Mountains

Hebrews 12-Part 5                 
For ye have not come unto the mount that might be touched...
but ye are come unto  mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels...
Hebrews 12:18a, 22

LET IT GLOW

One summer our family drove out to Glorietta, a family camp near Sante Fe, New Mexico. It was such a beautiful place, up in the pine mountains. We took some time away from meetings, just the four of us, and visited some Indian ruins. It was located on the mountain peaks, where one could see forever, mountains upon mountains in every direction. The wind blew strongly up there that day. I recall it because there was an eagle soaring in the wind, high above everything. As I stood taking in the scenery, I felt Jesus there, showing me that I could soar with Him above any problem that the wind blows my way. Eventually, we left, and came down from the mountains, but the image is still there in my mind. When I need refreshing, I can go there.
Like the song that Cynthia Clawson used to sing, "You've got to come down from the mountain top, to the people in the valley below, or they'll never know that they can go to the mountain of the Lord."

Our key verses mention two mountains,  Mt. Sinai in the wilderness and Mt. Zion where the city of Jerusalem is located. The reference is Exodus 19:10-25. God gave instructions for the Israelites to prepare for the third day, when they would meet the Living Lord.

How were they to prepare?
*Sanctify themselves.
*Wash their clothes.
*Abstain from sexual relations.
Do I prepare daily  to meet with the Lord in His sanctuary? Am I prepared to meet the Lord face to face in eternity?
David Guzik contrasted Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion.
 Mt. Sinai:

• marked by fear and terror,
• spoke of earthly things,
• only Moses was allowed to draw near,
• characterized by guilty men in fear,
• Moses was the mediator,
• brings the Old covenant, reatified by animals' blood,
• was about the Law.

Mt. Zion:

• was a place of love and forgiveness,
• speaks of heavenly things,
• was where a general assembly was invited to draw near,
• features just men made perfect,
• has Jesus as the Mediator and Judge of all,
• brings a New covenant, ratified by the blood of God's precious Son,
• is all about grace.

Did the fear of the people promote holiness anmong the people of Israel? Forty days later they worshipped a golden calf, so their hearts were not changed. Only Jesus can change a heart.

LET IT GROW

To what have we come?  Verse 22 answers that question.
By having salvation and faith in Jesus Christ, upon death, we will come to:

• the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God,
• countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering around the throne of God,
• God, who is the judge of all people,
• an assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaaven,
• Jesus, the one who mediates the New Covenant between God and people,
• the sprinkled blood of Jesus. which speaks forgiveness. (New Living Translation)

Abel's sacrifice was pleasing to God because it was offered in faith and obedience, but it had no atoning power. Jesus' blood alone was sufficient to cleanse sin (1John 1:7).  The sacrifice of Christ brought redemption, forgiveness, and compleete salvation, better than that of Abel. The blood of Abel's sacrifice only provided a temporary covering, but Christ's blood sacrifice decclares eternal forgiveness (Col. 1:20). (MacArthur)

Oh the blood of Jesus, it washes us whiter than snow. Thank You Lord Jesus that You became my blood sacrifice, took my place in paying for my sins. I am forever in debt to You.


LET IT GO

Meditate upon what Jesus has done for me.

Have a thankful heart.

Share with others.

Unwed Mothers

Hebrews 12-Part 4
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:17


LET IT GLOW

I know several women who were unwed mothers as a teenager. Later, they regretted having done this sin, but still loved the child. Daily they faced the consequences of their sin, but it didn't change the situation. Esau's situation is similar. How?

In verse 16, there are words words used:  For fear of (lest) being like Esau, a fornicator (immoral), or a profane person (ungodly).

Profanity involves more than one's speech; it's the quality of one's life. Esau sold his birthright to his brother, Jacob, for a bowl of stew. To profane is to regard something as unhallowed, to make something sacred to be common. Every Christian must beware lest he count as unimportant what God considers sacred. (Falwell)

In his Bible study Guide on Hebrews II., Charles Swindoll says:

Esau came in from hunting and was hungry. His brother was cooking a savory stew. Esau embraced, and acted upon, the worldly mentality: buy whatever you need to satisfy yourself; sell whatever's necessary to find pleasure.
Worldliness is a mentality that discounts or denies Christ as Lord. It is a secular magnet that influences our minds, appeals to our emotions, and weakens our wills so that we live our lives without Christ as our Lord. the whole world system as we know it today lies in the power of Satan and his forces. Insstead of tolerating the Esau syndrome, run the race with endurance, fix our focus on Christ, meditate on Him, pursue peace with all people, be different, separaated and different, care about others running the race, show grace, don't let bitterness take root.

