Isaiah 8:1-17

Isaiah 8:13
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,

God is powerful. God is in control. He can change things with the snap of fingers. He is one that I should fear and respect. I should dread him because He is just and condemns those who sin against Him, He is so loving and compassionate that He sent His son to die for my sins. He can do anything.

Isaiah 8:17
I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him. 

I place all my trust in the Lord because I know that He leads me on a path that is righteous and one that is for my good according to His will and purpose for me. I'm excited to see how life is going to roll out in His glorious plans for me. :)

Isaiah 6:11-7:25

This passage was definitely one with a lot of context and background that I had to look up in order to understand what was happening.

Isaiah 7:4
Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood- because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. 

These kings who wanted to conquer Jerusalem may have seemed powerful and strong... but God is even stronger. Nothing will stand in the way of the Lord. God is in control. Lesson: don't think that you're all that because you're not. God is the only one who can show off his power and glory.

Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'"

Our faith and trust in God is what gives us the strength, courage, and hope to get through difficult times. God never leaves you or forsakes you. He always watches over you and allows things to happen for good reason. Any kind of doubt in your heart will open the doors wide open for Satan to instill his evil thoughts and works in you, causing you to stray even further away. Stand firm in your faith and God will give you the strength to overcome things you never thought you ever could.

Jesus' coming is foreshadowed here in verse 14 and was used as a sign to Ahaz that He always keeps His word (Ahaz decided to rebel and not trust God but He still kept His word). I read this from a commentary on this chapter.

Isaiah 6:8-10

Here am I. Send me!

Do you have a heart to serve God? Do you have a desire to go out into the world, into the community, into your circle of friends to share the Good News? God, place in me a burning conviction to share. I want to be like your disciples and be able to tell people about my faith unashamed. May I be a true beacon of light in this dark, materialistic world. 

Sometimes we just don't see it at first. We have to experience the worst in order to know of the best. God has definitely revealed to me things through this way. Easy example is with school. I didn't pay attention at all in class, didn't work hard... and I ended up failing my exam. I was suppose to glorify God through my studies and at the end I know the course definitely became a hindering block in my path to the career that I want to go into. I could have followed His direction and guidance to focus and be diligent in my studying but I was so tempted by Satan and at the end, I failed. God has to make our ears dull and and close our eyes in order to make us realize the significance of His grace and mercy. Otherwise we take everything for granted. Afterwards when we're deaf and blind to everything we begin to rely on God, we call Him our Rock, we ask Him for strength and provision and it's that's the mentality that God always wants us to have... that all things are from Him and through Him and nothing else. Not of myself. Not of anyone else... but of God. 

Isaiah 5:26- 6:7

Isaiah 5:26-27
He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily! Not one of the grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps; not a belt is loosened at the waist, not a sandal thong is broken. 

This verse made me think back about the sermon that was preached on Sunday. The theme was whether you act immediately when God calls on you. You shouldn't be putting His calling for you to the side because there is nothing else that should be higher than something God is telling you to do or say. The verse from Isaiah describes how we should act really well: we should move swiftly and speedily. We should never be tired or stumble when acting on God's will because He will make sure that we don't tire or sleep. He gives us life and energy. It's also a reminder of doing everything with all your effort. Take the things seriously and not for fun unless you can present your acts to the Lord with assurance that you've done the best you can. Your belt should not be loosened at the waist and God will make sure that your sandal thong won't be broken as you achieving His will in you.

Isaiah 6:3
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Alnighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Amen to that! :)

Isaiah 6:7
With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

God is so full of grace and mercy. We truly don't deserve the things He blesses in our life and we're constantly forgiven for all the sin we commit each day... but He is love, and Jesus the manifestation of love comes down to Earth and walked with us until He gave Himself up for us... how amazing is that? Could you ever do that for a family member? A friend? A stranger? The whole world? We don't have to be cleansed with burning coal anymore (as it was read earlier in verse 6). As long as we have faith and the desire to glorify God in all things, He will be compassionate and forgive us with the words "I love you my son/daughter."

