A Daily Devotion for Friday, January 16
- ontrakk
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, 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, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We were not created to live in isolation. God’s creation has lived in groups and families and gathered together from the beginning. Being together gives us so much- safety, warmth, strength, protection, love and shared communion with God. We become stronger by being around others. It is hard to imagine living our best life alone. We do always have God, but God intended us to live with one another. In today’s devotion, the writer is remembering a children’s soccer game. Everyone was cheered on, as part of the team. The players cheered on each other, and the parents did not mind who scored, but cheered for the team as well as the individual. Strengthening the individual strengthens the team, and vice versa. It is that way in life and in our families.
Holy Lord, help me to support everyone in the groups of my life- not just the winners. We are all part of your family, and need a sense of belonging to truly experience your love. Help me to be a welcoming, loving and encouraging friend. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN
Becky, transforming
1Hebrews 20:19-25
This passage reminds me of how important gathering as believers for praise and worship is. It is an expression of our love for God and honors Him. There is so much, by God’s design, that worship provides for us. It encourages us, teaches us, and equips us to go out into this crazy world and live a life that is pleasing to God. For me, God is especially present when I am in worship or Bible study with other believers. While I believe my personal relationship and the personal time I spend with God is important, I believe worshiping with others is essential. It is a team sport and is essential for a healthy Christian life.
Dear God,…
Hebrews 10:19-25. What really matter
This phrase from Hebrews jumped out to me--"not giving up meeting together." So many have done just that. Why? Well we are all blaming Covid but really the numbers have been in decline for many years before Covid. On the other hand, I see lots of growth in the availability of support groups springing up everywhere. Grief support, gambling support, overeaters support, Moms of triplets, etc. This made me wonder if church were seen as more of a support group (which it really is) would more people come? If instead of Hillside UMC, we were the "I want to know Jesus" group, we meet every Sunday at 9:00. Radical I know!
Prayer: Gracious God, …
Friday, January 16th, 2025
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
(FOCUS: For unity in the body of christ.
Today,s Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
Jesus has paid the price for our sins, that he has entered into the most holy place with his blood, paid the price for our sins so that now you and I can enter into the most holy place, the curtain has been torn in two. It is important for me to understand these prior verses to better understand verse 24. It is so important to encourage one another. When we get up in the morning, think about other people, who want this…
Hebrews 10:19-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Among the many devastating effects of the horrible mismanagement of the COVID-19 crisis, was the precipitous acceleration of the pre-existing decline in church attendance. What was already a problem became a death sentence of many small churches and even large churches have not yet fully restored their pre-pandemic attendance figures. Given that community is the lifeblood of the local church, this development seems to have Satan’s filthy fingerprints all over it. We cannot dwell o…