Which is my choice-worldliness or godliness?


LET IT GROW
Am I a  common person who lives for the world and not for God?  Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob, and he missed the blessing because it was given to Jacob.

What sins will rob us of the enabling of God's grace? Lack of spiritual diligence, bitterness against othesr, sexual immorality, and living for the world and the flesh? God's grace doesn't fail, but we can fail to depend on God's grace.
Wiersbe says for us to take a look-look back at the bad example of Esau, look up for the glory of the heavenly city, and look ahead for an unshakable kingdom.
Where am I looking?

The result in Esau's life was that afterward, when he wanted that blessing of Abraham and God, he was rejected. He repented with tears, but the situation was irrevocable. (Falwell)

Esau desired God's blessings, but he did not want God. He regretted what he had done, but he did not repent. Esau is an example of those who willfullly sin against God and who are given no seond chance because of their exposure to the truth and their advanced state of hardness. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

At a later time, Esau realized how foolish he had been. with tears he tried to reverse the transaction. He found no place for repentance. The consesquences for imbibing worldly thinking were irreversible.
(Swindoll)

In the end, only God looks upon the heart. He knew whether Esau truly repented or was just sorry for the conquences of his sin. I leave that in His hands. However, sometimes people get so deep into their mudhole and pit of sin that they don't feel remorse, thus not repenting. On the other hand, some people do repent, but still suffer the conquences of their sin; some seeing it daily. That's when God's grace sees them through with His love.

Do I prefer the gratification of the flesh to the blessings of God? Do I resist the rod of God's discipline callingme to repentance? Do I have faults and follies that need correction by the Father? Does my faith find grace?

LET IT GO

Don't make something profane; keep sacred things sacred.

Watch my actions and words.

Avoid worldliness and cling to Jesus.

Step Around the Obstacles

Hebrews 12-Part 3
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:12-13

LET IT GLOW

When I was a kid, I enjoyed walking over the forty acres on which I grew up. The hillside below the chicken houses was covered with white daisies in the springtime. So I would take the cows' path and go pick a bouquet . Now, I had to watch where I was stepping while I was on the cows' path because the cows would often leave a patty or two there. I certainly didn't want to take home anything on my shoes, much less the smell. I couldn't clear that path, but I could step around the obstacles on it. For some reason, the daisies are gone now, some fifty years later, but the cows still have a path there. (It's good to know some things don't change.)

Here we see an athelete who has weakened hands/arms and feeble knees. It depicts those who were too weak or weary to run with endurance the course which lay before them.

Are you weak and heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus; He's a friend that's well known. You've no other, such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone. What a song.

What am I to do when I get weak hands and feeble knees?
*If/when my hands are letting go, slipping, then tighten my grip, take a firm hold, strengthen my
  drooping hands, take a  new grip with my tired hands.
*If/when I feel weak in the knees, then stand firm, stiffen the stand of my knocking knees, strengthen
   my knees, strengthen my paralyzed knees.

[References: The New Living Translation, New International Version, Beck Translation, Williams Translation, N T in Modern Translation ]

Lift up (anorthoo in Greek), means to straighten up, as with the crippled woman who was healed (Luke 13:13) and once more stood erect.Some of the runners have become so weary that they have become stooped and need the spiritual strength to be straightened up again. The path must be simple for those who are weak. It is the weak one who is commanded to keep his path straight for his feet. He must keep the obstacles which would trip him up spiritually out of his path. (Falwell)

The Message says it this way, So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!

Can it get any plainer than this? Even when I am discouraged or disciplined by the Lord, I am to come to Jesus with my sins, troubles, situations, etc. Get on my hands and knees before the Lord and have a good heart-to-heart talk with Him. I have to clear my path first, then I can help others in their struggles and challenges of life.

David Guzik says, "Get strong, get right, get bold, and watch out."

