Tag: Hebrews 12

Posted in Faith, Family, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

A Gentle Reminder from Dad, a Stern Reminder from God

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Self awareness is always a good trait to have in this sinful world. Else we’ll get too big for our britches. And I’ve been there both spiritually and physically. It’s amazing the many forms for which the word of God takes on:

It can be a cool drink of water 💦 when the heat is on

A comforting blanket when you’re tired and weary

A sword when you’re in the battle

A ❤️ love sonnet when you feel unlovable

A cheerleader 📣 when you feel discouraged

And a for those of us who have a tendency to wander and stray it most assuredly can be a trip to the woodshed. It can be so much more! Its an ever transforming living document that was inspired by Almighty God and has powers that no ordinary writing has.  This morning I’m in awe at what I’ve been given… and yet do not use to my full potential. That is why I need those trips to the wood shed to remind me.

 Hebrews 12:9-13 KJVS

[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

It’s Dad’s Fault

I’ve often told you of my earthy father, Gene Paul Hardway. He was (and is in Heaven) a jewel of man. But chastisement was not his forte. No, I could count on one hand, possibly one finger the times I remember my father chastising me. His kind heart and nonjudgmental ways were what most who knew him would say they remember. That and his love for music, dancing a jig and above all, my mother. He was a great example of God’s love. He was not however a great example of God’s discipline. He just expected us to be good. God knows better. It is because of my dad’s non disciplinary ways that I attribute (aka blame) my failures at taking God serious until I hear from Heaven. Because I didn’t grow up with a great deal of discipline. Until I met Jesus, and then I learned what real discipline was. 

It’s God’s Fruit

 [10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

While somehow or another I managed to come out unscathed by my earthly fathers lack of discipline, that would not have been the case spiritually speaking. If I did not have the continual  chastening of God upon me, I’d be a wino at the bottom of the ditch of life. And if you think I’m just writing words, you are wrong. Were it not for the salvation of Christ I’d be a much bigger mess than I am. But because of His continual correction I walk with the freedom and peace in the knowledge of my forgiveness and grace. That precious piece of fruit can only be tasted by a child of God. 

It’s my Feebleness

[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; [13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Paul was the church’s spiritual earthly father. Not Catholicly but rather in leadership. We all need the leadership of a Pastor who (through the Holy Spirit) guides his people on the earth. The Bible used mighty men of God throughout each era. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Isaiah, and so on. Times have not changed. We still need earthly leadership to keep us accountable. Hands hanging down and feeble knees could have certainly spoke to the churches weak praise and prayer life then and now. It’s tough to praise and pray in tough times. That is why we need earthly leaders that arouse in us the Spirit of God and excite us about the hope of Heaven. I’m excited now just writing about it. Thinking of my Dad today and what it must be like for him to be in the presence of Almighty God! That’s exciting stuff! 

But for now I must go on on the earth. I have work to do. I need to get my feeble hands and knees in action in praise and prayer. I needed this stern talking to this morning to remind me that my Father has great expectations about my day. And I will not accomplish that which He has set before me unless I’m prayed up and ready for Victory. 

How about you my feeble friends. Are you ready for the day? Let’s go! 📣 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration

From Wreck to Rest

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Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I have often heard and occasionally said the statement, “God knows my heart.” Those words usually come at a time in a person’s life when their purpose or intention is brought into question. And as a rebuttal to the doubt of another soul they will say “God knows my heart.” And I can almost hear out of Heaven, “Yes, yes I do.”

When I truly take those words to account it weakens my knees a tad bit if I dwell on the knowledge that God knows me inside and out; dividing asunder (meaning into parts) of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It’s why my knees weaken, because when the Word of God convicts the soul and the spirit speaks to the heart, and the body reacts in kind. I told my teens Sunday that the Bible is a spiritual wash cloth, it will clean you up! But perhaps I should have also said that it was a sword to dissect your day and your ways. The word of God is amazing how it can expose what we’d rather stay covered.

I hate dealing with life. Many, many days drain me. So when I write, as I did a day or so ago on fleeing from God, I’m not blowin’ smoke. If I could get into my car and drive somewhere that God would not be, I would likely try. But that is not possible. And so I trudge on through life and daily get into His word and ask God for mercy on my soul to bring me through a dark time.

