Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Call to persevere

Hope for a New Year
It seems to me that the amount of people who have new year's resolutions or clear plans and goals is getting smaller and smaller. Maybe because it is getting harder and harder to stay focused, since we are being tempted by too many things to do, people to meet, books to read and places to visit.

The other day I read a call to persevere in the book of Hebrews and I found it very inspiring. I would like to share it with you for 2011. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews makes his point of confidence quite clear: through His body Jesus opened a new and living way for us to enter the presence of God. Then he goes on and writes his call to persevere, which is still as powerful today as it was 2000 years ago:
  • Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in ful assurance of faith
  • Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
  • Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
  • Let us not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another

You can re-read this in the 10th chapter, starting at verse 19. I don't know whether you are willing to give heed to this call to persevere or whether you need it, but I know I do!

It could very well be that you are working on a project and have been discouraged lately. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by the world's events, maybe your are disappointed in the church or in people that were supposed to help you or maybe you're downright tired and have lost your joy. It doesn't really matter where you are at the beginning of this new year, the good news is: we have a great priest over the house of God (verse 21). That great priest is Jesus Christ and the house of God is us! Hebrews 3:6 says, We are his house, if we hold to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Having Jesus Christ live with you will make a new year a new life!

11 comments:

  1. Definitely including Him in my New Year's Resolutions. Have a great year! :O)

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  2. We do have good news! And we are blessed every day of our lives, if in nothing else but to know He is our savior. But I'm sure we all have many other blessings too. Thanks for the encouraging words!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Thanks for your visit Karen, appreciate your input!

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  4. This sounds just right for me, Marja. I started off with a too ambitious resolution then changed for one to 'never volunteer'but your suggestion will do me the world of good to remember.
    Blessings,
    Wyn

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  5. Great to see you again in the New Year Wyn, always LOVE your input! You have such a great sense of humor, while being serious at the same time!

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  6. Hi Marja -

    Thank you. I did need to read this today. I appreciate the encouragement.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. Always glad when that happens Susan!

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  8. I love this, Marja, and it was exactly what I needed to hear this week. I have struggled focusing in the new year, and devotions like this are reminding me where to focus first. Thank you!!

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  9. I am thankful when that happens, and by the way, I wrote it for myself too Heather! Thanks for your visit!

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  10. so glad to receive this Word today. Thanks Marja! It's really funny when you get a nugget like this and it was just what you needed.....BTW, I have some news to share with you and Jan. It is good stuff.

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  11. Thanks Santiago, glad you were encouraged!! You talked to Jan right?

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Thanks for your visit, it is my hope and prayer that this post was an encouragement to you! Feel free to leave a comment.