QT 8/10/2026 Heb 12:18–21, Fear of the Lord and the Love of God

Hebrews 12:18–21 (ESV) —

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”

 

NOTE: This passage is to give context to the preceding warnings of God's discipline and of falling back. Again, let me reiterate, one can't lose their salvation because salvation is God's doing, not man's. Although it is quite possible for someone to think they are a Christian, but are not. If we think we are good enough for heaven, we are not Christians. David L. Allen (2010) writes "The fear which Moses and the people experienced in the presence of God at Sinai was motivated by their awareness of the infinite gap between their humanity and God’s divinity." We have a great need, and if we have truly believed in Jesus for our salvation, we should also be consumed by a great thankfulness.

 

I don't think we truly understand what it means to fear the Lord. Yes, the bible does say that perfect love casts out fear. But I think our redefining of "the fear of God" into "respect" misses something of great importance. There is a tension between God's love and the discipline of God which is often ignored. I have no answers or great explanations. There are many mysteries of God beyond my contemplation, such as the trinity or foreknowledge. But my understanding or lack of understanding does not change the truth. We need to fear God.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I think about the fear of God, especially when tempted toward sin?
2. I am totally convinced in God's love for me, but do I take his discipline seriously?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am a struggling and failing son often. I am comforted that I cannot earn your love. I am fully loved. I do fear your discipline, not because I think that it is not for my good, I just don't like being uncomfortable or living through painful circumstances to get my attention. I want to obey first. I want to listen to the still small voice. Protect me. Don't allow temptation to gain a foothold in my soul.

QT 8/7/2026 Heb 12:12-13, What path are you on?

Hebrews 12:12–13 (ESV) —

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

 

NOTE: As I read verses 12-13, I'm challenged with the thought, "it doesn't have to be that way," In other words, we can take the circuitous path, not listening to God, and find ourselves almost immobilized by the effort--physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Or we can take a straight path that brings healing to our soul. I am not suggesting a "health and wealth" gospel approach, but rather an approach that starts each day in the word of God and prayer. An approach that takes the things God is revealing and applies them practically to our life, slowing changing us from one degree of glory to another into the likeness of Jesus. There is peace, wholeness, and joy in this approach. Life will still throw curve balls. We will still face persecution. But while happiness depends on right happenings, joy depends only on connection to the vine, Jesus, and that starts with a daily abiding in the word of God.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I still striving to fit my will into God's will?
2. Am I willing to pursue God first and foremost, and see him meet my needs?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know I need to be obedient. I need to be listening to your word. I've read the bible more than a dozen times, studied all but a handful of the bible books, memorized 1000's of verses, and yet each day in the word is like a new meal, cooked by a master chef for me to enjoy. Father, we can never be too much in your word.

QT 8/6/2026 Heb 12:7-11, Becoming like Christ through growing to be like him

Hebrews 12:7–11 (ESV) —

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

 

NOTE: As I have discovered in life, there is suffering and pain throughout life, often caused by evil. God promises in Rom 8:28  and Heb 11:6 to bring good in these situations. But, discipline is different, but can look the same. So, how can you tell the difference? I think the key is to treat all pain as discipline by reevaluating your life when those difficult times come by. If it is discipline, we need to be obedient to what we realize needs to change. If not disciplinw, we need to believe that God is going to bring something good out of the situation as he has promised. In either case, the outcome will be positive if we are open to God's leading.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I in a time pain?
2. Have I sought God to discover if it is discipline or just the evil in the world?

 

PRAYER: Father, David prayed that you would search him and reveal his heart to him, helping him to see his faults. I pray for myself, help me to see the things I don't want to see, so that I can seek to change these weaknesses.

QT 8/5/2026 Heb 12:4-6, The privilege of being true children of God

Hebrews 12:4–6 (ESV) —

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

 

NOTE: A couple of very important thoughts emerge from this passage. One, God is our father and deals with us as a good father would. I should clarify and say that God is NOT everyone's father. We are created by him, but unlike what popular opinion might say, we are not God's children by virtue of existence. The bible is very clear, that we are adopted into God's family upon belief in the savior Jesus Christ. For those who know the Lord, God IS our father, for everyone else, the bible states that we are children of the evil one.

