Reflections from Hebrews 13

I (Jacquie) came across a couple of verses in Hebrews 13 the other day that caught my attention.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (vv. 15-16)

These verses are a simple reminder of two key principles in following Christ: praising God and sharing with others, both of which may and perhaps should require us to sacrifice time, energy, success, or material wealth.  In a devotional reading today I was again challenged by the need to daily celebrate God with praise and thanksgiving, a habit which I know turns my focus away from my daily concerns or worries and instead towards God’s faithfulness.  In addition, in this past few months I have felt God calling me to be less attached to our material possessions, not necessarily meaning we need to give them away, but more just having a more generous heart and having less concern if our things are lost, taken or broken especially if such an attitude puts worry over possessions ahead of people and relationships.

Besides these few thoughts there were many other verses in the last chapter of Hebrews that were an encouragement to me and that I felt summarized well a variety of thoughts presented through the entire book.  I leave you with just one more poignant question/verse: “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Heb 13:6).

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