Sound dramatic? I have a feeling that the air over my head is dramatic and that there are angels battling the demonic forces of the night to keep my mind focused on the word of God. Else I’d be in the car. The spiritual world is as real as the chair I’m sitting in and this morning I can feel it. But I can also feel the Word of God slicing through the discouragement and fears in my heart to expose the tender part to words that need to be soaked in and rested in. Word like the preceding 3 verses in Hebrews 4: 9-11

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Working for rest? Sounds pretty oxymoronic. But getting to the point of resting in God is most definitely work. I’ve had to unpack Hebrews 4 and repack it a time or two this morning to find my rest. I had to wrap my mind around the fact that I have to cease from my own works and rely on the works that was done on the cross by Jesus Christ. In verse 13 it says that “13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Exposing yourself is laying everything on the table with God. He knows it anyway, but it’s putting it out there and saying “God, help me with this. I can’t do it.”

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God does know my heart. It’s full of infirmities (deteriorated vitality, feeble, weak of mind, will or character is how Merriam Webster described it.) I’d describe it pretty much the same way. And God says “I get it. I understand because I’ve been there and have overcome. So bring it boldly not ashamedly. Lay it out before me and let’s work on it together so we can get you to a place of rest.”

I needed to hear that today. I need to remember that God knew how very messed up I was and He chose to call me into His service anyway. But the only way to get to place of rest in my life is to rest in Him.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

The Best Weight Loss Program Ever!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Best Weight Loss Program Ever!

Ready2Run Chick

If you’re like myself, who constantly battles weight gain, that headline caught your attention! Or perhaps you seen right through my ruse and knew that it would likely be a spiritual application; either way, I’m glad you’re here. Because I believe my words today will help us all, thin, thick or in between people. The Word of God is one size fits all… really. Not like the apparel size which is anything but truth. Our scripture toda y is found in Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Let me say I’m not a runner and I have no desire to run. It wears me out just thinking about it and runners wear me out talking about it. I love that quote that says, “If you see me running you should run too because something is obviously chasing me, and it can’t be good.” True story. I’m not a runner in the fitness sense of the word, but spiritually speaking, its game on! I’ll run that race. Apostle Paul was a runner… a spiritual fitness buff. I want to wear his line of apparel which no doubt would be done in the coolest of colors because his eyesight was poor so he’d love the bright shades. The fabric would be just the right blends of materials, it would have appeal to the Jew as well as the gentile and would no doubt be made by the prison population with all proceeds going to the Rock of Ages ministry. I know Paul was a tent maker but in these modern times he’d have branched out. And he was a tent maker, so plus size apparel would have most likely been his niche. Just sayin’. Okay… I may have over thought that point.

But back to the race…One of the reasons I don’t like to physically run is the same reason that stops many of us from running the spiritual race, or at least slows us down. It’s the weight! When you’re carting around unnecessary baggage it’s impossible to run with proficiency and good health.

The word beset is not a word that you’ll find us using too much in today’s vocabulary but its synonyms are very familiar – problem, difficulty, afflict, torment, oppress, trouble, worry – sounds like an average day in the neighborhood to me. And not the Mr. Rogers kind of neighborhood. Those are the things that hinder my race, most of which are brought on by me. Just like the weight that clings to my midriff, the things that beset me both physically and spiritually were brought on by poor decisions and lack of discipline. Not all… but most.

So how do we lay it aside, not that I’ve laid it on every side?

We have to run…that means move. We can’t un-sin any more than we can un-eat that bag of chips. We can only move forward to hopefully better choices with better results. What’s hindering your ministry? I know what’s hindering mine… bad decision making in the past. I need to move forward and run with patience… meaning to take my time and do it right. See… Paul didn’t think going fast was a good idea either. I love that guy!

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Posted in Life Inspiration

What a Verse!

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Hebrews 12:2 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2… What a verse!

