Tag Archives: the book of Hebrews

“But exhort [encourage] one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13, KJV)

Do not underestimate the power of personal example.

Sin is deceitful (e. g. tricky) because it always promises much and delivers little. Fellow disciples who are immature, inexperienced, or ignorant of God’s word are prime candidates for sin’s deceit. 

Sin blunts the power of God’s spirit within us because it causes our heart to become less receptive (e. g. hardened) to both the Spirit’s guidance, and the Spirit’s gifts. The farther we are from God, the smaller God seems.  The antidote to this kind of atrophy is the disciples’ “exercise” of growing ever closer to our heavenly Father. 

We can be of immeasurable help to others at risk of sin’s deceit and insensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and gifts by using every opportunity — daily — to testify (e. g. give voice) to the active presence and the loving care of our heavenly Father in our personal example of what we do and what we say.  – Luther 

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“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 16:25, NIV)

Without a trustworthy guide, we are left alone to decide how to navigate the many crossroads of this life. Yet, we are not alone if we choose to obey the word of God.  If we remain faithful to His word, we have life. 

Yes, there are many, many roads that one may choose, but only one leads to life. All others lead — eventually — to our death. 

Today’s proverb reminds us to choose carefully. Be wary of intuition alone. Be wary of advice from persons who have not been there.  Be wary of advice from persons who “have no skin in the game.” 

Thanks to our God, we have the Holy Spirit to guide our spirit.  Thanks to our God, we have One who has been tempted in all ways, as we are, yet without sin.  (Please see Hebrews 4:15) Thanks to our God, He has our vouched for us with His own holy name.

Our Father is alone worthy of our total allegiance.  He will not lead us astray.  – Luther

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“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:9-10, NIV)

God’s plan for you and me is that we become like Him.  This state is called “holiness,” and it was what God had in mind when He created us “in His image and after His likeness.” (Genesis 1:26a) Through the heritage of sin, we fall short of our original destiny.  

God is at work in us (always) through our circumstances (all of them) for our good. We aid the process through obedience to God. We hinder God’s work in us when we delay, debate, or detour.  

How do we know when to get involved — or when to get out? It begins with our full COMMITMENT to do whatever it is that God spirit leads us to do; and full CONFIDENCE in our heavenly Father’s plan for us.  – Luther

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