 

1 John 3:10 (ESV) — By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 5:19 (ESV) — We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

John 8:41–47 (ESV) — 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Romans 8:15–17 (ESV) — 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

 

There are many other verses upon this subject. It is a great source of comfort to one who has believed in Jesus Christ for salvation. Our Father is God of the universe and creator of all that is. He is infinitely wise. He promises to bring good of all the world throws at us.

 

The second thought is to "not regard lightly God's discipline." In my words, I need to be evaluating things in my life to see if God is allowing it to discipline me for some reason. I should not regard hard things lightly. We all should seek to learn. That requires some inner searching and some deep prayer. If our struggles are God's fatherly discipline, then we need the Lord's help to understand and change.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I seeking God during hard times?
2. Am I trusting my Father to care for me in all things?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my adoption into your family. I am undeserving of such a privilege except for the blood of Jesus my savior. I pray for families going through difficult times. You know them. I pray for grace and mercy, and if there is something you are teaching, that they would slow down and listen to your voice.

QT 8/4/2026 Heb 12:1–3, The focus needs to be on Jesus and persevering in faith in him

Hebrews 12:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

 

NOTE: I love chiastic structures which are a very Jewish way of organizing passages and books. The structure builds up to a point and then comes back down in the same way it built up to the point. So, in the case below, A and A' are equivalent, and B and B', and so on. The thrust of the these verses is the E in the chiastic outline, JESUS.

 

      “Therefore we,

      [A] having seated around about us such a cloud of witnesses,

         [B] setting aside every weight and every clinging sin …

           [C] with patient endurance …

             [D] let us run the race that is set before us

               [E] keeping our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of the faith,

             [D’] who for the joy that was set before Him …

           [C’] patiently endured the cross …

         [B’] despising shame …

      [A’] and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”707

 

707 Estella B. Horning, “Chiasmus, Creedal Structure, and Christology in Hebrews 12:1-2,” Biblical Research 23 (1978):41.

 

While the passage starts out with "we," it is not about us but about Jesus. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is our example. His life is our pattern. His will is our desire.

 

The great cloud of witnesses are in chapter 11. There are many more than mentioned in chapter 11, he alludes to that fact in verse 11:32, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of …."

 

The message is that none really received what was promised, but they persevered in faith. It is easy to grow weary and fainthearted when you are in a situation that does not seem to end. Don't give up. Trust God, never stop trusting God.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I persevering in my trial?
2. Do I trust that God knows my situation? And that he loves me immensely?

 

PRAYER: Father, someday all things will make sense, but today, life can really hurt. I pray for you to work in the lives of those who are struggling to let them see a glimpse of your love in these hard days.

QT 8/3/2026 Heb 11:32-40, It is not about the results

Hebrews 11:32–40 (ESV) —

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

 

NOTE: These verses explain faith better than any other verse in the bible. The break in the middle of verse 35 from positive to negative results shows that one's faith is not evidenced by the results. Faith is believing that God knows what he is doing and ultimately he has a better plan. Technically, God's best answers lie outside of this physical world. You are commended for trusting God, not for getting what you want. What we should want is God's will. Of course, they are trying circumstances that seem to call for a quick answer. What do we do? We keep praying. We keep giving our worries. We look for his answer. God gives good gifts to his children.

 

PONDER:

1. Can I wait upon God's provision?
2. Will I continually pray?

 

PRAYER: Father, I have been here. I know what it is like to need immediate answers. I know the feeling of no water in a desert as the Israelites experienced. I want to trust and wait upon you. And I do so desire to see your answers to those great needs.

QT 7/31/2026 Heb 11:29–31, Persevering in life

Hebrews 11:29–31 (ESV) —

29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

 

NOTE: I think it is interesting that the generation that left Egypt is commended, and yet that generation died in the desert for their unbelief concerning the first spies report. The generation that entered the land is commended but it failed to fulfill the mission and capture the whole land.

 

What does it say about us? I think starting out well is good, but even more important is finishing well. Finishing the race depends on everything, a good start, a good pace in the middle, and energy to sprint out at the end. The Israelite generations had good starts but they did not finish strong. They did not persevere.