Charles Swindoll tells the one being disciplined, "Don't fight, don't resist it, don't panic. We're all connected with one another in the Body of Christ. some members are in need and must have role models. These are the limbs that are about to be put out of joint. We each have a part of our own selves that is in need of exercising and healing."

Are my hands and knees sluggish, inactive in prayer? in hearing the Word? in holding fast to their profession? Are they weary and fatigued with weights and burdens of sins and affliction?


LET IT GROW

Do I have any obstacles on my path of life? Yes, some try to trip me into sin, some try to turn my ankle of faith, some are just stinky temptations wanting to stick to me. Jesus helps me overcome. He forgives me when I fail and sin.

If I don't  make my paths straight for my feet, what might happen? ( In Webster's Dictionary, lest means for fear that, to avoid.) I should do it:

• for fear that I become lame, crippled, disabled, dislocated, put out of joint, or to turn aside;(Christians can leave the teachings of the Word for the world, or legalism);
• to follow, persue, peace with all men;
• so I strive for holines because without holiness, I will not see the Lord;
• looking diligently, for fear of some not saved and fail to experience grace;
• for fear of any root of bitterness spring up to cause trouble and defile me;
• for fear of becoming a fornicator, sexually immoral person;
• for fear of that I become a profane person, who makes something sacred to be common.

LET IT GO

Strengthen my faith, holding tight to Jesus.

Stand firm for the Word of God.

Clear the path for my feet; walk in faith, holiness, truth, and the Word.

Get strong, right, bold, and watch out.

Clear the path for others so they don't stumble and fall, spiritually, and turn an ankle by turning away from God and His teachings.

God is at work; give Him the glory.

Discipline by a Hairbrush

Hebrews 12-Part 2
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding of blood, in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
Hebrews 12:4-7 NAS


LET IT GLOW

The minute their father drove out of the driveway, my two sweet, young children started their fighting with each other again. Dad was going to be gone a few days to a Bible conference, so I was determined to not have to put up with that mess the whole time he was gone. My hairbrush applied to the seat of both children got the point across. It was worth breaking my hairbrush in order to have peace in the house the rest of the time their father was absent. (I'm not sure if it was the shock of Mom doing it or the pain of it, whichever, it was quite effective.)

Disciplining our children was not an enjoyable thing to do, yet it was needful so they would learn to do right and to obey. So it is as a child of God-His discipline is not enjoyable, but needful in my life.
Our scriptures touch on it today.

Verse 4 in the NIV says, In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

In comparison to those Heroes of Faith we read about in chapter 11, my struggles and challenges are just the size of a splinter in my finger. Some of those faithful followers, plus Jesus, actually did shed their blood, gave their life, because of the cause-faith in Jesus.

Jesus does not ask more of us than what He has Himself experienced, and that He knows exactly what we are going through keeps us from becoming weary and discouraged in your souls. God can never be the author of evil. He can use the evil choice another makes to work out His ultimately good purpose. He allows difficult times so we can comfort others with the same comfort God shows toward us in our crisis (1 Cor. 1:3-7). ( David Guzik)

Why was there discouragement in the readers' time of difficulty? They forgot. They forgot that because God loves us, so He disciplines us, corrects us, and chastens us.
Those enduring men and women of faith had lived with confidence through times of crisis and suffering; they all confidently endured God's discipline. These forerunners say to us, "Keep on!" (Swindoll)

The Greek term for striving is our word antagonism; it refers to suffering brought about by external persecution; sinful things done against believers in order to terrorize them into abandoning the faith. Isn't it better for God to discipline us than man to annihilate us? Discipline is better than death.

Discipline proves the Father's love. God cares enough about us to discipline us, and them. Now that's good news if I ever heard any. How do I react to His discipline? Do I take it lightly, cave in, overreact, turn away, deny the need, or learn from it, change, and grow stronger faith and obedience?



LET IT GROW

Chastening is the word which the  King James Version uses for discipline; (in Greek is paidein) it means disciplinary correction, instruction.

