Isn’t it comforting to know that someone is praying for you.  The thought that another person is lifting you up in prayer to God is always a blessing.  The people of Israel used to find comfort knowing that the priest was making intercession on their behalf to God.  The author of Hebrews reminds us that we now have a great high priest who does the very same thing in the person of Jesus.  Let’s look together today at Hebrews 5. 

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

If we find comfort in knowing another person is praying for us how much more comforting should it be to know that Jesus, Himself, is offering intercession on our behalf.  Jesus lived as a human so He understands our struggles yet knows perfectly how to intercede for us being God.  The next time you feel alone in your struggle know that Jesus is next to God the Father offering prayers on your behalf and know that you are never alone. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Have you ever been to the beach and seen the professional sand castle builders there?  I always loved building sand castles.  I have never managed anything much better than a few upside-down buckets of sand packed well surrounded by a deep moat.  The things these professionals can build is truly amazing.  The first time I saw something like that I felt that it had to be fake it was so amazing.  Then I was even more amazed when I saw someone actually making one.  I was fascinated even more by the builder.  The author of Hebrews uses this analogy when Jesus is being compared to Moses.  Let’s look at the analogy together today. 

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

There are certainly many heroes of the faith found throughout the Bible.  Moses is definitely one of them, yet compared to Jesus he is my sand castle compared to one of those amazing ones.  When Hebrews was written many Jewish people esteemed Moses at an incredibly high level and the author is simply trying to let us all know just how amazing Jesus truly is.  He exceeds all of our expectations.  This Christmas watch for Jesus to exceed your expectations as well!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Sometimes in the business and fun of Christmas we can forget about the reason we celebrate in the first place, Jesus.  The author of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of not letting this happen not simply during the Christmas season but in life in general.  Let’s look at Hebrews 2 together today.

We are given the challenge to pay much closer attention.  I think that is a good reminder for us all this Christmas season.  Pay much closer attention to Jesus.  Pay much closer attention to the reason we celebrate.  Pay much closer attention to the fact that God became human so that He could save us.  Pay much closer attention to that incredible act of love and go out and share that incredible love with others.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

The book of Hebrews has always been a favorite of mine.  It was written specifically to Jewish followers of Jesus as a way to emphasize how Jesus is greater than anything else.  It needs to be read and understood in this context. I think it is particular important in today’s world where Jesus and faith have been increasingly marginalized.  Not by Moses or Angels or religious traditions but by so many different things in our lives.  Let’s look together at the introduction in Hebrews 1.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

These words set the table for the book stressing the importance and role of Jesus in all of our lives.  We are told that Jesus created and upholds the world.  That He alone is responsible for our salvation and that He is God.  If that isn’t enough to stress the importance of Jesus the following chapters go on to make that point again and again.  The reminder for us today is not how intellectually important to we consider Jesus but rather how do we prioritize Him in our daily lives.  Do we treat Him as the creator, sustainer, and savior of our lives who wants a relationship with us?  Or do we simply fit Him into our lives where it is convenient?  As we walk together through the book of Hebrews consider ways in which you can reprioritize Jesus’ significance in your daily life.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Can you think of a person, who when you are around them you just feel better?  That have a way about them that just refreshes you.  I can think of several people like this in my life and the key seems to be their love for Jesus that comes through their life.  Paul noticed that Philemon had this affect on others.  Let’s look at his words together today. 

1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Paul writes this letter to make a request of Philemon but his words in the introduction are significant as well.  Philemon has a church that meets in his house and of which he seemingly is serving as the leader.  Paul takes particular notice of Philemon’s affect of refreshing the hearts of others in his life.  This is a goal that we should all strive for.  How can we help to refresh the hearts of those in our life?  Sometimes it is a simple word of encouragement.  Other times it may be sharing something that God is teaching us in our own life that can help someone else.  It could be by asking someone how we can pray for them.  I find that sometimes it is as simple as listening to another person. Today and every day may we seek to be people of refreshment and encourage each other along this journey of faith and life. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