 

PONDER:

1. It is hard to wait. It is hard to persevere. What am I waiting upon that God has not provided or answered yet? Give it back to him

 

PRAYER: Father, as I wait upon your answer for a number of different requests, I pray for strength and faith to trust you. I pray for your will in each of the situations.

QT 7/30/2026 Heb 11:24–28, Failures should not define us

Hebrews 11:24–28 (ESV) —

24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

 

NOTE: The author's insight into Moses must be God-given because the Exodus story does not seem to reflect his re-telling. It is not that they are in contradiction necessarily since the OT story could be considered broad-brushed. At the burning bush, he is very hesitant in his faith, even refusing the assignment, but in the end, Moses is faithful to stand up to Pharaoh. Moses obey God. And he certainly chose reproach with Israel than his Egyptian heritage. His problem was trying to be a savior in his own power. Maybe that was his reluctance at the burning bush, embarrassment at his previous failure. Ultimately, Moses puts his life on the line. He does not back down from Pharaoh. And He obeys God at nearly every point. He did fail the second time in getting water from the rock. But he learns and he accepts God's rebuke, despite the cost. He saw the land from a mountain top, but he died never entering the land. He did live for a greater reward than he could have ever got in Egypt.

 

PONDER:

1. Do past failures prevent my acceptance of new opportunities?
2. Do I hide behind my failures? Is it false humility or an excuse?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to put the past behind. I will always fail in some way, or at least in seems that way. But it does not matter to me -- you are my success, you are my hope, and you are my future.

QT 7/29/2026 Heb 11:20–23, Remembering for the long haul

Hebrews 11:20–23 (ESV) —

20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

 

NOTE: The blessings were reflections of their belief in the future God promised -- actually two futures. The first future would be the promise of the land, but the second future is the one repeatedly mentioned, the city whose designer and builder is God. Joseph knew that Egypt was not their home, and so he made plans based on faith. Not, that he would see his bones carried to the promised land, but rather that it would be a constant reminder to Israel of their future home.

 

Later in Israelite history, there would be these reminders erected in the land. They would name these stones. Samuel erected one called "Ebenezer" as God helped them defeat the Philistines. An early collection of stones were when Israel crossed the Jordan. It is good to have reminders to help our faith during days of doubt.

 

A journal, such as I keep here, is a reminder device of sorts. My notes reveal what God has been teaching me, and emphasizing to me in certain periods of my life. Also, writing or typing allows the message to sink more deeply into my soul. If I only read the passage, and only thought about it, I would remember little. But the process of writing things down (which slows me down too) causes me to think more deeply, and to hear the Holy Spirit speak.

 

PONDER:

1. How are we doing in getting to know God more deeply?
2. Do we use our notes as a way to review what God has been teaching over the year?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful to review my Quiet Time notes. Help me to see the patterns. Help me to respond to your promptings.

QT 7/28/2026 Heb 11:17–19, Death of a vision

Hebrews 11:17–19 (ESV) —

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

 

NOTE: There was a popular speaker, many years ago, who coined the phrase "death of a vision." While I would be leery of some of his theology, I have seen this principle in life. God takes you up to a point (seems to give you a vision / desire), then takes it away, only to restore it remarkably in his time and place. Sometimes, nothing happens, and that is simply God revealing that is not the direction for you, he has something else planned.

 

I'm not sure if I could have every been as trusting as Abraham was. My faith is weak in comparison. But I have seen my dreams crushed on numerous occasions, only to see God restore them months and years later. I believe God cares and I know he is working his will through me. My comfort is that I have learned to be honest with God (he knows me completely anyway).

 

Right now, my heart extends to my children who are looking for jobs. I so greatly desire to see them in good situations. God knows what is "real" good, I only know what I think is really good.

 

PONDER:

1. Have you ever had a dream crushed only to see it miraculously resurface later -- what did you learn?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for my children. Teach them during this time of stress and insecurity. Help them to grow in faith and to trust you.

QT 7/27/2026 Heb 11:13–16, Our mission needs to be his mission

Hebrews 11:13–16 (ESV) —

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

 

NOTE: This is a key paragraph in understanding faith, and stands as a counter to the health and wealth gospel adherents. Later, verses 35-40 will echo the same message. Faith is not about what you get here on earth, but it is believing that whatever happens, in the end, God is the rewarder of those who trust him. God's will, will be accomplished -- that should be our greatest desire. A focus on comfort misses the whole point of life, we are spiritual creatures with eternal destinies. When we focus on the physical aspects of life over the spiritual aspects, we are led astray by our own evil desires.

