But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Hebrews 8

 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, specifically on the text of 8:6-13, leaning on my commentary for its observations on the second division entitled "The Superiority of the New Covenant".  Here, both the text and the commentary make it clear that the new covenant ushered in by Jesus and His shed blood in superior in all ways.  The commentary starts by pointing out how the first covenant was "incomplete" and it was not "final."  Yet, Jesus's death on the cross, as the commentary points out to us by referring us to John 19:30, finished the need for "an unrelenting need for constant sacrifices...the wrath of God toward the sin of his people was finally paid in full."  The commentary then makes this emphatic point: "[i]ndeed, a better priest with a better ministry has come to mediate a better covenant enacted on better promises."  The commentary also shares how the author of Hebrews uses Jeremiah 31, as already done with Genesis 14 (Melchizedek) and Psalm 110, to show [the original readers of Hebrews] them that "they should have been anticipating a priest according to the order of Melchizedek."  The commentary then wraps for this text by describing the "extraordinary promise of the new covenant [as] not that God would dismiss the old covenant but that he would be merciful toward our iniquities and remember our sins no more.  Our greatest problem is sin, for it severs us from the presence of God. Our sin and his holiness are incompatible, yet God promised to reconcile sinful people to himself through the mediator who would inaugurate the new covenant. He chose to do this through his Son, Jesus Christ, the mediator who established the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20)."

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God whose covenant with His people is better in all ways - thank You Jesus!  You paid the ultimate price so that I would have victory over sin and death and life to the full now and for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such sin.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.

Hebrews 8

 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 8:1

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, focusing on the text of 8:1-5 specifically, and leaning on my commentary for its observations, including observations for the entirety of the text v1-13 and for v1-5 which my commentary refers to as the first division entitled "The Superiority of the Great High Priest". The commentary focuses on how the text for v1-5, for the Jewish believers reading the original text of Hebrews, reinforces the need for Jesus as a great high priest "who mediates a new and better covenant." It describes the Old Testament priesthood, fulfilled by the Levites, as "terrestrial" while the New Testament priesthood, fulfilled by Jesus, is heavenly, and Jesus's stature is "exalted" above all names.  The commentary refers us to Philippians 2:8-9 where Paul shares Christ's exalted status. The commentary then lays to rest any doubts that Christ's work is complete - instead it shares how Christ's "mediatory work is [His] primary occupation," and how He is coming back at the end of times to "vindicate His church and judge the nations." Finally, the commentary explores in detail how the text for today describes how Christ operates in a Heavenly tent or tabernacle created by God vs with human hands.  On the other hand, the sacrifice and the ministry offered by the Levites was merely a shadow of what was to come - Christ. Believers, rejoice in how we have Jesus Christ - a Great High Priest who offers a new and better covenant!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who came down from Heaven and died on the cross for me...and You continue to mediate for me daily and never leave or forsake me.  You also offer hope...through victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Hebrews 8

 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Here the text builds on how Hebrews has previously discussed how Jesus is a better, permanent, and perfect Great High Priest to describe how Jesus offers a new and better covenant based on Jesus's shed blood.  First, Jesus enters the most holy place set up by God, not in a tent erected by man (v2).  This tent, the and the entirety of the First Covenant was merely a shadow of things to come in Jesus (v5).  The author of Hebrews quotes (v8-12) Jeremiah 31 where Jeremiah prophesies of the coming Messiah.  Jesus is the Messiah Jeremiah spoke he - Jesus fulfills prophecy.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the promised Messiah and You offer a better covenant - through Your blood...I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 7

