Day 97 "Make Sure No One Misses the Grace of God" (Hebrews: Chapter 12)

When I think of the life that Jesus lived here on earth, I recall very little from scripture that Jesus spoke of politics, of governments, and becoming successful in this life. Yet, that is where most of us seem to be preoccupied with our time. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's," Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his time trying to trap him in a question concerning paying taxes and living in this world. Jesus spoke mostly of loving, of giving to others, about caring for one another, and about the coming of God's kingdom. Living life for God can be boiled down to two thoughts which can keenly bring into focus how we should live our lives:

"And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." 1 John 3:23

and,

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Simple, isn't it? Believe in the one who saved us from our sins and reconciled back into a relationship with God- Jesus Christ-and to love others. Everything else stems from these two things. Love is not so much a what, a thing, as it is a how-the attitude of how we should do everything in our lives. At the heart of love is the ability to be "otherly focused," being able to genuinely put the interest of other people before one's own. And that is the crux of the most of our problems. For many of us, it will take a life time learning to lay aside our own wants and needs and begin thinking of the needs of others more importantly. This is what Jesus came to show us, to be the example for us. He wants us to come out from underneath the shadow of our own importance and walk out into the light of God's love and begin to put the interests of others first before our own.

My friend, there is a tremendous difference in life awaiting to be experience when the motive of your deeds becomes the betterment of others at the inconsequential costs to your own life. Jesus knew this all to well for us:

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

We are almost at the end of the book of Hebrews, but God has given us great morsels of truth in chapter 12 to embrace and enable us to run the race before us in this life. Set aside, then, a few minutes at least, the earthly concerns that may be overwhelming you and be still. Rest and breathe in God's peace as you take in God's word and experience his love for you.

Hebrews: Chapter 12

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:3

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons." Hebrews 12:7

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness."

Hebrews 12:10

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Hebrews 12:11

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God" Hebrews 12:15

"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirit of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

Hebrews 12:22-24

"See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks." Hebrews 12:25

"'Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' The words 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken-that is, created things-so that what cannot be shaken may remain."

Hebrews 12:26-27

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"

Hebrews 12:28

Key verses for me:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons." Hebrews 12:7

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God" Hebrews 12:15

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"

Hebrews 12:28

We live in a world of our five senses. Reality to us is what we can determine and understand through those senses. However, Jesus came to show us about the spiritual world that exists and of God's kingdom that awaits us ahead. It is incumbent upon each one of us to decide who we will invest our lives. Will we give it away to a world that is temporary and will pass away one day? Or will we invest our lives in the things that are eternal and long lasting.? Jesus asked the question,

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

If you are able to see the light ahead illuminating the pathway into eternity, then seek to run your race following Jesus, himself. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. His lifestyle is worthy to be emulated. Not too long ago, there was a public campaign which encouraged us to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" (WWJD) And this seemed to help a lot of people when they faced their own trials and tribulations. But even a better way to go forward in life is to become a lifetime student of love and seek to live it out every moment and every day of your life. The more you are able to let go and let the Holy Spirit guide you from within, the more your heart will align with God's heart, and you will see the things in this world through God's perspective. Then, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free about investing your life so deeply into this world which is passing. Jesus encouraged and challenged us how to navigate our lives through this world:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

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Run your race, but know why you are running the race! And make sure as you travel along, no one misses out on God's grace.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

2 Peter 1:3-4

I have found, for me, that whatever I am doing, I ask myself the question, "Is what I am doing in love?" I continue to challenge myself to be able to answer back, "Yes." When I do, I know I am traveling along on the right pathway.

In his love, I will see you again tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)