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and God speaks

 


Yesterday I shared with you from Sunday’s sermon and Hebrews 12.  What an incredible passage that I quote often.  But I want to move on in the same chapter with a few points that I need to hear once again.


This is what I referenced on Monday:


Hebrews 12:1-3  NLT  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.


This admonition is something that will radically change the way we live and the way we look at life.  We are not alone.  Remove what is holding you back, and keep your eyes on Jesus.


But there are a few more references in this chapter that hit home and encourage me.


Hebrews 12:5-6  NLT  And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”


Literally, God disciplines His children.  It isn’t easy, but it is important.  Be encouraged and listen.  And the author of Hebrews gives us more.


Hebrews 12:14-15  NLT  

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.


That is another tough one to hear, but it is important to listen.  Choose peace.  Relationships matter, and help others not miss the grace of God.  Let’s keep on to one more verse.


Hebrews 12:25  NLT  

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 


When we fail to listen, we miss what God has for us.  May we be the people who cling to what God says and go where He directs.  It is important.


Hebrews 12 is speaking volumes to me this week.  How about you?

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