Running With Endurance { Hebrews 12 }

Life is hard. There are no two ways about it. The Bible refers to life as a race. And in the running of this race, we encounter hurdles of trials along the track. When we hit those curves in life, the Lord calls us to dig our heels deep into our faith, keep our eyes on Him, and patiently endure to the end.

Hebrews chapter 12 begins with, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (v. 1) In the previous chapter, we are told of many great saints who have gone to be with the Lord. Saints who ran their races with faith and perseverance, and who inspire us all to do the same. Saints we can draw strength from when our run becomes difficult. They encourage each step we take that brings us closer to victory. I like to imagine a great grandstand filled with believers cheering me on, with my Grandma waving the biggest flag. 

And like those saints, we too can win the race set before us. But winning means letting go. Letting go of things in our lives that hinder our relationship with God. Sin weighs us down, slows our pace, and keeps us in bondage. It places our focus elsewhere when our eyes should be fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (v. 2) Jesus, our perfect example, endured torture, pain, sorrow, rejection, and betrayal. He despised the shame of being publicly crucified, yet He did so willingly for the joy of fulfilling the will of the Father, and the greatness of His reward. During the toughest times of our race, when we've hit a wall and can't go one step further, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice gives us our second wind so that we don't, “grow weary and lose heart.” (v. 3)

We know that nothing in our lives happens without God’s permission. The difficulty He allows to enter is meant to train, strengthen, test, and often times, discipline us. And although no one likes to be disciplined, we can find comfort knowing that, “whom the Lord loves, He disciplines”.  (v. 6) God wants the very best for us and His discipline leads us to repentance and complete dependency on Him, which in turn results in great blessings. For verse 11 promises, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” “Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness. He disciplines us because He loves us, and He wants us to experience abundant Christian life.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Trials bring with them the opportunity to grow in maturity and to become more like Jesus. We are like diamonds in the rough, and each fire we successfully walk through in faith polishes us a little more, until we shine like the brilliant gems we are meant to be. God promises to never give us more than we can handle. And trusting Him provides us with the endurance to run our race with joy, knowing that He’ll be at the finish line waiting to receive us into His loving arms.

The Race of A Lifetime

                       

The race we are running,

is the race of a lifetime

we must run it well . . .

or else we’ll be left behind.

If we’re going to succeed,

we must run it to win

the only way to victory

is to run away from sin.

For Satan is on the chase,

after our souls, he is gunning

we must be sure from him

to always keep on running.

We need to stay focused,

on the goal that is ahead

we must be sober and alert

so we can be Spirit lead.

It’s a race of endurance,

not one of swiftness or speed

we must depend on God . . .

for the stamina that we need!

.....Deborah Ann

These yummy cookies have a texture that is more like a muffin. I used half butter and half shortening, and added a dark chocolate Hershey’s kiss on top for an extra treat.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter flavored shortening 

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

2-1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Beat shortening, 

brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and white sugar together in a bowl until creamy; add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Whisk flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into pumpkin mixture until dough is well-mixed; slowly stir in oats. Stir butterscotch chips into dough until evenly distributed. Drop dough by the spoonful 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. About 4 dozen.

Enjoy your weekend!

Housework is a never ending thing.  Washing, drying, sweeping, tidying, vacuuming, mopping, folding, scrubbing, etc.  How wonderful it is to sit back and enjoy a clean house when all the work is done!  If only it would stay that way.  But, it doesn't.  The dust and grime is never completely gone and it accumulates quickly again and again. 

The sin of our hearts is much like that dirt and grime that must be dealt with endlessly.  The Law convicted us of sin and the sacrifices offered temporarily atoned for our sins but those sacrifices could not provide eternal , complete forgiveness.  The cleansing process had to be repeated over and over again. “But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (v3-4)

Fortunately, God had a better plan.  The sacrifice of his perfectly blameless Son provided a " once and for all" guaranteed eternal cleansing. “When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (v8-10)

With this one time perfectly accepted sacrifice a new covenant was established between God and his people.  “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” ( v 16-18‬ ‭). Isn't it wonderful that we have been shown such mercy and we can know that no matter what we have done, we can have complete forgiveness from God. 

We are encouraged to confidently enter in to a very close, intimate relationship with God, our Father. “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” ( v 22)

We are granted complete, eternal forgiveness when we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior but we still have to live out our lives in a sinful, often very difficult world. We are encouraged to remain strong  in our faith and to encourage one another. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." ( v 23-25)

What a great challenge for us as we go through our day.  Look for ways  "to stir up one another to love and good works."  God loves us and He has so much prepared for us.  All He asks is that we trust Him and remain faithful. “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." (v35-36)

Be encouraged!  You are completely forgiven.  You are promised all the blessings of eternity.  You are greatly loved! 

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? I haven’t. I’ve only seen pictures like this one, but others who have been, tell me that photographs can’t begin to do it justice; it’s something you have to see and experience yourself to truly appreciate it. That’s sort of what’s going on here in chapter 9 of Hebrews.   

