Hebrews 9:11-10:18
Inspired thots
Jesus paid for us all! His sacrificial death on the cross is the only offering that is acceptable to God for the sins of the world. (v28)
Only Jesus' offering of Himself can cleanse me from eternal condemnation, if I believe and accept.
v22 Jesus' blood shed in his death makes Him the perfect offering for man's (my) sin. It is a life for a life.
The Law can never make perfect those who want to draw near to worship God, (10:1) for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15)
Sacrifices are just a constant reminder of my constant sinfulness. (10:3)
Only Jesus' blood can cleanse me of all iniquity. (10:10)
Amazing revelation!
If I were to sacrifice material things, I would not be able to cleanse myself or get any credit.
I need to emulate Jesus - self sacrifice; no wonder we are called to be 'living sacrifice' (Romans 12:1)
Only then can I worship God! That will be my spiritual act of worship. Now I see the Scriptures tying in. Praise the Lord!
Once I accept Jesus' self sacrifice for me, I am cleansed and set free from sin.
The only sacrifice God wants of me now is not for sin but to worship Him. (10:18)
There is no longer any sacrifice for sin; now is the time for worship God!
I should not let sin beleagued me daily but set my mind, heart and spirit to worship God.
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Old versus New
Hebrews 9:1-10
Inspired thots
v1-10 talk about the old covenant, the old style of worship, the old place of worship.
It is surprising to read, or is it a fresh reminder, that the priests of old enter the Holy of Holies only ONCE a year? and with a sacrifice of blood or a blood offering.
Wow! coming to God only ONCE a year... perhaps the time is now that people only come to God once a year too.. Christmas. How sad! My God is so loving and personal; why should I meet up with Him once a year? well, busyness and own agenda usually keep us away from God. Yes, just like when I go back north once a year, giving a lot of excuses not to go. I empathise.
Next, the priest goes in with a blood offering; serious, man. Bringing the best is important when meeting up with God, even if it is a sacrifice. Give till it hurts, as the saying goes. Yes, Lord, this Christmas I must reconcile with the north. You know what I mean, Lord; You put that thot into me.
v7 - the priest offered a sacrifice for himself and the people - this is the amazing part - for sins committed in IGNORANCE. It is not for sins that are purposedly acted on with full knowledge. It is a time to seek forgiveness of sins that were done without the conscience being pricked.
That is really purity (holiness) before God. Before He can accept His people, they must be cleansed of every sin, even if done in ignorance. 1 Peter 1:15 Be holy for I am holy.
v8 - the Holy Spirit
He is my teacher; He reminds me and reveals the things of God to me as to God's people.
John 14:26 and Romans 8:26 records the working of the Holy Spirit.
External regulations and practices cannot clear the conscience before a worshipper of God draws near to Him. The Holy Spirit must reveal and prompt. Yes, Maranatha, Holy Spirit!
Inspired thots
v1-10 talk about the old covenant, the old style of worship, the old place of worship.
It is surprising to read, or is it a fresh reminder, that the priests of old enter the Holy of Holies only ONCE a year? and with a sacrifice of blood or a blood offering.
Wow! coming to God only ONCE a year... perhaps the time is now that people only come to God once a year too.. Christmas. How sad! My God is so loving and personal; why should I meet up with Him once a year? well, busyness and own agenda usually keep us away from God. Yes, just like when I go back north once a year, giving a lot of excuses not to go. I empathise.
Next, the priest goes in with a blood offering; serious, man. Bringing the best is important when meeting up with God, even if it is a sacrifice. Give till it hurts, as the saying goes. Yes, Lord, this Christmas I must reconcile with the north. You know what I mean, Lord; You put that thot into me.
v7 - the priest offered a sacrifice for himself and the people - this is the amazing part - for sins committed in IGNORANCE. It is not for sins that are purposedly acted on with full knowledge. It is a time to seek forgiveness of sins that were done without the conscience being pricked.
That is really purity (holiness) before God. Before He can accept His people, they must be cleansed of every sin, even if done in ignorance. 1 Peter 1:15 Be holy for I am holy.
v8 - the Holy Spirit
He is my teacher; He reminds me and reveals the things of God to me as to God's people.
John 14:26 and Romans 8:26 records the working of the Holy Spirit.
External regulations and practices cannot clear the conscience before a worshipper of God draws near to Him. The Holy Spirit must reveal and prompt. Yes, Maranatha, Holy Spirit!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
It's All about Jesus
Hebrews 7 & 8
Inspired thots
How GREAT is my Saviour! Two chapters dedicated to Him - exalting Him as the Great High Priest of God. Hallelujah!
Indeed it is not an easy passage to understand, and that is the way it should be because it is all about God and Jesus. Yes, I am not God, like God but praise Him, I am His child. Jesus is the Great High priest, and I am part of His royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
Thank God for His grace and the new covenant!
Inspired thots
How GREAT is my Saviour! Two chapters dedicated to Him - exalting Him as the Great High Priest of God. Hallelujah!
