Verse of the Day 2/5

Verse of the Day 2/5

Hebrews 10:39  We are not like those people who turn back and get destroyed. We will keep on having faith until we are saved.  

 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In yesterday's post from Psalm 119 David felt like he was at the point of death but prayed that God would "breathe new life" into him.  That act itself is an act of faith.  it is not giving up, it is persevering in faith and in hope looking for that brighter day and receiving that "quickening ray" from God.

Today's verse from the end of Hebrews chapter 10 speaks of that same kind of faith.  The ESV in verse 39 states that the true believer doesn't shrink back but has faith which "preserves their souls".  When I first read the verse I read "persevere" instead of preserve, I had to go back and catch it.  Thinking of the two they go together, the one who perseveres in faith preserves their soul.

In his book "Created tp be God's Friend" Henry Blackaby writes, "With God there are no shortcuts to maturity.  There is no possibility of avoiding real life situations.  And life always brings some measure of conflict, even real battles.  But God is always with those He chooses to (1) bring them through the battles; (2) bring them to new understanding of Himself; and (3) shape their character in new and fresh ways.  Conflicts are God's means of developing character, especially faith in Him".

No matter what conflicts or challenges you may be facing today.  May you persevere and be preserved in faith.

As I was finishing up the recent song by Jordan Feliz came to mind.

There is no ocean that can't be parted
There is no mountain that can't be moved
I know there's help for the heavy-hearted
The weak will find their strength renewed

You just gotta have faith
You just gotta have faith

It's light for the shadows
For all your tomorrows
It's knowing He's there through the sun and the rain
It's when you believe it
Before you can see it
And you can walk on, 'cause He's making a way
Just gotta have some faith, faith
You gotta have some faith, faith

Today's verse leads directly into Hebrews 11 and the "Hall of Faith".  If you have some time, perhaps you need to make time, to read how those referenced in the chapter persevered and were preserved by faith in God.

Blessings, 

Mike

Hebrews 10:32-39 English Standard Version (ESV)

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,

"Yet a little while,
    and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
    and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him."

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

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