Jeremiah 7

As we can see by now that there is a reoccuring message in the Book of Jeremiah. There are more cause and effect Scriptures to serve as warnings for us. There is more of the wrath of God being poured.

vs. 3
If - 'Amend your ways and your doings'
Then - 'I will cause you to dwell in this place'

vs. 23
If - 'Obey My voice'
Then - 'I will be your God and you shall be My people'
If - 'walk in all the ways that I have commanded you'
Then - 'it may be well with you'

It is illustrated so clearly what the Lord's hope is for us. The Lord's request from us is clearly stated. His reward is clearly stated. What is 'this place' in vs. 3 that the Lord has to give us? If we read back to vs. 2, we will find out that 'this place' refers to 'the Lord's house', which we know is the Heavenly Kingdom. What much more can the Lord give us but part of His kingdom? What are we waiting for? 'Amend our ways'!!!

There is one thing that frightens me in this chapter, and that is vs. 16. How dreadful it would be if all intercession made to the Lord is futile? What happens if the Lords shuts His ears to our cries and our prayers (vs. 16)? Nothing will be amended at that time. Therefore, let us not fall into that trap. You may ask how we can avoid the trap. It is clearly stated in vs. 13 how they plugged up the Lord's ears. The Lord says, "because you have done all these [wicked] works, and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer" (vs. 13). Do not let the plugging of our ears lead to the plugging of God's ears. If we can only incline our ears to His voice, then we will go forward and not backward (vs. 24). It's time to make some progress. Don't falter any more.

Jeremiah 6

More cause and effect is being described to us in this chapter. This, again, serves as a warning and caution for us. We must examine history closely and learn from the mistakes of our forefathers who have done wrong in the eye of God. Not only must we examine their deeds, we must also depart from their mistakes and prevent from repeating them in this generation.

It is the utmost danger when the Lords declares, "To whom whall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of othe Lord is a reproach to them; they have no delight in it" (vs. 10). If the Lord hesitates to correct our wrongs, we are in danger of slipping away from the protection of God. Reproach will only be given by the Father to His child. If we are no longer considered a child of our parents, then our parents will cease to discipline us. It is similar to our relationship with God. If God stops His chastisement against us, then we are in danger of not being considered a child of God. Therefore, while God still admonishes us, we must take heed of His words and correct ourselves. That way, we can prevent from being forsaken by God.

Yes, God is love and mercy. But we should never test the love of God and always believe that He will never give up on us. If we are stubborn enough to harden our hearts time and again, He will eventually forsake us. Let's not let that happen. Let's heed the warnings God is giving us.

The chosen people are too fall because they were not ashamed of their abominations (vs. 15). Therefore, it is telling us that if we feel ashamed of our abominations, then we shall not fall. Another cause and effect warning for us to take heed.

Another cause and effect in a positive manner is given in vs. 16, "And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you wil find rest for your souls." What is the old paths? The path that they tread within the Lords before the abominations took place. We must go back to our original faith, our original love when we first knew God. Do not forget those times and stray away from Him. Then, we will find rest.

Lastly, calamity will be poured upon the chosen people because they have not heeded God's words, but rejected it (vs. 19). Let that be a caution to us. Turn back to the words of God and prevent that calamity from being poured.

Jeremiah 5

Why must men be so foolish to refuse correction? Why must we harden our hearts and refuse to return to God knowing that calamity awaits us? Even after the Lord consumed them, the chosen people refused to change (vs. 3). But it is because they do not know the way of the Lord that they fall into unrepentance (vs. 4). If the punishment for the people who know not the judgment of God is so great, how much worse would it be for the people who know the way of the Lord and His judgment yet refused it? After all, those who are oblivous of their actions are punished less severely than those who know evil but carried on with it. I do not want to imagine the consequences of our punishment if we failed to follow the ways of God which once was stamped in our minds. Let's not become the object of God's punishment.

