Day 344

(D) Book of Hebrews
1. Christ is better than the best of Judaism
a. Better than the prophets and angels - Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:1-18
b. Greater than Moses - Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-16
c. High priesthood of Christ eliminates daily sacrifices - Hebrews 5:1-14; 6:1-20; 7:1-28; 8:1-5

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (Hebrews 2:1)

Therefore - what is the the therefore, there for?  :-D  That question has been asked by several teachers I have been privileged to sit under.  I am reminded as well, that the chapter and verse delineation in each book are of mans invention to assist in studying.  Sometimes there are unfortunate breaks which fragment the original thought of the inspired writer.

Therefore ~ earnest heed ~ heard ~ slip.  These were the words which captured my attention the most.  Therefore, what was spoken previously - :-D personally, I would say all of Chapter 1!

earnest heed - G4337 - From G4314 and G2192; (figuratively) to hold the mind (G3563 implied) towards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - (give) attend (-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard.

heard - G191 - A primary verb; to hear (in various senses): - give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.

slip - G3901 - From G3844 and the alternate of G4482; to flow by, that is, (figuratively) carelessly pass (miss): - let slip.

What would the recipients of Hebrews have heard?  1:1 references that they would have heard God speak at various times and in divers manners to the fathers by the prophets.  This does NOT mean that there is any other avenue of salvation other than by grace through faith.  Every season of humanity, regardless of who was tasked with authority (whether individual or national) has obtained the inheritance (or the promise thereof) by grace through faith.  There are not many avenues to the Celestial City, there are not many ways, paths, etc.  Christ Jesus has from the beginning always been the only way to reconciliation and adoption by Father.

The Hebrews, and those who were attentive to the Truth, would have heard, studied, lived that which was recorded by the prophets.  All that was contained in what is now labeled as the OT.  I fear for the Bride at large, that she has forgotten from whence she sprang.  The roots which give nourishment.  This is not a call to return to a keeping of the law or rituals of Judaism, but a reflection on how poorly the Bride knows her history.

Rom 11:17  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 

Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 

Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 

We, as the Bride, ought not to be high minded, proud or puffed up against how poorly Israel received and kept the Truth.  The Bride is in tatters and not well prepared and/or ready for the return of her betrothed.  Father, You and You alone are the source and fountain of Truth, open the eyes of Your people to see how debauched we have become.  Lord, help us to repent and turn from seeking our own ways.  From desiring to please our temporary flesh in what is but a vapor of time and existence.  Help us to crave that heavenly abode, to stand before You not ashamed, having nothing to offer, nothing which will stand the test of Your fire.  O Father, how my heart weeps with the thought that I may stand before You and all that I have done this side of glory would be hay, wood and stubble.  O Father, call us to see beyond these temporal shores, to see the glimmer of light from that City, the eternal home of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Day 343

(C) Book of 1 Peter
1. The Christian's sufferings - 1 Peter 1:1-25; 2:1-20
2. Christ has suffered for us - 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:1-22; 4:1-19
3. Exhortation to be strong and closing salutations - 1 Peter 5:1-14

1st Peter - Timeless Truths for Tough Times - I have been blessed to be in a ladies Bible study for the past 5+ years studying the book of 1st Peter inductively.  We are finishing verse 5 and will begin verse 6 sometime in 2011.  If you have never availed yourself of the opportunity to study inductively, here are a couple of articles to get you started:  How To Study Inductively, which has an in interesting side story about being observant with that which is placed before you.  The next is an 8 part article also titled, How To Study Inductively, they reference Websters 1828 dictionary for definitions of words.  I have always used the Strong's Concordance which can be found online here or here, or as part of the free Bible software at E-Sword, which also includes a variety of translations, dictionary and commentaries.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7-9)

It was specifically verse 7 that I was focused upon, however I did not want to fragment the verse.  This verse reminds me of another about our works being tried by fire.