 

As I write this, I sit in a very quiet and comfortable upstairs room. It is early in the morning. It is peaceful. My chair is very comfortable. I slept well in a very nice and comfortable bed. I have to asked myself; do I live what I write? My focus is on doing God's will. I am not seeking comfort, but it has come upon me. I share the concerns of most parents for my children. Life could change in an instant, as it often has. I lived through many very painful years of children with multiple serious medical concerns. I did not know if one would live. But clearly now, things are much better physically, and spiritually as well. I retired a few years ago. We are a daycare for our two toddler grandchildren. That part is not always comfortable but is very important. My focus continues on making disciples. This year I hope to see 30 or more groups (3-4 people) each focused on being disciples, and later on going on and making disciples. I have been doing this for ten years in our church, but also ever since I came to Christ in college. This is my retirement, making disciples and disciple-makers. I plan to do this until the Lord takes me home. In that sense, this is what it means to walk by faith. Yes, my life (now) is at ease, but my mission remains to walk with God and to make disciples.

 

PONDER:

1. What is your mission? What are you doing with your life?
2. What are you seeking? It is not wrong to live in comfort, it is not the goal we should be seeking.

 

PRAYER: Father, this is a critical week as we reach out to a new generation that have never learned what it means to be a disciple. I pray for you to open eyes to truth and to their need. I pray for people to truly seek you.

QT 7/24/2026 Heb 11:11-12, Persisting in unbelief

Hebrews 11:11–12 (ESV) —

11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

 

NOTE: God, and the scriptures, which are his word, are especially kind to Sarah. She may have considered God faithful, at some point in her life, but the opposite seems to be true most of her life. Hagar was Sarah's idea to provide a son, and that did not work out well. The context of the Sarah's story seems to suggest a sarcastic laugh when she overheard the news from the Lord of her giving birth in a year. She was ninety-nine, it was understandable. Maybe she did something else, she laughed in unbelief and she laughed in unbelievable joy and amazement that this thing might be true. And maybe, when she was question by the Angel of the Lord (preincarnate Jesus), she considered the promise true and God to be faithful.

 

Abraham and Sarah had a lot of servants late in their life. Even still, having children at such an old age is difficult. My wife and I take care of our two toddler grandchildren, and it is not easy. Fortunately, we both are pretty young physically, but there is a reason children are born to the young.

 

What do we learn? It's okay to have questions with God's will. It's okay to question Him. It's NOT okay to say "no, send someone else" like Moses did at the end of the burning bush story. It's not a lack of faith to struggle, but to persist in struggle, that is not okay.

 

PONDER:

1. It's okay to struggle at times with God's will for your life, but do you persist in refusing God?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see where we persist in not letting you have control of our life. Open our eyes to your truth and to real peace and joy.

QT 7/23/2026 Heb 11:5–10, Faith and obedience

Hebrews 11:5–10 (ESV) —

5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

 

NOTE: In two of the three examples (and possibly all three), the men were not pursuing riches or honor or comfort, their faith act was obedience to God's revealed will, without knowing the final outcome. Noah built an ark, long before there was any sign of rain. Abraham left his land to live in a promised foreign land. It would be a half century before his descendants would own that land.

 

Verse 6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. In other words, one must be willing to put God's will in front of our will. We must put God's promise of a special city (vs 10) over our dreams of a retirement home.

 

Verse 5 gives two conditions. One, we must believe that God exist and two, that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. I would write it this way, I must believe that God has my best interests at heart. I need not worry. I just need to be obedient and do his will for my life.

 

PONDER:

1. Who am I really living for, self or God? It is not hard to tell.

 

PRAYER: Father, it is easy to fall into a trap of comfortableness and ease. It is easy to desire those things above all. But our problem, is that we don't grasp how much more you offer. These men who gave all are our examples. They weren't perfect, but they worked at walking by faith.

QT 7/22/2026 Heb 11:1–4, Faith is trusting in God's will

Hebrews 11:1–4 (ESV) —

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.