God, we love you, I love you.

Isaiah 5:18-25

Isaiah 5:18-19
Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, to those who say, "Let God hurry, let him hasten his work so we may see it. Let it approach, let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come, so we may know it."

It is in our very nature to sin. We sin without knowing it. We sin before we realize we did. The list of things that make our Heavenly Father displeased can go on and on. We indeed draw sin along with cords, as though it's never leaving our side... but we can change that. Solution: keep the glory of God in mind at all times. Remember that all things you do should make our Lord pleased. If it's wrong, repent and we will be forgiven by our God who pours out His unconditional love for us.

I always wonder when I will meet my significant other... will I get one in this lifetime? It's hard to be patient for things that we desire. It's hard to waiting for the good things that God is "suppose" to present to us. Note that this is the wrong attitude. God does everything in His own time, in His own way because He alone is sovereign of all. We have no control of anything. Nothing. He will give us discernment... typically a yes, no, or later. Be patient just like how Christ was. Don't wait for good things because we don't deserve any of it in the first place.

Isaiah 5:20-22
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, 

We think we have good judgement in making decisions and that what we end up doing was the best choice. Definitely not all the time. The above verses meshes so well together to explain the one fact that we are not capable in determining what's good and evil. If you do think that you can do that, then woe to who is wise in their own eyes. However, it's so easy for us to sweep God to the side and adopt worldly minds. Sometimes it's peer pressure for me. Friends may want to drink to get drunk and I join them knowing that it says in the Word that we should not. Sometimes I'm ashamed to tell others that I am part of a Chinese Christian fellowship and instead I say I'm part of a club on campus because I don't want others to judge me. Clearly our minds deceive us in knowing what's right and what's wrong... what's bitter and what's sweet.

Isaiah 5:8-17

Woe to me, woe to you. Woe to mankind.

Woe is defined as great sorrow or distress... and yes, great sorrow and distress upon mankind.

Isaiah 5:12-13
They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands. Therefore my people will go into exile for lack of understand; their men of rank will die of hunger and their masses will be parched with thirst. 

We have so many plans, events, and just different things to do that we end up pushing God away from where He is suppose to be... which is at the centre of our life. We don't care to remember that in all things we do it is by His provision. I always have to remind myself that He can actually take everything away with the snap of His fingers... but He doesn't, and that's because He loves us so much.

Jesus was received our exile on our behalf, died of hunger on our behalf, and was parched with thirst on our behalf... all so that we don't have to experience God's wrath for the sin in us.

Isaiah 5:15-16
So man will be brought low and mankind humbled, the eyes of the arrogant humbled. But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness. 

I am continuously humbled, my pride is broken because God, the righteous and mighty God, continues to call me His daugther each day. Nothing I do is through me alone. Everything I do is done through the Lord. I am a sinner that needs to strive to be like Jesus each day, for I can never be perfect but can always try to live out the perfect like like Jesus.

Isaiah 5:1-7

A story is told. The loved one looked for a crop of good grapes in his vineyard, but all it yielded was bad fruit.

That's us. We are suppose to be the good grapes that God produced but as we are consumed by sin we develop into the bad fruit. Easy metaphor to understand.

For the rest of the passage, it tells us of what God did to this vineyard that produced a bad crop. To summarize, he wiped it all out in hopes to get rid of this disease-- this sin-- that prevents the vineyard from producing good fruit.

Although this was written in the Old Testament, it foreshadows how the Son, Jesus, comes down to wipe away sin for mankind. His coming is not as destructive as how it is depicted in the passage but His love for us is mighty and powerful... indeed destructive to sin. Clearly the Gospel is highlighted and mentioned as early as in the book of Isaiah, and even earlier. How great is the love of God for me.

