Devotional Thoughts

Hebrews 6:17-20    "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:  (18)  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  (19)  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;  (20)  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Our last devotion spoke of Jesus as being our anchor in life. Today, I would like for us to look at another word that comes to us as the result of Jesus, our anchor. That word is "hope".  We have hope in life because Jesus is our anchor. It is a terrible time for anyone who comes to a place in life where he feels there is no hope. The writer of Proverbs reminds us, "Hope deferred maketh the hear

1 Peter 1:8-9  – Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Whom do you think this verse is referring to?  You guessed it.  Jesus Christ is the focus of our faith.  Without Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection our salvation would still be in question.   We have not seen Jesus with our eyes, but I am confident that every child of God would recognize Him, and I believe we will yet see every knee bow before our Lord.  He is the Word made flesh, and He has defeated death. His great salvation carries us through each day.  It buoys us up out of the stormy seas of life and calms our fearful hearts.  Jesus, we love you.  Fill our hearts with joy unspeakable!

Hebrews 6:17-20     "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: (18 ) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (19) Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." We have an anchor of the soul. Would you agree with me that we live in turbulent times?  I can say that I do not remember any other time in my life that has been more topsy-turvy than the days in which we now live.  If we ever needed stability in life, it is at this present moment. But I repeat the first sentence in this paragraph. We have an anchor for the soul. His name is Jesus. Again I remind us this letter

Hebrews 6:7-9   "For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (8 ) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (9) But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." The writer had just told these Hebrews (and us) that there is no true repentance based on their own works. Repentance does not come as a result of simply saying, "I'm sorry." True repentance does not come as a result of being sorry for getting caught. True repentance does not come as a result of "turning over a new leaf." True repentance does not come as a result of having "another chance" to do better. True repentance does not come as a result of keeping the law.  In fact, he says it is impossible to have true repentance as a result of any of th

Hebrews 6:4-6     "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Do not take these verses in the wrong direction. Before I address what I believe is being said, I must address what is NOT being said.  The writer is not saying that a child of God can lose eternal life. We are told over and over that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Let me give just a few: (John 6:39)    "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." (John 10:28)    "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any m

Hebrews 6:1-3    "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit." "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection."  May the Lord open our hearts and understanding to the next verses.  The writer has spent the first four chapters of this book in giving proof that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He has shown Christ to be our Great High Priest in Whom we are able to come to a point of peace and comfort. He has laid down the foundation upon which we can build our relationship and daily walk with the Lord. He is saying, we have seen Who Jesus is, now let us look at the perfect work of our High Priest, Jesus. The Heb

Nehemiah 8:10 – Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. During the return from captivity in Babylon, the Israelite people came back to Jerusalem and more importantly their identity as the people of God.  They read the covenant given to Moses, the law of God, that promised blessing for obedience and forgiveness for repentance.  Furthermore, the Books of the Law also taught them of salvation by the grace of God. Many once captive people were overwhelmed with tears seeing their beloved city.  However, Nehemiah would not let the people mourn, but rather they were reminded of the promises of God and ordered to celebrate.  He said, “this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” What a concept?!  The joy of the LORD is your strength.  I hope you can rejoice i

Hebrews 5:7-10    "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  (8)  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  (9)  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  (10)  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." We often are guilty of subconsciously thinking the Word of God was written "willy-nilly."  By that I mean, sometimes because of the luxury of having the book, chapter, and verse number, we tend to look at some passages as though the subject has been changed from what was previously discussed.  As I read these verses this morning, I found myself trying to wrestle with them. Do you ever do that?  I tried to make them fit as a square peg in a round hole. I'm so thankful the Lord has given to each of His childr

Hebrews 5:4-5     "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (5) So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee." The writer is comparing the priests under the law with our Great High Priest. It was under the authority of God that Aaron (brother of Moses) and the Levitical priesthood was established. It is the same authority of God that has established Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:6)   I am not going to go into deep detail about Melchisedec. Many people have their ideas about Melchisedec. Here is my observation. I mentioned in a previous paragraph concernin

Hebrews 4:14-16    "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  (15)  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin  (16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." There is so much to be said about these three verses. I will try to keep it contained to the thoughts that relate to the subject of "rest" which has been under consideration throughout this chapter. The other thoughts will be covered under other passages in the book. Let us look at the application of these verses. The high priest, under the law, was appointed to go between the nation Israel and God. He was the one who entered the Holy of Holies and offered the blood sacrifice for the sins of the people. The writer of Hebrews re

Hebrews 4:12-13    "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." "For the word of God is quick and powerful."  The Word of God is alive and effectually active. Those two sentences say the very same thing. Taking the original meaning of the words "quick and powerful", we find the writer is talking about the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God which is mentioned in this verse is the same Word which we find in the first chapter of John's account of the Gospel. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Some might ask how can I say this is the Living Word, Jesus Chri

Isaiah 12:2-3 –  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. On the way to Jerusalem from Galilee, Jesus once stopped at a well in Samaria.  After speaking with the woman at the well, the Savior revealed to the woman that though she might dip earthly water from that well, He could give her living water that would spring up within her unto eternal life.  Of course she asked for this living water. (John 4:5-43) She had found the well promised in Isaiah, or rather He had found her. The well of salvation found in Jesus remains the source of salvation and eternal life today.  We can rejoice with Isaiah for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song and your strength and your song as well.  In Jesus, God has not only someone who saves me, but He has become the very means of my salvation.  His life was given for your life and