I was looking for something to reign my mind in today. Yesterday was scattered, today began much the same. Technology glitches, a “to do” list a mile long, a desire to be a better child of God, wife, mother, servant… and my mind was reeling. The days seem shorter and shorter, I know there’s still 24 hours in them, but deed I don’t know where it goes. I’ve set in my heart to be a better steward of time, money, resources, etc…. Ha! Well you know who that torqued off. And he and I both know it’s no small feat; discouragement should be no problem. And it wasn’t. A few minor snafus and I went to bed with a headache and awoke with one. So I knew that I needed to gather my thoughts and refocus them on the Lord. Thus… Hebrews 12:2

What a verse! I know I said that but just think about the goodness packed in there. Let’s unpack it…

He Started it – He’s the Author of my soul

Looking unto Jesus the author

Wow! Before I was in the womb He knew me. That in itself can cause me to ponder for hours on what I was doing before I was born. Jeremiah 1:5 says – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. He wrote my story and nothing that happens in my day catches Him off guard or happens without His approval and for His glory. That’s good to know!

He Finished it – He has the final Word

finisher of our faith

When Christ said those words on the cross “It is finished” in John 19:30, what exactly was “it”? It was the ceremonial law that was finished. No more would man be accountable for his own salvation and Hallelujah, Glory to God for that! Man couldn’t keep the 10 laws from the days of Moses, how on earth were we going to keep the 613 man had added with it. It was now by faith alone that man could have access to the throne.

He Paid it – and was happy to!

Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

For the joy!!! He paid the price on the cross that we can’t even imagine to restore man’s relationship with God… and yet man treats God like a nosey neighbor interfering in their life. It’s hard to imagine why He tolerates us at all.

He Protects it

…and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

That plan that He began, He oversees every second of it. That good to know. That means when I get my sights off Him, His is never off of me.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Seriously… You believed that?

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I went to sleep last night with this outline on my mind and it was there again when I first awoke this morning; that’s how God works and I love that about Him! The problem then was I couldn’t go to sleep trying to think of scripture that would go along with my outline and why was this outline on my mind? Obviously something God wanted me to hear, and while I love the thoughts of being Spiritually Fed and Led, the thought of being Spiritually Dead made me nauseous. I’ve seen it far too often when a church just doesn’t get it. The only thing they’re missing is an undertaker to remove the bodies (spiritually speaking of course.)

The Spiritually Dead

Hosea 10:1 ~ Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

Israel’s altars were lined, but with images not with people serving God. It’s a crying shame that the altars in America are much the same. The church altar is empty while wealth and possessions have consumed the minds of two generations; it’s scary to think what the next generation will be like when history has proven “what one generation accepts as norm, the next embraces and goes deeper into it.” It doesn’t have to be so.

The Spiritually Fed

Hebrews 5:12-14 ~ For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

If we ate food like we’re fed on the gospel I’m pretty sure there wouldn’t be an obesity issue in America. It’s so easy to put God on the backburner in the course of a day. I speak from shameful experience; God is not always my main course. We wonder why America’s going to “Hell in a hand basket” and yet we have but to look in the mirror. Why else would Hobby Lobby have to fight for their right to their rights? Because Christians have stopped reading the Word of God and listened to the liberal media tell us what’s right. Well that’s wrong.

The Spiritually Led

Romans 8:14 ~ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

I read a joke on Facebook this morning that Pinocchio entered a liars contest and lost to an American Politician. I won’t name names, mainly because he probably came in 432nd place behind every other knothead on Capitol Hill. (Fictional number, I have no clue how many liars there are). But that’s probably a low number. So you say Pinocchio’s not real… well I’m not sure honest politicians are either.

If you’re a child of God, should it not be God that you go to for the truth. After all He is the truth.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

We need to stop being led by media and political factions and start being led by the gospel. Open the Word of God or go to a Bible preaching church and you’ll discover that the Word of God reads like what a modern day newspaper should read like. But our local media is filled with more tattles than truth, pointing out the faults of their opposing party.

I know, I’m likely preachin’ to the choir if you take the time to read “The Jesus Chick.” So… share me with someone you love. Perhaps it will give them the desire to come alive! Come to the well of Living Water to feed on the truth and be led away from the wiles of the world.