 

NOTE: I had never noticed this before, but the author introduces the next three chapters (11-13) with the admonition to faith, hope, and love in Heb 10:22-25 (Thomas, W. H. Griffith, 1984).

 

Hebrews 10:22–25 (ESV) — 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 

The first point is that faith is confidence in the unseen. I would argue that it is not confidence in getting what I want (that type of unseen), but it is confidence in God (who is unseen) and his will (also unseen) for my life.

 

The examples highlight this truth. The first example is the universe. Science still cannot come up with an explanation for the universe's origin. Every explanation just pushes the question further back in time. There must be a cause, and ultimately a first cause. God himself is the first cause (he is by definition eternal, he is not caused). There was nothing and God created everything out of nothing. There are some things that cannot be explained except by faith in an eternal God.

 

Abel is a another example of faith in the unseen God. Abel offered up the first fruits of his harvest because he had faith that God will continue to provide. I believe Abel sacrificed out of faith. Cain gave out of his abundance. It was no sacrifice. It did not require faith to believe that God would provide since he had enough. I know the passage doesn't say this, but given the context and later descriptions of offerings, this is the best explanation. Abel had faith in God's will for his life, even if he gave away the seeds that could have provided more wealth. But you say, Abel died and Cain lived. Yes, because faith is not about getting a great life here on earth, but about experiencing God's will here and God's glorious inheritance in heaven.

 

Hebrews 11:39–40 (ESV) — 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I living for the things of this world, or am I living to accomplish God's will for my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, we are so selfish and self-absorbed. It is all about us, we think. We pray for ourselves, but we seldom pray for you to accomplish your will. We don't trust your will for our life. Help us to persevere and to learn to trust you.

Hebrews 11:1–4 (ESV) —

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.

 

NOTE: I had never noticed this before, but the author introduces the next three chapters (11-13) with the admonition to faith, hope, and love in Heb 10:22-25 (Thomas, W. H. Griffith, 1984).

 

Hebrews 10:22–25 (ESV) — 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 

The first point is that faith is confidence in the unseen. I would argue that it is not confidence in getting what I want (that type of unseen), but it is confidence in God (who is unseen) and his will (also unseen) for my life.

 

The examples highlight this truth. The first example is the universe. Science still cannot come up with an explanation for the universe's origin. Every explanation just pushes the question further back in time. There must be a cause, and ultimately a first cause. God himself is the first cause (he is by definition eternal, he is not caused). There was nothing and God created everything out of nothing. There are some things that cannot be explained except by faith in an eternal God.

 

Abel is a another example of faith in the unseen God. Abel offered up the first fruits of his harvest because he had faith that God will continue to provide. I believe Abel sacrificed out of faith. Cain gave out of his abundance. It was no sacrifice. It did not require faith to believe that God would provide since he had enough. I know the passage doesn't say this, but given the context and later descriptions of offerings, this is the best explanation. Abel had faith in God's will for his life, even if he gave away the seeds that could have provided more wealth. But you say, Abel died and Cain lived. Yes, because faith is not about getting a great life here on earth, but about experiencing God's will here and God's glorious inheritance in heaven.

 

Hebrews 11:39–40 (ESV) — 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I living for the things of this world, or am I living to accomplish God's will for my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, we are so selfish and self-absorbed. It is all about us, we think. We pray for ourselves, but we seldom pray for you to accomplish your will. We don't trust your will for our life. Help us to persevere and to learn to trust you.

QT 7/21/2026 Heb 10:35-39, Giving up

Hebrews 10:35–39 (ESV) —

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.

 

NOTE: The passage is written to believers, the same believers who in verses 24-25 have given up meeting together. They started out well but somewhere along the way, when difficulties and persecutions arose, they gave way and went backwards, potentially all the way to being an apostate.

 

I think the idea of good works is misunderstood by Christians today. You cannot in any way earn your salvation, it is by grace through faith. It is promised by God and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). But, there is a reward in heaven for good works. Eternal life is already paid for by Jesus, so what is this reward? I don't know, but I would make two arguments.

