Wednesday Morning
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 10:19-39 (NLT)
A Call to Persevere
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. For we know the one who said,
“I will take revenge. I will pay them back.”
He also said,
“The Lord will judge his own people.”
It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
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Morning Reflection:
Persevere in Confident Faith
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place
because of the blood of Jesus. – Hebrews 10:19
As believers we now have an open invitation to come into the holy place. We can confidently enter God’s presence, now and in the future, because of what Jesus Christ has done for us (died for us), and because of what Jesus Christ continues to do for us (intercedes for us).
It’s because of what Christ has done, and is doing, that believers are called to persevere in confident faith. So, how can we do that?
Peter DeHaan offers four tips for believers drawn from today’s reading:
- Pursue God: Steadfastly move closer and closer to God, even as he gently pulls you to him. With a sincere heart and full of faith, yearn to be in his presence.
- Hold Onto Hope: Hold fast to the promises of God, because God is trustworthy, and live accordingly. Align your thoughts and actions with your beliefs; don’t waiver – God is faithful.
- Encourage One Another: Motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Start with the people closest to you, show them kindness love them as God has loved you.
- Spend Time Together: Stay connected with other believers; share life together in worship, in Bible study, in prayer, and socially. We are stronger and better together.
Questions for consideration:
- Would you describe yourself as a person who is confident in your faith? Please explain.
- In what direction are you headed – closer to God, or farther away from him? Please explain.
- When you think of God’s faithfulness, which of his promises come to mind? Why is that promise important to you? Please explain.
- Where do you need encouragement right now? Do you know someone who also needs encouragement? How can you help one another? Please explain.
- Do you connect regularly with other believers? What do you do when you get together? How can you strengthen our relationships with them? Please explain.
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Morning Prayer:
Life Support Prayer:
Heavenly Father: Thank You for bringing me out of my old life of darkened understanding and hardness of heart. Help me live out what I have learned in Christ, as the Holy Spirit brings it to my attention. Protect all who advocate for life with Your full armor in our spiritual battle with Satan who seeks to destroy human life and rob us of joy. Equip us, protect us, and strengthen us for the work You have given us to do. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for Your glory. Amen.
Heavenly Father: I bless and thank You for a brand new day, and for the fresh opportunities and challenges that this day will bring; thank You for Your loving-kindness that is renewed every morning.
I pray that I will walk worthy of You today and be a faithful witness in thought, word and deed – demonstrating a Christ-like attitude to all with whom I come in contact. Keep me ever-focused on You, Lord, and keep my heart steadfastly trusting You for all my needs and necessities.
Help me not to function in my own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. May I stand firm in the truth of the gospel of grace and remain steadfastly looking to Jesus – trusting in Him to supply His sufficient strength for all occasions.
Teach me all that You would have me to learn today and give me the courage and strength to press on toward the goal for the upward call in Christ Jesus. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for your glory. Amen.
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“Lord I Need You” – Matt Maher
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Closing:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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