Category Archives: Hebrews

Spiritual strength

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The First Shall Be Last (Le premier sera le dernier)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper 1886–1896
Brooklyn Museum

Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”
Luke 13:23-24

It takes mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength to walk the way Jesus has shown me: To intentionally treat all people with respect and kindness, to embody peace, to seek unity instead of division, to forgive those who have hurt me, to pray for my enemies, to help those who are suffering and in need.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to follow the straight path of love, compassion, and peace in every circumstance.

Faith practice

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Luke 12:34

I breathe in God with every inhalation and I surrender to God’s love with each exhalation. I have been made for this intimate communion, this eternal cycle of receiving and giving love. I am at home in the heart of God.

Today I will choose God as my treasure. I will practice faith by opening my heart to God’s infinite presence, kindness, and love.

Purified in love

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Simeon and Anna in the Temple
oil on oak wood, 1627
Hamburg, Hamburger Kunsthalle

Because Jesus himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Hebrews 2:18

Jesus is no stranger to the personal experience of human suffering. Our Lord knows knows what it is to be a refugee, to be hunted and persecuted, to endure pain and rejection and injustice, to be mocked and humiliated, to be executed.

Like Jesus, we trust that doing the will of God is more important than the challenges of the human condition. Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandments are to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. When we listen to each other, help each other, treat all people with respect, kindness, and compassion, we bring healing to our troubled world by our willingness to be present to all who are suffering.

Today I will ask God to purify my thoughts and actions so that I become a servant to God’s will, a channel of peace and nonviolence, and a conduit for God’s healing love.

The voice of love

Fourth Sunday of Advent

[Elizabeth said,] “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44

Our whole being leaps with joy when we hear the voice of love. Let us be the voice of love for every member of our human family. Let us be aware of each other, greet everyone with respect, reach out to everyone in welcome and comfort, listen to each other’s pain, and be the presence of peace and compassion wherever we are.

Today I will do my part to ensure God’s will is fulfilled by being a voice of love, peace, and compassion for my family, friends, and all people I encounter.

All things are possible

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Rich Young Man Went Away Sorrowful (Le jeune homme riche s’en alla triste)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886–1896
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said, “All things are possible for God.” Mark 10:27

We can do all things through God, with God, and in God because God’s Word and Spirit live within us. We are God’s voice, ears, eyes, hands, and heart in the world. We have the power to intentionally choose words, actions, and behaviors that prove us to be effective bearers of God’s love, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and healing.

Today I will pray for a spirit of wisdom and the grace to share my love and possessions with those in need.

A covenant of love

Laura James
Love One Another

The people all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Exodus 24:3

The Lord has told us to love one another. May we embody patience, kindness, respectful listening, nonviolence, forgiveness, gentleness, and generosity.

Let us join together to build up the Body of Christ in love and service to one another.

The Lord stoops toward me

Wikimedia Commons
Cloud of Witnesses

Though I am afflicted and poor,
yet the LORD thinks of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, hold not back! Psalm 40:18

With an open, broken heart, I ask the Lord for help and receive it.

Lord, today I will remember you are here. I am not alone. I will remember to keep you in the center of my life and suffering.

Limping along

or97

“The spiritual life is not a theory.” Alcoholics Anonymous

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us. Hebrews 12:1

Today I feel like I am walking backwards in my race towards God. I have prayed, talked to a trusted friend, written to God, and now I am surrendering my life and will to the One who is Compassion. I know I will be given what I need to persevere.