The articles the author of Hebrews describes in these verses were considered the holiest objects of the Jewish faith. If these articles were discovered today they would be considered priceless archaeological treasures by today’s standards. But here, in this chapter, the author calls them all just an illustration (v. 9), carrying out mere external obligations (v. 10). 

What’s more, not everyone was free to enter the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. When Jesus died, He tore the curtain that separated the entire world from the Most Holy Place and He completed the ceremonial sacrifices once and for all. 

Throughout this book the author continues driving home the same message, which is: all that the Jewish faith treasured; the holy objects and rituals, amazing as they all were, were never sufficient to clear ones conscience or cleanse the stain of sin once and for all (v. 9).

Christ's role as our high priest is spelled out in the book of Hebrews 4:14 to 10:18.  He is the sinless Son of God! He is our compassionate Mediator before God the Father:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. -Hebrews 4:15

No other book of the Bible so powerfully speaks of Jesus’ supremacy. Throughout Hebrews, the author continues to compare Jesus to the heroes of the Jewish faith. With each hero playing his part well, but still not able to compare to Christ Jesus! His sacrifice, His covenant, and His current ministry are far, far greater than anything the others have had to offer.

Jesus is greater than the angels, because He is the divine King (Heb 1:4, 6, 8).

Jesus is greater than Moses, because while Moses was a servant of God, Jesus is the Son of God (Heb 3:3–4).

Jesus is greater than Joshua, because Jesus brings a greater rest to the people of God (Heb 4:8–9).

Jesus is a greater priest than Aaron, because He is sinless and immortal (Heb 7:26–28).

"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing our eternal redemption." - Hebrews 9:11-12
 

The more I’ve read and researched,

·         The more I wanted to stop and just worship Him.

·         The more I also felt compelled to stop and examine my own walk and how I fall so short of such a holy God and all that He has done on my behalf.

I believe the author of Hebrews, whoever he might be, has done exactly what he set out to do and did it well. There is so much more we could say, but let’s spend the rest of our time worshiping Him and making sure we have accepted the gift He has given us.

Have you given all of yourself to Jesus?

Our Righteous King { Hebrews 7 }

Hebrews chapter 7 tells of the priesthood of Melchizedek, “king of Salem, priest of the Most High God” (v. 1) The Hebrew word melek means king, and tsedek means righteousness, so the name Melchizedek is recognized as meaning “king of righteousness.” 

We first meet this king of Salem,(Jerusalem), “king of peace”. (v. 2) in Genesis 14:18-20. Abraham has just defeated Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his three allies. After the battle Melchizedek meets Abraham and his men, bringing them bread and wine. He  blesses Abraham and praises God for the victory. In response, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of all his spoils. 

Under the Law, as told in Lev. 27:30-32, the Israelites were to give a tenth of their tithes and offering to the Levites. But Abraham was under no such law, for Levi was yet to be born. (v.10) Instead, Abraham gave to Melchizedek out of thankfulness, recognizing the greatness of Melchizedek and of his priesthood. A priesthood even greater than that of Aaron’s. And like Abraham, we too should give priestly honors to our righteous King, Jesus Christ. Not because of a law, (which He freed us from), but out of thankfulness and the recognition of His great priesthood.

For Jesus is our perfect high Priest, “holy, innocent, undefiled, spectated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.” (v. 26)   The Leviticus priests of Israel being human were sinners and had to make sin offerings not only for the people, but also for themselves. But Jesus, who never sinned, became our perfect sin offering. (v. 27) His death on the Cross provided forgiveness for every sin we have or will ever commit once and for all. (Heb. 10:10).  And He is the “guarantee of a better covenant.” (v. 22) Levitical priests die, but Jesus who lives forever, “holds His Priesthood permanently.” (v. 24)  He is our holy Minister, “made perfect forever” (v. 28) always at the side of the Father interceding on our behalf, and representing us perfectly before the throne of God.

There’s no better comfort food than a big pot and chicken and noodles. I threw in some peas and served it over garlic mashed potatoes. So good!

Easy Chicken and Noodles

1 (26 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10.75 ounce) cream of mushroom soup

3 cans chicken broth 

2 cups diced chicken

2 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. seasoned salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 (9 ounce) packages frozen noodles

In a large pot, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and chicken meat. Season with onion powder, seasoning salt, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, and stir in the noodles. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Thank you Father for Jesus, our only Hope!!

Blessings my sisters!

Mari

In Hebrews 5 we are given a description of a priest.  Under the Old Testament, the priests came from the line of Aaron and met the following criteria:

1. They were human.

2 They were chosen by God.

3. They represented the people to God.

“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (v1)

 The OT priests were not perfect and therefore they also had to offer sacrifices to God for their own sins.  Because they were sinners, they were expected to have compassion and empathy for other sinners.  We also, as sinners should have compassion and extend love to other sinners.

“He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.” (v2-3)

God designates who will be a priest, a mediator on behalf of man.  God appointed Aaron and God appointed Christ.  But notice that Jesus did not come from the line of Aaron, but instead was referred to as being of the order of Melchizedek.  Melchizedek is a priest mentioned in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110.  Chapters 6 and 7 will give us more particulars about why Melchizedek's priesthood was superior to Aaron's.  The important focus of this chapter is that the priesthood of Jesus was an eternal one. Jesus, unlike the OT priests was not a sinner in need of offering sacrifices.  Instead, he offered himself, perfect and unblemished as the eternally accepted sacrifice to atone for all sin.  No longer would the priesthood of Aaron be needed.  Jesus became the perfect representation of man to God  once and for all.  

