Season 1

Episode 49: James 5

Today's meditation is based on James 5 from the Passion Translation
I do not put my trust in the riches of this world. Worldly riches will rot, fine clothes will be eaten by moths, gold and silver will be corroded. I do not hoard up treasure for the last days by fraudulently holding back payment for services that I received from others. I don't indulge myself with the luxury and pleasure that this world offers.
Instead, I am patient and filled with expectation as I wait for the appearing of the Lord. Just as the farmer waits patiently for the earth’s harvest as it ripens because of the early and latter rains, I also, keep my hopes high and remain patient, for the presence of the Lord is drawing closer. Since I am part of God’s family, I never complain or grumble about my brothers and sisters so that judgment will not come on me, for the true Judge is near and very ready to appear.
I take the prophets as my mentors. They prophesied in the name of the Lord and it brought them great sufferings, yet they patiently endured. I honor them as my heroes because they remained faithful even while enduring great sufferings. I think of Job and all that he went through, and how the Lord ultimately treated him with wonderful kindness, revealing how tenderhearted he really is.
I never need to verify my speech as truthful by swearing by the heavens or the earth or any other oath. But instead I am so full of integrity that my “Yes” or “No” is convincing enough and I do not stumble into hypocrisy.
If there any believers in my church family suffering great hardship and distress, I encourage them to pray and I pray with them. And the happy, cheerful ones, I encourage them to sing out their praises and I joyously sing along. I ask the elders of the church to come and pray with me over the sick and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. God's Word says that the prayer of faith will heal the sick and the Lord will raise them up, and if they've committed sins they will be forgiven.
When I offend someone, I confess and acknowledge it and pray that we are both instantly healed. I know that tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer.
Elijah was a man with human frailties, just like I have, but he prayed and received supernatural answers. He actually shut the heavens over the land so there would be no rain for three and a half years! Then he prayed again and the skies opened up over the land so that rain came again and produced the harvest.
That's the miraculous power of prayer. And that same miracle working power will work through my prayers if I believe.
As a member of God’s beloved family, I go after the one who wanders from the truth and bring him back. Because when a sinning believer is restored back to God from the error of his way, his soul is brought back to life from the dead. 
Countless sins can be covered by a simple demonstration of love.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 48: James 4

Today's meditation is based on James 4 from the Passion Translation
I avoid conflicts and quarrels with others. I know that the battle begins inside of me if I fight to have my own way and fulfill my own desires. So I guard my heart. I do not jealously want what others have, nor do I see myself as better than others. I do not scheme with envy or harm others to selfishly obtain what they have. That would lead to quarrels and fights. I have no need or desire to have what someone else has, I know that all I need to do is ask God. And to ask with the right motives, not seeking only to fulfill my own selfish desires. I have no desire to become a spiritual adulterer, having an affair, an unholy relationship with the world. I know that flirting with the world’s values would place me at odds with God. Choosing to be the world’s friend would make me God’s enemy.
The Spirit that God breathed into me is a jealous Lover who intensely desires to have more and more of me. And he continues to pour out more and more grace upon me. 
I know that God resists me when I am proud, but continually pours out grace when I am humble. So I surrender myself to God. I stand up to the devil and resist him and he flees in agony. I move my heart closer and closer to God, and he comes even closer to me. 
So, I cleanse my life, keep my heart pure and do not doubt. I have felt the pain of my sin and wept. My joking around was turned into mourning and my joy into deep humiliation. I made myself low before the Lord and he has exalted me.
As part of God’s family, I never speak against another family member. Slandering a brother or sister would violate God’s law of love. And my duty is not to make myself a judge of the law of love by saying that it doesn’t apply to me. My duty is to obey it. There is only one true Law giver and Judge, the One who has the power to save and destroy—so I don't have any business judging my neighbor.
I don't boast about my future plans, because I don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. My fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes. But, I know that my tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and I follow his will for my life so that I may live my life to its fullest. I do not boast in my ignorance, and I am not presumptuous about what I'll do tomorrow. Because I know that I make my plans, but the Lord orders my steps.
I take each day as it comes, and if I have the opportunity to do the right thing today, I do it.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 47: James 3

