses on the symbolism of Mount Sinai versus Mount Zion. What a contrast between the people’s terrified approach to God at Mount Sinai and their joyful approach at Mount Zion. To better understand this reference, it is helpful to know that Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, located just outside the walls of the Old City. The term Mount Zion has been used in the Hebrew Bible first for the City of David and later for the Temple Mount. In this passage the author connects God’s presence at Mount Zion to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What a difference Jesus has made. Before Jesus came, God seemed distant and threatening. After Jesus came, God welcomes us through Jesus into His glorious presence. Jesus gave His all for us, shouldn’t we return the favor and give Him our whole heart?
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Wednesday – April 27th – Hebrews 12:21-22
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Kindle Location 23164). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
12:18) For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.
20) (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
IN THE BATTLE FOR YOUR HEART, ALLOW NO POCKETS OF RESISTANCE.*
Hello Tuesday! I pray that your week is off to a great start, and you have been able to see God at work in all things around you. I am also praying that others will see God in your words, actions, and reactions this week. Our inspirational thought for today speaks volumes about what God desires from us. While God is beyond thrilled when we begin our journey away from self and self-centeredness, yet in the end God is only interested in 100% of us as we grow in faith. Our relationship with God is more than an hour on Sunday, or a handful of minutes doing daily devotions, or a weekly Bible study. God designed us to be in constant and continuous connection to our creator. Anything less explains that feeling we have that something is missing. The devil tempts us to fill that void with the pursuits and pleasures of this world – good old fashion distractions. To counter the devil’s tactics of resistance, remember that the Bible is quick to point out that believers are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and Jesus stated that we are to seek first the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:33). Such great wisdom when we feel ourselves drifting toward an attitude of resistance.
In our pick verses for today the author explores the contrast between seeking God with a desire for spiritual holiness and our human centered desire to promote self. Our author focuses on the symbolism of Mount Sinai versus Mount Zion. What a contrast between the people’s terrified approach to God at Mount Sinai and their joyful approach at Mount Zion. To better understand this reference, it is helpful to know that Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, located just outside the walls of the Old City. The term Mount Zion has been used in the Hebrew Bible first for the City of David and later for the Temple Mount. In this passage the author connects God’s presence at Mount Zion to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What a difference Jesus has made. Before Jesus came, God seemed distant and threatening. After Jesus came, God welcomes us through Jesus into His glorious presence. Jesus gave His all for us, shouldn’t we return the favor and give Him our whole heart?
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Wednesday – April 27th – Hebrews 12:21-22
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Kindle Location 23164). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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