Let us not push the Lord away any longer and come to receive the good things which is stored up for us (vs. 25). If it is our sins that prevent us from receiving the good things, then let us confess those sins before God and be rid of them. Do not wait until the Lord says, "Shall I not punish them for these things?...Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?" (vs. 29). Let's not arouse the wrath of God and bring destruction upon ourselves. Be wise and return to His ways!

Jeremiah 4

Hope upon hope. This chapter reassures us even further the mercy God waits to pour upon us. That is, with conditions.

(vs. 1)
Hope - 'Return to Me'
'If' - 'you will put away your abominations our of My sight'
'Then' - 'you shall not be moved'

(vs. 14)
Hope - salvation
If - 'wash your heart from wickedness'
Then - 'you may be saved'

Yes, God's mercy abounds but not aimlessly. His mercy is there, but we must make the first move. Only 'if' we turn away from our wickedness, 'then' His mercy will pour upon us. Who makes the first move? It is us. God waits for our answer to the hope He gave. 'If' only we can stand up to Him and make the determination, 'then' He will help us through.

Shall we continue to be 'silly children' that 'have no understanding' (vs. 22)? Surely not!

Instead of being wise to do evil, we should strive to acquire that knowledge to do good. Because God is source of all good things, we must draw close to Him and learn from His example. We must meditate upon His Words day and night to prevent any bad thoughts from bombarding our mind. We must be conscious of our mind and cast out any hint of evil before it has a chance to grow. Because, 'when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death' (James 1:15). This is severe, death! Let us not fall into the death trap of Satan. Let us holdfast to our Father of life.

In order for that to happen, we must 'break up [our] fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns' (vs. 3). We must loosen our heart to God and not mingle with the sins of this world. We must 'circumcise [ourselves] to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of [our] hearts' (vs. 4). We must return to the Lord and remove our sins completely. If not, '[His] fury [will] come forth like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of [our] doings' (vs. 4). Yes, the punishment is great. But, He has already warned us firsthand. Why are we so foolish to turn away from His warnings and fall right into the trap? Let us stand up and make our move to 'return'. Do not linger any longer.

Jeremiah 3

What a heartrending and eye-opening chapter. The Lord's love and jealousy can be felt throughout His call for the chosen people's return. How foolish the people were to reject the mercy of God to return to Him after playing the harlot (vs. 6,7)? How often do we fall into the same pit? Is it because of mere oblivion or is because of shame that we fail to accept His mercy? If it is mere oblivion, then we must examine ourselves and reveal to ourselves the harlot that is covert. If it is shame, then we must wake up and ask the Lord for courage to face Him once again. Would not the Bible be written in vain if the denouement of it all is for us to falter away because we are ashamed of our deeds? And because of it, feel the unworth to face the Lord? Which ultimately makes us a repudiator of God's mercy and love and His sacrifice.

If the denouement of our story is for us to fall away because of sin, then why would Jesus have to die for us? Wouldn't the ending be accomplished without such a great sacrifice? Wouldn't we have died because of sin anyway? Now, Jesus came to sacrifice Himself to change our fate. That is, to give us the hope of life after sin. Then, why are we refusing His call to 'Return'?

It is foolish for human beings to reject God, but it is even more foolish when one falls right after seeing his companion fall. Isn't the sole purpose of history to serve as a warning for the present? Then why is it that Judah, after seeing Israel play the harlot and was put away by God went on to play the harlot also (vs. 8). Pondering upon that verse, Judah is definitely foolish and worthy of reproach. But to see it in perspective, aren't we following in Judah's footsteps? Aren't we falling into sin anyway after seeing one of our brethrens fall? Did their story serve as a warning for us or merely a story in the ear? Why must we have the same ending as Judah and not wake up after seeing Israel's 'certificate of divorce'?

Yet, even with all the faults of the chosen people, God calls out to them ,"Return, backsliding Israel...And I will not cause My anger to fall on you; For I am merciful...And I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God" (vs. 12,13). Doesn't your heart break after reading this verse? Even after we've 'cheated' on God, He still waits for our return. Shall we shy away from the love of God now? If we do, who else can help us? Isn't God the only one who gives life? If we are then dead because of sin, would we not need the fountain of living waters, that is God? What is it we are waiting for?