Today's meditation is based on James 3 from the Passion Translation
We all fail in many areas, but I especially fail with my words. Yet I know that if I'm able to bridle the words I say, I am powerful enough to control myself in every way. That means my character is mature and fully developed. Horses have bits and bridles in their mouths so that we can control and guide their large bodies.  And the same with mighty ships, though they are massive and driven by fierce winds, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder at the direction of the person at the helm.
The same is true of my tongue. Even though it is a small part of the body, it carries great power, much as a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. My tongue is a fire. It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of my body. It can corrupt my entire body. It's a hellish flame and releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.
Every wild animal on earth including birds, creeping reptiles, and creatures of the sea and land have all been overpowered and tamed by humans, yet, I can't tame my tongue. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison. I use my tongue to praise God the Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image. Out of the same mouth I pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. This should never be!
I wouldn't look for olives hanging on a fig tree or go to pick figs from a grapevine. And I know that fresh and bitter water can't flow out of the same spring. A bitter spring can't produce fresh water.
If I am truly wise and understand the ways of God, I will advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. I never brag or boast about what I’ve done and by being humble and giving God the glory, I prove that I'm truly wise. If ever there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in my heart, I don’t deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. For that has nothing to do with God’s heavenly wisdom. Instead, it can best be described as the wisdom of this world, both selfish and devilish. Wherever jealousy and selfishness are uncovered, I know that I will also find many troubles and every kind of meanness. So I guard against these.
The wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! I will plant good seeds of wisdom’s fruit with peaceful acts because I cherish making peace.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 46: James 2

Today's meditation is based on James 2 from the Passion Translation
I do not show prejudice or favor one group of people above another. God chooses the poor to make rich and to be heirs of the kingdom-realm that he promised to those who love him. I do not shun the poor to try to impress the rich. 
My calling is to fulfill the royal law of love given to me in Scripture. I love and value my neighbor as I love and value myself. For keeping this law is the noble way to live. So I do not commit sin or violate this royal law of love by showing prejudice.
I know it is a losing battle for me to try to keep all of the law of Moses. If I fail in even one point, I'm guilty of breaking the law in every respect. I speak and act in every respect like one who is destined to be tried by the perfect law of liberty, always remembering that judgment is merciless for the one who judges others without mercy. By showing mercy, I take dominion over judgment.
If I claim to have faith but demonstrate no good works to prove it, I am a liar. This kind of fruitless faith can't save anyone. If a brother or sister in the faith is poorly clothed and hungry and I leave them saying, “Good-bye. I hope you stay warm and have plenty to eat,” but don’t provide them with a coat or even a cup of soup, what good is my faith? If my faith doesn’t involve action it's phony.
I show my faith by my works as proof that I believe. Believing that there is one true God is not enough. It's wonderful, but even the demons know this and tremble with fear before him, yet they’re unchanged—they remain demons.
If my faith is divorced from good works it's phony. Abraham was found righteous before God because of his works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His action cooperated with his faith, and by his action faith found its full expression. Because Abraham believed God, his faith was exchanged for God’s righteousness and he became known as the lover of God. From this, I can clearly see that a person is seen as righteous in God’s eyes not merely by faith alone, but by his works. 
Rahab the prostitute was also found righteous in God’s eyes by her works, when she received the spies into her home and helped them escape from the city by another route.
Just as a human body without the spirit is a dead corpse, so my faith without the expression of good works is dead. So I mix my actions with my faith, and my life is fruitful.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 45: James 1

Today's Meditation is based on James 1 from the Passion Translation
I am a love-slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When it seems as though I am facing nothing but difficulties, I see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that I can. I know that when my faith is tested it stirs up in me the power of endurance. And as my endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of my being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
When I long to be wise, I know that all I have to do is ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see my lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold me over my failures but he will overwhelm my failures with his generous grace. So, I ask empowered by confident faith without doubting that I will receive. I am not ambivalent, believing one minute and doubting the next. Because I know that being undecided makes me become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind -- up one minute and tossed down the next. I am not half-hearted or wavering, which would leave me unstable. Because I know I cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord in that condition.
If I am poor, I boast in God's ability to place me on high. If I am rich, I boast  that he has humbled me. I know that all earthly glory will one day fade away like a wildflower in the meadow. I do not pursue wealth, for as the scorching heat of the sun causes the petals of the wildflower to fall off and lose its appearance of beauty, so will wealth pursued wither away.
My faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, and I continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as I pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God.
I never say that God is tempting me. I know God is incapable of being tempted by evil and he is never the source of temptation. I do not let my own desires and thoughts drag me into evil or lure me away into darkness. Evil desires give birth to evil actions. And when sin is fully mature it can murder you. So I don't allow myself to be fooled by my own desires.
Every gift God freely gives me is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. God was delighted to give me birth by the truth of his infallible Word so that I would fulfill his chosen destiny for me and become a favorite one out of all his creation!
I am quick to listen, but slow to speak. And slow to become angry. I know that human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. I abandon everything morally impure and all forms of wicked conduct. Instead, with a sensitive spirit I absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within my nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver me.
I don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. I always let his Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by my life.
I listen to the Word and live out the message I hear. I look in the mirror of the Word to discover the reflection of my face. I perceive how God sees me in the mirror of the Word, and I remember my divine origin. I set my gaze deeply into the perfecting law of liberty and I'm fascinated by, and respond to, the truth I hear. I am strengthened by it, and I experience God’s blessing in all that I do!
I have an intimate and abiding relationship with God, and I carefully guard my words so my heart doesn't drift away into the shallow emptiness of religion.
True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of Father God is to make a difference in the lives of others, to help them through their troubles, and to refuse to be corrupted by the world’s values.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 44: Hebrews 13

