Hebrews 12 - James 1

Brethren, God is awesome. He has given us His own Spirit to the ones who really believe in Him and love Him. In our struggles against sin, we have not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood, as quoted in Hebrews 12:4. We forget the word of encouragement that addresses us as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" Hebrews12 5. God wants us to be like Him and he will give us the strength and wisdom to overcome temptation. On our side we need to humble ourselves and accept his sovereignty. It is all about Him and not us. God disciplines us for our own good that we may share in His holiness. Our submission to God and His ways must be complete if we want to be really blessed. "See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks" Hebrews 12:25

We tend to believe that God tempts us. No, as it is written: "For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." James 1:13-14. We are all short of the glory of God and only though Him we can endure hardships. When we face trials, we might be in pain, but God tells us to be in joy whenever we face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of our faith will develop perseverance. Brethren, let us strive for the hope we have in Him to be in heaven for eternity. What difference would it make to be in a permanent trial on this world if we know that we will be with Him forever? Our Lord gives us hope and ways to overcome trials by trusting and obeying Him. Praise our Lord!

During the short time we spend on this earth let us not be hearers but passionately let us be doers. Let us humbly accept the word that has been planted in our hearts to be a testimony of love and with certainty we'll be saved. Praise God for giving us the Spirit of power in Christ Jesus!

Armando Perdomo
May 11