In the book of Hebrews, the writer of the book, in addressing a Hebrew audience, starts of the book by placing the name God in the emphatic position. The significance of this is often lost on us, but in so doing he draws attention to the fact that it is God (under the Hebrew name Elohim), who has acted in such a way as to reveal Himself to us. He has done that in various ways to the Hebrew people over a long period of time, and He concluded that revelation by sending the one, who was “His Son” to reveal to us the person and plan of God for salvation and a restored relationship with Himself. Since Elohim is powerful enough to create all things by His own power, it is possible for the revelation of Himself, through the Son, to make redemption possible for the world. It is this foundation that make possible the hope we have that the Word of God was more than just a book of ethical stories, complied by men. This is God’s own revelation of Himself and His plan to a world who could not deduce God’s plan without God, Himself, revealing it … READ MORE

The sacrifices of those who have given their all for the privileges we have as citizens of the Kingdom of God and America, should change our perspective and cause us to live a changed life. Colossians 3:1 reminds us that “since we were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” As a believer, I am first of all a follower of Jesus Christ who lives in America. We must remember that people must always be more important than things. It is always easier to sacrifice for what we deem as important, than what we believe is required. In the Bible we are reminded that living is not about ourselves, but about those who are around us. As we move from our celebration of Memorial day, to the everyday living. We need to understand that the sacrifices of those who have gone before us are the basis of the privileges that we enjoy today. We should be glad to be an American, but even more a citizen of the Kingdom of God. God in His infinite plan has, for reasons only known to Him, has given us the wonderful … READ MORE

As we consider the sacrifices of others, we are reminded of so much for us to be thankful for! Those sacrifices should lead us to a life of gratitude, as our cup is always half full rather than half empty. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” As followers of Jesus Christ, our lives should be marked with gratitude, which leads to contentment. Consider how the writers of the Psalms often had a wrong perspective of life, and as they considered what they had because of their relationship with God their perspectives were changed. We need to remember and understand that we have what we have as followers of Christ, because of the sacrifice that God made for us through the work of Christ for our salvation. We need to remember that this life is passing quickly, and what is here is temporal at best. Eternity is before us, and our security is found in the sacrifice of Christ. Today, … READ MORE