Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 19-20; Hebrews 13
Devotional Thought:
The first eleven chapters of Hebrews are highly doctrinal and lack very much spiritual application. That section emphasizes doctrine and is almost entirely directed to Jews who have received the gospel but need to recognize the superiority of the New Covenant. In chapter 12, the emphasis is for Christians to run the race of faith with patience and to follow peace and holiness. The specific practical exhortations for Christians lie here in chapter 13. In the New Testament we often find doctrine taught first and followed by our duty or our position followed by our practice. Chapter 13 follows this pattern and concludes with reminding us “faith without works is dead faith.” The writer starts out by stating, “Let brotherly love continue.” We have a responsibility to demonstrate love to other Christians. The kind of love that is willing to serve others at a cost to us without any expectation of anything in return. We must be gracious and helpful to everyone around us and show forth a disposition of care and interest in the needs of others. We must remember God’s ordained boundaries for marriage. We must learn to let God be enough for us. We must learn to be content with everything God brings or allows into our lives; “so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (vs. 6) God reminds the reader that pastors are a gift from God to teach people the Word of God and who give each person an example to follow. Jesus Christ, the central theme and example of the whole Bible does not change. His character is on display and we are to emulate those same characteristics. We are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually. Don’t allow yourself to be come a negative critic, chronic complainer, or constant corrector. Let a grateful and thankful spirit be continually seen in your life and speech. Be one who can never say enough positive things about what God is doing in your life. It must be obvious to others that we count it a privilege to participate in God’s amazing grace that He continuously shows to us and to others around us. We must find contentment in operating within God’s ordained authority structure and to embrace His program to bring Him glory in all things. The author closes this chapter with an amazing encouragement. Our great Shepherd of the sheep wants to “make [us] perfect in every good work to do His will, working in [us] that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (vs. 20-21)
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never forget the great sacrifice you made on Calvary, you made for me personally. I am overwhelmed that you would love me enough to pay my debt and save my soul for all eternity. I will forever sing your praise for your grace.
• Lord, please help me to grow in my capacity to love others. Please help my love to be pure, genuine, and abundant. I want people to see your love through me.
• Lord, thank you for your design of authority, and please help me to be a pastor that is a reflection of your shepherding. I want people to see Jesus in me.
• Lord, please help me to have a sacrifice of praise continually upon my lips and expressed in my life. May people witness an authentic gratitude and gratefulness about my spirit.