Isaiah 4:2-6

It's been a long while since I did my devos... definitely doesn't show my passion for the Lord and to learn from the Word. I'm hoping to change this mentality. Starting today, again.

This passage was titled "The Branch of the Lord". When I hear the word "branch", I see in my mind a tree with its branches sticking out in all directions. It's like us. God is centre of it all and we Christ followers, his beloved children, are sent to the ends of the earth in all directions to spread the Good News.

Isaiah 4:4
The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 

He forgives us and cleanses us the same way He did with the women of Zion. He is sovereign, always true in judgment. As strong and mighty as a sweeping fire. He takes away our sin with the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ...and from that we are free from the bondage of sin and are reborn. With the help of the Spirit we bear fruit on this earth for His glory.

Isaiah 4:5-6
Then the Lord will create over all of mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. 

He loves us. He cares for us. He is our shelter from the storm of the evil and wickedness of this world. How great is that? He loves us. He loves me.

I am a branch of God's big tree and I shall never cease to bear fruit for You.

Isaiah 3:8-4:1

This passage was very descriptive. I was able to easily paint a picture of what's happening in my head. However, the message was very clear... and for sure very applicable for myself.

Isaiah 3:16-17

The Lord says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jungling on their ankles. Therefore the lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."

Honestly, I've been blessed with so many things: decent clothes, jewellery... basically any other material possesion that I have is a gift from God. With all of this, I should never be consumed by personal desires and use these blessings in the wrong way. I should never boast about what I own and have, rather always be humble and modest. I should use what I have to help others in need rather than hoard it all for myself and not care about the rest of the world.

The women of Zion did the exact opposite of what they were suppose to do... they walked around with their possessions and riches as though they were superior and were arrogant. God punishes these people by taking away these gifts because what they were doing did not bring glory to Him.

Lesson of the day: don't boast, don't be arrogant, don't act superiorly, don't be selfish, don't show-off.

It's all very straightforward.

Isaiah 2:12-3:7

Isaiah 3:7

But in that day he will cry out, "I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people."

The leader of people (as said in the above verse) is someone who can help heal the sick, provide food and clothing, etc. God can do it. We can't... at least not without His supply and provision. It all leads back to the Lord who is the ultimate provider and is sufficient for each of us. Don't be prideful and think that you can provide for yourself and don't need Him. He works in the background: you're not sick because God has been preventing any diseases and illnesses from coming upon you, you get to class because God was able to keep you safe the entire trip, you are well fed because God blessed your food and gives you nourishment. You are living your life right now because God gave up Jesus as He took the wrath of His own father for you. Have you ever thought about that?

Thank our Heavenly Father for being so loving, caring, gracious, and merciful. Thank Him for all the blessings that you've been given yet take for granted at times. Start noticing the little things that you have rather than noticing the things you don't have.

Isaiah 2:6-11

Isaiah 2:11

The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

Nothing that we accomplish or succeed in is because of ourselves. All glory goes back to God. He gave us life to do what we did. He provided the strength and wisdom. Through His grace we succeeded in our task when we don't deserve any of it because of the continuous sinning that we do.

Lesson of the day: do not boast in your accomplishments and say it is all you... because it's NOT.

Bring all glory, honour, and praise back to the Lord who guided you to where you are now. Don't be arrogant and prideful because through those bad qualities who portray the image that you do not need God and can do everything on your own... and that is wrong. If God took away everything that He blessed us with, we would be left with literally nothing.

Isaiah 1:21-2:5

Reading through Isaiah is really different than from the other books I've read so far. It's not straightforward or to the point. It's like reading a story and through these stories I have to read between the lines to understand what the Lord is trying to convey to me.

Isaiah 2:3

Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

*note: Zion is the hill upon which the city of David was built

God continuously provides us with wisdom and guides us in everything we do. If we stray off of the path, He will take our hand and bring us back to it. Without Him, I would probably be wandering off the path at once and get lost.