Today's Meditation is based on Hebrews 13 from the Passion Translation
No matter what, I make room in my heart to love every believer. And show hospitality to strangers, for they may be angels from God showing up as my guests. I identify with those who are in prison as though I am there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if I can feel their pain.
I honor the sanctity of marriage and keep my vows of purity, for I know that God will judge sexual immorality in any form, whether single or married.
I am not obsessed with money but live content with what I have, for I always have God’s presence. He has promised that he will never leave me. Never. And that he will not loosen his grip on my life. 
So, I can say with great confidence:
“I know the Lord is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me!”
I do not forget the example of my spiritual leaders who have spoken God’s messages to me. I take a close look at how they live their lives, and I follow their walk of faith.
Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever. So I am not led astray with novel and exotic teachings. I know that it is more beautiful to feast on grace and be inwardly strengthened than to be obsessed with rules which in themselves have no lasting benefit.
I feast on a sacrifice at my spiritual altar and Jesus, my sin-sacrifice, suffered death outside the city walls to make me holy by his own blood.
I arise and join him outside the religious “walls” and bear his disgrace. For I have no city here on earth to be my permanent home, but I seek the city that is destined to come. Through Jesus, I offer up to God a steady stream of praise sacrifices—these are “the lambs” I offer from my lips that celebrate his name!
I show mercy to the poor and do not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.
I obey my spiritual leaders and recognize their authority, for they keep watch over my soul without resting. I endeavor always to make their work a pleasure and not a heavy burden.
I continue to live with a clear conscience, for I desire to live honorably in all that I do. 
The God who brought me peace by raising from the dead my Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant, works perfection into every part of me giving me all that I need to fulfill my destiny. And he expresses through me all that is excellent and pleasing to him through my life-union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever!
I let my spirit flow through this message of love and God’s wonderful grace is poured out upon me.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 43: Hebrews 12

Today's Meditation is based on Hebrews 12 from the Passion Translation
I have all of these great witnesses who encircle me like clouds. So I must let go of every wound that has pierced me and the sin I so easily fall into. Then I will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before me. 
I look away from the natural realm and I focus my attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within me and who leads me forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that I would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
I consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that I won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. After all, I have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in my opposition to sin. 
I do not underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct me. For the Lord’s training of my life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws me to himself, it proves I am his delightful child.
I fully embrace God’s correction as part of my training, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. I welcome God’s discipline as the validation of authentic sonship. For if I had never once endured his correction it would only prove that we are strangers, and that I am not his child.
As I respect my earthy father even though he corrected and disciplined me, I demonstrate an even greater respect for God, my spiritual Father, as I submit to his life-giving discipline. My parents corrected me for the short time of my childhood as it seemed good to them. But God corrects me throughout my life for my own good, giving me an invitation to share his holiness. Even though discipline seems to be painful at the time, I know that later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace if I yield to it. 
I am made strong even in my weakness by lifting up my hands in prayer and worship. He strengthens my knees, as I keep walking forward on God’s paths, and all my stumbling ways are divinely healed!
In every relationship, I am swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness. I know if I am not holy, I will not see the Lord. I watch over my brothers and sisters to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. I do not allow a root of bitterness to sprout within me, and do all I can to prevent it in others. I know bitterness will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.
I do not live in immorality, or become careless about God’s blessings, like Esau who traded away his rights as the firstborn for a simple meal. Because later, it may be too late to repent.
I am not coming, as Moses did, to a physical mountain with its burning fire, thick clouds of darkness and gloom, and with a raging whirlwind. I am not being warned by the jarring blast of a trumpet and the thundering voice, fearful voice begging it to be silent. But I have already come near to God in a totally different realm, the Zion-realm, for I have entered the city of the Living God, which is the New Jerusalem in heaven! I have joined the festal gathering of myriads of angels  in their joyous celebration! 
As a member of the church of the Firstborn, my name has been legally registered as a citizen of heaven! And I have come before God who judges all, and who lives among the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect in his eyes!
And I have come to Jesus who established a new covenant with his blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat; blood that continues to speak from heaven, “forgiveness,” a better message than Abel’s blood that cries from the earth, “justice.” 
I never refuse to listen to God when he speaks. For the God who spoke on earth from Sinai is the same God who now speaks from heaven. Those who heard him speak his living Word on earth found nowhere to hide, so what chance is there for me to escape if I turn my back on God and refuse to hear his warnings as he speaks from heaven?
The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!”
The phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakable will remain. Since I am receiving my rights to an unshakable kingdom, I am extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as I lay down my life in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For my God is a holy, devouring fire.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 42: Hebrews 11

