Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Hebrews 13:14-15, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

We have been studying Revelation in our Small Group these past few months. It has been a good reminder of this very verse in Hebrews 13:14, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” The LSB version says, “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” When I read various news updates on our economy, political disagreements, the recent Russian prisoner swap, the stock market, etc., I must remind myself that this world is not my permanent address. It is temporary. Heaven is my destination and future eternal address that is to come. Philippians 3:20 states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Revelation 21:21b states, “the great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” John describes in this chapter a city, the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-2), that will have a street of pure gold, and the entire city will be made of gold that has been refined, unlike what we have seen before. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary has a point, “So highly valued is gold on earth that throughout history, man has lived by the golden rule: He who has gold rules. Such is not the case in heaven, where gold is used as casually as asphalt.” I like that.

Therefore, as Hebrews 13:15 declares, we are to give praise to God “continually.” The Greek word here is dia pantos, meaning always – constant. Praising God may not always be convenient. But it is a sacrifice that pleases Him. Often songs of praise speak to my soul and mind deeply that I can sing from my heart. David did that throughout the book of Psalms. For example, Psalm 32 is a gathering and a dialogue between choirs, each singing a different section. The last two verses crescendo: “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Offer a sacrifice of praise to God when you get up in the morning. Then pause during your lunch break (I know many of us work through our lunch) and praise God. Then as your business day winds down, praise God for being present throughout your day and then again before you go to sleep at night. Tony Evans’s book, Praying Through The Names Of God is a great help in this area, in praying God’s name and giving Him praise. Here are a few examples from his book to illustrate with verses:

• Pelah Yo’Etz – Wonderful Counselor – Your wisdom gives life. Isaiah 9:6
• Immanuel – God with us – Isaiah 7:14
• Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh – The eternal all-sufficient God. Exodus 3:14
• Jehovah Chereb – The Lord, the sword. You are my shield. Deuteronomy 33:29
• Jehovah Maginnenu – The Lord our defense. Ready to stand in defense. Psalm 89:18.
• Jehovah El Emeth – Lord God of truth and is the presence and essence of truth. Psalm 31:5.
• Jehovah Elohim Yeshua – Lord God of my salvation. You rescue those in need and bind up the brokenhearted. Psalm 88:1.
• Elohei Mikkarov – God who is near. I am not to be dismayed. Where I am, you are. Jeremiah 23:23.
• Elohim Chasdi – God of lovingkindness. Compassionate and gracious and slow to anger and abounding in love. Psalm 59:17.
• Jehovah Hashopet – The Lord, the judge. Offended by evil and wholly devoted to justice. Judges 11:27.

Experience God’s counsel and wisdom. Acknowledge God is with you. Trust in God’s sufficiency. Depend on God’s shield of protection and who is ready to defend you. Have peace in knowing the Lord God of truth who will rescue you in times of need and heal your broken heart. Bask in God’s presence and be free of discouragement because God is near. The lovingkindness of God is like no other. Lastly, take comfort in knowing the Lord is offended by evil and the ultimate judge. Give Him your continual sacrifice of praise! We, as born-again Christians, reside in a temporary address. Your current problems really are temporary, although unpleasant. Better days are ahead. Seek the one to come. Praise God!

Listen to Shane and Shane Psalm 145 lyric video, August 13, 2020.

Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

How would you rate your portion of “contentment” currently? Reviewing your purpose – are you doing what you were made to do? What about the people you work with and your family? How about where you live? What about how is your physical health situation? Lastly, do you feel good about what you are earning? These areas have been associated with one’s “Peace Index,” but I see a correlation with contentment. So, considering Hebrews 13:5-6 are you content with what you have? For me it seems to fluctuate with various circumstances of frustrations around me, much to my dismay. However, Matthew 6:33, declares, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you (what we eat, or drink, or wear, vs. 31).”

