Tag Archives: the book of Hebrews

June 5
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Uncategorized Aside

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)

The thought of Oswald Chambers on the latter half of this scripture is particularly appropriate to consider when we are in the routines of daily living.

Says Chambers: “Sometimes it is not difficulty that makes me think God will forsake me, but drudgery. There is no Hill Difficulty to climb, no vision given, nothing wonderful or beautiful, just the commonplace day in and day out – can I hear God’s say-so in these things?”

The truth of life is that most of the days of our lives will not be spent in the valley of difficulty or frustration; nor on the mountaintop of excitement and personal achievement — but on the plains of our routines. 

The reality is that if we can hear and obey God in the mundane places, where our senses are blunted by the routine of living; we will certainly hear Him when our senses are most attuned to Him in the valley or on the pinnacle.  

Use the long, level, boring, spaces in your life to cultivate your relationship with our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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February 21
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Uncategorized Aside

“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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January 13
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Uncategorized Aside

“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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