As we continue walking on the path God has laid out for us... this path of righteousness... then it's nice to know that we are slowly making our way up the mountain. When the time comes for us to say goodbye to our life here on Earth, we would have reached the top. God will welcome us to His house. :)

Isaiah 1:10-20

Even though we are covered with the filth of sin, God shows his unconditional love for us all the time. He is always willing to cleanse and purify us as long as we have that desire to be one of His children and glorify Him in all things.

Isaiah 1:18-20

"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

With the snap of His fingers, God can wipe away all the wrong things off our plate and we can start over. God gives us the best if we follow in His steps and obey what He tells us to do and not to do.

Obviously, if you continue to resist the good work of the Spirit in you, God can only do so much for you. If you wreak havoc and cause others to stumble through your own downfall from God, He will put an end to you in order to protect His children. It's a scary thought and I really do hope that my peers and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will never reach this stage.

Evangelism. It's something that I've been struggling with for the past while... but knowing that some of my dearest friends haven't experienced God's love yet is frightening because I might not see them in the next life with the Lord. Father, I pray for the strength and boldness in sharing the Gospel to them, so that they may understand the power of Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice He made for all of mankind.

Isaiah 1:4-9

It's so sad to read about how humanity back then (and even now) continue to live such sinful lives. We can be so materialistic. We commit adulterous acts. We do not speak the way godly men and women should.

Isaiah 1:9

Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.

What exactly happened with Sodom and Gomorrah?

I did some readings. Sodom and Gomorrah were cities that were full of impertinent sin. These two cities ended up being consumed by the fire of God's wrath on the Day of Judgement.

This is what we deserve. We're not that much better than the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Through God's grace... and the sacrifice of His precious son Jesus we are spared from such a scary death and now live a life where we can look forward to eternity with the Lord. How great is that? It should be obvious what we should do now... to do all things for the glory of God, to show our appreciation and thanksgiving for Jesus and His continuous, unconditional love for us.

Isaiah 1:1-3

Isaiah 1:2

Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.

God made us in the image of Him. Although we were born as sinners, we have that potential of developing Christ-like traits. Throughout our lives God continues to mold us into a godly man or woman. He is full of grace and mercy and through that we learn of repentance for our sins and turn back to Him.

However, we are so easily distracted by the things of the world. We fall for temptations and desires of our flesh. Satan gets a grasp on our lives in our weaknesses and whenever we come upon stumbling blocks. Sometimes, we just let it happen, with no care of how our God, our Heavenly Father, feels for His children. The Lord is a jealous God.

The Lord describes how even animals can listen and obey their masters while we can't. How shameful is that?

As long as we put Jesus at the centre of our life, continue to preach ourselves the Gospel, then we will have that will, desire, and passion to glorify God in everything we do. Satan will flee when we have a strong faith that God is there to protect us and guide us. In our obedience to the Lord, He will continue to put blessings and pour His wisdom out for us.

Concluding Exhortations: Hebrews 13:1-25

I always enjoy reading the final portion of a book. I really like how Paul includes some of the important teachings and reminders at the very end so that it basically summarizes what was said in the rest of the book.

Hebrews 13:1

Keep on loving each other as brothers.

The first verse is as simple as that. Treat other people as how you want others to treat you. Treat them as though they were all a child of God. Although some people haven't experienced God's love yet, there is always that possibility where they can see God's work through you and how you are with others.

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from the live of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

This is so powerful. We do not have to worry about anything on this Earth because God is sufficient. He provides all things in times of need. He clearly said that He will never forsake us. He will always be there. We need to appreciate the things we have rather than yearn for things we do not have (That was one of the reminders that God placed in my heart after going to Guatemala). It relates very well to verse 6.

Hebrews 13:6

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

There's nothing we should be afraid of... not even how others see us, think about us, or whether they judge us. We are seen as beautiful, growing children in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. There is nothing to be afraid of.

