In the same Hebrews 12:1 scripture, the Good News Bible says, “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way and the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.”
Only with our focus and eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) will our faith increase and help us complete our purpose and work. Daily, the words of Romans 8:28 mean more to me; God does use the good and bad together for a purpose.
His love for us and our love for Him are increasing daily! As children, we must “pay attention when the Lord corrects…and …not be discouraged when He rebukes…” (Hebrews 12:5b, GNB)
We are told in Proverbs 19:18 that if we don’t correct our children we don’t love them. In Hebrews 12: 6, we see again: “the Lord corrects everyone He loves, and punishes everyone He accepts as a child.” Thank you, Father, that in Your eyes I am still Your child, at 84 years old!
Thank You, Jesus, for always interceding for me to give me the determination and stamina to complete the race set before me. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for increasing my understanding, wisdom and revelation to move in faith to complete what the Father began in me… and in each of you readers, too!
Now, “My Christian friends, who also have been called by God, think of Jesus, who God sent to be High Priest of the faith we profess! He was faithful to God, who chose Him to do this work just as Moses was faithful in his work… as a servant, and he spoke of things that God would say in the future… Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God’s house. We are His house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.” (Hebrews 3:1-6. GNB)
Please read Proverbs 29 (GNB). We must stop being stubborn (vs. 1). We must pray for righteous rulers and leaders (vs. 2). We desire leaders and rulers who seek justice (vs. 4). Not only our leaders need to be aware of rights of poor but each of us must do our part (vs. 7). We must do our part to keep things calm (vs. 8) and pray daily for peace and honest government.
We, like the sensible people (vs. 11), need to hold back words of anger and become more patient and kind. Once again, note vs. 15: “correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them.” Holy Spirit, lead us to pray for righteous government, for “when evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such people… and a nation without God’s guidance is a nation without order.” (vs. 16, 18)
Strengthen each of us to pray daily for order and justice for all, and to put our faith, hope and trust in the Lord. “Only from the Lord can you get justice.” (vs. 19) Come quickly, Lord Jesus… We need You!
In 1788, Charles Wesley encouraged us “by faith, to join hands with those who went before and greet the blood-redeemed bands…” Today, pray that people of all times will join together with patience to complete the work set before us in 2018. Help me to get on with it, Lord, in Jesus’ name.