Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Encouraged daily

S Hebrews 3:12-14 NASB
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end,

O - Here God is telling us through the example of the followers of Moses who wandered the desert for 40 years that their hearts were hardened and they unbelief caused them to fall away from the living God who had saved them.   God gives us advice through the author of Hebrews that we are to encourage each other daily so that we won't be hardened and become lost in deceitful sin. 

A -  The application for me is to recognize that I have allowed unbelief to creep in and have not allowed encouragement on a daily basis from God, His word, the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to pull me away from hardening of my heart.   I need to continue to surround myself with His word, and His people in this time.  

P - Dear heavenly Father, I confess my faith is stumbling , not because you are any different because I have allowed my heart to fall away.  Lord I so desperately want to work my why back to you.  I know I can do all things with you and without you it is a great struggle.  I pray Lord that you strengthen me to walk back toward you, and belief in the truths that you are speaking into my life in times of devotion, and pray that you are with me throughout the day. I pray you help me run to those in my life you would have me look to strengthen my belief,  and be encouraged.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Jesus understands our suffering

S - Hebrews 2:14-18 NASB
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
http://bible.com/100/heb.2.14-18.NASB

O - Jesus was made man by God and sent here with a purpose.  He was with God in heaven, leading all the angels, and then was made flesh and sent to earth and became less than the angels, for a purpose.  His purpose was so He could come to earth, walk among God's people, understand their temptation and suffering, and then offer the ultimate gift of salvation through His death, and then ultimate shepherd ship through his resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit.   The last verse explains why we can trust in Him, because he has already proven His trustworthiness , by his faithfulness to God's calling, and His willingness to sacrifice all for my sake.

A - The application for me is to recognize that Jesus understands my pain and suffering, but even more important He is able to come to my aid in my own temptation to wander from God and His ways.    I must put my trust in Him, and give all my burdens and temptations to Him.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus.  Jesus please come to my aid today and begin lifting the burdens of my mind, and protect me from the temptations of the devil and those he has sent to discourage and distract me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.