Hebrews 13:15-16

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Look around you. Everything was through the provision of our Lord. This includes our personal salvation through his son Jesus whom He also sent to the earth to save us. God, I love you and praise you for all things. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! May I continue growing in faith so that I can reflect You to everyone. My life goal is to continue growing and developing all these Godly traits of You and Jesus... to do good for everyone and share the Gospel to others so that they too can see how awesome You are and how you've brought me to where I am now. :)

Warning Against Refusing God: Hebrews 12:14-29

Hebrews 12:14-16

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

In addition to leading our own life towards God, we also have a responsibility of keeping our bothers and sisters on track on their path as well. We must watch out for them and help them overcome any stumbling blocks in their life as well. With the commandment "love your neighbour as yourself", our love to our brothers and sisters in Christ should be a willing heart to serve them and correcting them when they've fallen or have made mistakes.

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

God is in control of the Earth. God always guides you in the right direction. When you've been convicted to do something, or say something.... do it. It is always for your well-being. If you choose to disobey the Lord and do not listen to what He tells you, then we've definitely been taken over by Satan by disobeying our Heavenly Father. The worst possible thing to have happen would be the Lord barring us from Heaven, from the home that we will soon be in. The thought of that is so morbid and sad.

So look to the bright side. Help others grow in their faith as you are trying with your own. Through all of it, take time to listen to the Lord and follow what He has said to you. :)

God Disciplines His Sons: Hebrews 12:1-13

I'm on a roll having found my third favourite passage in Hebrews!

Hebrews 12:2-3

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

Our eyes should be set on Jesus at all times. If it weren't for Him, we would be consumed by sin and would be living in a dark world. It it weren't for Him, we would feel the wrath of God for the wrongdoings of man. He took it all on Himself on the cross and through Jesus, God forgave us. Jesus gives us new life full of spirit and energy so that we will not be tired of running this spiritual race.

How do we explain our struggles, pain, sorrow, trials, challenges, obstacles? This is God rebuking us. He is teaching us life lessons through the hard way (by punishment at times) because we are his children. He definitely knows me well because it is through these tough times when I fully grasp the reason why these events are happening and it shows what God is trying to tell me.

Hebrews 12:7

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

It's great to have a Father who can discipline me so that I can grow and become more rooted in my faith. Even now, with my biological father, he has disciplined me well in a way that I know school is important (but not the most important) and have to work hard if I want to have a good life in the future... I know that smoking and drugs are bad for my health and I shouldn't even try in the first place...I know that preventing me from going to the mall with friends until Gr.10 was so that I won't become materialistic and a money spender. God does the same thing. Through these times that may be painful, He uses it so that He can produce in us a righteous attitude and a lifestyle where we continuously strive to be more like His perfect son Jesus.

Hebrews 12:10

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. 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.

By Faith: Hebrews 11:1-40

Wow. Happy to announce that this is my second favourite passage in Hebrews. (Can't wait to share this with my housemates later tonight!)

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

This is what our faith in God is like. We do not see God, we cannot feel God. It is very hard to hear God because we've been so accustomed to hearing ourselves or the voice of Satan. However, when we continue to believe that God is with us wherever we go and watches over us in whatever we do, this is love. This is faith.

I love all these examples. It really emphasizes the importance of our faith in God... and what's common in all of these examples of Noah, Jacob, Moses and all the other righteous men that were mentioned? They believed in God and his magnificence. They believed in the works of wonder that He can do and the promises that they will receive not in this world, but in the heavenly realm that we will soon reside in.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