Indeed it is not an easy passage to understand, and that is the way it should be because it is all about God and Jesus. Yes, I am not God, like God but praise Him, I am His child. Jesus is the Great High priest, and I am part of His royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
Thank God for His grace and the new covenant!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Time to Grow Up
Hebrews 6
Inspired thots
No one should stay young forever. It is really not God's intention. He wants His people to grow into MATURITY.
~ no more elementary teachings
~ no more rebuilding foundation
For if God's people do not grow into maturity, they will fall backwards; once fallen, it is hard to get back up.
God intends my life to be PROGRESSIVE; not stagnant and certainly NOT Degressive.
I receive God's blessings to Grow in Him (v7) and not be self-indulgent.
Diligence is crucial to ensure my hope is secure. There are many good examples of whom I can emulate. I am not alone; whether in spirit (I have the Holy Spirit) or in the flesh (I have Christian brethren)
And God has swore it Himself with Jesus as witness that those who follow Him till the end will receive what they have been promised by God. Hallelujah!
Inspired thots
No one should stay young forever. It is really not God's intention. He wants His people to grow into MATURITY.
~ no more elementary teachings
~ no more rebuilding foundation
For if God's people do not grow into maturity, they will fall backwards; once fallen, it is hard to get back up.
God intends my life to be PROGRESSIVE; not stagnant and certainly NOT Degressive.
I receive God's blessings to Grow in Him (v7) and not be self-indulgent.
Diligence is crucial to ensure my hope is secure. There are many good examples of whom I can emulate. I am not alone; whether in spirit (I have the Holy Spirit) or in the flesh (I have Christian brethren)
And God has swore it Himself with Jesus as witness that those who follow Him till the end will receive what they have been promised by God. Hallelujah!
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Price of Honor
Hebrews 5
Inspired thots
Success and Honour ~ to be bestowed upon; not by one's ability or desire.
~ comes from faithfulness and obedience, reverent submission
Lessons ~ hard to teach when student is slow to learn
~ not acquainted with teaching because not practiced
~ constant usage to train self leads to maturity
Jesus is the perfect example of honor bestowed because he was constantly submissive to God's will which led Him to perfection.
Passage is so simple with such a powerful lesson.
Inspired thots
Success and Honour ~ to be bestowed upon; not by one's ability or desire.
~ comes from faithfulness and obedience, reverent submission
Lessons ~ hard to teach when student is slow to learn
~ not acquainted with teaching because not practiced
~ constant usage to train self leads to maturity
Jesus is the perfect example of honor bestowed because he was constantly submissive to God's will which led Him to perfection.
Passage is so simple with such a powerful lesson.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Every Day is TODAY!
Hebrews 4
Inspired thots
'Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts' v7
This is a repeat from Chapter 3:8 ~ hence, it is an IMPORTANT verse
Everyday is TODAY! Every day God speaks to His people through His word and Spirit.
When God convicts, one must pay careful attention and note the given word. (v12)
v13 ~ 'Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight'
As God sees all and Knows all, better to obey what is heard; otherwise, I am only fooling myself.
Hence, make EVERY effort to hold FIRM my faith. If I am weak, call on Jesus who has walked my path.
Hallelujah!
Inspired thots
'Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts' v7
This is a repeat from Chapter 3:8 ~ hence, it is an IMPORTANT verse
Everyday is TODAY! Every day God speaks to His people through His word and Spirit.
When God convicts, one must pay careful attention and note the given word. (v12)
v13 ~ 'Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight'
As God sees all and Knows all, better to obey what is heard; otherwise, I am only fooling myself.
Hence, make EVERY effort to hold FIRM my faith. If I am weak, call on Jesus who has walked my path.
Hallelujah!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Faithfulness vs. Deceit
Hebrews 3
Inspired thots
F A I T H F U L N E S S
~ key in keeping the Faith.
How? Praise God that He always gives the solution and leads by example.
Answers and examples for His people to consider His ways.
~~ v1 FIX your thoughts on Jesus
Jesus ~ the excellent example of Faithfulness; faithful as a SON over God's house (people)
No wonder this chapter calls to ENCOURAGE others DAILY v13
else, people's heart can grow hard and unbelieving
A sinful heart is hardened by sin's deceitfulness, and a lot of that is happening today.
And the way to counter sin's deceitfulness is to hear God's voice instead - read His word daily and know what God is saying. Yes, fix thoughts on Jesus all the time. Do not let sin's deceitfulness push in. Push in out ~ sorry! no room.
Inspired thots
F A I T H F U L N E S S
~ key in keeping the Faith.
How? Praise God that He always gives the solution and leads by example.
Answers and examples for His people to consider His ways.
~~ v1 FIX your thoughts on Jesus
Jesus ~ the excellent example of Faithfulness; faithful as a SON over God's house (people)
No wonder this chapter calls to ENCOURAGE others DAILY v13
else, people's heart can grow hard and unbelieving
A sinful heart is hardened by sin's deceitfulness, and a lot of that is happening today.
And the way to counter sin's deceitfulness is to hear God's voice instead - read His word daily and know what God is saying. Yes, fix thoughts on Jesus all the time. Do not let sin's deceitfulness push in. Push in out ~ sorry! no room.
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