Hebrews 4:7-9    "Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  (8)  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  (9)  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." Previously, the writer has been talking about the days of the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness for forty years because they would not place their trust in God. He also quoted David in warning God's people not to harden their hearts; rather, to listen to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Now he is moving them forward to another day. "He limiteth a certain day." The word, limiteth, means to appoint, to decree, to specify, to determine. Why is it important to understand this?  The whole subject concerns that of resting, or finding calmness, in the Lord. He appointed a certain day in which we can look back to that day and fin

Hebrews 4:1-3    "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  (2)  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  (3)  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." The writer moves quickly from the thoughts in chapter 3 concerning those Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for forty years, with many of them dying in that place, to telling us there is a place of rest that can be achieved in our hearts and minds.  We understand this rest under consideration is not the eternal heaven where all blood bought children of God will live for all eternity. This "rest" is something we children of God can achieve in this life, in this world that

Hebrews 3:7-11    "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,  (8)  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:  (9)  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.  (10)  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.  (11)  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)" "They shall not enter into my rest." This is the goal each day you and I live. There is a rest that belongs unto the Lord to which He bids us enter.  That rest is a place in our hearts and minds where we have stopped trying to guide our own steps and direct our own ways.  It is a place where we have stopped trying to be in control of our lives and are seeking to walk in the paths of righteousness in which our Lord leads us.  Have you found that place? Have you come to the point where there is peace and joy in you

Hebrews 3:1-2     "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (2) Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house." From this point, we will not look at every verse, but will try to look for the focus of each chapter. I'm not saying we will only have one devotion per chapter, but will try to concentrate on the message presented. "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." This is the total focus of the rest of the study of Hebrews.  I do not recall any other place where Jesus is referred to as an Apostle.  But when you think of His advent, you realize He was sent into this earth for a purpose. The difference between a disciple and an apostle is one follows and the other is sent. Yes, an apostle follows the direction of the Father and Holy Spirit as they go forward. It is my thought there were no more apost

Hebrews 2:16-18    "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  (17)  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  (18)  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Why did Jesus have to die?  Why did He have to leave heaven to come to this earth? Why did He have to endure such a contradiction against Himself? He was the Just walking among the unjust.  Everything surrounding Him was so contrast to the scenes of worship and praise of heaven.  He left the place where angels worshipped and adored Him to this earth where sinners accused and hated Him. Why did He do it? Verse 17 tells us He was made flesh in order to make reconciliation for the sins of His people.  Could God not have simply spoken the words, "You

Luke 1:44 –  For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Have you ever leaped for joy?  I mean really jumped up and down you were so overwhelmed with emotion.  It is a wonderful thing, and the presence of the Christ should overjoy us.  When John the Baptist was but a baby in the womb of Elisabeth, he leaped for joy.  His spirit was overjoyed by the felt presence of the Savior. The Spirit moved within the babe to know the Lord before ever setting eyes upon Him.  I pray the Lord will give us this joy. Let us be genuinely covered over with the presence of God the Son.  Let the Truth made flesh fill our hearts with love and mercy and grace. Let people stare.  Let them talk. Jump for joy in the salvation of Christ.  He was born not only to bring sober reflection upon our sins but salvation from them.  He is Lord and Savior. He is King and God. He is our Messiah, and He is our Friend.

Hebrews 2:14-15    "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  (15)  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." "He took part of the same."  I go back to our beginning in the book of John.  "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)   Jesus made Himself a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death. He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant.  One of His names is Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us." We shall see in a few chapters, Jesus is touched by those things which concern us. He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."  He endured

Hebrews 2:11-13    "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,  (12)  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.  (13)  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me." Have you ever been in a worship service when you knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was speaking to you? It may have been through a song that was sung. It may have been through a prayer that was prayed. It may have been a verse of Scripture or even one phrase that was spoken. That occurrence is the fulfilling of this passage of Scripture. Jesus is declaring to us through the Holy Spirit the grand truth and application of the Holy Word of God right into our hearts. We are made to rejoice because we have heard His glorious voice within us. He has promised to declare the name of the Father. Let me

Hebrews 2:9-10      "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." We are not told the author of the book of Hebrews, but he is very logical in the way he is laying the groundwork for the entire book. He has established both the authority and the eternal aspect of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now the writer is laying out the manner in which Jesus accomplished redemption for His people. Though He is the eternal Son of God, Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant. See Philippians chapter two. Why did He do this? Why was it necessary for Him to do this?  Let Scripture an

Hebrews 2:6-7     "But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands" The writer of Hebrews is quoting Psalm 8 which begins with these words: "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens." (Psalm 8:1)  I love reading the Psalms. I am lifted up in my spirit as the name of the Lord is exalted.  The Lord is seeking our wellbeing when He tells us to be active in our praise unto Him.  How excellent is the name of the Lord! In comparison to His excellency, we must ask, "What is man that thou art mindful of him?"  We worship and serve the most holy God. We have to marvel when we see ourselves in contrast to Him. He is holy and pure. We are vile creatures. This is so true and the onl

Romans 14:17 –  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The greatest blessing we can experience in this age is the Kingdom of God within our hearts.  While some people only think of the heaven hereafter or even nirvana, the child of God is not so limited.  We can know the sovereign presence of God’s eternal domain in our hearts now.  We do not have to be ever piteous and saddened over our sins and the darkness of this world.  We are charged to rejoice always. How can we rejoice always when there is so much to trouble us?  The simple answer is that we keep our affection set on things above and our eyes on Christ.  There will be burdens for sure, but we do not carry them alone nor do we need think we must.  The Holy Ghost is present in the hearts of every born-again believer encouraging good works and scorning sin.   To enjoy the Kingdom of God now, we must simply yield to the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost.  His comfort will