“And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (v 9-10)

The author closes this chapter expressing frustration because he does not see the Hebrew people growing in their spiritual understanding.  In kindergarten you learn your ABCs and then in 1st or 2nd grade you use the letter sounds to understand simple words like "cat" and " ball". You then progress to making sentences, then paragraphs, then essays, term papers, etc.  God wants us to study His Word and to gain over time a more mature understanding of spiritual principles.  He doesn't want us to stay spiritual babies. In fact, He wants us all to eventually be able to teach the knowledge He gives us to others.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (12-14)

May I encourage you to keep studying God's Word with us so that you can grow alongside of us and we can learn from each other. Next year we will be going on a journey through the whole Bible in a year.  We want to reach as many women as possible who are seeking to learn about God and grow more spiritually mature. Help us get the word out and pray for this ministry to be used for God's glory and purposes. 

It’s evident, as we read through the Book of Hebrews, that the author’s reason for writing is because he feared his Christian readers were wavering in their faith in Christ. Perhaps their faith was growing cold, or perhaps the cares of this world, or the traditions they once followed were pulling their attention away from their newly found faith they professed. (Do you know anyone like that today?)

His goal was to demonstrate that Jesus was far better than the faith they once lived out before, and in light of what has all come about because of all Jesus had done, the author gives his readers three specific exhortations in this chapter,  each begin with “let us…”.

Let us...enter His rest...

_Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

_Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11

Did you notice that both these verses explains that we can actually fail to enter into the benefits that God has provided for us? This is exactly what happened to many of the Israelites. Even though God brought them out with a strong hand, they were not confident in God’s love for them, nor His provision, and because of their disobedience and unbelief, the children of Israel did not enter into the rest that God had promised them. Therefore today, like them, we’re called to be diligent to enter into God’s rest.

We also need to remember that the author is writing to Christians, therefore there is another rest for all believers that some may never receive. When we first trusted Christ as Savior we received our “salvation rest”, but as children of God we are called into an “abiding rest", – a “submissive rest”. We’re not to drift through our Christian walk in a carnal way, but rather we are to trust God and enter into His rest, by resisting temptation, trusting His truth, obeying His word, and submitting to the Holy Spirit. In other words the rest the author mentions here is a rest from our own efforts or works, and surrendering and becoming totally dependent upon our Lord Jesus Christ. We’re being called to remain in Him, to abide in Him, to rest in Him, to submit to Him – to depend utterly and entirely upon Him. Then,

Let us...hold fast...

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:12-14

Holding fast to our faith is crucial because the sin that hardens most is unbelief. Israel hardened their hearts “in the rebellion . . . in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:8). This happened during Israel’s time of testing, when trials had come upon them. During those times, God’s promises seemed to fail them. And when it seemed the Lord was no longer answering their cries, they grumbled, complained and began to follow their own way .

The same can happen to Christians in this generation,and those who were once zealous for the things of God can hardened their hearts towards God. People who once walked faithfully with the Lord, believed His Word, based their lives on biblical truth, and were totally on fire for Jesus, were faced with a crisis, and when they cried out to God in their time of need, no answer came on their time schedule,or in the manner they thought it should. Can you relate?

Others may have been led away by their relationship with ungodly friends. But God’s grace is still available to them, His mercy is still available, but over time their sin has hardened them.

Therefore the author exhorts us to hold fast to our faith no matter what! Trust God and His word when tough times and trials come and “if you will hear His voice, do not harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7). But rather,

Let us...come boldly to the throne of grace...

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.-Hebrews 4:15-16

The author next pleads with us to draw near to God through the complete and finished work of Jesus. He knows that the proof that we have confidence in God and have entered into His rest is demonstrated in how we respond to Him. When we don’t fully trust Him, we're distant. When we do trust Him, we’ll draw nearer. I believe the author has already anticipated that there will be those that, due to their own shame and guilt, will refuse to trust YHWH and draw near to Him even though every obstacle has been removed, and every provision made for every need. Therefore, regardless of how we’re feeling, we’re commanded to draw near, for Jesus has made a way to Almighty God.

When I think of these passages I always remember a story someone told me long ago about this little girl who wanted more than anything else to ride a new ride that had just opened at Disneyland, but by the time she had reached the ride a huge line had already formed, and she feared she’d never get in. Suddenly, just as she turned to walk away, a man came up and took her by the hand and began walking her to the ride's entrance, and just as they were about to cross the threshold to the ride, another man in line called out, “Hey, who do you think you are, Walt Disney!?”

To which the man turned around and replied, “As a matter of fact I am!” and the two continued through the door.

This is what Jesus does for us! He is able to take our hand and bring us right into God’s presence into the Holy of Holies. I pray you’ll remember this the next time you feel unworthy or inadequate to come before Him! Jesus has already paved the way; take His hand and let Him lead you through the entrance.