Friday, May 31, 2013

Hebrews 12:10-11
¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us that God has a harvest for us. In the end, we will be more like Christ because of God’s discipline. God is in the process of using discipline to chisel away everything that doesn't look like Christ. You see, ultimately our purpose on this planet is to bring glory to God and show the world what God looks like. If God is disciplining you, God has great plans for you. We have to learn to celebrate God’s discipline and blessings. 

What ways do you think you could celebrate God’s discipline and blessings?

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Hebrews 12:5-7

⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 

⁶because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Reflection

Today our scripture illustrates that God has encouragement for us. God knows that in our lives we will not understand everything. We may be asking right now, “Why, God? Why?” We may not get the answers we want and certainly may not understand them. However, God wants us to be encouraged and understand that if we’re experiencing God’s discipline, then it’s for our own good and because God loves us. Good parents discipline their children because of love. They’re training and teaching the children because that’s best for them. God is the same way. The book of James says the “testing of your faith produces perseverance,” so you should “consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials.” It may sound crazy, but try to remember that God wouldn't discipline you if God didn't love you and believe in you.

 Is it hard for you to think about God disciplining us? Does it help to know it is out of love?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hebrews 12:2-4

² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

 Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us that God has an example for us. In living out our purpose, we may grow tired of “running” and feel like we can’t do it. That’s why we have a goal on which to fix our eyes—Jesus Christ, who came to earth to live a perfect life and die on the Cross for our sins. Jesus set the perfect example for us to follow. How do you in your life try to follow Jesus’ example?

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Hebrews 12:1

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

Reflection 

Our scripture today reminds us that God has a plan for us. We are not on the planet by chance. God created each one of us for a purpose. The book of Hebrews compares our life purpose to a race and calls us to be encouraged by those who have gone before us

in the race and to give our best. We also see that sin is something that can trip us up and keep us from doing our best in the race. Our job is to run and avoid the sin. 

Who in your life encourages you to continue to run the race?

Monday, May 27, 2013

Luke 22:39-46
³⁹ Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” ⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ⁴² “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.⁴⁵ When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ⁴⁶ “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Reflection

Our scripture today is the prayer that Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. This is one place we hear Jesus pray for God’s will to be done. This is a classic prayer for us to pray. What we will look at this week is that are we ready for the changes that will  ensue in our lives if we ask for God’s will to be to done.  Opening our lives to God in such a manner won’t leave us the same as we were before we prayed. In your own words what do think it means for God’s will to be done in your life? Does the thought of this scare you?