My screen saver on my iPhone has a picture of a large hill, green pasture, and a few sheep and has the verse, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT. The older I become, the more I value and see the need for being “content with what you have.” Sometimes in today’s culture, greed is excused and looked at as ambition. The “love of money” often dictates ambition. Most of us, I think, think more about being content with what we have financially than what we are on the inside. I must ask myself whether I trust in God to provide for all of my monetary and emotional needs today. All means all. I have needed that applied this past week. How are you doing in this area?

Moses declared to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” This is the foundation of obtaining contentment. God is the Helper of His saints (An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. W.E. Vine). The NAS version says, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.” The word “helper” in the Greek in Hebrews 13:6 is boethos, which means come to the aid of, assistant, aide. A helper brings the right aid in time to meet an urgent, real need (Strong’s Concordance). As Psalm 117:7 declares, “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”

In Psalm 56:11, David proclaimed, when the Philistines seized him in Gath, “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid, what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6 declares, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” The author of Hebrews quoted these two verses in Psalms to point out that the Lord is our helper, defender, protector, helper, and personal aide.

“You see the degree to which I realize the Lord is with me, the degree to which I enjoy His fellowship intimately is the degree to which I will be content continually . . . If I’m in love with the Lord, I will not covet. I will be content with whatever I have simply because He is with me.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament.

So, God is telling you today, I am your helper. I am your full-time aide that is ready to help when going through adversity and toxic personalities you encounter. “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Heb. 13:5-6 MSG. You have a powerful full-time aide you can confidently say, God is on my side. Wrap that around your mind in taking control of what you think about. Trust Him to see you through whatever comes your way.

Listen to Matt Maher – Run To The Father (The Chosen Mix) May 20, 2021.

Hebrews 12:12-14, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for our feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

How is your race in life going right now? Do you feel like you are falling behind and others are passing you in the marathon of life, next to your lane, because your knees are weak from the stress? That word endurance – you are not sure you have any more. Or are you excelling in finishing in the lead? The Hebrews author says to get back, don’t give up, and start running again. To remember your athletic training from the peaceful fruit of righteousness and peace, Heb. 12:11b. The saying, “Without pain there is no gain” can be applied here. It is said that the production of lactic acid actually creates more blood flow to the muscles, so you gain more strength and endurance next time. I have needed some of that this week.

Think about what thoughts enter your mind when you are discouraged. When you can’t see any good coming out of a problem you are going through. Are there feelings of guilt, shame, frustration, and failure? So, whose weapons are those? Satan will play havoc in your life, and they are his weapons of temptation. Jesus fought back with Scripture – with the Word of God is how He dealt with temptation. Jesus used Matthew 4:3-4, Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:5-7, Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:8-10, and the last one was “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” Deuteronomy 6:13.

Think about the steps that lead you to discouragement. Have you had enough sleep? Have you gotten exercise into your daily routine to enable your brain to be alert and sharp and help alleviate stress? Have you fought back with the promises of God to lift you out of the trap of feeling defeated? Every two to three people you encounter have no hope in their turmoil. You, as a believer, do because God’s presence is right there with you. You have influence. Don’t give up being a peacemaker and holiness. People will learn from your actions (John 13:17). Keep looking straight ahead. Stay focused on magnifying God and giving praise to Him.

“Almost like a coach or a military officer, the author told his fellow followers of Jesus to take courage and be active. He gave exhaustive reasons to be strong in the Lord and to put off discouragement, the time had now come to do it. The pictures here (strengthened hands and knees, “straight paths for our feet”) speak of readiness to work and move for Jesus and His kingdom. This readiness is first to go when one surrenders to discouragement.” David Guzik Commentary. That is so true.

Need some tools to fight discouragement with strength? Here are some things to remember:

• Circumstances are not our identity.
• Leaders do not have to be heroes.
• “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT.

“Discouragement makes us sloppy and unconcerned with holiness and personal relationships. Regarding holiness, we are told, without which no one will see the Lord. A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with God.” David Guzik’s Commentary.