 

1. Rewards are positions and opportunities to serve Jesus in the Millennial kingdom.
2. There is no other way to say "thank you for salvation" than by service to God on earth now. Our works can never say "thank you" loud enough, but our abandonment of service says "I don't care." We clearly don't value salvation. The reward is the ability to say "thank you."

 

Lastly, let me quote something Barclay said about perseverance.

 

“Perseverance is one of the great unromantic virtues. Most people can start well; almost everyone can be fine in spasms. Most people have their good days. Most men have their great moments. To everyone it is sometimes given to mount up with wings as eagles; in the moment of the great effort everyone can run and not be weary; but the greatest gift of all is to walk and not to faint.” (Barclay, 1963, pp. 143-44.)

 

I can relate. I can always give a spurt, but continuing day after day can be monotonous, tedious, and dull. Yet, I found a reward in the daily slog. In time, what was hard became joyful, peaceful, and restful.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I in the battle? Have I given up like the Hebrews, if only, subtly?
2. Does a reward in heaven have any meaning to me?

 

PRAYER: Lord, this culture calls us to give up the good for the temporary. We are offered entertainment and comfort if we give up service and perseverance. Open our eyes to our real motives, help us to repent and return, the church is so weak. The enemy has blinded it.

QT 7/20/2026 Heb 10:32–34, A better retirement home

Hebrews 10:32–34 (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.

 

NOTE: I wonder if this applied to all or only to some, that is, the author is bringing back to their memory the Jews reaction to those who started following Jesus. It wasn't always harsh. In the early church, the people held "the way" in great esteem, which restricted the hands of the early Sanhedrin. By the time Paul was delivering his gift to the poor in Jerusalem, it is evident that the crowd had a totally different opinion of "the way." In thirty years, they had shifted from great esteem to pure hatred. Many of these recipients had seen that change and what had happened to those who identified with Christ. Some had experienced the persecution. And now, another 10-20 years later, they were drawing back, forgetting the joy of knowing Christ or in believing their better reward.

 

Culture changes quickly. Values, behaviors, and mores change. In my lifetime, I've seen rapid changes. Things I would have never thought possible are now acceptable. The enemy has used media to accelerate the change. The enemy has encouraged greed and given wealth to the ungodly to foster lies. In some ways, I share a guilt that my life has been easier than most. I have experienced suffering, but not persecution (well, at least not overt).

 

The key is to remember the ending. We have a better possession and an abiding one (10:34). In a couple of chapters, he will finish this argument with the following verses:

 

Hebrews 12:22–24 (ESV) — 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

We can take joy because whatever happens now, nothing can replace our glorious future, which is promised by God himself.

 

PONDER:

1. One of the signs that are focus is off is when we talk about earthly retirement homes and lifestyles. Our reward is not here on earth, but in heaven. Do we have a spiritual perspective on life and eternity?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is easy to fall into the trap of comfort. In one sense, it provides peace and rest. But God promises the same to those who will trust him and continue in faith. We need to grow in the word of truth and listen as God speaks to our hearts.

QT 7/17/2026 Heb 10:26–31, Warning to Christian who are not serious in their walk with God

Hebrews 10:26–31 (ESV) —

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

NOTE: I think this passage is clearly speaking to born-again believers. There are a variety of reasons, but the easiest is that author includes himself in the first verse when he says "we." But the author never uses the phrase "eternal" in any of the descriptions of the judgment. I think there are two judgments occurring here for the believers who willfully separate themselves from the body (described in 10:19-25). First, they will burn in the fire that will consume Jerusalem (in the next few years, AD 70). They will not leave when they get a chance (in opposition to the Lord's own warning), and they will identify with other Jews as a means to maintain their livelihood (or so they think). Second, they will face believers judgment where his life's work will be revealed, and they will suffer loss.

 

1 Corinthians 3:15 (ESV) — If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

 

What does it mean for a believer to suffer loss? I don't know. A number of Christians have quoted the verse that says there are no tears in heaven. Or they ask if I think believers will have regret? I think we may carry verses too far, and out of context. The apostate believer cannot lose their salvation, but God's word says that they will suffer loss and face God's judgment of his people.