Warren Wiersbe, in his book, Be Confident, says there are three proofs that chastening comes from the Father's heart of love:

1. The Scriptures (verses 5-6) The writer quotes Proverbs 3:11-12. We are adult, adopted children in need of discipline and guidance. ( Because of God's love, He corrects me and gets me back on the right path.)
2. Personal experience (verses 7-11) Just as our earthly parents disciplined us so we would obey, respect them,  and do what was right, so does our heavenly Father. It proves we are His child. 
3. The blessed results (verses 11-13) No chastening is pleasant at the time, but the benefits are profitable. Instead of continuing in sin or rebellion, we should repent and turn our life over to Christ.

Charles Swindoll, in his Bible study guide, Hebrews II, gives us four principles that help amidst hurt:

1. Discipline assures us of sonship.  (verses 7-8) God's curriculum for us is associated with suffering and discipline. We run with endurance because it is part of God's disciplining plan.  no discipline=no sonship
2. Discipline deepens and enhances life. (verse 9) We're in the classroom of learning-loss of job, loss of child, disease, etc. It's a required course all of our lives. We stop fighting God and our existance becomes living.
3. Discipline continues for our benefit. (verse 10) Earthly fathers do what they believe best, even though they are fallible, occasionally unfait, inconsistent, and even extreme.
4. Discipline, though initially painful, is ultimately valuable. (verse 11) Peaceful fruit of righteousness and partakers of holiness is the ultimate result of discipline meant to be ours. It's not joyful, but sorrowful and painful. Would we not want it?

What will it be, Linda? I wonder if God is asking me that question.
What will it take for me to submit to God?
 Do I learn from His discipline?

LET IT GO

What do I need to let go of so I will completely follow Jesus?

Welcome the disciplining hand or rod of God.

Draw closer to Him because of it.

Produce fruit of righteousness and holiness.

Be willing to change for His glory.

Our Race Against Time

Hebrews 12-Part 1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Hebrews 12:1-3


LET IT GLOW

Earlier this month, my husband and I went on a business trip by plane. Our connecting flight was in Chicago, with only a few extra minutes between flights. So when we landed, we hit the ground running. Each of us was carrying a backpack so it was a challenge. It was especially for me because I had my laptop, medicines, and purse inside my backpack. It quickly weighed me down and thus slowed me down in my pace. My husband realized it and took the backpack from off my back and carried both. The loud speaker announced the last call for three passengers-the two of us and another. We made it in time, in our race against time, but I was worn out. It was quite stressful since there was no other flight to our destination until the next day, which was when our meetings began. I thought of that when I read our key verses. Shall we take a closer look?

Here are some main points:

• The race is our spiritual journey, Christian life. My race is set before me by God. Race, in Greek is agona, is a conflict or struggle of many kinds; a contest of athletes, runners. (Our English word agony comes from it.) How am I to run it?
• I am surrounded by a great  multitude of witnesses listed in chapter 1, the audience. As I walk, I read from the Word of God about great men and women, courageous martyrs, shouting words of hope, endurance, and encouragement to people in the battle. These witnesses are not witnessing us as we conduct our lives. Instead, they are witnesses to us of faith and endurance. So they aren't watching me, but telling me how they continued with faith to the end. Their lives are models showing me how to make it through my race, to persevere.

LET IT GROW

How do I handle this race in order to please God?
         (1) Prepare by throwing off everything that hinders me, by laying aside every weight and sin which so
               easily beset me. Sin and/or hinderances can keep me from running effectively the race God has for
               me. What weighs me down? Is it an indifferent attitude, a lack of discipline, procrastination,
               impatience, worldly cares, pride, the law? Am I aware of any excess baggage I'm carrying around?
               The entangling sin is unbelief. Do I doubt that God can do what He says he will do?
          (2) Follow the command to run with endurance the race set before me. Endurance means to abide
                under or to wait with patience. How do I endure?
          (3) Fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Don't yield to distractions. Jesus endured
                the so much to provide my salvation. He finished His race perfectly, accomplishing all that God
                had planned for Him. Now He sits at the right hand of God.
          (4) While running, keep an attitude of an encouraged heart and a calm mind. Consider, in verse 3,
                 means to reckon, compare, weigh, think over. When I am meditate upon and occupy my mind
                 with my Lord Jesus, then I will be calm and encouraged.

The Bible is like a road map; step into the vehicle of application and drive.

