Day 5: A Day is coming

Scripture

 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Devotional Material

What we’ve learned from Hebrews about hope and how it increases is that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in us what nothing else can. He is the Hope Awakener. But for all the promised fullness to be realized, you and I are expected to participate by drawing near, without pretense, pure in heart. Don’t think it’s going to be easy or without ample opportunities to take up something less intrusive like badminton, instead.

Discouragements may come, but you and I are in this together. So that we are not tempted to go it alone, the writer of Hebrews drives home the necessity for Christian community. It’s difficult to be provoked to love and good works if there are no occasions to do so. Doing life together, becoming knowledgeable of genuine needs and then acting upon them, is more than checking off your Good Christian boxes. The writer is not articulating a To-Do List for how to score BIG with God, but something more like how to Waltz. It’s as if he is trying to convey that when all the steps and motions fall into place in this fullness of hope he’s been describing, it’s exhilarating to experience and nothing short of magnificent to behold. He doesn’t want us to miss it!

What if we don’t like to dance?

That doesn’t seem to be on the table for discussion. I don’t mean to sound so dramatic, but the writer believes eternity is at stake in this business of hope. There is urgency here, even an increased intensity. Whether you choose to learn how to Waltz and try it out for yourself, so to speak, or not, a day is approaching. A day is coming when each one of us will account for our engagement with the Savior.

In God’s economy, our salvation is dependent upon faith in Christ alone. But we’re clearly responsible for one another. If one of us becomes discouraged, defeated, even disinterested so that the love and good works are not accomplished, the day will still approach. It’s a severe reality revealed here, but revealed nonetheless. We will be responsible.

This calls for earnest prayer. Prayers of forgiveness for where we are lacking. We need prayers for wisdom in how to move forward. And prayers for the willingness to do the dance, and encouragement for those entrusted to us.

Oh, let the Holy Spirit continue to awaken the Hope in us!

Leave a prayer or response below so that we can participate together as we walk this journey alongside each other.

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Day 4: Stirring Connection

Scripture

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24

Devotional Material: Stirring Connection

Could we all just agree to put our phones down and look across the room?

It’s awkward, I realize.

Do you notice the people around you? Are you cognizant of their emotional state based on their body language? How do they spend their free time? Does any relative live nearby? Have you developed connections with real live people within your sphere of influence to the degree you could recognize a need?

Unmistakably, if the Gospel is anything, it’s a collective endeavor. Sometimes we find ourselves on mission independent of others by circumstances or necessity. Other times, we isolate ourselves through other means. Neither option is optimal according to Scripture. We are commissioned through the Word of God to be involved in relationships outside of our individual pursuits for Kingdom purposes.

The challenge presented by the writer of Hebrews is that we authentically connect to such a degree, we impact each other and the world around us. You and I cannot even begin until we are in a physical and mental position to notice people.

Once we center on the individuals, we are to give serious consideration to how we stir them up to love and good deeds. That’s why observation is critical. Listening should be without headphones dangling out of our ears. Phones removed. People learned. Situations studied. Only then can we better define specific needs.

We could have been charged with achieving great things for the Kingdom employing all our talents and resources, independently. But nothing is further from reality. Instead, this writer maintains we are to “provoke” or incite each other toward accomplishing the love and good deeds. This suggests substantial effort to propel one another forward on mission with God. You need me to do this for you. And I most certainly need you.

Here is where we prayerfully lay out what we’ve learned in our people-watching before God. Ask Him to help you know what to do with those entrusted to you, and to make you aware of the needs. Who might need your encouragement so that the work will be accomplished?

May the Lord begin to give you the strength to stop going it alone. I pray He grows a love in you that draws you together with others. May He then so stir your hearts and minds in a single focus, that collectively you can make an impact that is recognizable as being the Gospel.

Leave a prayer or response below so that we can participate together as we walk this journey alongside each other.

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