There are a couple verses that have been encouraging me lately, and I wanted to share. It’s from Hebrews 10:22-25, the first one is from the Message, and the second one is NIV.
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
I feel like there are a lot of good ideas in these few verses. I connected what was talked about at PM last Sunday, in the woman who reached out and touched Jesus’ cloak, with the first verse. We should not be ashamed, or feel unworthy when coming to Jesus. His death and resurrection gives us the opportunity to come to God as new cleansed children. I think sometimes I get down on myself, and will give up trying to reach out to God all together, because I don’t think I’m good enough. I love the word “unswervingly”. It reminds me how straight I need to be. This goes along with having confidence in our faith.
I also feel challenged by the last part in how I can be spurring and encouraging you, my brothers and sisters, on in love. Am I taking an active part in the community, and letting myself be used by God? The reminder here is good for me, because I sometimes think that God will orchestrate everything, and I don’t need to think about it. But I need to reach out, like the woman, and make myself available. I have to be actively open, to receive His work in my life.
Use me Christ
I’m open and willing
Amen