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Friday September 20 - Persevering
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
After my baptism, a wise old missionary gave me a book about persevering as a Christian, which I shelved, assuming the Christian life would be easy! Months later, I read it eagerly... and humbly!
Hebrews calls us to reflect on God’s ‘Exodus people’, who heard his words and saw his miracles, but ‘fell short’ of trusting him. Today’s word urges us to ‘make every effort’, and the best way to do that is to hear God’s word each day, then pray for his grace and help to do it – and he will provide!
We can’t do this in our own strength, any more than we could save ourselves by our own efforts, but God promises that his Spirit will work his word deep into our hearts, feeding our souls and enabling us to respond in faith and trust. We can take heart, for the risen Lord Jesus is praying for us! (Hebrews 7:25)
One of our biggest battles is trusting God when life gets tough. In life’s storms – and there will be many – it can seem impossible to persevere in God’s word, trusting in Jesus’ sovereign power and love over our circumstances. Perhaps you are battling life’s storms today? Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit’s help...
Living Lord, I turn to you, completely dependent on your amazing grace. Please hold me fast in this storm and grow my perseverance and trust. I praise you for your faithfulness and love. Amen.
Saturday September 21 - SWORD
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged
sword... Hebrews 4:12
I began reading the Bible as a non-Christian, starting with Genesis, flicking increasingly to the New Testament to catch glimpses of Jesus, who I found ‘walking off the pages’! I became a Christian about halfway through Deuteronomy, realising that I had ignored God just much as the Israelites of Exodus did!
I had many questions, but gradually realised that he – the living God of the Bible – was asking questions of me that were far more important! Would I trust in the Lord Jesus and receive the gift of salvation won for me on the cross? I realised that the Bible is no ordinary book: it’s alive!
The Holy Spirit works powerfully in and through God’s word – bathing our wounds, comforting, encouraging, cleansing and growing our faith! Challenging us, too – the flash of his holy sword illuminates dark corners, exposing the secret sins we must repent of and flee. Every heart’s desire is visible to him. ‘Sword’ describes well the Holy Spirit’s Bible work: ‘S’ for Spirit + WORD = SWORD!
Ask God to encourage, comfort and challenge you as you reflect on his word. The risen Jesus breathes life into dead souls and builds his church, ready for the glorious wedding in heaven when we unite in him at last – his beloved people, the Bride of Christ!
Precious Lord, your word is powerful, bringing dead souls to life in Jesus, cleansing us from sin. You are glorious. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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