November 20, 2018
Hebrews 10:32-39 New Living Translation (NLT)
Are you focused on what is truly important in life? If we are going to operate in wisdom, we must stay focused on Truth. The Word of God is Living Truth and the Spirit bears witness to the Truth when we hear or read it so we can wisely align our lives with it.
The Book of Hebrews focuses on persevering in our Christian faith, as well as being transformed in our actions as we patiently wait for Christ’s return. Everyone faces suffering, but how we suffer has to do with our faith and our focus. Do you realize suffering is a part of human life and even Christians experience seasons of suffering? That’s why God helps us develop perseverance. If we will focus on doing God’s will, stay connected to people who live in Christ, and remain filled with joy and gratitude for the good things God has done for us, then no matter what comes our way we can persevere in our faith. For those who do not remain focused on Christ and his promise of salvation, they can find themselves isolated and their faith faltering. Faith calls us to rest confidently in what Christ has done for us in the past, as well as trusting him for what he promises to do for us in the future. He is faithful; we must be faithful too.
Hebrews 10:32-39
32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37
“For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38
And my righteous ones will live by faith.
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the wisdom to stay focused; your Word gives me power and purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.