Category: Hebrews

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Hebrews 13

Read Hebrews 13 and pray over it, then read my prayer. This entry is dated June 5/22

ADORATION (v. 8) 

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

My Savior, you’re the same yesterday and today and forever. You never changed and kept all your promises. Your steadfast love endures forever, and the Father’s love for us surpasses those of our earthly ones. Holy Spirit, you never ceased to draw us to Jesus Christ, our only hope of salvation. 

   "44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” 
- John 12: 44- 50

Do you not hear our Savior Jesus Christ crying to believe and command us to have eternal life? Why are we turning our eyes away from Him by not wanting to repent, forgive, and love the lost souls by dining them to hear the gospel? Are our hearts and minds not constantly fed with deceptions and things not worthy of his name? I do it all week long. It’s a battle of the flesh, mind, and spirit. Take arms, my friend and believe with all your hearts that all may be well with you.

CONFESSION (v.1-16)

Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear;what can man do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent[a] have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Oh, my Savior, you came in the flesh and taught us how to live a godly life pleasing to the Father. Not to neglect hospitality and to keep our life free from the love of money and be content with what we have, which at times is hard to be satisfied with a world advertising harassing our minds that ” we NEED this and that.”

Let us not be “led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace” and not by other things. Jesus, you’re a friend to sinners and called us to repent our sins and believe you’re the Son of God.

THANKSGIVING

The Bible is a historically recorded event of Jewish genealogy and the relations of God with his people. Also, it has recorded letters of men sent to the early churches led by the Holy Spirit, containing teachings and how to live a godly life with our neighbours, family, children, wife and God. The book teaches us how to have a relationship with a holy God, and the laws were given to protect us from harming others and ourselves. A redemption call to salvation that we may live and be well.

If we deny the Bible as historical and textual, many other ancient manuscripts should be categorized similarly. A myth is created by man. The Creator exits his own will.

Textual Criticism and the Bible

“In our scientific and educated age we question many of the non-scientific beliefs that earlier generations had.  This skepticism is especially true of the Bible.  Many of us question the reliability of the Bible.  It stems from what we know about the Bible.  After all, the Bible was written more than two thousand years ago.  For most of these millennia there has been no printing press, photocopy machines or publishing companies.  So the original manuscripts were copied by hand, generation after generation, as languages died out and new ones arose, as empires changed and new powers ascended.  Since the original manuscripts have long been lost, how do we know that what we read today in the Bible is what the original authors actually wrote?  Or has the Bible been changed or corrupted, perhaps by leaders in the church, or priests and monks who wished to change its message to suit their purposes?”

Considering Jesus from His Roots

Searching for the truth is what sets us free. Now let’s go pray!

RESOURCES

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Hebrews 12

P.E.I

Jesus the Perfecter of My Faith(v. 1-2)

Read Hebrews 12 and pray over it before reading my prayer. It’s dated June 3, 2022.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

O Jesus, you’re the perfecter of my faith. You’re the worthy lamb, and every day I fail to love you more than myself. Let me run the race of endurance, purity, and perfection that can only be achieved through the Holy Spirit, as my faith cannot stand alone. Jesus, you endured the shame at the cross. You were spotted on, heated, mocked, unjustly accused, and put to death. Now you’re sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. You are alive and will return! Let my heart rejoice in your victory and wait for my King’s return with unshakable faith.

CONFESSION (v. 3-11)

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

O Sweet Savior, when I grow weary or fainthearted or struggle, help me not to sin as you have promised; you will not test us beyond our endurance. I do not know my own strength, but you do. Be light when disciplining me so I may live and praise your name. Train my heart to be courageous and kind to your servant.

THANKSGIVING (v. 12-17)

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

O beautiful Savior, I lift my drooping hands and fail on my weak knees to your throne of grace, and hope fills my heart. In your word, I read your promises, salvation plan, and the gift of faith poured upon us that will last forever. We are to strive for peace in your world that hates You.