If we don't fully believe that there is a God... or even have a very small doubt of whether He is there or not, then we won't end up fully living our lives for Him. If we are not 100% devoted to Him, it easily instills in us that wicked thought of why we're living for Him in the first place. A domino effect can take place. We would begin to rely on ourselves (thinking that God is not there to give us the strength and wisdom), we get prideful of ourselves in accomplishments and successes, we sin more thinking that it doesn't really matter because God isn't really there. FALSE. God is there. God is watching. God is leading us towards Him. We need to continue seeking him earnestly and with a passion for His name (reference from Consuming Fire by Tim Hughes... awesome worship song!). With this attitude we can exemplify Him and we can be a living testimony to others of how God (although we can't see/feel Him) has done amazing things in our life through His unconditional love and grace. Imagine how others around us would see us. It is very possible that they too may experience and be open to God's love through our persevering example of being Christ-like.

Hebrews 11:13

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

The truly good things, treasures, and enduring promises is in Heaven, in God's domain. I look forward to it. However, it is important not plant yourself deeply in this world now. The worldly things like fame, money, career don't last. We can't take any of it with us to the abode of the Lord. As Francis Chan stated, we need to look at the picture. Our life with God for eternity is much longer and more significant than our miniscule, short life on Earth. Let go of the materials of this world and seek after the real treasure.

Hebrews 11:40

God has planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

God has great gifts and blessings in store for us. It's only with him that these gifts are made perfect and put to its greatest use and potential.

Have faith. Let go of this world. Seek after the Lord and His kingdom. Yearn for the real treasure that waits with the Lord.

A Call to Persevere: Hebrews 10:19-39

I have found my first favourite passage in Hebrews!

These 5 verses sums up the beauty of Jesus' work. As I try to read between the lines to figure out what God wants to tell me through this passage.... all I can feel is the lovelovelove that Jesus has for me.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus is the only way, the one way to God, to Heaven, to my real home. The metaphor of the curtain being His body was a good one. We were hidden away and covered by our disgusting sin, but Jesus was able to pull off the covers. He opened the curtains so that we may see what our lives our like without being bogged down and covered by sin.

I am very glad that I am not one of those people who get tired of meeting up with people. Obviously, not just for the social reasons... but also to keep each other accountable, to catch up with how our walks have been with God, how we've been living out our faith as Christ followers. I enjoy hanging out for these very reasons, so I don't have to worry about getting tired of that haha.

This passage is just getting better and better.

Verse 29 brings it home hard.

Hebrews 10:29

How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

How come I still sin? Yes, because I so easily fall into Satan's traps and cave under his temptations. I need to remember this verse. Jesus, the Son of God, the blood of the covenant that sanctifies me, the Spirit of grace... if I say I love Him as I do, why do I still sin and break His heart? Why.

Hebrews 10:34

You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

So true. What's better than eternity with the Lord and Jesus, living with other brothers and sisters in the awesome place called Heaven, not having to worry of sin because we'll be stripped free from it, living an eternal life of love and praise to the Lord. Nothing in this temporary world lasts.

To end off...

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved.

I will not shrink back. :)

Christ's Sacrifice Once for All: Hebrews 10:1-18

The very first verse really stands out to me.

Hebrews 10:1

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-- not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

These commandments that we follow and this law of freedom that we abide gives us a small glimpse of what our everlasting life with the Lord will be like in the days to come. Can you imagine living without sin? I definitely can't. We're always tempted to stray away from the path that God has set out for us but as we put the effort in to live a life that is as sinless as possible, we can get a feel of the life that Jesus led himself... so loving, so good. Just like a shadow, we don't actually see the real, more awesome thing.

It's sad to realize that there's nothing that I can do to be perfect and free of sin. However, as Paul wrote here and he constantly reminds us, Jesus took it all on himself, and He was the sacrifice once for all. I'm free of my sin. I can glorify my God all I want. That's amazing. Jesus, You're amazing.

Hebrews 10:9-10

Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy hrough the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

This is so encouraging.