 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:26-28

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:23-28, as I lean specifically on Hebrews 7:26-28 and the associated commentary, which refers to this text as the second division "The Perfect Priest".  Here, we once again see the contrast between the sacrifices required under the law made by the Levitical priests, vs the perfect sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross.  Jesus fulfilled all of the requirements of shed blood because as the commentary describes, He lived a sinless life and was "undefiled" and "spotless."  Christ's sacrifice also ended the need for ongoing daily and annual sacrifices required by Old Testament law. The commentary includes a discussion dismissing those who view the first covenant as a failure.  It shares: "It succeeded gloriously. Its purpose was never to save; it was to demonstrate man’s need for a Savior....We can only grasp the fullness of what that means when we see how Christ fulfills the expectations in the old covenant by being for us the great high priest of the new and better covenant."  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, the Great High Priest and perfect in how fulfill this role.  I know I can approach You in confidence in my time of need to wash my sins away, and intercede on my behalf.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me in these ways - my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:23-25

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:23-28, as a lean specifically on Hebrews 7:23-25 and the associated commentary, which refers to this text as the first division "The Permanent Priest". Here the text highlights the difference between the Levitical priesthood and Jesus as Great High Priest, which describes the former as limited by an early life that is limited by death, and the latter which is permanent as it is based on a resurrected life and a Kingdom that lasts forever.  The commentary examines however something that it describes as being less present to the modern reader - that the original reader of Hebrews might not be able to fathom how a covenant and priesthood based on Jesus is better than the Abrahamic covenant and the priesthood role filled by Aaron and his descendants.  The commentary makes it clear that this contrast was important to the author of Hebrews to highlight for the original readers because the New Covenant made available by the shed blood of Jesus was better in all ways. The commentary writes: "[t]he Abrahamic covenant did not save, even though it bestowed many blessings."  Jesus alone saves!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You save!  Thank You.  You saved me and I am not deserving!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7

 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:23-28, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Here the text starts by contrasting how the service of Levitical priests was limited by their earthly lives and their ultimately ended upon death (v23).  Jesus, of course reigns as Great High Priest forever (v24).  V25 states that, as a result, Jesus is able to save "to the uttermost," which is defined as a superlative - to the highest degree.  He only saves those "who draw near to God through Him."  Jesus is able to do this because "He always lives to make intercession for them." V26-28 explore attributes of Jesus as Great High Priest, including "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." This text also describes how the Great High Priest does not need to perform ritualistic sacrifices for Himself nor for those whom He intercedes.  He offered Himself on the cross.  The text wraps by contrasting the Levitical priests as weak and whose service ended upon death, with Jesus who is the perfect Great High Priest.  Believers, rejoice in how Jesus is able to save to the uttermost!

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My Prayer: Jesus, You are a better mediator and You intercede all the time on my behalf to save me, forgive me and to bring my prayers to the Father.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7

And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:20-22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the fifth division "A Better Hope for a Better Covenant," which refers to Hebrews 7:20-22. The text and associated commentary highlight how the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is a superior High Priest than one from the Levites because He swore an oath to Himself from Psalm 110:4 that ‘You are a priest forever.’  This oath is "unchangeable." The commentary closes by sharing that "[i]n verse 22 the author [of Hebrews] also connects priesthood to covenant. This is an idea that he will more fully explain in chapter 8. Yet for the time being, the author hints at the fact that not only is Jesus a better priest, but his priesthood is actually part of a better covenant, the “new covenant” spoken of in Jeremiah 31[:31-34]....God’s covenant promise cannot fail because God’s priest, Jesus Christ, cannot fail." Believers: rest in the promises of God and His faithfulness!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is faithful - all of Your promises are true and we can count on You like no other!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide and how You are faithful.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You, with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7

 ...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the fourth division "A Better Hope in the Perfect Priest," which refers to Hebrews 7:19. This text, and the accompanying commentary draws our attention to how Jesus, vs the Old Testament Levitical priests, is the perfect Great High Priest and how He is able to do what the law never could, nor was it intended to do - He saves. The commentary describes this comparison: "[i]n the old covenant, the law functioned in many ways the Israelites desperately needed, but it could not draw them closer to God. The law exposed the pervasive sinfulness of man and, as a result, the great need for a great Savior. Christ, however, does precisely what the law could never do. He saves. Jesus accomplished our salvation and gave us a new hope—a hope through which we now draw near to God."  Draw near to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God!  You save - and I am not deserving of my salvation.  Amazing grace indeed!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness[.]

