Hebrews 2-6

19 So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.

Trust or stress. Work out all the solutions endlessly, or believe the one God highlighted the first time? Believe. Rest.

Jeremiah 1-12

14 They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace.


Its no good in a pastoral situation to give off pat advice without acknowledging the situation. For example to tell someone to forgive without recognising that they've been wronged.


24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.


Lovingkindness before judgement: pastoral judgement must always take place in the context of loving concern, and the Lord's pain in this situation weeps off the page.

Hebrews 3

(3v13) 'But exhort one another...that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin...'

The writer tells us that it is possible for someone to exist within a church structure and yet have 'an evil unbelieving heart'. How do we avoid this situation? 'Exhort one another every day'. This implies two things - regular contact with different people in the church, and an atmosphere that allows us to challenge and encourage each other.

Isaiah

I love the fact that Hezekiah's cry of ch 35 "this is like when a woman goes into labour and hasn't got the strength to give birth" is answered by God in ch66:



9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?" says the LORD.

      " Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?" says your God.


Its good news that He who has begun a good work WILL complete it, and I love the scope of this book, demonstrating the Kingdom of God coming to a sinful world, both in the cross (ch53) and its ultimate effects (ch66).
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Hebrews 2

(2v9) '...Jesus, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death...'

There's a Stuart Townend song, I think it's 'How deep the Father's love for us', in which there is the line 'The Father turns his face away'. In a sense that is true - as a son, Jesus Christ became a disappointment to his Father on the cross as 'he who knew no sin became sin'.

However, there is a very real sense in which God did not turn his face away. On the cross, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice - he was literally made 'perfect through suffering' (2v10). God looked upon him and saw justice being done as Jesus 'tasted death' for everyone (2v9).

Thus Jesus is crowned with glory, not because he carried our sin, but because he died for it.

Hebrews 1

(1v1,2) '...God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...'

The gospel not only transforms us as people, but also must transform our understanding of the bible. When we study the Old Testament, we must hear the voice of the prophets, but we must also hear the voice of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said:

   

      " Sit at My right hand,
      Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?[i]

   

 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?



If we lose our identity in HIS identity, then God's declared intent is to put down our enemies and we discover that angels have been commissioned to help us.
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Isaiah 1-4

7 Their land is also full of silver and gold,
      And there is no end to their treasures;
      Their land is also full of horses,
      And there is no end to their chariots.
       8 Their land is also full of idols;
      They worship the work of their own hands,
      That which their own fingers have made.


To rely on our savings or lean on our salary without acknowledging God is idolatry. We acknowledge Him by giving.
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Song of Songs

12 My own vineyard is before me.
      You, O Solomon, may have a thousand,
      And those who tend its fruit two hundred.

When we give our lives to the Lord, all our income is his, and a portion is given to provide for those that "tend its fruit". So often when we talk about tithing we put the emphasis the other way around.
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Philemon

21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Paul commands a Spiritual son to receive back a slave that ran away and cancel his debts. Strong relationship that can make such demands.
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Titus

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded

Time is short. Choices narrow. Be alert now.

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2 Timothy 2-4

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

I desire to live for God.
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Ecclesiastes

       9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire.
Focus on the task at hand!

3 Do not be hasty to go from his presence.

Stick with the boss!

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all.

Don't look for a reward now!

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you,
      Do not leave your post;
      For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

Stay faithful, no matter what!

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Prov 31

8 Open your mouth for the speechless,
      In the cause of all who are appointed to die.

Speak.
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Prov 26-30

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
      And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Stop acknowledging and giving attention to nonsense.

25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
      But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered.

I trust you Jesus.
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Prov 21-25

15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
      And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

Patient evangelism.
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