[Resources: John Gill's Bible commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary, Hebrews II. , a Bible study guide by Charles Swindoll.]

LET IT GO

Look at the winners.

Look at myself.

Look at Jesus.

Look ahead.

Live by faith.


                                                                     

All of Us Together

Hebrews 11-Part 21
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, morover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatsskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:35b-40


LET IT GLOW

One of my favorite activities in grade school was jumping rope. Two girls would turn a long rope while some of us would take turns jumping it. We even made up chants to say while jumping. Of course, we would switch with the turners and let them have a turn to jump. It took all of us together in order for us to enjoy our activity. And so it will be when time on earth is completed and eternity is in session.

All those saints of Old Testament times obtained a good report through faith because they believed  in the promises of God-the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, and an eternal heaven, a new Jerusalem, and the law pointed them to Him. The New Testament believers saw the Messiah in the flesh, but believed in their salvation by Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection. Christians in our time believe Christ fulfilled the law by being the sacrifical Lamb in our place as payment for our sins. It shall be all of us believers, Old Testament, New Testament, and modern times that will make up the eternal church. What a sight and sound that will be, when we all together sing praises to our God (Rev. 19)!

So we have more reasons to hold onto our faith than these heroes of faith did. Even though they obtained a good testimony through faith, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross.We have been provided something better, seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf. Therefore, don't let discouragement and tough times defeat us.
The older saints aren't perfect, which means complete, without us. They looked forward to Jesus and His work, while we look at it from behind, and enjoy the fruits of His work. (Guzik)

LET IT GROW

By faith, some saints were victorious under their circumstances, even though they were:

• tortured, which refers to being stretched on an insturment of torture resembling a drum, and beat to death. (Strong's Concordance)
• not choosing deliverance, but death, looked for a resurrection of life, eternity.
• mocked curely-Isaac by Ishmael, Samson by the Philistines, Elisha by children, Jeremiah by Pashur, Jews by Sanballat and Tobiah when building the Temple, prophets, whom God sent to the Jews.
• scourged-smitings as Jeremiah (Jer.20:22) and Micaiah (2Chron. 18:23-24).
• bonds (chains) and imprisonments-Joseph, Samson, and Jeremiah.
• stoned-Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple; Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel's henchmen; Jerusalem stoned the prophets that were sent unto her (Matt. 23:37).
• sawn in two-Jewish tradition says Isaiah was by the order of Manasseh.
• were tempted to renounce their worship of God-an outside source states that Eleazar, along with his 7 brothers and mother were burned.
• were slain by the sword-85 priests murdered by Doeg, prophets in Elijah's day, priests of Nob ordered aby Saul, prophets of the Lord by Jezebel.
• wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins-Elijah, Slisha, and John the Baptist.
• destitute of food-Elijah was fed by ravens, the widow of Zarephath (1Kings 19:4-10).
• afflicted-refers to being driven to greatst straits, despairing of life, weary of it.
• tormented-or evilly treated, reproached, persecuted, made the filth of the world, offscouring of all things.,
• of whom the world wasn't worthy-such spiritual believers living for God were befriended by the world.
• wandered in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves-David, Elijah, prophets under Obediah's leadership.
• obtained a good report through faith-either those previously mentioned, or who were martyred.
• received not the promise of Canaan, the Messiah, and heaven.

[Resources: John Gill's Bible Commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary)

After reading about all these kinds of persecution for the faith, it seems such a small thing when I'm made fun of or criticized because of the stand I take for my Savior and His Word. I tend to let thosse things get me discouraged, but I shouldn't.

Did you notice that it took 21 lessons to make it through chapter 11? I have certainly enjoyed having you walk with me through it. Feel free to share any comments with us.

By faith Linda...


LET IT GO

Endure all for Jesus.

Keep the faith.

Walk with Him everyday.

A Bucket Full of Faith

Hebrews 11-Part 20
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.  Hebrews 11:33-35


LET IT GLOW

I recall having a big mud puddle beside our garage when I was a little girl. I would spend hours dipping a bucket into the water, filling it full, setting it down by my pile of dirt, then adding the water to make mud pies. Of course, the pies served no purpose, but I enjoyed the process. I want to have a bucket full of faith. I don't want to settle for just a teaspoonful. Oh, I don't consider myself a strong warrior, a great king, or a dedicated prophet for God. I'm just me, a country gal, striving to please my Savior in faith and obedience in my little corner of the world. Yet, isn't that what the Heroes of Faith did? Sometimes their corner was big and in the limelight. Sometimes they were ordinary folks called by God to do extraordinary things. Sometimes they were plain and simple with a lot of faith in their God. Whatever words describe me, I wanna have a bucket full of faith.