Hebrews 7

This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”  For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness[.] Hebrews 7:15-18

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the third division "The Eternal Priesthood of the Son," which refers to Hebrews 7:15-18.  Here, the commentary highlights two key points in the text.  First, Jesus's priesthood is not based on "bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life" (v16).  The commentary shares that "[s]omething infinitely greater and eternally superior (than bodily descent) qualifies him for the position—namely, an indestructible life."  The text and the commentary then pivots to shortcomings in the law and how obedience to the law is always insufficient for our salvation - works cannot save anyone, only Jesus can.  Examining the language of the text, the law may always be useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17) but it is weak in its regard to save.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You accomplished what obedience to the law never can - my salvation!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

Hebrews 7

For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. Hebrews 7:13-14

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the second division "The Royal Priesthood of the Son," which refers to Hebrews 7:13-14.  With this text, the commentary first emphasizes how, in the Old Testament, "distinct lines" were drawn between the roles of king and priest as one could not play both and one could not play the other.  The tribe of Levi produced priests, and the tribe of Judah produced kings. Yet Jesus "broke the mold" so to speak.  As "prophet, priest, and king...He demonstrat[ed] "a very different kind of perfection, one completely absent in the old covenant." The commentary goes on to describe how "[t]he author of Hebrews demonstrates the newness of Christ’s work by showing that even Moses knew nothing about a priest from the tribe of Judah serving at the altar of God. The writer of Hebrews deliberately references Moses because Moses was the final authority in these types of deliberations. Moses was the metaphorical trump card in Jewish debate." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a Great God who is both priest and King - and You are a prophet that makes great promises all of which I know will come true as You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.

Hebrews 7

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. Hebrews 7:11-12

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the first division "The Perfect Priesthood of the Son," which refers to Hebrews 7:11-12. As a setup, the commentary first posits that nothing other than Jesus is perfect.  Jesus's perfection is an intrinsic attribute of His as He is both "fully divine and fully human....it is the defining characteristic of His priestly ministry." The commentary then describes the Levitcal priesthood as imperfect - which then creates a need for Jesus.  Given the author of Hebrews audience, the commentary explores how drawing this comparison between Jesus and the Levitical priesthood was important as "[the author] is proclaiming that Christ brings an end to the Levitical priesthood, the backbone of Jewish society and a major feature of God’s covenant with Israel....As right and righteous as Levi’s priesthood was, it was imperfect. Thus, the Levitical priesthood could not accomplish the salvation of God’s people....There was, however, a need all along for a great high priest to perform one final act atoning for sin....The insufficiencies of the Levitical priesthood as an entire system stand as shadows to the fully sufficient great high priest, Jesus Christ." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the perfect Great High Priest and I can go to You in confidence - knowing You can intercede on my behalf to the Father, You wash away the stain of my sin, and You give me eternal life...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:11-22, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Unpacking this text, I observe:

• The text rhetorically asks challenges us to see if perfection was possible through the Levitical priesthood, there would be no need for a priest after the order of Melchizedek (v11); while honorable men served from Levites as the high priest, each was flawed and imperfect
• It then logically connects a change in the priesthood - to not be a Levite - to a change in the law itself (v12); Jesus is known as the Great High Priest, and as perfect, yet He descended from Judah, not a Levite (v13-14)
• This change is even more clear and evident in Jesus given his resemblance to Melchizedek and by the power of an indestructible life (v14-17)
• Through Jesus, we set aside former commandments attached to the priesthood and sacrifices and we have have a better hope, though which we are reconciled to God once and for all through shed blood (v18-19)
• Jesus became Great High Priest with an oath God made to Himself (v20-21)
• Therefore, Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant (v22)

