April 12, 2019
Hebrews 2:10-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Today is the thirty-third day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.” Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. Did you know the heart of God is to walk with you through all the ordeals of your life? The ordeals of life are tests and tribulations we all must face; they come to every human being and child of God. But you and I do not have to face these spiritual battles alone. Battles are opportunities to bring attention to the Lord’s excellence. Our Lord is Excellent in battle! Christ wants to fight our battles; the battle actually belongs to the Lord because we belong to the Father. Therefore, the Lord has the final word over our lives. We stand by faith on the Word of God calling for our Excellent Lord to show us a way to escape our temptations (1 For 10:13). Obedience to God’s direction is key; trust in and obedience to God is our part in every battle. As we submit and humble ourselves before God and resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). You and I are from God, we are over-comers because “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God has provided armor for our spiritual battles and we must put it on or apply it. The Apostle Paul teaches us, “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare” (Ephesians 6:13-18). A Kingdom heart knows the Lord of every battle. Are you trusting the Lord with all the ordeals of your life?
During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.
Hebrews 2:10-11, 14-18 Jesus Brings Many Sons to Glory
10 For now he towers above all creation, for all things exist through him and for him. And that God made Christ, pioneer of our salvation, perfect through his sufferings, for this is how he brings many sons and daughters to share in his glory. 11 Jesus, the Holy One, makes us holy. And as sons and daughters, we now belong to his same Father, so he is not ashamed or embarrassed to introduce us as his brothers and sisters!
14 Since all his “children” have flesh and blood, so Jesus became human to fully identify with us. He did this, so that he could experience death and annihilate the effects of the intimidating accuser (devil) who holds against us the power of death. 15 By embracing death Jesus sets free those who live their entire lives in bondage to the tormenting dread of death. 16 For it is clear that he didn’t do this for the angels, but for all the sons and daughters of Abraham. 17 This is why he had to be a Man and take hold of our humanity in every way. He made us his brothers and sisters and became our merciful and faithful King-Priest before God; as the One who removed our sins to make us one with him. 18 He suffered and endured every test and temptation, so that he can help us every time we pass through the ordeals of life.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for understanding my weakness and taking on my spiritual battles. I repent for even trying to fight them in my flesh; rather than put on the armor you provide. I love you; thank you for preparing me and providing everything I need to be victorious! I ask for courage and strength to endure every battle. I yield to your Excellence! In Jesus’ name. Amen.