Tag: Hebrews

Categories
Daily Post

Roll (Hallow)Tide

As we move on through the Hallowtide, today is All Saint’s Day.  Although, personally, I find the general idea of sainting a person a little unsettling, as none of us can earn our goodness, it is given through the blood of Jesus.  But even with that on the table, it is good I think to learn from the example of others that have tread this ground before us, and if that is a way we can highlight those that have done wonderful things with the time they have been given – so be it!

And so, I guess it’s only appropriate to consider another one of those verses I seem to mention a lot from the fun book of Hebrews about realizing the others that have lived on this great big blue and green ball.  After the writer of this book travels through time calling out those ‘saints’ that have gone before him in Hebrews 11, he pens this

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12

Gain strength from remembering those that have gone before you, and do not lose heart!

 

 

Categories
Daily Post

It’s Coffee Day!

Well here is it!  It’s National Coffee Day! And I am glad for all of you coffee drinkers out there!  I have a certain disdain for coffee, as you know I prefer the Gentleman’s Drink.  It could be that it all started when my older brother took a sip of my father’s coffee and then sprinting off puking. I have not really had much of a desire for coffee since that day!  Or, it could be that I like to keep saying my classic one liner when asked if I want a cup of java – “No, thanks, I’m a Christian!”  ( what that had to do with it , I am not really sure!)

But here is it upon us, National Coffee Day – so enjoy a coffee break and a cup of joe!  Several coffee serving establishments are giving it away today. Over at Punchbowl.com, you can even send a Coffee Day e-card for free, to share the love!

Actually I love the idea of coffee, because it is so associated with sitting down and having deep conversation.  So, maybe you should consider taking a cup of the world’s favorite beverage over to a friend, or an enemy, and share some time with them.  I am sure it will make their day!  Even I would probably suffer through a cup ( laced with lots of cream and sugar) to spend time together!

 

 22-25So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25 The Message (MSG)

Categories
Daily Post

In A Fog

I drove in this morning in quite a soup of fog, and no I am not talking about the inside of my mind.  Although that may also be the case, I was talking about a literal fog.  It was so thick I could not really see more than 2 cars in front of my for a little stretch.

That got me thinking about Hebrews 12.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
 
Yes, that large fog cloud reminded me of all the people who have lived these lives before us.  Those who have dealt with the same issues with deal with, who lived through similar joys and heartaches.  Those who found strength in the same Creator who we get our strength from!
 
So, wherever you are today, and whatever you are dealing with remember that great cloud from the past that surrounds you, take encouragement from them, and run with perseverance the path you are on!  Oh, and lighten that pack, by throwing out those thing with don’t help you move down the path!
Categories
Daily Post

Runners vs Joggers

Yesterday afternoon I made my way lazily down to the restroom facilities were I happened upon one of my coworkers.  After we swapped howdy’s, he mentioned that at lunch he was in a conversation about runners versus joggers, and mentioned that he should have mentioned me- as which one I am not sure.  Then the conversation went something like this.

“Hey, are you still running?” he asked me.

“Yes”, I replied.

He then commented “Not me, I am just getting fat and lazy.  That’s the difference between runners and joggers, runners keep running.”

To which I said “Well, you can do it, it’s just one step at a time”

and he finished as we parted ways,  “You are right. No excuses. I just have to get out there and go!”

Yep, and that is the same way with our spirituality, we can be a spiritual jogger or runner. But I think we are pushed to be runners:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

Which are you going to be a fat and lazy jogger, or a running who keeps going.  Get out there and go, or as the Message says “Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.“

Categories
Daily Post

Saved

Yeah yeah, I have been suckered into American Idol – well not really, I am more of a skimmer.  I watch American Idol like I read a magazine, I start at the back, and I only hit the high spots. But amidst all the fun last night the end was probably the best part.

This one guy, Casey Abrams, had the lowest number of viewer votes and was heading off the show, but evidently the judges can issue one save in a season. Last night, they surprising used there save with 10 other people left to eliminate.

What I was so amazed by was the emotional reaction of both the artist and his ‘competition’ to being redeemed by the judges. It so uplifting to see how overtaken he was- how joyful, how thankful, how overwhelmed. When he thanks the judges he says something like “why would you do this with so many left to eliminated”, essentially saying “Why did you spend that one save on me?” And then his competition seemed to be incredibly happy for him as well with all the hugging, crying and jumping.

Hm, emotional after being redeemed? Excited about being saved. Thrilled about being given a second chance. Seems slightly familiar!

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14