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“Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:35, NIV)

Every follower of Jesus should read the entirety of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews to grasp the fact that current-day faithfulness does not guarantee current-day success.

While it is true that God blesses His faithful ones, we err when we begin to think that these “rewards” all come in this life; or at times when we think we would derive the most benefit from them. Some rewards — like some punishments, for reasons known only to God — are reserved for life after life.

To be a true person of faith requires that we continue to believe (and act in accordance with that belief) although we have yet to receive that for which we hope. It is not always an easy day.

However, as the writer of Hebrews assures us in verse 1: This is what the ancients were commended for by God. – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow (Sunday). Have a great day in worship — and remember that Daylight Savings Time ends tonight, so set your clocks back one hour to return to Standard Time.

Tagged discipleship, faith, faithfulness, reward and punishment, the book of Hebrews

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“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

“Character” is often defined as “who you are when no one else is looking.” Be certain of this: Someone else is looking — all of the time.

The kind of things we would say about someone if that person were listening; the kind of things we would do if we knew that we would see it replayed on television or on “You Tube”; and the places we would go (or not go) if we were never alone, form the basis accountable behavior.

Trouble, embarrassment, and ruin are certain when individuals, organizations, and governments cease being ever mindful of the fact that each is accountable, regardless of perceived power, prestige, or privacy.

The wise person is mindful that every moment of his or her life is “on the books.” – Luther

Tagged accountability, character, deeds, judgment, the book of Hebrews

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“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, it it good to be reminded Whom it is that we are following, lest we acquire ideas about the person or the purpose of Jesus that are both unscriptural, and unsupportable.

Ask an architect about a structure she has designed, and she will be able to speak to every detail of its form and its function.

The words of Jesus resonate as they do in human experience because it was through Him the universe was created. In other words, He is its architect.

The longer and the closer one follows Jesus, the more one appreciates the work of God. – Luther

Tagged creation, God's creation, the book of Hebrews