Something I read in church

[linaewen]

I was struck  yesterday by a passage of Scripture that was part of our sermon in church, which happened to be about God's faithfulness in fulfilling what he has promised.  The verses seemed totally new to me, like something I had never read before -- whether that is because I never noticed them amongst the other verses in the chapter, or because this was the first time they actually struck home with some meaning, I don't know.  In any case, the passage made me sit up and take notice!

So, because I like to keep track of such things in a place I can find them again, I'm putting it down here in my journal.

From Hebrews 6:16-20

Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf...

It's encouraging to think of hope as something more solid than just an emotion, or a feeling of something we want to happen but it might not.  There is that aspect to hope, I realize, but in this case, the point of the verse seems to be that it is something solid, that we can trust, because what we are waiting for is certain.

I like that!

Comments

Faith

[jimbo-baggins.livejournal.com]

Tom said I should dend you this. He liked it in his time of need. we need to keep him in our prayers.
A prayer for Healing:
Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all; touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs, and help me to lead others to You by my example.
Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever.
Amen.

Re: Faith

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing this, you and Tom. This is one of the most wonderful prayers I've ever read, and most definitely a prayer that God will hear and answer daily. I'm going to print it out and keep it in my Bible! I shall also be praying it for Tom especially in these days, and for all of us who have such need for encouragement and strengthening.