Today's Meditation is based on Hebrews 11 from the Passion Translation
Now faith brings my hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things I long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for. Faith empowers me to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
I have faith like Abel, and freely give God my offering of faith. 
Like Enoch, my life is a pleasure to God, and one day, God will promote me and translate me to the heavenly realm.
I know that without faith living within me it would be impossible to please God. I came to God in faith, knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him.
Like Noah, I open my heart to receive revelation and warnings from God about what is to come... even things that have never been seen. I will step out in reverent obedience to his instructions.
Like Abraham, faith will motivate me to obey God's call and leave the familiar to discover the things God has planned for me that are beyond my imagination. I will step out in faith on his promises, even when I don't know where they may lead me. 
My eyes of faith are set on the city with unshakable foundations, whose architect and builder is God himself. 
Like Sarah, I will embrace God's miracle power to conceive great and miraculous things... no matter how old I am. The authority of my faith rests in the One who has made great and precious promises, and I tap into his faithfulness.
I am Abraham's seed. I see beyond the horizon the fulfillment of God's promises and gladly embrace them. I live my life on earth as one who belongs to another realm.
I live this way, longing for the appearing of a heavenly city. If my heart still remembered what was behind me, I would look for an opportunity to go back. But my heart is fixed on what is far greater -- the heavenly realm!
Because of this God is not ashamed in any way to be called my God and my Father, because he has prepared a heavenly city for me.
Like Abraham, I am willing to offer up the things that I hold dearest. 
Like Isaac and Jacob, I will impart blessings on my children concerning their destinies. 
Like Joseph, I open my eyes so that Holy Spirit can reveal to me things that are yet to come. 
Like Moses, my faith enables me to choose God’s will. My identity is that of a child of the living God... no matter what circumstances I was raised in. I prefer faith's certainty above the momentary enjoyment of sin's pleasure. My true wealth is found in being anointed by God, and nothing the world offers can compare. My eyes look with wonder, not on the immediate, but on the ultimate -- faith's great reward.
I hold onto faith's promise, and have no fear. The destroyer cannot come into my home. Faith opens a way of escape from my enemies, even if it means parting a sea so that I can walk through on dry land. Faith pulls down walls that block my way. 
Through faith’s power, kingdoms have been conquered. I fasten my faith onto the promises of God and pull them into reality! 
This is the same faith that shut the mouths of lions, put out the power of raging fires, caused many to escape certain death by the sword, and raised the dead. When I am weak, faith gives me power and makes me strong. Faith sparks courage within me and I become a mighty warrior in battle, pulling armies from another realm into battle array.
Even if I lost everything I possessed, endured great afflictions, and was cruelly mistreated... If I had to wander the earth living in the desert wilderness, in caves, on barren mountains and in holes in the earth... yet, I would live in hope. 
Because God has invited me to live in something better than what our forefathers had -- faith’s fullness! 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing
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Episode 41: Hebrews 10