 

Why do we want to know the answer? Is it because we are like the Hebrew Christians, neglecting faith so that we can live life as we please? All I can say to those believers is what the author here says to believers: "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

 

PONDER:

1. God warned the Hebrew believers of the danger of not being serious with their faith -- could that warning be true for me as well?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for Christians who live for comfort and not service. I pray for those who have retired or have their retirement home. There is no retirement option in this life. Our retirement home is in heaven, now is not the time to slow down or to give up ministry.

QT 7/16/2026 Heb 10:19–25, Getting serious about our faith

Hebrews 10:19–25 (ESV) —

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 

NOTE: Here is the application of all the previous theology and comparisons of the new to the old covenant. It is fivefold: 1) draw near, 2) hold fast, 3) stir up, 4) meet together, and 5) encourage one another. This is a pretty good list of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, as well as a good list for why people fall away or even apostate themselves (note: I am not suggesting you can lose your salvation).

 

1. Draw near means to meet with the Lord in his word and in prayer. It is the number one reason why so many Christians never grow or change or look any different from the rest of the world.
2. Hold fast means to trust God with events of life, believing that he is in ultimate control and that he promises to work things out for good for the believer. (Note: Heb 11 will go into more detail).
3. Stir up means that we are to challenge those who are not growing in their faith to get into their bible and get serious with their walk with God. Challenge them to be a real disciple of Jesus.
4. Meet together means that we put a priority on corporate gatherings. Hey, I get it, I'm a loner. I don't like meetings or large groups, but I know it is a good thing for me (science says the same) and it is a good thing for others that I show up and fellowship.
5. Encourage one another cannot happen if you are spiritually dead or on spiritual life support. If you are not meeting with God regularly in his word, you have nothing of value that you can share with another. You must get serious about your faith and about your relationship with God. If you do that, God will give you a vibrant life that can encourage others.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I doing these 5 things and what is the excuse I will give to God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray you would wake up the church. We are not much better than the early believers in Jerusalem that Hebrews is addressed to. I pray for a seriousness in our faith, and to experience the peace and joy of a relationship with the God over all.

QT 7/15/2026 Heb 10:15-18, Breaking free from slavery

Hebrews 10:15–18 (ESV) —

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them

after those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my laws on their hearts,

and write them on their minds,”

17 then he adds,

“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

 

NOTE: The author quotes a prophecy from Jeremiah. Commentators (Allen, and Lane to name two) suggest that the author is pulling the quote forward and telling the reader that the Holy Spirit is saying this now. It is being fulfilled. It is a new covenant. It is different from the past covenant, although in the old covenant they were supposed to have the law memorized. Now it will actually live within them. I believe that is the Holy Spirit who takes up residence in each believer and brings to mind Gods' word.

 

A second important truth from the Jeremiah quote, which should seem obvious, is that if there is no remembrance of sin, that is complete forgiveness by Jesus' work on the cross, then there is no need for any more offerings for sin. This argument is based upon the Old Testament passage quoted.

 

The author has made it very clear that Jesus is our new high priest, repeated sacrifices are made obsolete, the new covenant does not fix up the old -- it excludes the old. Jesus sits now at the right hand of the Father, the work is finished. The future covenant that Jeremiah prophesied is here, now. And what had been shadows and copies are now replaced by the real thing, access into God's Holy of Holies.

 

One last point, the author operates from a dualist "already/not yet" eschatological outlook with respect to Christ's reign (Allen, DL, 2010).  Yes, there is a future eschatological reign of Christ, where Christ will return and subjugate his enemies permanently, but there is also a world that has already come, the heavenly Jerusalem, which believers have already come.

 

Hebrews 12:22 (ESV) — 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,

 

We are part of the kingdom of God now, and we await the physical kingdom of come where Christ's reigns on earth.

 

PONDER:

1. It is hard to read these verses and wonder why Jewish believers (Messianic) might turn back to Judaism. That was the first century issue, but non-Jewish Christians are similar in their desire to place themselves under the law, thinking they have found some spiritual secret. Paraphrasing Paul from Galatians: Live in the freedom of Christ, not in slavery to the law. Where do you stand?

 

PRAYER: Father, I don't know what our problems is. I wonder if we really have tasted the goodness of God, or if we are just playing the game "spirituality." Free us from Satan's schemes. Help us to experience the freedom and rest (shalom) we have in Christ.