The Lord went on to tell His fallen people, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings" (vs. 22). How persistent is His love? Can anyone ever match it? Time after time we have transgressed against Him and played the harlot with the lusts of this world, yet, He awaits us to heal us. How long will we keep Him waiting? Isn't it time to make the determination to return to His shelter and protection? Isn't it time to answer the Lord's loving call for our return?

Jeremiah 2

The more I read Jeremiah, the more I can identify with those Israelites. Before, I can stand and say, "how dare those Israelites do that to God". But now reading closely, I'm really not any better. It is indeed a pity that we were once betrothed to God, but we chose to play the harlot. It is quite foolish of us to choose the finite cistern instead of the infinte fountain (vs. 13). When we can find everlasting life in the fountain of living water, we chose the broken cistern that will not only run dry but will not refill itself and will certainly not bring us life but death. Why must we continue to dry out and wither? Why don't we return to the living water?

Humans are foolish in that we only remember God in our troubled times. After the troubles are terminated, we go back to living our sinful lives. It is so true in vs. 27 when it states, "For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they will say, 'Arise and save us'". Isn't that so true? We will forsake God when we don't need Him, but call out to Him when we are in need. We must break this cycle of being 'backsliding children'. We must return to Him fully and remember Him daily and not only when we need Him. We must 'Return' to be His children. The relationship between a child and a Father is one that is intimate. It is one where communication is exercised daily. We must draw closer to our heavenly Father, because He wants to draw close to us. But "He who called [us] is holy, [we must] also be holy in all [our] conduct" (1 Peter 1:15).

God calls out to us only hoping that we admit our iniquities. He will only 'plead His case against us' if we say, 'I have not sinned' (vs. 35). But today, as we admit our wrongs and return to Him, He will await us with His abundant love and mercy that is sealed with an everlasting covenant. He says, "Return to Me..." Just what else are we waiting for?

Jeremiah 1

The calling of Jeremiah to take up the work of God can serve as a reminder for us. After the Lord came to Jeremiah telling him of His predestination of Jeremiah becoming a prophet, Jeremiah declined by saying 'for I am a youth' (v. 6). But the Lord rebutted by telling Jeremiah that "Do not say, 'I am a youth'" (v. 7), instead He insured Jeremiah that "I am with you" (v. 8).

Likewise today, we are each made a vessle for God. We are each 'called according to His purpose' (Rm 8:28) to perform our duties as Christians. Therefore, we must not give excuses to the Lord stating our unworth. We must not be like Jeremiah pushing away the responsibilities because we believe ourselves to be unfit. God told Jeremiah that "I am with you" (v.8). God will also tell us the same if we are striving to accomplish His work. If God is with us, then what is impossible will become possible. Afterall, we are doing everything for the glory of God and not our own. Because we are unfit, we come to see the power of God work within us. Because of our unworth, we will feel the honor to serve the Lord. If we were fit, we would've believed we accomplished the work with our own hands and became proud. If we were worthy, we would've became self-righteous. Therefore, it is through our weaknesses that God will make us strong. Therefore, only strive to do our best with the Lord's help.

Secondly, Jeremiah's mission is to 'root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant' (v. 10). Because the chosen people have strayed far from God, they must be plucked and destroyed before they can be built up again. This tells us that in order for us to be rebuilt as the chosen people, we must be rooted out first. It also gives us the hope that even if we were destroyed, because we are the chosen ones, we will one day be rebuilt. If we were to be one of the non-chosen people (e.g. Babylonians), we will never have the chance to be rebuilt after being destroyed. Therefore, we must not take advantage of this hope God has given us and linger any longer. We must come to be rooted in God and be 'planted by the rivers of water' (Ps. 1:3) so we can draw life from Him. It is only then that we will cease to stray away from God, and it is then that we will cease to wither away.

