The Promise and Its Conditions: A Reflection on Hebrews 13:5

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

This is a personal promise from the Lord, one that the hearer is ready to gladly receive. And rightly so. But are we also willing to consider the conditions of this promise?

For this, let us read the verse in its fullness:

Hebrews 13:5

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

Pray in your times of loneliness

Psalms 4:3 ... The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

In the time when we feel we are all alone, it is usually because we are doing the right thing. Therein, let not pity be our companion, even if it is present. May it usher us into a place of prayer. In your place of isolation, it is your Opportunity to pray. For it is written; The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

However, Stand in awe, and sin not.

This we read in the next verse. The sin in this case at times is the act of not accepting the place of isolation wherewith we find ourselves as we seek a means out through fellowship with the world. instead,…

Reading from Psalms 21:5

His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

Honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (You the believer)

Not only are you now saved, furthermore:

Honor and majesty are laid upon you. (Through Christ)

Honor speaks of an imposing form and appearance. That all will see. Beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory and a goodly honor. As majesty, re-emphasize the Lord's honor upon you.

Based on the latest painting

The Power of Spiritual Wisdom

One does not teeter on the fence of decision-making when they are called to transcend barriers. Their focus should not be swayed by the external forces compelling them to choose. Instead, serenity and the readiness to respond will manifest when their attention is devoted to the Word.

Check the art gallery for the painting.

Exposition on the book of Ephesians

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:1

• Understand your calling, and paths will emerge for you to heed and pursue it. Act in a manner that honors your vocation. Remember, it wasn’t by your will power that you entered this calling; you were summoned to serve the Lord.

• In fulfilling this role, proceed with modesty and without arrogance. Maintain faith even in matters beyond your current understanding, trusting that comprehension will come in time.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

ALL THINGS

The greatness of God is beyond everything and definitely whatsoever you are going through.

Let us look at John chapter 1 verse three. (John 1:3) For an insight to the phrase “all things.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Upon first glance of the passage above, even with our focus on the phrase “all things,” we perceive it as a whole.

However, the word describing the phrase “all things” carries a far insightful meaning. It speaks not of a whole at once, rather all things as in an infinite detail. This is the Greek word, pas – meaning each, every, each part and parts. Every item of creation, one by one.

ECLIPSE 2024

https://youtu.be/o6UYScAhylU?si=AzCD3flRVdFr3wGZ

Who are you? Do you truly know yourself? You know your name, but it was given to you by someone else, not of your own choosing. So, who are you really? You have your own thoughts, but can you control them? Are you truly in control?

Pause and look at the time on your wristwatch or device. Do you see the time? Say it out loud. Then, consider your surroundings, whether you’re at home or somewhere else. Look at the time again and pause.

Can you confidently say that you control what will happen around you an hour from now? So, are you really in control as you think you are?

Being aware of the time doesn’t mean you control your destiny. If you’re not in the driver’s seat of life, do you even know where you’re headed? Even now, you can’t hold a perfect thought to ponder this question.…

If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The concept of sin often extends beyond actions to encompass thoughts and attitudes toward others. It’s important to remember that self-examination is a daily process. As we draw closer to the Light of the Lord, we may become more aware of our imperfections. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are becoming more sinful, but rather that our understanding of right and wrong is becoming clearer. This heightened awareness can guide us towards personal growth and spiritual development. It’s a journey of continuous learning and accountability.

But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

Thus, the Greek reads:

If we continue to confess…

Study Guide

Does the three "Woes" from Isaiah chapter 5 a call against the world or the believer?

Isaiah 5:20-22

The answer to the question is given in the 25 verse of the same chapter.

How are these "Woes" relatable to today's day and age?

If there is time, this we will discuss in the new group.