Commit to rest in the reassurance that God will protect you and shield you from harm. He has a plan that you do not see the outcome of yet. Remember that David did not know about a giant he would face named Goliath when he was a young boy tending the sheep. His training ground was experiencing dangerous encounters with the bear and the lion while caring for his father’s sheep. He didn’t run away; instead, he killed them to protect the flock of sheep due to his faith that God was with him. That developed courage, endurance, and bravery due to his faith in God’s power and protection.

“God has ways of shaking the world when He is at work. He literally caused the ground to quake when Jesus died on the cross.” Charles Stanley.

God is with you. Don’t surrender to discouragement. Pursue peace with all men and holiness with God. You have complete accessibility to God’s sufficient grace. Revelation 14:12 states, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” There is a coming reward and rest for your labors. You are good to go!

Listen to Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs (Official Lyric Video)

Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We all have struggles and challenges in our lives in one form or another. Mine seems to center on conflict, and unfulfilled expectations, in light of Hebrews 12:1. What would be yours? Do you feel frustrated? Know that you are not alone. We must continually redirect our thoughts to God’s truths and promises to conquer discouragement in the race of faith to see things through. It takes “endurance.” Merriam-Webster’s definition of endurance states “endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. The ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” I must admit I have felt weary when undergoing a trial and wanting the ending to appear quickly. Going through the “prolonged” part is what often gets me.

The heroes of the Hall of Fame of Faith were listed in Hebrews 11. The author of Hebrews pictured these and others using the phrase “a cloud of witnesses.” This was a figure of speech indicating a large group of people and were examples of living and applying their faith with endurance. We need some Abrahams, Sarahs, and Noahs today. Daniel’s faith stopped the mouths of lions. Oh, that I would have faith like these heroes of the OT.

What are the things that so quickly ensare you and are sins or weights that hold you down? The Greek word euperistaton, stands for “clings so closely.” The NLT version says, “especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” It can be translated four ways (David Guzik’s Blue Letter Bible Commentary): “easily avoided,” “admired,” ensnaring” or “dangerous.” What often trips you up?

“Endurance is needed to run that race. Endurance translates the ancient Greek word hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay’), “which does not mean the patience which sits down and accepts things but the patience which masters them. . . It is a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (Barkley). We have to stay focused on the root of the problem, seeing it through, and not get distracted from the goal and long-term purpose in our Christian walk.

Today determine not to be defeated – don’t quit in the lane you are running your race in life. In Acts 20:24, Paul stated: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” God calls us (me) to finish with joy which only can happen with endurance, testifying to the grace of God in one’s life.

“Every morning lay it all out to God – all of your weaknesses, burdens, frustrations, etc. Seek His approval. Then lay down your will and be quiet before the Lord. You will receive God’s sufficient grace and mercy for the day. The deepest struggles of our souls are just as great victories as any miracles found in the Bible. When we can control our temper, love others that have wronged us, having peace in the middle of a crisis, showing kindness without retaliation, having self-control with our mouth, all of these are just as great a victory as David slaying Goliath.” Linda Killian, Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons, 2020, page 149.

Need a shot of adrenaline today? Review Hebrews 12:1 and what Jesus has done for you. The Message states Hebrews 12:2-3 this way: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

Listen to Phil Wichkam’s Lyric Video Heart Full of Praise

Hebrews 10:35-38, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Have you had a few days recently where you felt like giving up? Life seemed too complicated and took more effort and energy than you felt like giving. Maybe you felt you were contributing more than your team members were, so you have lost your patience due to being exhausted emotionally from your brain not stopping thinking how you can do things better. We all have felt that way at times. But all the way through Hebrews is the theme of God’s faithfulness and our need to continue to be confidently – expectantly, positively, hopefully, heartily, patiently abiding and faithful to Him.

The author of Hebrews was writing to people who were experiencing doubts about their faith. They had experienced persecution, particularly of hostile anti-Semitic attitudes by an emperor. Hebrews 3:6 declares, “But Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” The shield of faith, in the armor of God, needs to be engaged with triumphant courage and put on every day, in all circumstances, “which can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16. That builds endurance, steadfastness, and perseverance in sticking it out due to our faith and salvation found in Jesus Christ. It is like God having a lifeline around you.