Be grateful that we have Jesus as Great High Priest and that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing He forgives sins, hears our prayers, loves us, and never leaves or forsakes us.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me, help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Hebrews 7

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:9-10

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:1-10, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the second division "Melchizedek and Levi," which refers to Hebrews 7:5-10.  While yesterday, my post discussed Melchizedek and Abraham, this morning the text and the associated commentary discusses Melchizedek and Levi.  Here, in the midst of a discussion of how Levi was present and paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham, the commentary highlights a broader, and I believe more important point that Melchizedek was not only superior to Abraham, but also to the Levitical priesthood. The commentary emphasizes that this is important because the "Old Testament itself showed that the Levitical priesthood was always meant to give way to something greater. Thus the author [of Hebrews], under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit, weaves together a biblical-theological argument to convince his audience of this fact on the basis of Scripture."  This morning's reading, when combined with yesterday's reading, lays down an important foundation as I pivot to Hebrews 7:11-22 over the next three days where an understanding of Melchizedek informs our understanding of Jesus's priesthood.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great High Priest who intercedes on my behalf - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You do this.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!

Hebrews 7

See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! Hebrews 7:4

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:1-10, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the first division "Melchizedek and Abraham," which refers to Hebrews 7:1-4. The commentary for this text focuses on how we should understand a little known character - Melchizedek - from the Bible, so we can better understand Jesus, as Jesus is compared to Melchizedek.  Melchizedek is first described as both king and priest: "[o]utside of Jesus and Melchizedek, Scripture identifies no one as both a king and priest. In fact, Israel markedly differentiated the roles of king and priest. No priest in the Old Testament could lawfully act as a king, and no king in the Old Testament could lawfully act as a priest."  The commentary refers to Isaiah 6:1 and 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 where "King Uzziah died in disrepute because he defied God’s law by acting as a priest."  Next, Melchizedek is described as a priest of the Most High God: "[s]hockingly, he is even from outside the tribe of Israel. This is an interesting character indeed." The interaction between Abraham and Melchizedek is then explored and the commentary shares that "the fact that Melchizedek blesses Abraham, the head of the old covenant, is astounding....Genesis 14 and the author of Hebrews show Melchizedek, a non-Israelite king, as a superior blessing an “inferior”...The situation presents Melchizedek, as the one doing the blessing, as the greater of the two figures."  We are then reminded by the commentary that Melchizedek's priesthood is not due to familial descent but to divine ordination, unlike the Levitcal priesthood.  Finally, the commentary wraps for this text by sharing how Melchizedek is described by the author of Hebrews as superior to Abraham - the great patriarch - given how Melchizedek blesses Abraham and is given a tithe by Abraham. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You reign forever!  Thank You God that You are a Great High Priest and that You intercede on my behalf to the Father.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.

Hebrews 7

He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. Hebrews 7:3

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:1-10, and my initial unaided observations of this text. With this text, we return to a discussion of the Great High Priest first started in chapter 4:14 and continuing through chapter 5:10 before a pause where the author of Hebrews warns the readers not to fall away from their faith, followed by an encouragement (starting in chapter 6:9 through the end of the chapter) to hold firm in their faith. The text for today examines the Priestly Order of Melchizedek and how it compares to Levites in their role of high priest.  The text in v3 describes Melchizedek as "without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever." Based on a previous post in my study of Hebrews, I learned about Melchizedek and how, although he does not have prominent role in scripture, the post shares (from the commentary) that Jesus's priesthood "must mean that Jesus’s priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is born out of the sovereign purposes of God. The order—that is, the nature—of Jesus’s priesthood is of a sovereign order, a sovereign nature. Like Melchizedek, Jesus did not take the honor of priest upon himself; he was sovereignly appointed. And in his appointment and service as high priest, he was exalted above all others."  This morning, in v3 we once again see the connection between Melchizedek and Jesus - as Melchizedek "resembles" Jesus.

