Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse
You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.
~Hebrews 10:36 NCV

Thoughts on today's verse...
I have to tell you, I was taken aback by the reference to the bible type (NCV). I thought and thought and all I could come up with was "Nearly Correct Version?" So I had to look it up and it's the New Century Version!

Now for my thoughts... holding on... have you ever seen the picture of the kitten hanging from a tree branch and caption was "Hang in there!"? Sometimes that's what being a Christian is like. We extend ourselves and our faith by really "going out on a limb" and then just find that we're hanging there and we're not sure what we're supposed to do next. And that can be a difficult and uncomfortable position to find ourselves in. Especially when we look around and find the more seasoned Christians seem to know exactly what to do and how to do it. I know there have been so many times when I just wanted to retreat, to hide from view. I seemed "so less than" in my faith.

But this scripture is admonishing us to keep on holding on! If we persevere, we will find what it is the Lord is calling us to do, be it ministering to a women's group or cleaning the toilets at church (which by the way, I feel is a very admirable thing to do and very under appreciated!). If we do this, then we will receive that which He has promised.

My commentary read that this chapter in Hebrews is an exhortation to be constant and persevere, the example of Christ is set forth and the gracious design of God in all the sufferings believers have endured. All this does not in the least mean that any souls who sorrow for sin will be shut out from mercy, or that any will be refused the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, who are willing to accept these blessings. Him that cometh unto Christ, he will in no wise cast out. (Heb 10:32-39). Mercy, sweet mercy! And isn't that just what we need ?

My prayer...
Father God, Abba, give me strength to persevere and mercy when I need it most, which is more often than naught! And Lord, may I find exactly what it is You want for me to do. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

5 comments:

  1. Great thoughts, great prayer!
    I find it's easiest to 'hang in there' when you have no choice but to rely on God! I don't know why, but so far in my life, when things have been really, really bad, the easiest thing for me to say and truly believe is, "Okay, things are going to get better because God is going to make it so." I'm not saying I haven't questioned His Plan, and there are times I've been very unhappy with His Plan for my life and those of loved ones, but I always believed He had a Plan that He was following. I just didn't always like it very much. I hope He doesn't mind hearing about a dozen times a day, "Oh, what now?!" because I ask Him that A LOT!
    'Wish I could find that 'inner peace' but I'm just an anxious mess inside a lot of the time. I'm accepting of things, but it's not always a peaceful acceptance, it's more of an "Okay, if I have to, I have to" kind of acceptance.
    I have a situation going on right now (on-going for years really) with my daughter/her boyfriend/grandson all involved, and I'm just saying to God, "Well, I hate it, but You Know best, so I'll leave it alone, and leave it in Your Hands."
    I'm at resigned acceptance, I will never be at grateful and happy and peaceful until the situation changes to MY liking, which I may never see in my lifetime. But that's okay too. I truly do believe that God Has His Plan.
    All the best,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  2. A wonderful post. Perseverance is a tough job. Often I want to throw up my hands and quit! That is certainly not what Paul is teaching. And so I will pray at all times praising, thanking and exhorting the Lord! God bless! And thank you for this!!! I needed it!!! Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, holding on is the hard part...the never giving up part, so I continue to pray for all three of my children, the two spouses involved as well as the five grandchildren. Sometimes I feel a light bonk on their heads would be in order and then they would start going to church and praying!

    But all of the time I realize that my own holding on is SO important, so I am just God's little kitten in the tree, just praying and holding on!

    blessings and hugs,

    marcy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Tamara, what a beautiful and timely post. I needed this, well we probably all needed this today. In a world of such turmoil and stress it is good to be reminded to hold on, but you know even if we fall, God will always catch us if we allow him into our hearts. Put him first in our lives, and work toward his plan for us and all will be well. I know, as he has caught me many times.......Have a wonderful day my friend, .......:-) Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Tamara,
    I was the one that cleaned the church toilets for three years. I cleaned the entire church. I loved my job. I had to quit because the arthritis in my hands got so bad that I was in constant pain.
    You are right, it is a very under appreciated job. But I still miss it.
    I hold on constantly, everyday.
    Love Di

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping in. Your comments are a source of encouragement.