Discovery Journal

Joe C. – July 16, 2010

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:1-6, 8-9 - 1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. 4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” .... 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.

Observation:

Oh, how I love Hebrews chapter 13...I could read this over and over and over. Such instruction for peoples lives, both then and now, and forever. Love others, show hospitality to strangers, remember those in prison and those being mistreated, honor marriage, don't love money, and be satisfied with what you have. And a powerful promise from God, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you" ...and my favorite verse of all of them, telling all to be confident in this statement "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"

Application:

There are so many times in my life when I forget that God is in control and that no matter what people say or do to me, I do not need to fear or lose my faith in who is my King. People have no power over me. In verses 8 and 9 I am reminded that Jesus, my Lord, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. My strength comes from God's grace. Let me write that again...MY STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD'S GRACE. Amen to that.

Prayer:

My heavenly Father, I thank You so much for your promises and reminders in my life. I love that You have made Your instructions so clear and thank You that there is no way to debate that You will always be there, that You will never fail me or abandon me. Help me to live confidently and to not to fear any but You. I pray for continued strengthening of my heart each and every day of my life here on earth. I pray that others will know Your love and strength through me.