THE BUILDER OF LIVES
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
At the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, a priest conducts a service. The Hebrew people, to whom the book of Hebrews was addressed, would have been very familiar with the ceremonies conducted in the Jerusalem Temple by the High Priest. The vestments of the Jewish priests were carried into the Christian church all over the world by priests who were believers in Jesus. The liturgy of Temple worship has influenced the rituals of all the ancient churches as they see the sacrifice of Christ on the cross portrayed in their traditional forms of worship. The service pictured above is conducted by a Coptic Priest from Egypt.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Hebrews 4:14
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
The first verse of today’s reading urges us to “Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” We are encouraged to examine carefully the role of Christ Jesus in His absolutely essential work of presenting the sacrifice of His own life to Almighty God. There is no salvation apart from Christ. Therefore, believers in Jesus are exhorted not to depart from their faith in Christ.
Hebrews chapter four repeats the word “rest” seven times. We may want to look up the word “rest” in the dictionary and ask ourselves, “Are we resting in Jesus?” The ultimate importance of the bedrock of Jesus on which we “rest,” and upon Whom we build our lives, is obvious. It is the Word of God (4:12) which provides the blueprint for the structure of our lives. The importance of considering God’s plans daily cannot be overstated. This blog should help us focus our attention on how we are building and then on the “rest” that is ours.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Christ Jesus, You are the Builder of my house, the place where I dwell. I’ve read, Lord, that “every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). I pray that I will rest 24/7 in the knowledge that You are my Foundation, my Builder. I need You! May I not be a “do-it-yourself” builder. I rest in 100% confidence in Your commitment to build my life as something of beauty for Your glory. I pray this in the Name of the Builder of lives, Jesus Christ, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
The first few sentences of St. Mark’s Gospel chapter 6 tell about Jesus’ first visit to His hometown of Nazareth following the start of His public ministry. The people have heard about the miracles He has already performed. They ask, “Is not this the carpenter?” They asked in order to belittle Him; I write it here to exalt Him. In the previous chapter (Mark 5), there are three examples of Jesus’ higher carpentry. Check it out if you find the time (Mark 5:1-43 & 6:1-5). I brag about His magnificent building skills.
Yours for Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Remember He was a Carpenter, a Builder, the Builder of the lives of all of us who invite Him to construct our lives to His glory and purpose,
David
Do not get your blogs for the past 3 or 4 days. Have to go on line. I send this all over the world to friends and relatives and facebook
Indeed, the Word of God provides the blueprint for the structure of our lives. Amen! He was a builder in the flesh and a builder in the Spirit! We love You, Jesus, and thank You for being with us! Wishing all saints a blessed day, as we worship our Lord, together! This song is for you, Irene! 🙂
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Ps 127:1 ESV
Little Drummer Boy – NTNU version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VGQZwIlWiU
Bless you Beverlee! Still one of my favorate.
The Drummer Boy is one of the songs the Senior’s Choir
I sing in, sings. We perform in Senior homes every Christmas.
Saturday evening I was blessed listing to “Christmas musical by University Mobile” I believe it was on Day Star channel 166.
Which included Drummer Boy.
Eph 2 19-22 Message Bible.
God is the builder.
Song Christmas Offering
by Casting Crowns.
One of the ladies from my Bible Study group sent me this poem as I have lost my husband recently. I thought I would share it with my blog friends.
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars
reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular
please wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year
I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can’t compare
with the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you
of the joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description
to hear the angels sing
I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart
But I’m not so far away
we really aren’t apart
So be happy for me dear ones,
you know I hold you near
and be glad I’m spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year
I sent you each a special gift
from my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love
After all love is a gift
more precious than pure gold
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told
Please love and keep each other
as my Father said to do
For I can’t count the blessings
or the love he has for you
So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear
Remember I’m spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year
Unknown
I also want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. God Bless you as you celebrate His birth with your family and friends.
This is lovely Gwen, God Bless you and keep you in His care. Eleanor M.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing Gwen and have a blessed Christmas.
God bless you Gwen! So happy you shared the poem, also to talk about the grieving of your beloved…love is a gift and that was the topic of every parable….I think so….
I also pray for those who are drowning their sorrows in drugs, booze or whatever else…..they are sad, lonely, heart broken, some don’t feel they deserve any respect AND THAT IS NOT THE CASE because God loves everyone unconditionally……His Word also says that He will never leave nor forsake us….
Also pray and give thanks to all those who reach out to help others not only at Christmas time but throughout the whole year….
Blessings and thanks to many, many of God’s children…..amen
Merry Christmas to you, Gwen. Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem, at your time of mourning. May God hold you in His Arms, lovingly, and feel peace in knowing your husband is in heaven with our Saviour. You will be reunited.
Bless you, Gwen for sharing this heartfelt poem!
David’s commentary on this Word of God, is wonderful. Such an encouragement as we grow older in this age. Lord, I pray that I will be firm in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and leave a strong witness for my family.
Thank you Anne and Ron
Thank you all blogging friends. That’s a lovely poem Gwen. I thought of Pastor David as I read it and wondering what it would be like in the presence of the Lord.
My husband is in heaven too, along with our first granddaughter. Both passed on Dec 27 (different years). We will meet again!!
Amen Doreen!!!
So did I, Ger.
I am so thankful for Ger, Doreen,Irene, Beverlee Kay and Eleanor and all the others that blog daily, your words are so encouraging for me; the music is so beautiful and uplifting;
I have been having a very difficult time dealing with the pushing of the devil, the harder I rebuke, the stronger he pushes, he is a nothing, I please the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ over my body, my car, my home, community, pool, lifeguards, neighbours, children,grand-children, friends, the Pastors and other Christians in my town, I rebuke the devil, I am going swimming tonight,
that’s another thing that happened, I went to the pool last night but it was shut down for some reason so I returned home and immediately a BIG storm came up and I felt that God did not want me on the road due to the storm, so I thanked Him for the pool being closed…..
Bless the Lord O My soul…….I pray tonight will go well at the pool……
TY Lord for all the blessings of this day…..in Jesus Name amen
What a beautiful poem Gwen and a beautiful way to remember our loved ones who have gone home to be with our LORD & SAVIOR – a A comfort to believe and know they where they are and the beauty of heaven.
Thanks for sharing your poem with us Gwen. As I read it , it was like Pastor David speaking to us..
Yes, Thelma…that is how I felt!
Jesus the carpenter…one of the many meanings of rest is “being support by a firm foundation”. I thought of the song “Leaning on the everlasting arms, safe and secure from all alarm”
Also Jesus is not finished with me yet, He is still building me… I thought of Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
May your Christmas be filled with Joy and laughter!