Hebrews 10:13-14

Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Jesus has always wanted the best for you. As it says in the verse, Jesus wants Satan and wants all sin to be able to bow before Him, to submit, to be a slave to Him. Through his sacrifice He continues to help us become as perfect as He is, as we are sanctified in this life here. His unconditional love is exemplified through these 2 verses. Think about what He has been doing in your life and what He can do. Wow. In awe of you, my Lord.

We've been forgiven. There is no need for us to sacrifice anything for our sins. God, you are sovereign and may You reign in us.

The Blood of Christ: Hebrews 9:11-28

I haven't posted in a while.... a bad sign because it also means I haven't been doing my devos lately.

School had consumed my life this past term... I think too much that it has become one of my idols. I've already addressed this to other brothers and sisters who can keep me accountable for it and I told myself that this change of attitude will definitely start today.

This passage was a good wake-up call for me.

*note to self. tabernacle: a fixed or movable habitation, typically of light construction

I'm going to try doing today's devo systematically... by going through each individual verse and seeing what I can get out of each.

Christ came as a high priest for us. We know that priests are suppose to be the way to God, the mediator between God and His people. Jesus was definitely the great high priest who, through his sacrifice on the cross, has granted us this privilege to communicate with God and forgiveness from God for our sins.

Jesus, entering this wicked world as a humble man, was able to gain access to God's glorious kingdom as he sacrificed himself for the humanity. His blood was spilt for me and for you. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the throne of God... and I will continue praising Him and thanking Him for what He did for me over 2000 years ago.

What is gift is greater than Jesus, offering himself to God so that our consciences our cleansed, simply so that we may continue serving the Living God? It's amazing. Nothing beats that.

Hebrews 9:15

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-- now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Free from the bondage of sin, I look forward the life that I have with God, for eternity. It reminds me of one of Francis Chan's sermons, about how this temporary life here on Earth is miniscule and so short compared to the time that I will have with God. The comfort and luxuries of this life should be put second to what's waiting for us in the coming future.... a life with God. However it all starts out with how you portray yourself to others, how you live your everyday life, how you serve God and how you reflect yourself as a Christ follower. We're always going to fall short of the glory of God and sin but because Jesus has set us free from it, we have that ability to pick ourselves up and continue on our way... all we have to do is to continue to bring everything back to the cross and to bring all glory back to God.

Hebrews 9:28

so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

We wait upon the Lord for at the second coming of Jesus, He will take those who follow and have faith in Him to heaven. In the meantime, may I continue to glorify You. May I continue to serve you with a humble heart.

Worship in the Earthly Tabernacle: Hebrews 9:1-10

God definitely used this passage to remind me of something important today.

I am not redeemed by works, not redeemed by offering gifts and sacrifices of any sort. I am only seen righteous in God's eyes when I proclaim my faith my Jesus Christ and live out my life for Him.

No matter how hard I study, no matter how good my marks off, no matter how much volunteering and working I do... It means nothing unless all is used to glorify God. What's the most important is to have hope in what God will do with my life and how I can do everything to point back to the cross. God has poured out His grace and mercy so that I can have my education in the first place. May all praise just go back to You, Father, for the fact that all we need to do is believe.

This post is really....disconnected and does not flow haha but in all things I am glad to be reminded that it's by my faith in Jesus and in God that will save me. It is my trust and my dependence on God that will help me live a righteous life that is as sinless as possible. :)

The High Priest of a New Covenant: Hebrews 8:1-13

I can't imagine what it would have been like if I was living during the time of the Old Testament. So many laws to fulfill, prayer at certain times of the day, sacrifices to be offered each time we approach the throne of God, can't eat certain things... it definitely would have been a crazy time!

Praise be to Jesus. He is the new covenant who opened up a way to God. Life in Jesus means better promises.