Your enemies said, “Peace, peace, we shall bring!” Instead, they destroyed our economy, killed babies, enslaved children, and abused the working population with higher taxes and no sense of rules. They professed to know God but denied him by declaring your word is a myth. You may have no chance to repent on those rejected, though he sought it with tears.

This is a hymn called Blessed Assurance:

1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

2 Perfect communion, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]

3 Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and bless’d,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]

Fanny Crosby

SUPPLICATION

That month, I prayed for family relationships, the salvation of one of my children, more precise communication with my spouse (or coworker), and healing of the heart for forgiveness, discernment, and endurance. I prayed for a new job for one of my children. The list changed weekly and monthly, never prayed for the same group of people.

What verses, hymns or songs as expired you this week? I’m still singing and humming, Come Jesus Come. I’m not memorizing any book, but I should go back to it; I’m just not sure which one I will do in the coming months. This is a significant intake as I don’t retain my verses well. But I do it anyway:)

“Prayer is one of the most important means of grace that we have to strengthen our faith. Prayer is not for God’s benefit. We don’t pray to give Him information that otherwise He would not have. We don’t pray to give God our counsel so as to improve His administration
of the universe. Rather, prayer is for our benefit. It is a God-given way for us to spend time with Him, to praise and thank Him, and to make our requests known to Him. Afterward, when we get up from our knees, we watch the providence of God work in our lives.”
― R.C. Sproul, What Is Faith?

RESOURCES

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Hebrews 11

Read Hebrew 11 and pray over it. Then read my prayer that was dated May 2/22.

ADORATION (v. 1-11)

O Father, you’ve given us your gift of faith that we may understand that Jesus was there at the beginning creating the heavens and the earth.

By faith, we became sons and daughters and are justified to become heirs according to eternal hope. “ In the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” (Titus 1:2).

By faith, we now can please the Father if we would draw near Jesus Christ, and we must believe he exists, and he rewards those who seek Him (Jesus Christ)

By faith, we look forward to a better world with the King of kings.

CONFESSION (v.13-28)

By faith, we can confide our iniquities to Jesus Christ, our intercessor for our sins. By faith, we believe we’re fully forgiven. By faith, I trust in his teachings, and His love for my soul surpasses all other love. By faith, we’ll humble ourselves in His love, divine doctrine, and grace. By faith, we will obey God because he is a good teacher.

THANKSGIVING

After I read this chapter, I listed all the words mentioned related to our faith.

By Faith:

  • Conviction
  • Assurance
  • Understanding/Wisdom
  • Please God
  • Draw near God
  • Rewarded
  • We are warned
  • Reverent fear (v.7)
  • Become heir of righteousness (v.7)
  • Obey (v.8)
  • Received an inheritance (v. 8)
  • Promised land (v.10)
  • Received promises (v.11)
  • Tested (.v17)
  • Persevere (v.23-25)
  • Endure (v. 27)
  • Keep the sacraments (v.28)
  • The belief in the impossible or unseen (v.29)
  • Conquered (v.33)

SUPPLICATION (v.33-40)

All through this, God will provide something better. A promise to look forward to. Are you living by faith? Are you living for the hope to come? Set your eyes on Jesus Christ today. Draw near him if you’ve wandered off into an impossible dream of happiness in a life that doesn’t endure. Jesus Christ is our only hope of joy that will last eternally.

Let’s Go Pray!

RESOURCES

  • quotefancy.com
  • BibleGateway
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Hebrews 10

Cap Lumiere, NB 2022

ADORATION (v. 1-15)

Good morning; read Hebrews 10 and pray over it. Then read my prayer. Hope you see all the glory and righteousness of Jesus Christ in this book. Written on June 1/22. I’m presently praying over the Psalms again.

My righteous one shall live by faith. Oh, I will magnify your name all day long and let my mind be clean of all unnecessary thoughts or doubts to that my soul can rejoice in your words this morning. You offered a single sacrifice for sins, and you are sitting at the right hand of God. The Holy Spirit bears witness to us who you are. The perfect and only Son of God, he came to do the Father’s will. The lover of my soul, in you alone shall I trust.

“Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

CONFESSION (v. 16-19)

Oh, Jesus, your covenant with us is sealed, and you’ve put your laws on our hearts and written them on our minds. If I confess my sins to you, you forgive me without delay. I’m always weak in my daily struggles but can be made strong through the Holy Spirit. You must bear my sin of weakness, doubts, anxieties, depression, loneliness, fears, impatience, bitterness, discontentment, pride, and many sins I don’t recall. For them all, you’ve paid the ultimate price with your blood on the cross, redeemed me once and for all, and forgave your servant.

“May a merciful God preserve me from a Christian Church in which everyone is a saint! I want to be and remain in the church and little flock of the fainthearted, the feeble and the ailing, who feel and recognize the wretchedness of their sins, who sigh and cry to God incessantly for comfort and help, who believe in the forgiveness of sins.” ~ Martin Luther

THANKSGIVING (v. 19-39)

Since we have the confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened, I can now pray with the hope of being heard. I’m thankful I can now draw near with a true heart of full assurance of faith. I’m grateful you hear my simple prayers, for I’m the lowest of your servant who lacks prayer time at your feet. I’m thankful that in my weakness, you’ve answered my prayer, some not yet, others were responded to before it left my lips. Oh, how wonderful it is to be loved.

“Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans; nothing can thwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control. His sovereignty is absolute. Everything that happens is uniquely ordained by God. Sovereignty is a weighty thing to ascribe to the nature and character of God. Yet if He were not sovereign, He would not be God. The Bible is clear that God is in control of everything that happens.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

SUPPLICATION

Pray for a friend, family member, child, or spouse or for your singleness to focus your energy and heart on Him and not get burdened by anything else. Now let’s go pray!

RESOURCES

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Hebrews 9

ADORATION (v. 1-10)

The prayer is dated May 30/22. Open your Bible to Hebrews 9, read and pray over it, then read my devotion.

Your people have prepared a Holy place for Him to dwell among his people. For generations, the covenant of grace was taught and passed along. All the tools were craftily done and put in the Most Holy place, and only your high priest could enter it. It was a place to atone for the unintentional sins of the people, which is symbolic of the present age. Through Jesus Christ, we have now attained the same atonement for our sins. You are our high priest to who we can confess all our sins and be forgiven.

CONFESSION (V.11-14)

Oh, how sweet my eternal redemption lay at Jesus’s feet. You’re purifying us with your blood, offering yourself without blemish and purifying our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. There is none like you. Your steadfast love endures forever. In my confession, let me be humble and recognize my wrongdoing in the wisdom of your word. My knowledge comes from the Lord, whom I trust and shall obey, for none surpass your understanding and intelligence for what is excellent and profitable for us.

THANKSGIVING (v. 15-22)

Oh, Father, you gave us to your Anointed Son, who is well pleased in Him. How far the love of God has gone to ensure people a better life. “Under the law, almost everything is purified with blood; without shedding blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” You’ve not required our sons and daughter to die as sacrifices but appointed your beloved Son in our place. (John 3:16-17)

SUPPLICATION (V. 23-28)

How wonderful to know Christ has entered the throne of grace in the presence of God (Father) on our behalf. He appeared once and for all at the end of ages to put away sins by sacrificing himself. Christ will appear a second time as King of kings, and those who eagerly await Him will shout a new song of praise and hymn. Amen. (Revelation 19:6-8).

Where do you stay today? With Jesus Christ the Anointed One, or against him? Through Jesus Christ, God provides a way of salvation for all people. Embrace it and live for Him!

Let’s Go Pray!

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Hebrews 8

ADORATION (v. 1-3)

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer

“Sing Him a new song, play skillfully with the string, with a loud voice.” (Palms 34:3). O Sweet Jesus, you are seated at the right hand of the throne of God, the majesty of heaven. You are our perfect minister in the holy places. I shall praise your majestic name above all other names.

Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security. ~ Elizabeth Elliot

CONFESSION (v.5-7)

4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

Only through you, Jesus, as my perfect high priest, can I confess all my sins without fear, for I’m forgiven. You have obtained a much more excellent ministry than the old because it rests on your promises of hope of salvation for humankind. I come daily and expose myself as vulnerable, and you are gentle and loving toward your servant. You brought me closer to you during the most challenging times, not that I could do it alone. YOu carry me in your arms like a broken child that needs a Father. When I’m glad and rejoiced, I share my joy with others and praise your name for the Holy Spirit guiding my heart and mind to respond to your word. For that, I’m grateful.

THANKSGIVING (v.8-13)

8 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
    when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel  after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts,and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

You promised to return as King and bring justice to our lands, and your coming will redeem all nations. Those who have rejected you will be punished. You’ve made a covenant of peace and grace with your people if they obey you. “You will put your laws into our minds and write them on our hearts, and you will be our God.”

O Sweet Jesus, “You will be merciful toward our iniquities, and will remember our sins no more.” v.12. Let all your people rejoice and be glad, knowing how great our Savoir’s glory is.

SUPPLICATION

Father, I pray for those who struggle to understand your will. Clarify it through their prayers. Guide their life to be one with a purpose so they may find peace and rest in You. Let our hearts and mind not be deceived by the culture pushing their agenda at us in constant degradation of the human race. Let us stand firm in our faith.

If you are busy with vacationing and people visiting you, still take the time to be with the Lord.

Now let’s go pray!

RESOURCES

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Hebrews 7

Read Hebrews 7 and pray over it, then read my prayer. This entry is dated May 26/22.

ADORATION ( Isaiah 43:1-4)

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

You behold your servant and have chosen me before I even was born. You called my name, and I know the Good Shepherd. You put your “Spirit” upon Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. He shall be bruised and not cry aloud or lift his voice, but he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faith or be discouraged until he establishes justice on earth.

Hebrews 7:1-17

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

“The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes” (Isaiah 42:13). Oh Jesus, you’re greater than angels, more significant than Moses, greater than all the high priests and greater than King Melchizedek!

“Joy is not gush. Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect acquiescence ~ acceptance, rest ~ in God’s will, whatever comes.” ~ Amy Carmichael

CONFESSION (v.18- 21)

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’”

O Jesus, you’re my perfect high priest, and I shall humbly come to you and ask forgiveness for any sinful thoughts, behaviour, or action I’ve done against you. Give me a heart that desires to draw nearer to you (v.19).

“Contentment is just the realization that God has already provided for me today all that I need for my present peace and happiness.” ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

THANKSGIVING (v. 22-28)

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

My heart rejoiced to know that Jesus guarantees a better covenant. I’m thankful Jesus holds his priesthood permanently because he lives forever and has made intercession for us. You alone can claim to be “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from the sinner, and exalted above the heavens.” (v.26). You have been made perfect forever! My soul makes its boast in the Lord!

SUPPLICATION

O God, I pray for those that need healing. Give them the strength to endure whatever they are going through in life. Give them your love and hope that you’re with them and will not forsake them even if you feel alone and broken. You’re with us, caring for us in your arms, hearing our cries. When we are so desperate that life is to the point our spirit is crushed, let your word be our light and path in those dark moments.

Let’s Go Pray!

RESOURCE

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HEBREWS 6

ADORATION ( Psalm 34 & v.1-4) 

 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,

On my soul, I will magnify the Lord and exalt His name on high. You taste the impossible gift of salvation that can only be attained through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior (v.4). Through the Son of God, we have been restored again to our redeemer in repentance. Oh, beloved ones, draw near to God. Abide in Him! My soul makes its boast in the Lord. Let my heart be humble and be glad in the Lord.

