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
Prayers for Luisa and Joseph, Doreen, Eleanor and Edward, Laur, William, HJR, Anne, all the saints and their families. May His love transcend you.
Bing Crosby – Do You Hear What I Hear (1963)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuE_DXrt2Js
“Said the night wind to the little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite,
With a tail as big as a kite.
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea,
With a voice as big as the sea.
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold,
Let us bring him silver and gold.
Said the king to the people everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light.”
Songwriters: Felix Bernard / Richard B Smith
Thank you Beverlee, joining you in praying for all of our needs and questions as well.
There is so much that I don’t understand about the Bible and yet one thing that is growing in my heart, a steadfast certainty that broken as I am, JESUS is my (our) loving all powerful Saviour, if we but accept Him!
Amen Anne
Thank you so much Beverlee,I am praying for you that you will have a Blessed Christmas without a lot of pain.
Also remembering the others you mentioned.
So glad to hear from you, some how it doesn’t seem the same without you.
Even though you are suffering yet you are always thinking of others.🙏❤️
Yes it is not the same without you Beverlee!!!
Miss your!!
Have a Bless Christmas.
“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant” (Psalm 119:76).
Thank You, Lord God, for caring for us. Everything was made by You. You meant every promise in Your Word. Your Word is forever True. You see every need. All is laid bare before You. You call us to come to You, and You tell us not to harden our hearts, to heed Your call, to be doers of, and not just listeners to, Your Word.
Father God, we cast our cares, and the cares of those You put on our hearts, on You. We ask that You help with all these needs, and we thank You for that. Be glorified, Lord, throughout this world You made, and bring many souls to You today, Lord. Move people today to share and live out Your gospel, so many will hear You calling them to come and find their rest in You.
I ask all these things, and more, with all my gratitude for Your amazing grace, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen……Oh Lord you do see every need, may we all trust you in greater ways today!
Oh yes thank you thank you for Your amazing grace!
Amen God is so good to this troubled world and the world is surely troubled. May God richly bless all bloggers and let us all remember the CHRIST in Christmas.
Rob, agreeing with you in prayer.
I also prayed David’s prayer for today.
Amen Rob!!!
Just heard that the missionaries in Haiti have been released. Thank you dear Lord and Saviour!! I and millions of others were praying for their safety. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I rest in Jesus every day. Thank you blessed folks for this blog. Blessings galore on you all and a Merry Christmas. -30 here at this time in WC Alberta with one beautiful moon.
Yes, Lynda, Praise GOD re missionaries release!
Thankful for Prayers and Music and all Bloggers.
Amen
Amen Lynda!!!
Thank You Lord for the prisoners’ release! Thank You Lord for resolving my phone issues. Thank You Lord for walking so closely with Your children. Most of all, thank You for giving Your All for us, even to death. Thank You. Blessings all, especially Beverlee! Amen and amen.
Amen
Amen to all the prayers and comments. Glad you have been moved to post Beverlee, we all missed your posts and links. I pray your writing went well and your book is moving forward.
Merry Christmas everyone and we take joy that Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless each and everyone of you Keep everyone safe from the virus and allow us all to enjoy Christmas with our families.
Amen
Amen HJR