I have a quick story from this morning that I would like to share as it was very encouraging for me, and I hope it would also encourage you (as to the call in Hebrews 3:13).
This morning, I started to feel myself be overcome with temptation and misplaced desires, and I turned to prayer for guidance. One of the first verses that came to mind was the one about Jesus being tempted in every way but without sin, and since I didn't know the verse completely or where it was from, I looked it up on my phone and saw Hebrews 4:15. And needless to say, I was stunned. I had started reading the chapter this morning but hadn't made it that far just yet and to see that the verse which fell upon my heart when struggling with temptation was the same one that we would be reflecting on today was pretty shocking. For this I desired to thank God for providing in my struggle, and it just reminded me of the importance of faithful study of his word and memorization of verses so that his word is always on your heart ready to be called upon in your moment of need.
With this, I would just like to encourage you to hold fast to your study of his word and potentially challenge yourself towards memorizing scripture. If you're a little on the fence about memorizing scripture or don't think there is time, you should definitely check out this sermon that John Piper gave that I initially found on Daniel Richardson's blog a while back. For me, it was very impactful and showed me my need to pursue this challenge.
http://beholdingthebeloved.blogspot.com/2012/05/piper-on-bible-memorization.html?m=1
And lastly, here is the verse that is now quite close to my heart, and that I intend to begin memorizing. I would appreciate it if yall held me accountable to this.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
ReplyDelete(Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
I love how the Spirit speaks to us through scripture! Marcus's story is clearly evidence of that. I love God!
I love that God is both omniscient and the perfect provider. He really does have support lined up for us before we even know that we need it. Jesus reassured His disciples of this when he taught them the Lord's prayer.
ReplyDelete"Do not be like them [offering up empty words in prayer], for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8
Small things like this are great reminders that God earnestly loves us and wants the best for us. Thanks for sharing this Marcus.
"'Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
ReplyDelete"Harden not your hearts."'"
Hebrews 4:7b
"Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between the soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is living and speaking to us at every opportunity we give it. All we need to do is not harden our hearts to the word and hear God speaking to us through it in a unique way every single time that we read the word. The word of God is truth and can reach our deepest desires and change us and as St. Jerome said, "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ."
I leave you with a great song that these verses ignited in my heart:
Casting Crowns-- the Word is Alive
"Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
ReplyDeleteI like that Jesus understands our struggles. The phrase empathizes with our weakness is really powerful to me. I frequently feel weak, tempted by the glory and desires of this world. Christ knows what
I am going through. But unlike me, he was not distracted. Though he understands my struggles he has the moral high ground to say, why don't you try walking my way instead?