Are you going through a season of discouragement? Or are you waiting on a strong desire or dream, or it could be a need of triumphant deliverance. “The toughest and most discouraging trials are when we are called to obey God’s will when the fulfillment of His promise seems so far away. Therefore we need endurance. Faithfulness during the time when the promise seems unfulfilled is the measure of your obedience and spiritual maturity.” David Guzik, Commentary. That is so true. As Jesus commanded in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” Webster’s dictionary definition of the word “abide” is to bear patiently; to endure without yielding; to wait for; to continue in a place; to dwell. Think about how you can better “abide in me” because Christ is right there with you and interceding for you (Hebrews 7:25).

Three separate times “the righteous shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) is quoted in the New Testament. Romans 1:17 emphasizes “The righteous shall live by faith,” Galatians 3:1 emphasizes “The righteous shall live by faith.” Hebrews 10:38 emphasizes, “The righteous shall live by faith.” So how am I to live? I am to live today by faith that God is in control of it all. His hand is upon the time clock of Christ’s return and the Rapture taking place. Any seemingly unfulfilled promises I encounter from anyone will occur. But God’s promises never fail and always come to fruition. It takes endurance–keeping on for Christ’s sake and walking in the light and radiance of God’s glory before others while abiding in Him.

Watching the world around us gives way to despair. A warning was just reported this week by a major US diesel supplier, of potential supply shortages. But the saving grace of Jesus Christ is never rationed or in short supply. His return is our reward. There is a final judgment day coming; it will surely come. Therefore, we are to live for heaven. We are to live by faith. As the VOICE version states Heb. 10:36-39 this way: “Remember this, and do not abandon your confidence, which will lead to rich rewards. Simply endure, for when you have done as God requires of you, you will receive the promise. As the prophet Habakkuk said, In a little while, only a little longer, the One who is coming will come without delay. But my righteous one must live by faith, for if he gives up his commitment, My soul will have no pleasure in him. My friends, we are not those who give up hope and so are lost; but we are of the company who live by faith and so are saved.” This is why we have to hold on – stick it out a little longer with patient endurance needed now. Continue to do God’s will, live by faith, as we will receive all that He has promised.

Listen to Phil Wickham’s It’s Always Been You (Official Lyric Video). May 14, 2021.

Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

The older I get, the more I see God’s faithfulness in my life, week after week. I have learned lessons about God’s faithfulness through each trial and seen the promises of God fulfilled in my life and those around me. 1 Corinthians 1:9 states, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” How have you witnessed the faithfulness of God in your life recently? How did God see you through or provide a need? Comments are always welcome.

There was a problem of discouragement among the people to whom the author of Hebrews was writing. This discouragement was what caused them to waver from the truth. They needed to stand firm in their faith. Think about when you are discouraged. What happens? Were you frustrated? It might be over a problematic relationship, hard times with the culture of our day, or the economy. This is what these people were going through. Verse 22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” That is when drawing near to God, thinking about what Jesus has done, puts one’s relationship with God back on track. Those two words, “draw near” is the solution. Spurgeon has said, “That exhortation, “Let us hold fast,” might well be written on the cover of every Christian’s Bible. We live in such a changeful age, that we need all to be exhorted to be rooted and grounded, confirmed and established, in the truth.”

People will always let us down. But God is faithful and never breaks His promises. When you feel discouraged, write down past answers to prayers God has freely given you, showing His faithfulness of provisions. Reflect on them and watch how your emotions change for the better and your faith is again increased.

Fellowship is vitally needed and found in the Christian community. How the enemy uses frustrations to play havoc in our lives. We need to check in with one another mutually, where opportunities of encouraging one another are found. You may be the encouragement someone else needs and be used to show love to someone who may be struggling with feeling neglected and needing stronger faith and hope right now.