What has happened throughout the ages to Old Testament believers? Our key verse lists some things, but first I want to see what promises they obtained.

Promises means a promised good or blessing, according to Thayer's Lexicon.

God's promises were and are:

• victorious over enemies,
• concerning the Messiah,
• of everlasting life and happiness,
• rich in grace by which believers who received them, believed them, and waited for the accomplishment of them,
• for the future and invisible to them,
• great in themselves and precious to saints,
• all obtainable,
• sure and certainly fufilled,
• the work and business of faith to receive and enjoy them. (John Gill)

Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say:

2 Corinthians 1:20 says, For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
The promises of God find their affirmation and fulfilllment in Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1 states, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
These promises of God demand a purity of heart and life on the part of those who receive them.

What promises is Paul talking about here? Looking at the previous verses, 6:16-18, we find God said:I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (Ex. 29:45 and Lev. 26:11-12, which is applicable to all who are sons of Abraham by faith); Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you (Is. 52:11-12, Ez.20:34); And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters (Is. 43:6 and Hosea 1:10). The exhortation is to holiness before God and reconciliation with the apostle.
We have the indwelling Holy Spirit Himself as a down payment, pledge, or redemption, our surety and security of all that is to follow in the final salvation of the believer (2Cor. 1:22).

Please Lord Jesus, cleanse me of all my sins. I want You to walk with me, to dwell with me, to be my
God. Help me to be separated from the world and follow Your ways.


LET IT GROW

Looking at our key verse, let's go back and pick up phrases that were skipped.
By faith some were victorious over their circumstances. They:

1. subdued kingdoms: David-Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and Philistines (2 Sam. 8:12-14); Joshua, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, King Hezekiah, King Josiah. These kings subdued kingdoms by faith, yet not with fighting. This should encourage believers in the combat with powers of darkness.
2. worked righteousness: Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophest of God, and King Josiah also. They exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God and His people. True actions of faith are operating grace, works by love, has righteousness as its fruit and is evidence of faith, is received.
3. stopped the mouths of lions: Daniel, David, Benaiah, one of David's might men, Samson. When we're in the midst of men, comparable of lions, we do not fear the devouring lion, Satan.
4. quenched the violence of fire: Sadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Neb's statue; Lot was delivered from Sodom's fire and brimstone; the Lord's fire consumed complainers after Moses prayed at Taberah (Numbers 11:1-2). Believers quench fiery darts of Satan and are untouched by the fire of God's wrath at the second death (lake of fire).
5. escaped the edge of the sword: David escaped both Goliath and Saul's swords; Moses escapted Pharaoh's sword; Elijah escaped Jezebel's sword; Lot, Abraham, Joshua, the Judges, and Elisha all escaped.
6. were made strong out of weakness: Sarah, Gideon, Abraham, Esther, King Hezekiah, David; Samson was filled with courage and strength of mind.
7. became valiant in battle: David, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, Barak, Gideon wear engaged in good cause, under a good Captain. We're provide with an armor, assured of victory, and a crown.
8. were women who received their dead raised to life again: The widow of Zarepheth (1Kings 17:22) and the Shunamite (2Kings 4:34-35). Their sons were really dead and athey received them alive again, from the hands of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, in the way of a resurrection, and by faith. 

[Resources: John Gill Bible Commentaries, David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible ]

Now if that doesn't ring my bell, nothing will. I, too, am promised good, or blessings. I can see how faithful God was in all of those circumstances, can't you? What a mighty God we serve-El Shaddai!!!
Lord, forgive me when I doubt. You are the same God back then and now. surround me with Your shield of faith.

By faith, Linda...


LET IT GO

Keep a pure heart and life before God.

Stay on my knees in prayer every morning.

Remain in the Word so the Word remains in me.

Let go of doubt and grow in faith.