[H]e 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

[H]e 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

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper ensures we understand that Jesus intercedes and prays for us...today and forever - "our salvation is as secure as Christ's priesthood is indestructible" - as He not only lives forever, but He also intercedes for us forever.  Piper writes: "[t]his means we should not talk about our salvation in static terms the way we often do — as if I did something once in an act of decision, and Christ did something once when he died and rose again, and that’s all there is to it. That’s not all there is to it.  This very day I am being saved by the eternal intercession of Jesus in heaven. Jesus is praying for us and that is essential to our salvation."  Piper refers us to Romans 8:34 and 1 John 2:1 where scripture reinforces how Jesus intercedes and advocates for us as our High Priest.  Be encouraged!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who intercedes and advocates for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  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.   

“Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”

Revelation 8

“Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!” v13

Yesterday I posted about how heaven at the end of times will be a glorious place for God's children.  Today is a different picture - one of destruction and great suffering...Revelation 9 is even more gruesome for those who have not declared Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior:

And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. v3-6

My Prayer: Lord, You are awesome and I know You have placed a seal on my forehead so I am greatly comforted that I am Yours not just during this life on earth, but also should You return before I die, and even when I die, I know I will be with You until the end of the age...You are truly great and I am not deserving of such a great and gracious God.  I fail to "make every effort"...I am harsh with my words and actions often...I have envy, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You Jesus!  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

Revelation 3

I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. v5

Eternal life in Heaven with Christ the Father can never be taken from us...it is a gift of God.  We should find rest in this assurance.

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God that has provided the greatest gift of all time....Your Son!  Christ has suffered and died for me so that I can have freedom from sin and eternal life in Heaven with Him.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an incredible gift.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me find peace and assurance that this gift can never be taken from me.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.