Monday, July 13, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
~Hebrews 13:6, 8
Thoughts on today's verse...

Verse 6 is taken from Psalm 118:6 and I do believe the Lord has placed it in today's devotional just as a gentle reminder to me that He is in control and I am not! Then verse 8 shows that He is the same yesterday and today and forever. Isn't that like the name of God, when Moses asked, "who shall I tell them sent me?" and God responded, "tell them 'I Am'." Not "I was" past tense, not "I will be" future tense, but "I Am", here and now, past, present and future. The Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end.

I enjoy the book of Hebrews and every time I read a verse, I am compelled to look through the chapter and find notes I've written during sermons and Bible studies. Chapter 11 is the Hall of Faith and one by one it names old testament believers who "by faith"... I love the fact that Sarah is mentioned, especially since she laughed at the pre-incarnate Christ who said she would have a child in her advanced years.

Then in chapter 13 verse 2, we are encouraged to show hospitality to strangers as we may be entertaining angels and aren't even aware of it! Finally, verse 15 tells us to "offer up a sacrifice of praise". I was curious about that and did a study on it sometime ago. What it means is even when we don't 'feel like it', even when it seems everything has turned against us - praise Him. You see, He sacrificed everything for us and now we are to sacrifice our feelings, our attitudes and our pride to praise Him. Someone much wiser than me said, "I will not offer to God, that which costs me nothing." And that, my friends is a sacrifice of praise.
My prayer...

Abba Father, today I praise your Holy Name! To You, O Lord, who are the creator of all heaven and earth I acknowledge You with awe and wonder! You, who reached me when I was unreachable - who loved me when I was unlovable - and who touch me when I was untouchable. To You, O Lord, be the glory, the honor and the power forever and ever. Even so, Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

4 comments:

  1. How good it is to be thankful to God when things are not going well, instead of only remembering Him in the good times.

    blessings and hugs,

    marcy

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  2. Tamara, I find it so hard to praise Him in everything...and I know that I am supposed to do that. Thank you for helping me to remember to praise Him...without ceasing.
    Many smiles to you....from Jackie

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  3. Hi Tamara...I like coming here to quietly take in what you have posted...
    Take care

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  4. Tamara, another beautiful post and prayer. Thank you for sharing my friend.
    I am going on vacation for two weeks but will check in when I get home....I will miss your beautiful prayers....Stay well while I am gone......:-) Hugs

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