Day 71
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. Hebrews 9:6-7 MEV
There are three heavens mentioned in the New Testament. There are three parts to the tabernacle. Taking this comparison further, there are things happening that are relevant to us in the second realm/part. The priest could go only with the blood. Jesus shed His blood on the cross. The heavenlies mentioned in Ephesians 6. Hell expanding. The list goes on, selah!
For if we willfully continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:26, 39 MEV
Clearly a choice must be made, a decision adhered to. Joshua 24:14-15 NLT “So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. [15] But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 MEV
Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; [6] In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 MEV
Psalm 62:8 NKJV Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 27:13 NKJV I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return. But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:15-16 MEV
This is true. There were times I thought of what I’d left behind, abut by the grace of God, I was kept.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 NKJV For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 NLT God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Day 72
Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up. Hebrews 12:1-3 MEV
Due to our need for attention, I’ve seen folks that are otherwise sold out to God make life all about themselves. Not only is this self-serving, but draining on others, especially me as a shepherd trying to untangle them from every weight and sin. Paul says he has run the race, and here he is exhorting us to run freely, looking unto Jesus, seeking Him first and foremost. Keep the faith. Don’t become weary and give up.
Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:7 MEV
When I look back, I thank God for the times that He has dealt with me, as He continues even now.
Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time, but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness in those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 MEV
Yep, not only is it not joyful, but it is also painful, grievous as he puts it. My hope is to be trained by the Lord, to yeild the much needed peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 MEV
Gracious is often defined as courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially towards someone of lower social status. All these define the attitude that we need, especially to be quick to forgive, to take the higher moral road, A disciple of Christ must exemplify Godly reverence and fear, knowing that anything that is not of God is rightly consumed like chaff.
Let brotherly love continue. But I implore you to pray, that I may be restored to you very soon. Hebrews 13:1, 19 MEV