What motivates you? What gets you to do things that you otherwise wouldn’t do on your own?  Do you go to the gym because you want to be healthy or because you want to look good?  Do you eat foods primarily for the taste or do you eat for the nutritional or health value of the foods?  Motivation is an interesting thing.  It is different for different people.  Yet Paul says that we have a common motivator that should lead us to godliness in our lives.  Let’s look together at his words in Titus 2.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Grace should be and is a motivating factor in our lives.  When we reflect upon what God has done for us we are motivated to live our lives to please Him.  When we understand the depth of His great love for us and the grace He has extended to us we offer our lives in return.  This side of Heaven we will all still struggle with the battle of sin in our lives.  The more we remain connected to Jesus and His grace the more we will experience victory over that sin.  Today reflect on God’s amazing grace and allow it to motivate you toward godliness. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Have you ever had someone tell you why they are telling you something before they tell it to you?  It is usually a way to stress the significance of what you are about to say.  It’s a way to be sure that people will listen.  Paul does this is a few of his letters and he happens to in his letter to Titus.  Let’s look at his words together today. 

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Paul says that he writes this letter to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness in the hope of eternal life.  This is not just a job for Paul but for all of us to try and strive for.  We are all called to help build one another up.  To help others grow in their faith.  Some do that well by learning and grasping Scripture and helping others to understand and apply it in their lives.  Some do this by encouraging others through worship.  Some serve so that the needs of the church and people can be met.  Still others model through their lives what it looks like to follow Jesus well.  The point is that everyone has a role.  We all can help in this task that Paul presents in his letter to Titus.  Today and every day think about how you can pitch in to help someone else grow in their relationship with God today.  You just might be surprised how much your actions help.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Have you ever finished a job and been very satisfied with what you have done?  Maybe you created something or put something together and it turned out well.  Maybe it was as simple as cooking something that ended up delicious.  Maybe you accomplished a goal you had been working on for awhile.  There is something incredibly satisfying with knowing that you have done something really well.  Paul writes some final thoughts to Timothy but also relishes in the fact that he has done his job well.  Let’s look at his words together today.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Paul says that he has fought the good fight and finished the race.  The work that God has asked of him he feels he has accomplished. That truly is a great feeling.  The question for us is what work has God asked of us?  I pray that we would be faithful to the task and that we, too would one day be able to say that we have fought the good fight and finished the race!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave 

Have you ever been in a situation of facing a challenge and all of the sudden a scripture came to mind?  I know I have had this happen countless times.  Often it is a scripture I learned as a child or young adult and it comes in handy at just the right time in my life as now a (not so young) adult.  It just goes to show the value of scripture for our lives and in particular the value of learning and memorizing it.  Paul shares this thought with Timothy.  Let’s look at his words together today. 

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

When we have scripture at our disposal it does indeed become very useful in our lives.  It’s available when we need encouragement.  When we face temptation.  When we are looking for guidance.  Even as we simply are walking through the day to day difficulties that life inevitably throws at us.  Make it a goal in the coming days and weeks to spend some time memorizing scripture perhaps particular as it relates to areas of struggle in your lives.  Try this and see how God uses it to help you navigate through the challenges of life.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Have you ever met someone who was unusually good at one thing.  Maybe they weren’t very athletic or smart but could sing like nobody’s business.  Maybe they weren’t good at public speaking or good with people but they could hit a golf ball like Tiger Woods.  Paul encourages Timothy to be good at one thing and to not get too entangled with other things let’s look at his words together today.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Paul wants Timothy to be good at or strong in grace. Particularly strong in the grace that is found in Jesus.  If there is one thing that is important to be good at that is probably it.  When we rest in God’s grace and share that grace with others as we go about through life that sounds like we would be doing pretty well.  It is easy to focus on being good at lots of different things.  We want to be good at our jobs.  We want to be good at family life.  we’d like to be good at handling our finances and planning for the future.  All of these things are important yet something tells me that if we were truly good at grace much of this would fall into place pretty well.  I pray for all of us that like Timothy we would be strong in grace.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave