LOVING THE WORD Vox 2009-11-30T17:24:27Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full tag:vox.com,2006:6p00f48ce8ee2d0002/ LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews tag:vox.com,2009-11-29:asset-6a00f48ce8ee2d00020123ddd8db95860c 2009-11-29T22:29:40Z 2009-11-30T17:24:27Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full

KEEP THE FAITH

Read Hebrews 10: 1-25
     Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.   Hebrews 10:22 NKJV

* * *

     In the midst of persecution and trials the Hebrew believers were struggling to keep the faith. This encouraging letter reminds them that the holiest place of the temple has been opened by the blood of Jesus Christ. Now they can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith to fellowship with God Himself. Don’t give up, but rather, “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (10:22-23)
* * *
     Perhaps these Christians found themselves irritated with their fellow believers in the presence of all the outside pressure. Maybe they were tempted just like we are, to just drop out for awhile and blend in with the culture. Why put ourselves with a group of people who sometimes don’t even get along?
* * *
     Help us Lord, to remain faithful to you and to our fellow believers. Give us the motivation to follow this admonition in Hebrews:
* * *
     And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.   Hebrews 10:24-25

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]]> LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews tag:vox.com,2009-11-23:asset-6a00f48ce8ee2d000201240b7ccb64860e 2009-11-23T04:59:55Z 2009-11-25T18:19:02Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full

A PERFECT MEDIATOR

Read Hebrews 7 – 8

       ...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

* * *

     These Hebrew Christians were familiar with the sacrificial system and the priesthood. They were also aware that their priests were sinful human servants who had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could approach God for the sins of the people. They were appointed as imperfect mediators between God and men.
     Jesus in contrast, is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (7:26a-27)
     As the ultimate, sinless sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect mediator for all who would believe in Him. On the basis of the cross of Jesus Christ, our sin debt is settled “once for all.” We are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto everlasting life, and when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
* * *
     Lord, how can I express my thankfulness to You for being available every day to intercede for me. Help me to live for You, for I am no longer my own, I have been bought at a price. Help me to glorify You.
* * *
     For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

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FAITH AND PATIENCE

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.   Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

* * *

     In the midst of persecution both physical and spiritual, these Hebrew believers need assurance. Some doubted their salvation, perhaps because of the areas where they felt so weak. This letter is an assurance that they have a high priest in Jesus Christ who already paid the price for their sins. Those who continue to go back to the beginning and renew their salvation “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6 NKJV

     Instead, they (and we) must press on in patience toward spiritual maturity. “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”(6:9) We should not be discouraged because “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10)
* * *
Lord, I pray that you will help me and the members of my family and church as we grow toward maturity in the things that matter. Help our spirit of apathy when things become difficult and keep us true to Your Word.
* * *
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12

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DISCERNER OF THE HEART

Read Hebrews 3 - 4

...exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

* * *

            Writing to his audience of Jewish Christians, the author of Hebrews reminds them of the penalty of unbelief. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest.

(4:2-3a)

            The rest that comes to the children of God in our day is through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our struggle against sin, He is the one who gives us rest.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

* * *

                        Lord, I come to you today bowing before your throne to find grace to help in my time of need.

* * *

            For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.     Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

 

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HE BECAME A MAN

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Read Hebrews 1 -2

            In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

* * *

            The book of Hebrews begins by introducing Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of the universe - the One who actually knows what happened, because He was there when it all began. But Jesus was not only there at the beginning, He remains as the power who holds it all together. “God’s Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (1:3a)

 

            There is no other power in the Heavens or on earth superior to Him. The author of Hebrews writes, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor... (2:9a) Jesus voluntarily gave up His exalted position to identify with us and pay the price for our sin. so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (2:14b-15)

* * *

            Thank you Lord that you paid the ultimate price for our sin and that we can trust You as the One who sustains all things. Bless our home with Your presence and help us to share the good news that the Creator of the universe has become our Saviour. 

* * *

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.   Hebrews 2:18 NIV

 

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]]> LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Titus tag:vox.com,2009-10-15:asset-6a00f48ce8ee2d00020123ddaeea92860b 2009-10-15T22:31:06Z 2009-10-17T13:59:00Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full

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READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

Read Titus 2 and 3

            Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.  Titus 3:8b NKJV

* * *

            Paul’s letter to Titus instructs him to appoint godly men as elders of the church. These men will have a difficult job ahead of them because there are already disputes among the people. “Remind them,” he writes, “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (Titus 3:1-2)

            The quest for a gentle peaceable life should begin at home, so he tells Titus to gently instruct the older believers to live consistent Christian lives as examples for the young people. For instance, the older women were to “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”  (Titus 2:4-5)

* * *

Lord, help us to make every effort to be at peace with those in the church and without. May our behavior reflect the graciousness of your mercy toward us. When our hearts are troubled, give us peace and wisdom to know how to respond.

* * *

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

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]]> LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy tag:vox.com,2009-10-07:asset-6a00f48ce8ee2d00020123ddd32d07860d 2009-10-07T22:39:59Z 2009-10-07T22:39:59Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full

DIFFICULT TIMES

[34]

Read 2 Timothy 3-4

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come 2 Timothy 3:1 NKJV
* * *
Paul tells Timothy that his own ministry is about to come to a close. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he gives us some insight into what will happen prior to our Lord’s return: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good..., lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. " (3:2-5)

In other words, the world will become an increasingly perilous place in the last days. In the face of this, what is Paul’s challenge? "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) Even though people will not want to hear the truth, Timothy is to preach it anyway.
* * *
Lord, forgive me when I have been hesitant to answer those who deny the truth of Your Word. Give me courage to speak rather than remain silent when the name of Jesus is blasphemed. Grant me also the wisdom to know when I should remain silent and simply live the message.
* * *
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

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GENTLE PATIENT TEACHING

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 2 Timothy 1-2

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
* * *
When Timothy took on the pastorate of the church at Ephesus there were already false teachers at work. Paul speaks of two men in particular “who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2:18) But he encourages Timothy to stand fast to what he has been taught, in spite of the fact that some had followed these men. Paul continues, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His...” (2:19)

Paul urges Timothy to join him in willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ and to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2:22) Citing his own example he says, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."(1:12)
* * *
Lord, it is such a comfort that You know those who are yours. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone in regard to the truth of Scripture. Help me to be gentle in presenting the gospel and the truth of the resurrection.
* * *
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 NKJV

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RICH IN GOOD WORKS

[32]

Read 1 Timothy 4-6

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV
* * *
Timothy had a very difficult job ahead of him. He was charged with the task of correcting false teaching. He had to do this in a way that would be accepted by those who were older than he in age, though perhaps not in the faith. He had been trained by his godly mother and grandmother and also by Paul himself to “be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith...” (4:6a)

Paul writes, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (4:12)

Concerning Timothy’s preparation, the apostle urges, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine”, (4:13-15) making it clear that he is not only to teach right doctrine but also to show his faith by his works.

Paul warns about greed saying, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (6:10-11)
* * *
Lord, like Timothy, I want my life to be an example of what I believe. Today I pray for the enabling power of Your Holy Spirit in my life
* * *
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  (1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV)

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]]> A TRUE FRIEND tag:vox.com,2009-09-15:asset-6a00f48ce8ee2d000201240b5da8cb860e 2009-09-15T15:38:44Z 2009-09-16T15:49:14Z lovetheword http://charlottemathis.vox.com/?_c=feed-atom-full
Today I came upon a quote by George Eliot that expresses the kind of friend I want to be and to have:


"O the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and then with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
-George Eliot

This the kind of friend I have in my Lord. How precious when we find that kind of friend in another human being

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