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are a great God who loves me and You reign forever - and I know You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:9-20, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the third division "The Hope Behind the Curtain," which refers to Hebrews 6:19-20.  Here, the commentary highlights how, in the midst of the ups and downs of life, we all need "an anchor for the soul...The promises of God are firm and secure enough to hold us steady in a storm."  The commentary then highlights (and wraps on this note) how Jesus's death on the cross "accomplish[ed] all that God’s justice required [for our sin]....As our great high priest, Jesus has purchased our salvation and assured us of the promises of God."  This assurance provides a supernatural confidence, hope, and peace that only Jesus offers - believe!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for this assurance, and the supernatural confidence, hope and peace that it provides.  I am not deserving of such assurance.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

...so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Hebrews 6

...so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:9-20, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the second division "The Oath-Giving, Promise-Keeping God," which refers to Hebrews 6:13-18. The commentary describes how the author looks at the Abrahamic Covenant, where God, when He promised Abraham to bless him and to make his descendants into a great nation, God did so by swearing an oath by Himself (see Genesis 22:16-17). It then describes how Abraham faithfully believed in God's promise and He persevered and waited patiently for the fulfillment of the promise.  The commentary then examines how the text for today includes "two unchangeable things" from v18 and the commentary defines these as "the irrevocable nature of God’s purpose and word, and the oath that he declared publicly." The commentary then wraps for the text by highlighting how believers should stand on these unchangeable things as an encouragement to "hold firmly" to faith.  It shares: "The church is the refugee who must flee to God for rescue and who needs strong encouragement to seize the hope set before her. Because God’s Word is true and it is impossible for him to lie, we have all the confidence in the world to take heart and trust God’s promises just as Abraham did. The faithfulness of God and the certainty of his promises are not theoretical propositions. They are unchangeable realities. Like Abraham, we can stake our lives on God’s promises because God is the One who has promised them. Our God is a promise-keeping God." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for providing refuge and hope for me and my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Thank You also for all of Your promises and the faithfulness of these promises.  I am not deserving of how You bless me in these ways.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:9-12

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:9-20, as I lean on my commentary, and explore reflections it provides both for the entire text of Hebrews 6:9-20, as well as specifically for the first division "God's Certain Promise," which refers to Hebrews 6:9-12.  The commentary reiterates my thoughts as posted yesterday, as the author of Hebrews pivots from an admonishment against spiritual sluggishness to "a word of assurance and comfort." To highlight this assurance and comfort, the author of Hebrews points to how, although there are some among the original recipients of this letter who are spiritually sluggish, there are others who are growing spiritually and showing "fruit" of their faith.  Assistance and service to brothers and sisters in Christ demonstrates such fruit as these early "Christians were showing their love for God by serving fellow brothers and sisters in practical ways. This love for other Christians solidified the author’s confidence in them.  One of the most important catalysts of spiritual confidence is spiritual fruitfulness. Our faithful activity as Christians fuels our assurance. This is why the author longs for these Christians to show the same earnestness for the faith that they demonstrated when they first believed." The text for this morning looks forward to tomorrow where the author of Hebrews encourages the faithful to imitate the saints from the Old Testament - starting with Abraham. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You ARE an anchor for my soul as You give me full assurance and hope to carry me through to the end...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me and carry me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 6:9-20, and my initial unaided observations of this text. The author of Hebrews pivots from an admonishment to grow in spiritual maturity and an ominous warning to those who don't, to hope and encouragement.  V9-12 expresses the author's hope that the Jewish believers focus on the hope that comes from loving and serving God, as this hope will carry them through the ups and downs of life, prevent them from being "sluggish" in their faith, and help them finish the race of faith.  In v13-20, the author then pivots to "the certainty of God's Promise."  This promise, first made to Abraham by God, who in Genesis 12:1-3, then again in 22:17-18, is that Abraham's descendants will be blessed and become a great nation.  The author of Hebrew's describes how the promise itself is made by God, including an oath to Himself, is something in which we can have faith because when God promises something we can be assured that it will be done.  In v18, readers are encouraged, because of how God is faithful, to "have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."  V19-20 then describe this hope and encouragement as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul[.]"  Thank You God for giving us this "anchor of the soul"!

