As I start today, I reflect on a great message I heard by Willie Jolley “A Setback is a Setup for a Comeback“. He came to a men’s conference at our church and wow what a powerful message to receive when you are faced with a setback. The enemy is going to try to make you give up. The devil is going to try and make you give in. But God’s plan is for you to persevere through the storm! In this world you will have trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because He’s overcome the world! The Bible tells us in James, the book by the brother of Jesus to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because it builds our faith through perseverance and when perseverance has completed its work we will be complete and lacking nothing!
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
Staying the Course in Your Setbacks by Brittany Rust
- Key Verses: ‘So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. ‘ Hebrews 10:35-36
- What timing for this as I learned last weekend after a tough week that I need to lean into and keep my focus on God as my everlasting source of joy.
- The writer of this devotional starts off speaking of something they went through and how when difficult and discouraging setbacks happen they can cause hurts emotionally and physically.
- The enemy tries to put doubt in our heads when things happen which then triggers negative self-talk which causes us to doubt, worry, and in some cases even fear as the enemy of our soul tries to rob us of our joy.
- Ever been in one of those situations where you start to question everything? “Did I get my call wrong? Did I miss something? Why is this happening? Do you see me, God?“
- How do you usually respond to “a discouraging blow to your dreams“, “heartbreaking news about someone we care about“, or “when hope grows dim and the darkness seems to overwhelm us“?
- Do you turn to God’s Word or allow the enemy or the world to control how you feel and how you respond?
- Let’s turn to God’s Word! Let’s grab a hold of today’s verses! Let’s lean on God to lead and guide us!
- Today’s devotional reflects upon what we can learn from Hebrews 10:35-36:
- Do Not Throw Away Your Trust in God.
- God, portrayed as a steadfast and unwavering anchor, offers hope and assurance in all circumstances, emphasizing trust in His unchanging nature and commitment to be a reliable source of support throughout life’s challenges.
- Remember Past Wins.
- Reflecting on the consistent faithfulness of God, as demonstrated in both biblical accounts like David’s experiences and the history of Israel, fosters gratitude and strengthens hope and faith. Proclaiming past victories and acknowledging God’s unchanging nature provides the foundation for believing that He will come through in the current season of life.
- Endure Patiently.
- Navigating through discouragement involves embracing the process of patient endurance, which transcends a passive waiting for the storm to pass. This active faith seeks growth and deeper understanding, recognizing the value in the challenging moments as an opportunity to bring forth the best within oneself.
- Do His Will.
In moments of confusion amidst life’s storms and uncertainty about one’s calling, it is crucial to focus on what is known to be God’s will. This includes expressing love to God and neighbors, sharing the Gospel, supporting those in need, encouraging the distressed, and demonstrating love within your family. Even when facing ambiguity, doing one’s creative best with the current circumstances becomes a faithful and purposeful response.
- Do Not Throw Away Your Trust in God.
- Today’s devotional closes with the following comment and challenge:
- “Do what you know He has for you now; as my long-time pastor John Lindell has said, “Do all of the revealed will of God for your life and God will lead you in discovering the unrevealed will of God for your life.”“
- “God shows us in Hebrews 10:36 that if we follow this journey, then we will receive all that He has promised!“
Hebrews 7
Summary: The chapter focuses on the unique priesthood of Melchizedek, comparing it to the Levitical priesthood. It establishes Jesus as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing His eternal and unchangeable priesthood.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, surpassing the Levitical priesthood.
- His priesthood is eternal, making Him a perfect mediator between God and humanity.
- The covenant through Jesus brings a more excellent hope and salvation.
Hebrews 8
Summary: This chapter explores the superior nature of the new covenant established by Jesus, emphasizing its permanence and effectiveness compared to the old covenant.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant based on better promises.
- The new covenant is superior to the old covenant, bringing forgiveness and a personal relationship with God.
- The old covenant is obsolete, and the new covenant is everlasting.
Hebrews 9
Summary: Hebrews 9 delves into the symbolism of the tabernacle and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice as the ultimate atonement for sins, surpassing the temporary rituals of the old covenant.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus’ sacrifice is the perfect atonement for sins, surpassing the animal sacrifices of the old covenant.
- His sacrifice brings eternal redemption and cleanses the conscience of believers.
- Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant, providing access to God.
Hebrews 10
Summary: The chapter emphasizes the finality and efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and avoid turning away from it.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus’ sacrifice is once for all, providing complete forgiveness and sanctification.
- Believers are urged to hold fast to their confession and encourage one another in faith.
- Apostasy is warned against, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from the truth.
- The righteous shall live by faith, enduring trials with confidence in God’s promises.
These summaries capture the key themes and messages of each chapter in Hebrews 7-10, highlighting the significance of Jesus’ priesthood, the superiority of the new covenant, the symbolism of atonement, and the call to persevere in faith.
Where are you at today? What are you facing? How are you feeling? Are you ready to go it God’s Way and allow a setback to become a setup for a comeback?
Invite Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your comforter and guide in the midst of this crazy world, listening to His wisdom and discernment to help you live a full and complete life. Be ready! Get prepared! Time is short!
Did you read or hear something today that felt like a new revelation? Would you be willing to leave a comment or question? Are you walking your life with God? Have you made the decision to invite Jesus into your life so that you can have the divide covered? Have you invited Jesus to be Your Lord and Savior, paying the ultimate price to cover the original sin for we have all missed the mark, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and we all need Jesus, our Lord and Savior to help us be forgiven and reconciled back to God! Could today be your day?
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 