Hebrews 8:6

But the ministry Jesus has received is a superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

Jesus is above all. I can forever repeat this but He has definitely influenced my life for the better. I can feel it in me, I can honestly see a difference in the me today than what I was... perhaps just a year ago. He indeed holds His promises. It is exciting to see what God has in store for me each day, what He has planned out for me... and each day I continue to point everything I do back to the cross, because without my saviour Jesus Christ I wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be here. We wouldn't have had a new life where we are free from sin and free to glorify Him all day, err day. :P haha

Hebrews 8:10-12

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. or I will forgive their wickedness and will remember theirs sins no more."

Hearing this reminds me of the song "Lead me to the Cross" by Hillsong. One of the lines goes like this: everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost.

Nothing here on Earth should satisfy me than what faith in Jesus does for me. May I live a life as sinless as possible. May I have God reign over me. May I know more of You. Through You I am saved, and I thank You for that.

Jesus Like Melchizedek: Hebrews 7:11-28

What does the high priest do? It would be through him that we can talk and commune with God.
The Lord Jesus is the greate high priest.

Hebrews 7:24
but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Isn't it amazing that Jesus will always be there, forever, as our mediator between the Holy God and us sinners?

Hebrews 7:26-27
Such a high priest meets our need-- one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Holy. Blameless. Pure. Set apart. Exalted.

He sacrificed himself for me and for you. We are now free from the bondage of sin and can now live a life that can be used to completely glorify our Lord. Jesus meets our need as a mediator between us and God. Without him, who knows what God would be like... He can easily smite us for the sins and wrongdoings we commit everyday. However, God is loving and caring. He sent His only son to receive our punishment. I thank you God for Jesus. :)

Melchizedek the Priest: Hebrews 7:1-10

Hebrews 7:7
And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.

The first thought that comes to my mind: using the privileges, resources, materials, skills, talents, and my heart for God to help those who are in a less fortunate position than I am. Not only do I feel good myself for using all I have to its fullest advantage, but also giving the opportunity to the needy, the poor, and the suffering to experience a piece of God's love through me.

What's even better is that through my little actions they may come to know Christ! A blessing far greater than anything else of this world. :)

The Certainty of God's Promise: Hebrews 6:13-19

What greater love is there than the love of our God? He promised us a hope that will come and change our lives forever. God wanted to make it very clear that this hope of the world will always be there for us...and He was right. He fulfilled his promise.

Hebrews 6:17
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.

Jesus was the perfect man and the sinless man. Everything, every piece of Scripture (especially in the New Testament) brings it back to this Holy man. He was, is, and will be the hope of the world. Through His mighty sacrifice on the cross and His profound resurrection three days later, we have been forgiven for our sins and we do not have to face judgement from God. Jesus made a way for us.

Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Thank-you for You, Jesus, the great high priest who has given us the way to God. :)

Jesus the Great High Priest:: Hebrews 4:14- 5:10

In the song "Before the Throne" by Shane and Shane, the first verse goes like this:

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great high priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

This great high priest is Jesus. It is through Him that we have the ability to be in God's presence and to receive His grace and mercy from our sins. Jesus was not much different than us. He was also tempted from worldly desires and those of the flesh but He lived without any sin. We struggle each day with this very issue but Jesus never gives up on us. Through Him, God continues to forgive us when we repent from our wrongdoings and loves us dearly as His own children.

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The following verses taken form this passage describes Jesus in His perfection. As I approach God, I always pray and ask for forgiveness and that I may be a humble servant of His. I also ask that I may be submissive to God so that His perfect will is achieved. I pray for the strength to say no and avoid temptations and through this to further develop my obedience in Him. May I always look to Jesus for the constant reminder that I am a sinner and only through my faith in Jesus and God will I be saved and receive God's grace and mercy in my life.

Hebrews 5:7-9
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God: Hebrews 4:1-13

The Sabbath is the day of rest. It is also God's day of rest. Let this be the day when we put down our work and dedicate the day to God. Let this be the day where we come with our whole heart and mind into the presence of the Lord and thank Him for all He has done.

Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will dall by following their example of disobedience.

P.S. Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new!