Hebrews 2:1-4 (NRSV)
Do not neglect so great a salvation
Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.
DEVOTION
My Lord and my God, how I love you today!
In today’s scripture reading, the author of Hebrews reminds us that, “we must pay greater attention to what we have heard…” He goes on to explain that our salvation has been declared in the life of Jesus, the words of Jesus’ disciples, and even through signs and wonders sent by God and accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit!
On yesterday, we were reminded that the truth of a matter is always established in the mouths of two or three witnesses. In the case of salvation, all of creation bears witness to the GOOD NEWS that God really, truly loves us and God proved it when Jesus died on the cross.
Here are the facts as I see them. We were sinking deep in sin, but God threw us a rope!
Oh how I love to say, but God! I was lost, but God found me. I was sick, but God healed me. I was hateful, but God taught me to love. I could go on and on, and I’m sure you could share your testimonies as well, but don’t you just love the words…BUT GOD?!
Now listen, here’s my favorite “but God.” The wages of sin are death…BUT GOD offers us salvation, relationship, and eternal life!
In response to such GOOD NEWS how could we neglect to give God praise! From the time we were babies to the present moment the love of God revealed to us in the life of Jesus has been an ever present, though sometimes unseen and/or ignored reality in our lives.
Dear friends, let me invite you to take the time to get still and listen to the quiet voice of God whispering to your heart. God whispers to all of us. God continually affirms in millions of ways that we are loved. Today, I invite you to “have a little talk with Jesus.”
Take yourself, your Bible, a journal and a pen to a quiet spot and make time to be in relationship with God. Read your bible, sing a song, or just sit quietly in the presence of God….
I know that life is not easy. It wasn’t easy for Jesus whilst he was on the Earth and it isn’t easy for us either. But, let me tell you the truth. Jesus is rightly called—Immanuel—God with us. No matter what we are going through God will never leave us, nor forsake us. God will stay right by our side!
Please, no matter what happens today, don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. Don’t neglect your salvation. Don’t give up on your relationship with God because you are suffering in your body, mind, or spirit and definitely don’t forget about Jesus because you are too busy!
God is with you and God loves you more than you could ever hope, dream, or imagine! Be steadfast in your faith my friends and continue to share your GOOD NEWS testimonies with others. As you share, you will encourage your friends and encourage yourself too!
Have you been neglecting the free gift of salvation? How can you attend to your relationship with Christ today?
Holy God, I know you love me. I love you too. Please help me not to leave your gift up on the shelf of my heart collecting dust. Today, I want to recommit myself to being your friend and to sharing our friendship with others! Please forgive me for not investing my time, talent, and treasure in our relationship. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Pastor Yolanda says, "Hello to all of the Sisters Standing in the Gap!
Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog, http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Yolanda, I shared the site with a few of my facebook friends. I am also giong to take the time to "have a little talk with Jesus" today.
ReplyDeleteI think that I had forgotten that no matter what, even through the pain that God is right there with me.
I noticed that More Than Equals was in your favorites. Chris Rice is at Duke. I went to Rwanda and Uganda with him and his family.
ReplyDelete