CONFESSION (v. 5-12)

 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

O sweet Savior, “I’ve tasted the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit,” Your blessings, trials, and forgiveness toward your servant restored my soul through my daily repentance. Your goodness and mercy filled my heart with joy. “Let my desire to show my earnestness of the full assurance of hope in eternal life be a blessing to those waiting for it. I pray you to teach me to “be an imitator of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.” (v.12)

THANKSGIVING

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham,[b] having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

You are the great and holy God who holds all your promises and “swore to himself.” Your unchangeable character demonstrated your purpose and guaranteed it on oath. Fortunately, we have a God who never lies (Titus 1:2-3). Your word his morning is encouraging to my heart and a good reminder of your lasting power over all warfare of this world. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (v.19). O my Sweet Jesus, my brother in the flesh, you’ve “gone as a forerunner on my behalf,

He is Worthy

Andrew Peterson

Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark won’t stop
The light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)

Is all creation groaning? (It is)
Is a new creation coming? (It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be
The light within our midst? (It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah, who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb
Who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honour and glory?
Is He worthy of this? (He is)

Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus our Messiah
Hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah, who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb
Who died to ransom the slave

From ev’ry people and tribe, ev’ry nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is, He is

Is He worthy, is He worthy?
He is, He is
He is worthy, He is worthy, He is

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Posted on in Hebrews

HEBREWS 5

ADORATION (v.1-6)

Prayer dated May 24, 2022. Read Hebrews 5. Pray over it, then read my devotion.

 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever,
 after the order of Melchizedek.”

O Father, in heaven, you’ve appointed the Son of Man to be our high priest, to intercede for us. Christ didn’t exalt himself, but you did. You appointed Jesus to act on our behalf concerning God. Jesus was beset with the same weakness as us but never sinned. He is the perfect lamb. Oh, how my mouth should continually praise the Lord.

CONFESSION (v.7-14)

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Oh, Father, forgive us for our own weaknesses and strengthen us. Do not let us become dull of hearing your word or complacent in our walk with you, but be “ready for every good work.” Titus 3:8. Teaches us how to mature with discernment “by constant practice to distinguish good and evil.” ( v.14). Oh my soul, do not be weary, for the Lord knows my weakness, struggles, and my strength. He walks with me daily, even if I do not feel it. Jesus is my protector in all my trials.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;  his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; shall walk and not faint
Isaiah 40: 27-31

THANKSGIVING

Oh, Wonderful Savior, you’re the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You give power to the faint and increase our strength. You make us wait upon the Lord, and you shall renew our strength. In trusting in you, we shall grow stronger in faith.

“Let us not be surprised when we have to face difficulties. When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow the stronger, Let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist.” ~ Amy Carmichael

SUPPLICATION

I prayed for the young families that you be with them. Keep them focused on your grace and your word. Keep them faithful to one another. Give them direction and wisdom on how to raise their children. Heal their troubled mind and broken heart so that they may glorify and praise you more.

Let’s Go Pray!

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Posted on in Hebrews

Hebrews 4

May 23, 2022

ADORATION (v.1-3)

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. ‘They shall not enter my rest,’”although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.

O, Father, you promised we could enter your rest if we believed. “For good news came to us just as to them.” Your message we heard through preaching your word will benefit us greatly if we obey it and, by faith, apply it to our life. O Lord, teach me your beautiful and loving ways and let me not endure the punishment of my iniquities longer than necessary. Forgive my lack of devotion to prayer or lacking service to others, be humble and quiet in spirit and not become a nagging wife.

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can’t worship without giving thanks. It just isn’t possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.” ~ Nancy Leigh Demoss

ADORATION (v.4-13)

4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” 6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

11Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Your word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing the division of soul and spirit. You know all things; all are naked and exposed to the eyes of HIm, whom we much give an account.” You give us a day of rest that we might praise your name for a blessing upon our land, our families, our children, our job, and our friends. O Lord, forgive us if we have become ungrateful to you.

“Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now!” ~ Elisabeth Elliot

THANKSGIVING (v. 14-16)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Oh, wonderful Savior, Son of God, my high priest, I can bring my confessions to you in humble confidence as you can sympathize with our weakness. You’ve been tempted, but you’ve not sinned. You’re a spotless lamb, the perfect sacrifice of atonement for our sins, bringing salvation to all people. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

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