December 20 - Hebrews 11:1-12:29

Good morning everyone,

The Bible has much to say about faith. In today’s reading, Hebrews 11 which is often called the "Hall of Faith”, we find a list of people we have read about over the past year. It’s an impressive list of remarkable men and women whose stories stand out to encourage and challenge our faith. For me it was a nice walk down memory lane, with each name stopping to reflect on how obedient they were and, yes, faithful to what God called them to do.

In chapter 12 we are encouraged with, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Who loves his children more, the parent who allows their kiddo to do what will harm them or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help them learn what is right? It is never fun to be corrected or disciplined, especially by God but …. get this, but He disciplines us because He wants to see us grow up right in Him. He loves us that much. Make sense?

Moving down the chapter to verse 28 we read, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Friends eventually the world will crumble, it will. Only God’s kingdom will be left in tack and only those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts will be a part of this kingdom. Matthew 7:24-25 states that, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” 

So when the world gets crazy and things just don’t seem to make much sense, I would encourage you to pick up your Bible, read these verses and be reminded that no matter what happens our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed and be thankful, we have so much to be thankful for.

Our God is an all consuming fire, a God of compassion who has saved us from our sin and will save us from death. However, everything, and I mean everything that is worthless and sinful will be devoured by the fire of His wrath. Only what is good and dedicated to God will remain. It begs the question, what are you storing up? Is it good and righteous in our Abba’s eyes. Matthew 6:20 says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” That is to say, our priorities should be set on simplifying our life for the kingdom of God, not accumulating “things” for our own earthly kingdom! Amen?

Have a great day and to God e the glory.

God bless you all …..