Daily Buffet » Hebrews

Today’s Wish

Jason — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:47 +0000

On of the great things about the new year is that there is a wealth of motivational material published. Earlier this week I saw this poster on designMilk.

So, what are you going to do today, that you would normally have put off. Don’t let 2013 roll around and find you still in the same spot. Start – Today.

¹⁵ As has just been said:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15 New International Version (NIV)

Influence and Others

Jason — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:30:46 +0000

Last weekend I saw this quote from Andy Stanley, which I just loved. I actually shared it with several people last week and even posted it on my office wall. To me it optimizes how followers of the Christ should live- also looking out for the best in others and always trying to make others better.

How can you leverage your power and influence to make others successful?

Now if I could just live that way!

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13 NIV)

Roll (Hallow)Tide

Jason — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:45:07 +0000

As we move on through the Hallowtide, today is All Saint’s Day. Although, personally, I find the general idea of sainting a person a little unsettling, as none of us can earn our goodness, it is given through the blood of Jesus. But even with that on the table, it is good I think to learn from the example of others that have tread this ground before us, and if that is a way we can highlight those that have done wonderful things with the time they have been given – so be it!

And so, I guess it’s only appropriate to consider another one of those verses I seem to mention a lot from the fun book of Hebrews about realizing the others that have lived on this great big blue and green ball. After the writer of this book travels through time calling out those ‘saints’ that have gone before him in Hebrews 11, he pens this

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12

Gain strength from remembering those that have gone before you, and do not lose heart!

It’s Coffee Day!

Jason — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:10:16 +0000

Well here is it! It’s National Coffee Day! And I am glad for all of you coffee drinkers out there! I have a certain disdain for coffee, as you know I prefer the Gentleman’s Drink. It could be that it all started when my older brother took a sip of my father’s coffee and then sprinting off puking. I have not really had much of a desire for coffee since that day! Or, it could be that I like to keep saying my classic one liner when asked if I want a cup of java – “No, thanks, I’m a Christian!” ( what that had to do with it , I am not really sure!)

But here is it upon us, National Coffee Day – so enjoy a coffee break and a cup of joe! Several coffee serving establishments are giving it away today. Over at Punchbowl.com, you can even send a Coffee Day e-card for free, to share the love!

Actually I love the idea of coffee, because it is so associated with sitting down and having deep conversation. So, maybe you should consider taking a cup of the world’s favorite beverage over to a friend, or an enemy, and share some time with them. I am sure it will make their day! Even I would probably suffer through a cup ( laced with lots of cream and sugar) to spend time together!

^22-25So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 The Message (MSG)

In A Fog

Jason — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:38:33 +0000

I drove in this morning in quite a soup of fog, and no I am not talking about the inside of my mind. Although that may also be the case, I was talking about a literal fog. It was so thick I could not really see more than 2 cars in front of my for a little stretch.

That got me thinking about Hebrews 12.

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 New International Version (NIV)

Yes, that large fog cloud reminded me of all the people who have lived these lives before us. Those who have dealt with the same issues with deal with, who lived through similar joys and heartaches. Those who found strength in the same Creator who we get our strength from!

So, wherever you are today, and whatever you are dealing with remember that great cloud from the past that surrounds you, take encouragement from them, and run with perseverance the path you are on! Oh, and lighten that pack, by throwing out those thing with don’t help you move down the path!

Runners vs Joggers

Jason — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:53:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon I made my way lazily down to the restroom facilities were I happened upon one of my coworkers. After we swapped howdy’s, he mentioned that at lunch he was in a conversation about runners versus joggers, and mentioned that he should have mentioned me- as which one I am not sure. Then the conversation went something like this.

“Hey, are you still running?” he asked me.

“Yes”, I replied.

He then commented “Not me, I am just getting fat and lazy. That’s the difference between runners and joggers, runners keep running.”

To which I said “Well, you can do it, it’s just one step at a time”

and he finished as we parted ways, “You are right. No excuses. I just have to get out there and go!”

