Day 8: Faith that strengthens others
Jesus intercedes for us, and we're called to do the same. Real faith is shared— it strengthens others. Prayer is both personal and communal.
Jesus intercedes for us, and we're called to do the same. Real faith is shared— it strengthens others. Prayer is both personal and communal.
Today's Scripture
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." —Hebrews 10:19-25 (NLT)
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." —Hebrews 10:19-25 (NLT)
Reflect on the Word
Jesus made the way for us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. His sacrifice continues to allow us to rest boldly and unashamedly in the presence of the Father. When we are secure in God's love through spending time in His presence, we are able to lift our eyes from our own cares, worries and problems and pass the flame of the love of God to those around us.Then, we are not just equipped, but are also commissioned to turn outward, away from our own self-preoccupation, to look for
opportunities to encourage one another on toward love and good works.
Having been released from a life of competition and comparison, we are free in Christ to live a life marked by service to the people around us. Humility—birthed from the security of identity— makes way for the unity Jesus prayed for.
Our confidence in our Great High Priest interceding for us enables us to stand with those around us with faith and love. It produces the
ability to pray prayers for the victory of others when there appears to be little advantage to us.
It is this others-focused way of living that allows us to impart the fruit of our faith and assurance, the same way Jesus has imparted His glory to us. We are called to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the same way that Jesus did. We are to seek the betterment of others over ourselves. Only then can we truly be one (John 17:22).
Prayer + Contemplation
- Read Luke 22:24-32. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight any
area of your life where you are competing for greatness in the kingdom rather than abiding in your identity as a servant in the kingdom of God. - Pray with repentance over any lack of unity in your life that is the result of a lack of humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to embolden you to seek restoration in any relationship that has been broken by pride.
- Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to highlight someone in
your life today whom you can spur on to good works. Take some time to intercede for them in the same way Christ has committed to intercede for you.
Blessing,
Pastor Jeff
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