James 3:6

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell." (James 3:6)


It's quite frightening how serious it is to misuse our tongue. I don't think that many of us think of this when we speak to others. Many times we speak without first filtering our words. Especially during those angry or depressed times, we may have said some hurtful things to our loved ones that we never meant to say. Hopefully we can all be more careful in our speech to edify and comfort more than to judge and criticize.

James 2:10

"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

A friend showed me an archive where members discuss about different issues recently. The issue at stake was whether committing adultery was a more serious sin than keeping the Sabbath. This friend believed that committing adultery was deadly while not keeping the Sabbath could be forgiven. That immediately drew my attention to this verse. The author clearly states the equality of all sins.

Even though committing adultery was deemed to be a mortal sin, the power to forgive ultimately lies with God. There have been members who have been forgiven and given the HS after committing adultery. However, the question is, who is to say whether God will forgive you for not keeping the Sabbath or not. The Scripture states that "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." Therefore, it doesn't matter whether a sin is mortal or not, a sin is a sin. All sins are considered evil in the eyes of God. If we believe a sin is considered smaller and forgivable and went ahead to committ it, it will be counted against us. Therefore, we shouldn't try to analyze God's Words and try to find loop holes in them. All we need to do is follow His Word with a simple mind, whatever He says...submit.

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

I believe this verse isn't dedicated just to the orphans and the widows. Basically, we should do our best to extend our love to those in need and those in trouble. Many a time, I feel that TJC members in US are outran by our Gentile counterparts in this aspect. Many Christian in other denominations reach out to the poor and the needy doing much charity work. Even though their intentions may not be straight, at least they are taking their time and effort to help those people. It's true that we have to keep ourselves 'unspotted from the world', however, that doesn't mean isolating ourselves from the world. Exhibiting the love of Christ isn't limited to those people who walk into the TJC door. It is to be extended to the end of the earth just as the gospel is. Hopefully we can all take the time to care for the community around us.

Hebrews 13:16

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Heb 13:16)


Someone quoted this verse and it just stuck out. I believe when the author mentioned 'share', he meant that anything good that we have. It could be something physical, or something intangible. It could be our sandwich or our happiness in being able to enjoy the food. It could be the books we read or the inspirations we receive from them. Whatever it is, tangible or intangible, as long as it benefits another, we ought to share. Afterall, what we possess wasn't ours to begin with. We are but sharing the blessings we received with another.

Hebrews 12:2

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2)

What a great price that Jesus has paid for us, but now He sits at the right hand of God. This reminds me of an incident in the gospels. In Mark 10:35-45 it quotes:

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."
36And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
37They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."
38But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"
39They said to Him, "We are able."
So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."
41And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

When James and John asked to sit on the right and left of Jesus, Jesus told them that they must be able to drink the cup that He drinks. Of course they had no clue what that cup is until later. The cup that Jesus drank was a bitter cup, it was the cup of sacrifice and of suffering. Jesus suffered for us because he came 'to serve, and to give His life a ransome for many.'

During the apostolic times, both brothers suffered for the gospel. They kept their promise to drink the bitter cup. James later beacme the first martyr. Even though James and John appeared to upheld themselves with such a request, they were able to bear the consequences and carry out their promise. Therefore, to be great in the kingdom of heaven means that we must be able to bear the same cross that Christ bore for us. We must be able to drink that bitter cup, to suffer for the gospel and for Christ. We must realize that the greater our work in church is, the more we are expected to serve others.

Hence, it isn't terrible to desire greatness in heaven as long as we live out to the expectations of God on earth. Contrarily, I believe God hopes for each one of us to pursue that greatness. However, that means we must sacrifice and humble ourselves throughout our transient life on earth as the apostles did.

Hebrews 11:6

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Heb 11:6)


Even thought I have chosen a verse, I think the whole chapter serves as one good verse for us to draw much from. This chapter summarized the faith of our ancestors to remind us of their greatness in the eyes of God. Now, just how did those lauded by God show their faith for God?

All the actions they carried out as a result of faith can be categorized into three major areas even though they all relate back to the fundamentals of faith stated in verse one.

1) He is God worthy of our sacrifice
-Abel: offered a more excellent sacrifice (4)
-Abraham: sacrificing Isaac (17)
-Moses: forsook Egypt (27)
2) Believed in the impossible/ridiculous
-Noah: believed in the total destruction of the earth (7)
-Sarah: believed in the ability to conceive past the age (11)
-Moses/Israelites: believed the opening of the Red Sea (29)
-Jericho wall: believed in the power of encircling (30)
3) Trusted in God's deliverance/protection
-Enoch: lifted up to heaven w/o experiencing death (5)
-Abraham: left his home town and sojourned in a foreign land (8,9)
-Isaac: blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (20)
-Jacob: blessed the sons of Joseph leaning on his staff (21)
-Moses' parents: did not fear the king's command and hid Moses for 3 months (23)
-Moses: kept the Passover (28)
-Rahab: did not perish with the unbelievers (31)
-Joseph: made mention of the departure of the children of Israel at his death bed (22)

After careful examination of the coarse dissection of the chapter, we can see that all three categories actually lead to one, which is...Believing and Trusting in the Power of God. But in order for us to put it into perspective, it's helpful to divide the different aspects in trusting in the power of God.

We are only willing to sacrifice something if we believe something better can be gained. A very tangible example would be a decision to keep the Sabbath or attend a picnic your boss has invited you to. Our decision depends on what we think the greatest gain would be at that moment. Some may believe that it's a rare opportunity to please the boss and maybe gain benefits from it in the future. Others may remember that without God, we wouldn't even have a job today. Moses has esteemed 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.' Therefore, it is important for us to keep our lives in perspective. Not only do we need to consider the present, but most importantly, we should look forward into the future. That is, the future after our lives on earth comes to an end.

It indeed sounds like a ridiculous request when God asked Noah to build the ark and lock himself inside because water is going to fill the gigantic earth. If we shared that request with someone today, that person would definitely laugh and regard us a wack. But that did not stop Noah from fulfilling God's request, because he had faith in God. Who would ever believe that just by walking around a wall, the wall will eventually collapse? It's simply a joke. But that's what exactly happened to the walls of Jericho. It was only through their faith in the power of God that they suceeded. Even though the ways of God seemed ridiculous at the moment, they endured the peer pressure around them. Noah didn't give up because no one on the whole planet believed him. He only looked to God, and he was rewarded. Again, we must look farther than what's directly in front of us. We must look beyond this world to not be influenced. We must look to God, because we know He is the 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords.'

Many times in life we get discouraged because we forget that God is there to deliver. The time when we are unsure is the time when God works wonders. Abraham trusted in God's protection and purpose when he was asked to sojourn in a foreign land. Who would ever leave a secure job and comfortable home to go somewhere of uncertainty? Abraham knew that God will take care of him. The down times in our life when we are confused and lost are those times for Abraham when he left his comfort zone. However, he did not defy God just so he can live a life of certainty and control. He allowed God to be his boss. He allowed God to lead his way. He trusted that God has a reason for the plan. Many times, it is during those down times that our faith is most strong. It is during those times that we realize what we are missing. It is when we lose our own control in life that we remember the controller of all. It's during those times that we come back to draw nearer to God. Therefore, if u look at it that way, the down times are actually a blessing to our spiritual life. A reminder for us to readjust our life. May we strive to remember the power of God in all that we do and trust in His plans for us. For 'He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.'

Hebrews 10:24,25

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb 10:24, 25)


There are many verses in the Bible exhorting us to unit and assemble together with our fellow brethren. I believe that God encourages us to do that for many reasons. He knows that we will need support during our lifetime journey. Not only that, He has provided us companions and fellow workers to aid in our good works for Him. On top of all that, He wants us to unit so that we may be separated as different from the corruptions of this world.

During our spiritual journey, there are bound to be times of ups and downs in our faith. It is during those troughs that we need our brethren to pull us up. During those good times, it is our turn to look after those weaker than us. The see-saw effect will continue to take place until we all reach perfection and balance off. However, before that occurs, God has placed people around us to help us and exhort us.

It is also important that we aid each other in the works of God. We are all given different gifts and function as different vessels in the body of Christ. If we can congregate our talents together, there is no telling what great things God have in store for us. God also wants us to 'consider one another', meaning give one another a chance in being part of the team. Sometimes we may discriminate against certain people believing they have no talent in a certain area. If we've never give them a chance, how are we able to judge what God has blessed them with? In many cases, people just need to be included before they feel comfortable performing a task. Not many try to appear puffy by telling everyone what they are capable of doing. So when we fail to include new comers or even people we've neglected, the church may be missing out on those talents that have been dormant waiting to be awakened.

Lastly, in order for us to stay strong in Christ, we must unit as one. If we scatter among ourselves, there is no reason why unbelievers should join in our congregation. An army of a thousand is much stronger than that of just one man. In order for us to fight the spiritual battle with Satan, we must unit under one mind and one heart to strive for that one goal. A split of mind among ourselves only shows those observing afar that we are not concrete in our own faith. A lack of harmony only appears as a disconcerted crowd. In no way will we ever exhibit the love of Christ or be an example for Christ unless we assemble ourselves together.

In loving and exhorting one another, we are able to unit together under Christ. Through our comrades we are able to draw strength. With the help of our companions we are able to do greater things for God. By exhibiting the love of Christ, we will be able to draw the unbelievers to Him. May we all remember the importance of a strong bond within ourselves and look to God for the strength to unit us as one body just as Christ is one body.

Hebrews 9:7

"But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance." (Heb 9:7)


We all know that before the sacrifice of Christ, human beings weren't able to communicate with God directly. Only through the high priest were God's messages communicated, and as the verse stated, this happens only once a year. After the sacrifice was made on the Cross, the veil was torn and the barrier of communicate broken. We were able to come before God since Jesus has already made atonement for us through the sacrifice of His blood. Even though the blood of Jesus washed away our sins during baptism, we continue to sin with each day of our lives. Therefore, for us to continue to have a direct communication with God, we must first repent of our sins as the priest repented the sins of the people and himself before communicating with God.

Even though Christ has opened the channel of direct contact with God, our prayers are not able to reach Him unless the spiritual barrier we have between us and God is removed. That barrier keeps building up as we continue to sin. If we fail to confess our sins, even the ones we 'committed in ignorance', before each communication with God, our prayers will go unanswered. Even though we won't be physically struck to death as a high priest might if he failed to atone for the sins of the people and himself, we will be spiritually dead because our unrepented sins are filled to the brim. Maybe we wonder why God has been neglecting us in our prayers, but have we remembered to offer up our sacrifice before we communicate with Him? Maybe it wasn't God who wasn't listening, rather it was us who created that noisy static. God is already ready to hear our prayers, He "walks in the midst of [our] camp, to deliver [us]...; therefore [our] camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among [us], and turn away from [us] (Deut. 23:14). May we always remember to clear that barrier and offer up that spiritual sacrifice before our tete-a-tete with God.

Hebrews 7:18,19

"For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God." (Heb 7:18, 19)


It is a blessing to be living at the present when the veil has been broken and God has become our Father. God has transformed from that fearful God in the OT to the merciful Father in the NT. Before, the people weren't able to communicate with God freely because of the sin that dwelled within them. Only through the sacrifice of the Priest Most High were the sins removed and the barrier torn. Let us remember the blessing of living in the age "through which we draw near to God."



"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Heb 8:12)


Sounds like a verse easily misused by Christians believing that whatever sins they committ will be omitted.

Hebrews 6:4-6

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify agian for themsevles the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame." (Heb 6:4-6)


It is sad to say, but this verse holds a lot of truth, and I hope none of us will ever taste the 'fallen angel' experience. I'm sure you all know what I'm referring to, and it is unfit for me to critique. Therefore, let this verse be a caution to us for our lives ahead.

Hebrews 5:13,14

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb 5:13, 14)


The cliche, "Practice makes perfect", comes to mind as I read this verse. An amateur can never advance unless the basics of the trade is molded into a foundation, which in turn acts as the root of all practice. However, having the basics doesn't guarantee us a perfect practice unless we exercise our skills to good use through time. As we all know, the basics in consuming food comes in the form of swallowing. Before one learns to chew, one must learn to swallow so as not to choke on the food. It may sound like the process comes naturallly as a baby grows to a child, however, it still takes practice to perfect the semi-involuntary effort. Just as a baby is learning to walk, the first step is to exercise and build the leg muscles through crawling. Once the muscles are built and strong enough, the baby then tries to stand. The process eventually leads to a 'drunken' walk with occasional falls before it is perfected. Through daily practice, the baby acquires the natural process of walking.

Therefore, to perfect in the word of righteousness, we must utilize and practice it. Just as a babe learns to chew solid food, we must learn to use our foundation in the gospel to discern good and evil. And just how are we supposed to learn the art of discerning good from evil? Here the author states that "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Only through using the word of righteousness are we able to exercise our senses. We must meditate and use these words daily to strengthen our senses. The lack of use will desensitize us in discerning of good and evil, just as the lack of use of a bed-ridden patient's legs are no longer inclined to walking. The patient must relearn the once involuntary gesture. Therefore, to keep ourselves from decreasing back to the basics, we must use what we have often. Just as an English teacher advises that "once you learn a word and use it three times, it is yours", we must use the word of righteousness and make it part of us.

Hebrews 4:10

"For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His." (Heb 4:10)


I think this trend of thought will be more of a technical than inspirational one. There are just too many implied pronouns in Hebrews. Everyone becomes 'he', whether it be Moses, Jesus, God, or human beings in geneal. However the 'he' in this verse was identified as 'the people of God' from the previous verse. We, who believed and are baptized, are defined as this 'he' mentioned. As many verses in the Bible could be taken at the physical or spiritual level, the message in this verse does not differ.

When 'rest' is mentioned, it takes on its physical meaning of the time we take off from the world on Sabbaths to attend worships. This is the time we dedicate to God and take a leave of absence from the world. To 'rest' on Sabbath doesn't mean we do no work. It simply means we separate ourselves from worldly matters and focus on the matters concerning God. Therefore, we still cook that one dish for pot luck love meal, wash dishes, mop the floor, take out the trash, etc...Jesus also upheld the performing of good deeds on Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand when it was clearly unlawful (Mt. 12:10-13). However, this 'rest' is a temporary rest that we enjoy one day out of the seven day week.

The spiritual meaning of 'rest' is that eternal rest promised by God. When we obtain that eternal rest, we will be separate from this world. There will be no more worldly worries, no more work, and no more school. It is for that eternal rest that we strive for while we still live. When we enter that eternal rest, there will be no love meals to cook for, no trash to take out, no floors to mop, and no more dishes to wash. That rest is a true rest, a total rest from tasks of this world. Since we are still of this world, Sabbath is the closest we can get to that heaven on earth feeling. Let us take advantage of what God has established for us to enjoy, a rest under His wings.

Hebrews 3:14

"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end." (Heb 3:14)


Easier said than done. With that verse, I don't know how many people will become the partakers of Christ. There are many questions we can ask ourselves to reexamine our faith in God.

We often have spurts of zeal for God, but how often do those spurts last. Are they over by the time our growth spurt ends or do they persist on til' our skin sag?

It is true that God is always in the back of our mind, but why isn't He always in the 'front' of our minds?

Do we only think of God when trouble arises or is He a part of our daily decision making?

Do we cease to remember God's omnipotence when the period after a miracle prolongs?

It is fit then to mention the lesson given to the church of Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." Have we left the first confidence we established in God while we were still ignorant? The church of Ephesus was cautioned by God to 'repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.' Let us take heed of this caution as one that was given to us so that we may keep our lampstand when the time comes.