Father, the book of Hebrews is winding to an end, and it seems the author has thrown in as much good advice as he can before his good-bye.
“Keep on loving each other as brothers.
Do not forget to entertain strangers…
Remember those in prison…
Marriage should be honored by all…
Keep your lives free from the love of money
and be content with what you have…”
I do the same thing when my kids are leaving after a visit. Those parting words are the last chance to say important things, but often end up being a jumble of so many different things that none are particularly memorable.
Help me remember to do these things the writer of Hebrews has listed here.
I am told to “imitate the faith” of spiritual leaders and “consider the outcome of their way of life.” In Ezekiel’s time, it was the spiritual leaders who neglected to teach the people what they should know, and led them astray. They were the “shepherds of Israel” and they took advantage of the sheep.
Today we also have spiritual leaders whose lives do not honor You.
So I ask for Your wisdom and discernment so I will not ”be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.” There are so many philosophies and teachings in the world today that make claims to do everything from bringing inner peace, to fantastic wealth and fame, to grow hair on bald heads!
There are so many counterfeit faith systems that are designed to make me feel good, while pulling the wool over my eyes, and leading me away from You. Very famous and powerful people buy into these ”religions.”
Father, do not let me be enthralled by the sensationalism of any of them. Do not let me be intrigued by the power they profess to tap into, or the secrets they propose to know. But keep me on the path that leads me ever closer to You.
Thank You for the blessing at the end of Hebrews. I pray these words for myself and for my loved ones. It is what I seek with all my heart.
“May You, the God of Peace…equip [me] with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in [me] what is pleasing to You.”
Father, may I have Your peace in whatever circumstances the world or the evil one throw at me. May I know and feel Your peace even in the challenges and the hard times. Provide whatever I need to accomplish whatever You have for me. Lead me to what will please You. And may the success bring You glory! For ever and ever. Amen
Ezekiel 34:1-10; Hebrews 13:1-24
O Father, Your people didn’t think that judgment would come. But You sent Pharaoh Necho from Egypt in the west to take Judah’s king in chains and tax and oppress the people. Then Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon in the east came twice to burn Jerusalem and strip the land of the last of its treasures and people.
Daily Bible Prayer 