Today's Meditation is based on Hebrews 10 from the Passion Translation
The old system of living under the law was just a faint shadow, a crude outline of the reality of the wonderful blessings that came with Jesus Christ. Even a steady stream of sacrifices offered year after year, couldn't make my heart perfect before God. Once was not enough. So if animal sacrifices were still required year after year, it would be a continual reminder of my sins and an impure heart. 
But when Jesus the Messiah came into the world, he came clothed in a body so he could offer himself as the final sacrifice. He satisfied justice. He choose to be the One to do the Father's will and fulfill everything that was prophesized about him in the Word.
He abolished the need for animal sacrifices by removing my sin completely. He replaced the old covenant with a new and better covenant. By God's will I have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah!
And when Jesus, my High Priest had offered the one supreme sacrifice for sin for all time he sat down on a throne at the right hand of God. And there he waits until all his whispering enemies are subdued and turn into his footstool. By his one perfect sacrifice he made me perfectly holy and complete for all time!
The Holy Spirit confirms this by Scripture, saying that afterwards, there would be a new covenant, and he would embed his laws into my heart and fasten his word to my thoughts. And he promised to never remember my sins and lawless deeds -- ever again. 
Since my sins have been forgiven and forgotten, there is no need to offer another sacrifice for sin.
I am a child of God, part of his family because of the blood of Jesus, and he welcomes me to come into the most holy sanctuary in the heavenly realm — boldly and without hesitation. For he has dedicated a new, life-giving way for me to approach God. For just as the veil was torn in two, Jesus’ body was torn open to give me free and fresh access to God!
I now have a magnificent High Priest to welcome me into God’s house, so I come closer to God and approach him with an open heart. I am fully convinced that nothing will keep me at a distance from him. My heart has been sprinkled with blood to remove impurity, and I have been freed from an accusing conscience. I am clean, unstained, and presentable to God inside and out!
I wrap my heart tightly around the hope that lives within me, knowing that God always keeps his promises! I discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, I strive to get together even more frequently, eager to encourage and be encouraged and urge others onward in anticipation of that day dawning.
I remember the days right after the Light shined in my heart! Even when I had to endure seasons of hardship, I stood my ground. If I am publicly shamed, mistreated, or persecuted for my faith; yet will I stand side by side with those who preach the message of hope.
I will accept these violations with joy; because I am convinced that I possess a treasure growing in heaven that can never be taken from me. 
I will not lose my bold, courageous faith, for I am destined for a great reward!
I thank God for the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of his will and I know that I will receive the promise in full. For soon and very soon, the One who is appearing will come without delay!
I will live from his faith. Fear cannot hold me back. I have faith and experience true life!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 40: Hebrews 9

Today's Meditation is based on Hebrews 9 from The Passion Translation
Under the old covenant, there were very specific rules for worship and the high priest was the only one permitted to enter into the holiest sanctuary of all -- and only once a year after offering sacrificial blood for both his own sins and for the sins of the people. 
The perfect way of holiness had not yet been unveiled. But offerings and animal sacrifices couldn't perfectly cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. The old pattern of worship was based on external rules and rituals and ceremonial washings. 
But now, the appointed time of heart-restoration has arrived!
Now the Anointed One has become the King-Priest of every wonderful thing that has come. He serves in a greater, more perfect heavenly tabernacle not made by men,  not a part of this creation. And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but by the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made my salvation secure forever and given me entrance to the holy of holies -- the very throne room of God!
How much more does the sacred blood of the Messiah thoroughly cleanse my conscience! For by the power of the eternal Spirit he has offered himself to God as the perfect Sacrifice that now frees me from my dead works so that I may worship and serve the living God.
Jesus enacted a new covenant with a new relationship with God -- an unbreakable covenant with God on both ends. I have accepted the invitation and he has given me the eternal inheritance promised to his heirs. For he died to release me from the guilt of my sins.
A last will and testament can only take effect after one has been proven to have died; and it cannot be in force while the person who made it is still alive. Nearly everything under the law was purified with blood, since forgiveness only comes through an outpouring of blood.
But the heavenly things themselves required a superior sacrifice over those of animals. For Jesus the Messiah did not enter into the earthly tabernacle made by men, which was but an echo of the true sanctuary, but he entered into heaven itself to appear before the face of God in my place. His sacrifice does not need to repeatedly offered year after year. He abolished sin once and for all by the sacrifice of himself!
Every human being is appointed to die once, and then to face God’s judgment. But because of him, when I die I will be face-to-face with Christ, the One who experienced death once for all to bear the sins of many! I eagerly await his second appearance; not to deal with sin, but to bring me the fullness of salvation.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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