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what a great God You are, that You are faithful and You give me and my brothers and sisters in Christ and anchor of the soul!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my faith towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Hebrews 6

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:1-8, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the second division "The Danger of Irreversible Apostasy," which looks at Hebrews 6:4-8. Here, the commentary addresses what it refers to as "some of the most difficult verses in the entire New Testament."  Apostasy is often debated within the church and many worry whether they can lose their salvation.  The commentary explores several available scholarly interpretations for this text and ultimately describes apostates as those who left the faith, but "showed they were not truly part of the faith in the first place."  It goes on to offer that this text "is a caution for individuals who have tasted the things of Christ but have not become genuine Christians." Scripture references offered by the commentary that support how true believers cannot lose their salvation include John 5:24; Romans 8:39; 11:29; 1 Corinthians 1:6-8; Philippians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:3.  Matthew 13:24-30 and the Parable of the Weeds is offered as a clear connection to this story and how the second and third soil best represent those who never had genuine faith and fall away.  The commentary wraps for this text by sharing an encouragement: "[h]appily, Hebrews does not end with this warning. The author assures believers that he had to write the warning for the unbelievers in the church needing to hear it. Pastorally, he is not seeking to put insecurity in the hearts of Christians. Believers who are faithfully following Christ’s commands can be confident in their salvation. If we seek assurance of our faith, we will find it by doing the things faithful Christians do. We will grow out of the elementary things and into maturity."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, keeps me, and who helps me stay on track with my faith and gives me Your Word, my church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the Holy Spirit...all to stay on track and not fall away.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.

Hebrews 6

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.  Hebrews 6:1-3

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:1-8, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the first division "Leaving the Elementary Foundation," which looks at Hebrews 6:1-3.  In this text, the commentary highlights how the author of Hebrews calls out how the original audience (Jewish believers deeply familiar with the Old Testament) "were neglecting the great salvation offered in Christ. As a result, they were stalling out in their spiritual growth and abandoning the faith."  The commentary then highlights, from the text, "three foundational truths about Christ:

• A foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God
• Instructions about washing and the laying on of hands
• Resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment."

Broadly, the commentary describes how the Jewish believers were slipping back into their old ways of doing things, including a focus on works, ceremonial washings (vs Christian baptism), and a failure to truly grasp that "[u]nless Jesus Christ stands as our advocate and our substitute, we cannot stand before God in the judgment that is coming."

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for taking my place on the cross and for giving me victory over sin and death - I know there is nothing I can do to earn this - it is only by Your grace.  I am undeserving...my sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Hebrews 6

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 6:1-8, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Hebrews 6 picks up from Hebrews 5:11-14 where the author exhorts the audience of Jewish believers to shake themselves from spiritual and moral sluggishness - they are urged to grow in their spiritual maturity.  This call is of course meant for all believers.  Do not allow yourself to be stuck in a spiritual rut where you are not growing in your relationship with God.  The remedy provided is "discernment trained by constant practice," and this is principally accomplished through daily time with God in study and prayer, but also through other spiritual disciplines such as corporate worship, service to God and others, etc.  Hebrews 6:1 continues with this exhortation, and it includes a stern warning to those who do not grow in their faith. This stern warning is described in v4-6.  Note the word "impossible" in v4.  If believers allow themselves to be taken off course from their faith journey, and they then allow themselves to be taken away from their faith (apostasy) by the Great Deceiver (Satan), then there is no turning back. An ominous warning indeed!  Believers stay on course!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who keeps me on track - thank You God!  I am not deserving of Your grace, compassion, and patience.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me, and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.