Call to Discipline (Dec 18)
Hebrews closes with an appeal for a persevering Faith that relies on the promises of God. Writing to an audience whose actions were being shaped by pressure from the world, the author urges the kind of Faith-inspired walk that characterised so many OT saints. Being so convinced of God’s Faithfulness, they ordered their lives according to His Word. Follow their commendable example and Walk By Faith; and not by sight!
Lord, help us Endure the Race:
Since we are surrounded by
so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight and
the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us Run With Endurance
the race that is set before us,
Looking Unto Jesus, the author
and finisher of our faith, who for
the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross (Heb 12:1-2).
For consider Him who endured
such hostility from sinners…
lest You Become weary and
Discouraged in your souls (v3).
Pursue peace with all people…
lest any root of bitterness springing
up cause trouble (v14-15). Amen.
Lord, we purpose to Run the Race
with Endurance depending on You
who initiates and perfects our faith.
The journey may be difficult; but
my longing is to hear Your voice
and purpose to follow after You.
As You live Your life within me,
let my spiritual ears open up and
my heart softens towards You God.
And may You live fully, deeply,
boldly in my total being. Amen.
Dear Jesus, we note the suffering
You endured to do the Father’s will.
The struggles we endure to follow
U are real & we can get discouraged.
It takes discipline to pray and study
God’s Word on a regular basis. And it
takes commitment to say no to sinful
desires and say yes to good works.
Holy Spirit, when I feel discouraged,
remind me to stay focused on Jesus
& grant me strength & grace. Amen.
Lord, Thank You for the gift of Your
calming presence, unconditional
love, much-needed peace and
boundless hope. Help us from being
haunted by any doubts, instead fill
us with patience and faithfulness.
God of grace, as we come boldly
to Your throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive Your mercy
and we will find grace to help us
when we need it most. Amen.