Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. —Hebrews 12:1 In the 1994 Summer Olympics Carl Lewis won four gold medals. He was confident that his first leap had been good enough to win the gold in the long jump. Odds were in his favor of setting a […]
The Most Important Race Read More »
They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. —Hebrews 11:37 Sometimes God gives us immediate victory. Sometimes he doesn’t. Heb. 11:32-35a mentions people of faith who were triumphant in this life—then in 11:35b-38 notes those of equal faith
They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. —Hebrews 11:16 Early Christians collided with harsh circumstances—confiscation of property and possessions, even loss of life. They didn’t endure such treatment with “Why me?” bitterness, but accepted it joyfully (Heb. 10:34). How could they do that? Because they knew that even in this life
Possessions that Last Read More »
A will is in force only when somebody has died. —Hebrews 9:17 Your Last Will and Testament declares how you have decided to distribute your possessions. You sign it while you’re living, but it isn’t implemented until you die. When Jesus died he gave his spirit to his Father (Lk. 23:46), his
You Are a Beneficiary Read More »
“Have mercy on us!” Jesus ignored them, but they stayed on his heels, trailing him to his pad. He knew what these blind guys wanted—they wanted their eyes fixed. And he knew what he wanted—he wanted them to answer a question … “Do you believe I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord.” “According to
According to Your Faith Read More »
He always lives to intercede. —Hebrews 7:25 Christ’s intercession for you is personal—you have no need about which he is indifferent, no problem about which he is unconcerned. He sympathizes with your weakness, whatever it may be, and comes alongside you with an abundant supply of mercy and grace to
He is Interceding for You Read More »
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. —Hebrews 6:19 A small boat can ride a big, angry ocean if it is at anchor. It may seem overmatched by howling winds and thrashing waves, but with its anchor gripping the ocean floor it is
Hope is the Name of Your Anchor Read More »
The word of God is living and active. —Hebrews 4:12 Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Martin Luther did. The thought of facing God on Judgment Day terrified him until this verse—that appears once in the Old Testament and three in the New—calmed, captivated,
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. —Hebrews 4:7 “Strike three!” “Rats!” squawked Charlie Brown. “I’ll never be a big-league player. I just don’t have it. All my life I’ve dreamed of playing in the big leagues, but I know I’ll never make it.” “You’re thinking too
One Step at a Time Read More »
You remain the same, and your years will never end. —Hebrews 1:12 No one has to tell you that we live in a changing world, because you’ve faced changes that are personal and painful—loss of health, fractured relationships, deaths of those you love. But there’s another verse to that song … some
The Changing and the Changeless Read More »