1Co 3:13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

This passage has been brought to my attention time and again.  Father's reminding me to be cognizant of HIS son's eventual return to claim His (Jesus') betrothed.  I am saddened with the thought that I may stand before Him and have nothing left but the foundation.  Will that which I do stand the fire of HIS scrutiny?  Will all that I have done this side of glory be burnt as if hay, wood and stubble?  Will ought of that which I thought to offer unto Him come through as gold, silver or precious gems?

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 

1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 

We all need to take warning, the Master's return draws closer every day, we are commanded to be diligently looking and craving for that day.  We ought not to be as the unwise servant:


Luke 12:46  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Luke 12:47  And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 12:48  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Day 342

(A) Book of 1 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Guidance for the young ministers ~ cont.
b. Work of a minister - 1 Timothy 5:1-25; 6:1-21
(B) Book of Titus
1. Selection of bishops and elders - Titus 1:1-16
2. Pattern for Christian living - Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15


Widows - not to be taken into the church's provision unless they did not have children or nephews (thought that interesting, no nieces), over the age of 60 ~  had a reputation of good works ~ raised up children ~ lodged strangers ~  washed the feet of the saints (that would be any regenerate person - not someone 'specified' by the Roman Catholic Church) ~  relieved the afflicted ~  followed every good work.


Washed the saints feet - the other items are pretty self explanatory, but washing someones feet.  Some would contend that this was a practice done during that season of civilization which had dusty roads, people walked, wore sandals, etc.  Jesus did wash the apostles' feet (an act usually reserved for the lowest of slaves).


Hmmm....consulting better minds than I...Gill, Henry, Poole and a couple of others reference how washing the feet of guests in those hot countries to cleanse and/or cool them down would fulfill this requirement.  In addition, their commentaries expanded that concept to include that she was willing to do the most menial of tasks to bring comfort or relief to the saints.


Quite an outstanding list, I do not think I measure up very well, an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether I am availing myself of opportunities Father gives to bless the saints.  Not in order to 'check' something off a list.  For anything done without a spirit of love avails nothing.  No rewards, nothing, zero, zip, nada.  Whatever we do, it must be as unto the Lord.  I have failed miserably at this in so many areas of my life...**sigh**...Lord, forgive me.


But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (1 Timothy 6:6-8)


The rich ~ fall into temptation ~ snare ~ foolish and hurtful lusts ~ love of money (root of evil, not the money).


Man of God to follow:  Righteousness ~ godliness ~ faith ~ love ~ patience ~ meekness.


I chuckled when I read this passage:  O Timothy (that O caught my attention for it implies, to me, a heart felt deep attachment), keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be thee. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21)


I wonder if Timothy and Paul were having to contend with evolutionist type people?  'Science falsely so called' was the phrase which riveted my attention.  I had to chuckle over the commentaries as I compared my 'evolutionist' statement to what was written.  Those who think they have knowledge.  Those who claim that man, the world, everything that is known, came about from nothing, are like those who claim they have knowledge.


2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


Qualifications for a bishop ~ husband of one wife ~ faithful children ~ not riotous or unruly (or accused thereof) ~ blameless ~ self willed ~ not soon angry ~ not given to wine ~ no striker ~ not given to filthy lucre ~ hospitable ~ lover of good men ~ sober ~ just ~ holy ~ temperate ~ holds the Word fast to exhort and convince gainsayers.


Aged men - sober ~ grave ~ temperate ~ sound in faith ~ charity ~ patient.


Aged women - not false accusers ~ not given to much wine (or other pain numbing substances) ~ teachers of good things ~ teaching young women to be: sober ~ love their husbands ~ love their children ~ discreet ~ chaste ~ keepers at home ~ good ~ obedient to husbands (why? that the Word of God be not blasphemed).


Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (Titus 2:13-14)


Lord, help us Your Bride to be zealous of good works, to not be a by-word amongst the heathen.  Help Your people Lord to be set apart and holy unto You.  Not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is Your good and acceptable and perfect will.