Psalm 105:4-5 declares, “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.” This chapter in Psalms is a hymn celebrating God’s faithful dealings with His people who interacted with powerful people that might have harmed them. Verse 24 says, “And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes.” This chapter is a history lesson of the promises of God to the patriarchs in the OT and is a historical Psalm written as a hymn of worship of God’s faithfulness for us to learn from and pray God will do the same for you as you read it.

We can see “the Day” is approaching sooner today than yesterday, a month ago, or a year ago. The Rapture is coming, and we need to hold fast to God’s faithfulness and encourage one another in our love every day (Heb. 3:13). “The immanence of the day was considered to be plain. It is not to be regarded as secret. Christians were to live as if the dawning of the day was so near that its arrival was only just beyond the horizon.” George H. Guthrie.

The effect of waiting for the coming of Christ is our anchor of hope. It gives us endurance in staying put in the storms of life, “inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:3b).” This sees us through those times of disappointment, trial, testing, while waiting for our dreams, desires, and needs to be met by holding onto our anchor, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Message states Hebrews 10:23-25 this way, “Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”

Listen to Anne Wilson’s My Jesus (Official Lyric Video), June 4,2021.

Hebrews 7:25, “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.”

We all have heard incredible testimonies of people being saved from a life of sin. Those are a testimony in themselves of the power of Christ’s salvation transforming lives. But look at the two-letter word “to” in this verse: “he is able to save to the uttermost who draw near to God . . .” David Guzik’s commentary states, “Most people read this verse as if it says Jesus is able to save from the uttermost. But it really says Jesus is able to save to the uttermost.” As John 10:28 declares, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Because Jesus is our high priest, He saves us forever, “to the uttermost who draw near to God.”

Jesus is our high priest forever. As I go about my day, Jesus Christ is interceding for me. Romans 8:34 declares, “Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” This signifies effective intervention. He declares His will of blessings being bestowed on us and removing the charges and accusations of Satan. The enemy condemns but Christ convicts. Therefore, Jesus always succeeds in carrying out His Father’s will, bestowing grace, mercy, and deliverance when needed. This should eliminate my fear of failure because God is sovereign. John Piper’s definition in defining the term “sovereign” means, “When we say God is sovereign, we mean he is powerful and authoritative to the extent of being able to override all other powers and authorities. Nothing can successfully stop any act or any event or design or purpose that God intends to certainly bring about.” Job said in Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Doesn’t that take out the “why” of some things? The question should be, OK God, since you can do all things, how do you want to use me in this situation and what do you want me to learn?

“Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, and the wounds in His hands and feet, the scars on His brow, the hole in His side settle the issue. Jesus isn’t talking the Father into being merciful to me. He’s not asking the Father to be lenient with me. His scars alone are sufficient. That’s why when Thomas finally saw Jesus, Jesus didn’t say to him, “Let’s talk doctrine. He said, “Touch My wounds (John 20:27).” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary: NT. I need to remember that.

So now, think about drawing near to God and how Jesus is interceding with Him for you. He already knows what is ahead of you in your day. Sit and be still and ask the Lord to talk to you. Read one of the Psalms and pray it (along with today’s verse). What is He saying to you? Draw near to God, to His faithfulness, to righteousness found in Christ, to everlasting peace, to the joy found in His presence, His comfort, His shield of protection, His refuge, and Him balancing the scales of holy judgment. Jesus has been interceding to God on your behalf. He knows your name (Isaiah 43:1). Sit at His feet. Linger in His presence. Don’t be in a hurry. Share your concerns and needs. Then think of what Jesus might have been interceding with the Heavenly Father for you about. Reflect and examine what you need to confess and change. Then let the radiance of spending time with your great Shepherd revive you with His radiant glory (Ps. 34:5) from talking to God because goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of your life (Ps. 23). Christ’s intercession is ongoing and complete. He has purged your sins. Look at His wounds. Stop doubting and believe. Take heart in knowing, “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.

Listen to Casting Crowns – The Power of the Cross (Official Lyric Video)