May 21 – Righteously Faithful to One

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? – James 4:4-5

It is a metaphorical description of many people’s hearts due to spiritual unfaithfulness. The first readers of this letter from James, the half brother of Jesus, would have found this familiar. In the Old Testament, the only scripture available at the time this letter was written, often describes the unfaithful Israel as a spiritual harlot. James has in view professing Christians who are outwardly associated with the church, but in real living are holding a deep affection for the world system which is evil. These professing but not faithful who identify as Christians are nothing but friends of the things and ways of world and so in enmity to God (a really terrifying thought). Plainly put, there is no way to be friends with the world and faithful to God at the same time. It is like claiming we are one with God while we have dalliances with what is worldly fun and pleasure. It is not safe for our God is called a “consuming fire” and a “jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24). Let’s be sure to not be “stepping out” on God with that which He says is an enemy. 

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December 4 – For the Joy

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)

Our verse today follows two other very strong verses for a Christian’s life. The admonish us to fix our eyes on Jesus because He is the author and the perfecter of faith. He gives to us that faith and that faith is what saves us. Jesus did all things required in the Law without sin and was killed because of that. Jesus is the supreme example of willingness to suffer in obedience to God. He faced “hostility” and endured even the cruel cross. The same opposition is faced by all who follow Him. These words were written to encourage Christians when they are tempted to give up. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that it is not worth all the trouble involved in following close to the Lord Jesus. Then we should remember that Jesus came to earth to do his Father's will and He encountered a lot of suffering. Believers’ pressures, exhaustion, and persecutions are as nothing compared to Christ’s. He endured it all for us, in order to receive the joy that was set before Him. We too are promised that same joy with Jesus in heaven. Let's fix our eyes on Him today.

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December 7 – Cure for Weariness

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)

We hear many remarking how difficult this year has been and nearly everyone has been affected by the chaos in our world. They’re hoping next year will be better and are eager for this year to be over. How can we know if it will be any better? We can know that Jesus experienced much worse in His life for our sake. These words were written to encourage us when we are tempted to give up when the going gets really tough. The verse just before this one encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ our Savior which will help us to avoid giving up. Some may be tempted to think that it is not worth all the trouble involved in following close to the Lord. Then we should remember that Jesus came to earth to do his Father's will and He encountered a lot of suffering. The leaders of the people hated Him and were hostile to Jesus and eventually killed him. But He endured it all, shame and death on the cross, and now He is in heaven's glory and we'll be there someday too. Let's fix our eyes on Him today.

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February 14 – No Weariness or Fainting

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”  - Hebrews 12:3  (ESV)

Our ability to choose is one of the most powerful abilities we have.  We make choices over and over every day on what to think and what to give attention to.  We do have a free will, given to us by God when He created man.  Our exercise of that free will determines how successful we are in our walk with God.  He calls us to action, to righteous behavior, and to do what glorifies God.  We encounter challenges each day.  Challenges that come as distractions, disruptions, and hostility against us and our God.  Trials and persecution happen to test our faith and we might be tempted to give up our hope.  Our verse today promises that if we choose to consider Him (Jesus) and how he endured some awful nasty hostility and even death from His enemies, we will have the strength to hold up when we too are the target of such hostility because of our faith.  Let’s keep in mind today how Jesus endures all this for our benefit as He would experience a criminal’s death but then resurrection to new life, also for our benefit. 

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January 25 – No Slavery. No Fear.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:15 (NASB)

Maybe you have noticed the increasing hostility in the world toward those who profess faith in God and believe in Jesus for salvation. If we are Christians we must never forget what God has done in bringing us into His family. Our verse brings us a wonderful promise that we do not have to be slaves to fear anymore. God wants us to be sure that we recognize what it means to be His child. To  help us to remember that God has sent us His Holy Spirit to confirm this family relationship. If you turn to God today realizing that He is your Father it will be because the Holy Spirit is making it real in your life. And if you call on God today and you call Him Father it will be the Holy Spirit putting that name in your mind and on your lips. Aren't you glad that God has arranged it as our verse says that we received a spirit of adoption giving us the desire to cry out Abba! Father!  'Abba' is a word much like 'Dad' or 'Papa' used by children for their fathers.

December 4 – Cure for Weariness

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)

These words were written to encourage Christians when they are tempted to give up trying to reach some goal in their life. The verse just before this one encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ our Savior which will help us to avoid giving up. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that it is not worth all the trouble involved in following close to the Lord. Then we should remember that Jesus came to earth to do his Father's will and He encountered a lot of suffering. The leaders of the people hated Him and were hostile to Jesus and eventually killed him. But He endured it all, shame and death on the cross, and now He is in heaven's glory and we'll be there someday too. Let's fix our eyes on Him today.