Category Archives: Hebrews

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Dear God, the cloud of witnesses is a beautiful thought. I wonder who is watching me? I wonder what they can see that I don’t see. For example, I often wonder about the daughter my wife and I lost while my wife was newly pregnant. Whenever I’m going through something with one of our kids now, I picture her praying for all of us. I’m sure she loves her brother and sister and is rooting for them. I know we’ve told them about her, but I wonder if they will be surprised to meet her one day on the other side. Even though I have this head and heart knowledge about her, how surprised will I be.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about other relatives who have passed and are cheering me on. Compared with my wife, I haven’t lost that many, but I think of my grandparents, my mother-in-law, my grandmother-in-law, and others who are for me. Frankly, especially with our daughter, the thought of her cheering for me and being concerned about me gives me some level of accountability. I think about her watching me—especially when I’m struggling as a father. I even talk to her sometimes. I should probably acknowledge all of them more. I am grateful for their love. I’m grateful for your love too, and I know you are watching me.

Father, I will run to finish the race you laid out for me. You have been good to me, and I am grateful. Now I must press on. It’s not time to step back. It’s time to throw myself into you. It’s time to be there for those you have put around me. It’s time for me to love mercy, live justly, and walk humbly with you. I’m doing it for you most of all, but part of me is doing it for them too. I don’t want their love for me to be in vain.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.Hebrews 4:12-13
Dear God, while I think “word of God” CAN refer to Scripture, I think to limit its definition to that in this passage would be to miss the breadth of your power and how you interact with us. What I read in this passage is the ways the Holy Spirit convicts us. 
So what are the ways that you use to reach us? Well, they are limitless, really: Scripture; sermons; reading books, essays, articles, etc.; friends; dreams; and, of course, that still small voice–“What are you doing here, John?” (1 Kings 19:13). The questions I need to continually ask myself are, am I putting myself in position to hear your voice, have I limited the avenues I allow you to use to reach me (isolate from friends, don’t worship you with others (i.e. go to church, etc.)? Am I worshipping you and listening for your still, small voice? Am I bringing my ideas, beliefs, and behaviors to Scripture and testing them against your original word? 
Father, guide me. Make my path straight so that I might find my way into being the most of who you need me to be that I can. In return, I seek only your peace in my life and my over my soul. 
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen

Hebrews 10:26-29 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. 

Dear God, sometimes I run across passages that get me into uncomfortable territory. A lot of times they are the ones about heaven/hell and salvation/rejection. It can be frustrating to try to figure out where your lines are. I try to stop and think, Okay, as a dad, where would my lines be? But I am too flawed as a human father to possibly figure out where my lines would be compared to yours. 

As for my own behavior, am I intentionally sinning in any areas of my life? I watched a show last night that I enjoy, but one of the characters openly denies your existence. Is my watching of that show allowing Satan a foothold in my life, or is it just a harmless show that gives me entertainment? Are you holding anything against me?

Father, I guess the final answer is that I hope you find me faithful. I hope my life is an adequate living sacrifice–not because I want to do enough to get my fire insurance, but because you deserve that from me and you ask it of me for my good. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen