Resting in the God Who Is with Me (Hebrews 13)

Evening Scripture

Hebrews, Chapter 13

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
Grace be with you all.

Evening Reflection

Millions of followers of various religions are called upon to make spiritual pilgrimages, offer sacrifices, bring gifts to fulfill certain requirements, and gain favor with the gods they worship. Yet, as Christians, God is the one who made the pilgrimage from Heaven to earth and provided the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because He did, we don’t ever have to travel far distances to find Him, or give gifts to gain His favor, or plead for Him to notice or be with us. As Hebrews 13 assures us, He will never leave us or forsake us.

Our most loving and gracious Heavenly Father sent His one and only beloved, perfect Son, Jesus, Emmanuel--God with us, to be with us on earth.  And, after He died, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven, God sent His Holy Spirit to come and live within us, so that we aren’t alone and may find rest in the God who is with us. We don’t have to call out to God from afar because He is right with us, comforting, leading, teaching, and helping us in ways we may not even realize. As the Spirit of Truth, we can rely on His guidance all the days of our lives to help us know what is true and right. Because God is with us, we don’t ever have to be afraid or feel alone. He is our constant companion, ever present, so that wherever we go, live, find ourselves, or even drift for a time, He is with us.

Evening Prayer

God,
Thank you for sending Jesus, Your perfect Son, who never changes but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As well, my heart is grateful to you for sending Your Holy Spirit to live inside me here on earth. Because of you, I am never alone or have to feel lonely. In times when I may forget this, Lord, feeling sorry for myself, please nudge me with Your Spirit, so that I remember you are here with me. Fill my heart and lips with a sacrifice of praise to You, to remember that you are present with me all the days of my life.
Amen.

Want More?

If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.