Truly, Only God Knows!

We made it! Mayans, eat your heart out! Now we joke about it being in faith that it was not real. But God does provide us His revelation of what is to come. In Revelation, John writes about God's judgement. We might not heed this because it is written so long ago, to an audience that has long passed. But is it completed? Has Christ come the 2nd time? If not, then it is still applicable! We need to hear the prophecy and be ready! Not by making preparations for armeggedon with food, shelter, weapons, etc. Rather preparations in our heart. Is our heart ready? Are we prepared spiritually? How do we "get ready"? If the Mayans were right, would you have been ok? Jesus lets us know He is coming again. The date and time are unknown. That is why we need to be prepared now!

License to sin?

If you are reading this, the world did not end. Perhaps scripture is correct, the day and hour are unknown. We humans try to "figure" things out, but it is not within our understanding. God allows us to know certain attributes about Him. One aspect that the writer Jude picked up on was consistency. God directs His people to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. Yet some think that God's grace is a "get out of jail free" card. He allows us to choose our actions. But friends, He will hold us accountable for our actions. Paul writes on this in Romans 6:1. God's grace and forgiveness covers our sins. We should not try to get more of that by sinning more! Jude instructs us to do two things, keep from sin and rescue others stumbling towards it. REM said it best, "I feel fine"!

Opening the door for others

We are rushing to the end of the Bible and the books are beginning to jumble. Only Jude and Revelation to go! Thank you for engaging in this quest with me. Even if you don't read this daily, it keeps me accountable and reading the Word. That said, 1,2,&3 John are short letters written to unnamed believers to encourage and strengthen. The church was under much persecution at the time, and believers would be violently killed for merely passing letters! Remember that when someone wishes you "Happy Holidays". Christmas might be under attack, but it has been so for 2,000 yrs. John encourages his reader to be careful, yet show hospitality. Be careful of false teachers! All applicable to us today! Remember, hospitality begins with a smile and warm greeting. So Happy Holidays!

For Our Growth

1Peter talks about having faith and perseverance in suffering. When this was written, Christians were considered the enemy of the Roman empire. Not because they were evil or had done wrong, rather they were the scapegoats. Peter writes to believers to encourage them in the face of this persecution. It can be noted that one can either grow or grumble in this persecution. Growth happens when you work against the resistance. Like physical exercise, it makes you stronger. Keep in mind the victory we have in Christ. It might not be immediate in the trials you face, but it is eternal. Liken it to saving. Why do that, after all it merely deprives from the now. But in the long run, it is a blessing. Faith will carry you through. Decide to grow!

Change you can see

Faith without works is dead, so says James. In his letter, James lays out the argument that in growing in christian maturity, there will be fruit. Our actions will be more like Christ and less like our own selfish desires. It might be hard for us to see the change in ourselves. We still have wants and desires. Some might be contrary to scripture. It is a process. If we were to change completely overnight, it might not stick. That could be faith based solely on emotion , which can and will change. Like a good diet or exercise, this has to become a natural part of living. Accountability is important to keep you on the right track. Fellowship is equally important. We need to rejoice with one another and find strength from one another. Through it all, make sure to count the change!

Guide to Spiritual Maturity

We are approaching the end of this trek. We close Hebrews with a powerful reminder of what spiritual maturity looks like. Showing hospitality and love for others is not something we do for what we get out of it. We are honoring God by loving His creation, showing respect for what He has made. Being content in every circumstance is key to the growing process. Additional "things" do not satisfy, yet we pursue these with reckless abandon. Don't believe me, go to Walmart and count the purchases made on a cc. Count your purchases on cc. Buying things we don't need, with money we don't have. Be content with what you have. Possessions are not evil, but the pursuit of them in place of God is. Hebrews gives a glimpse of spiritual growth and how it is done. Great guide to follow.

Faith is Being Certain, even when blind

Ch11 in Hebrews can be referred to as the "Believer's Hall of Fame". There are multiple examples of men of faith. Men who believed in God and His promises, and did things out of their comfort zone. Ch11v1 is a real keeper for me, "Faith is being sure of what we hoped for and certain of what we do not see". Are we certain? Are we sure? Or do we doubt. Honestly, I struggle with doubt at times. There is much that I do not understand. Looking back at the men in ch11, I see that I am not alone. Many doubt. But, keep focus. Don't allow doubt to lead into despair or rejection of faith. God's ways are not man's ways. The story is not over yet! Ch12v1-2 talk about endurance, keeping eyes on Jesus. It is not easy, but the reward is beyond imagination!