Yep, and that is the same way with our spirituality, we can be a spiritual jogger or runner. But I think we are pushed to be runners:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

Which are you going to be a fat and lazy jogger, or a running who keeps going. Get out there and go, or as the Message says “Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.“

Saved

Jason — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:48:52 +0000

Yeah yeah, I have been suckered into American Idol – well not really, I am more of a skimmer. I watch American Idol like I read a magazine, I start at the back, and I only hit the high spots. But amidst all the fun last night the end was probably the best part.

This one guy, Casey Abrams, had the lowest number of viewer votes and was heading off the show, but evidently the judges can issue one save in a season. Last night, they surprising used there save with 10 other people left to eliminate.

What I was so amazed by was the emotional reaction of both the artist and his ‘competition’ to being redeemed by the judges. It so uplifting to see how overtaken he was- how joyful, how thankful, how overwhelmed. When he thanks the judges he says something like “why would you do this with so many left to eliminated”, essentially saying “Why did you spend that one save on me?” And then his competition seemed to be incredibly happy for him as well with all the hugging, crying and jumping.

Hm, emotional after being redeemed? Excited about being saved. Thrilled about being given a second chance. Seems slightly familiar!

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

Overtaken With Joy

Jason — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:31:37 +0000

March Madness continues tonight is full force, even though my bracket is kaput. Speaking of basketball, have you seen this video from this Spanish basketball game that has been circulating the Internet?

Although the end of this game is quit speculator, its the audio commentary that makes this clip – so make sure you have your speakers on. Even though you probably can’t understand a thing he is saying, unless like American Idol star Laura “you speak one language and that language is Spanish”. Anyway, despite the fact that you can’t probably are not sure exactly what he is saying, the emotion, raw and uncut at the end of this game comes through loud and clear. He is clearly overwhelmed, awe struck and full of joy.

I have to wonder when was the last time that I was presented with anything that produced so much joy that I was overwhelmed like this guy?

This was just at a basketball game, consider how others reacted when then encountered the Savior of the world

²⁶ Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” (Luke 5:26, New International Version, ©2011)

⁸ When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. (Matthew 9:8, New International Version, ©2011)

Maybe today is a day to stop and consider the awe inspiring gifts you have received.

²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29, New International Version, ©2011)

Small Moments of Encourgament

Jason — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:25:37 +0000

Last week, I was finally able to catch up with a good friend at lunchtime. While we were walking down the street to the cafe, coming the other direction was one of my teammates from last year’s Ragnar Tennessee Relay, just getting started on his noontime workout. As I watched him speed past, I thought about my own running schedule. Oddly enough as we returned to work and approached the doors to the office, there speeding past us just finishing his noon workout was the man we call Grape Nuts – who also was on my Ragnar Relay team!

It seemed that maybe I was being sent a message? I took these two chance encounters as encouragement to keep on my own training program, and last night I banged out a nice eight miler.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version, ©2011)

Sometimes it’s just a simple thing can bring huge amounts of motivation and encouragement. As you approach the day today, look for ways that you can encourage those around you. It may be just by doing what you need to be doing as my two running partners where, or it may mean going out of you way just a little to keep others uplifted!

13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 (New International Version, ©2011)

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Jason — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:34:03 +0000

This morning Amy asked me what I wanted for dinner, I responded with the first thing that came to my head – Ice Cream Sandwiches. I love those things. They are the best in the world. I don’t eat them as often as I wish, but man, when I do , I could eat the whole box. Then there are the ones that are found in Disney World. Personally, I find that the one’s distributed from Sleepy Hallow are in fact the best in the world, and make watching a Disney parade even more enjoyable. I mean just look at the picture. Yum. If we could just eat those all the time, day and night – what a great world it would be!

So go ahead – at lunch today, as you walk past that little cooler with the ice cream treats, slide open the lid, and reach in for a nice ice cream sandwich! As you enjoy the super taste and fulfillment that only comes from consuming one of these babies, consider what would happen to your body if that was all you ate. And then consider your spiritual life. As you eat, think about your spiritual diet and if there are things that you need to change to help you truly transform! Taking hold of the pinnacle of handheld deserts everyonce in a while is great, but as we know there are other things we need. Use The Sandwich to help spurn you to continue your quest for deeper knowledge and for true transformation!

¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 (New International Version, ©2010)