1/14/24 – 1/20/24

During the next few months the Living Faith Devotional will turn our attention to The New Testament letters that remind us “were are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” of God’s Son and the Lord’s work in the world made possible by the Holy Spirit (Hebrew 12:1 NIV). The witnesses include those who wrote documents in the New Testament, including James, Jude, John, Peter, and the unknown author of Hebrews. This week we will begin this journey by reading and studying the first few chapters of Hebrews. Many Biblical scholars believe that the document known as “The Letter to the Hebrews” is not a traditional New Testament letter because the majority of it is like a sermon. This first century sermon was probably written between 60 and 65 C.E. and sent to Christians in Rome (Italy). The concluding portion of the letter is similar to other New Testament letters, but the majority of it is not. With that in mind, you are invited to read Hebrews listening for God’s message to be shared with you each day as you read a portion of the Spirit-inspired first century sermon.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read the portion of God’s message from the prophet Jeremiah
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Answer the question(s) using a journal or notebook, talking to someone else about them, or simply think about your responses
• Listen to and/or sing a worship song or hymn
• Pray
• Live in response to Jesus

 

DAILY MESSAGE:

Each day read God’s message shared through the prophet Jeremiah to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God revealed in and through Jesus:

 

The LORD proclaims:

The people…

found grace in the wilderness.

As Israel searched for a place to rest,

the LORD appeared to them from a distance:

“I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.

And so with unfailing love,

I have drawn you to myself.” – Jeremiah 31:2-3 CEB

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the verses. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES TO READ:

Sunday – John 15:9-11 (Jesus’ message to us to receive & remain in his love)

Monday – Hebrews 1 (Consider reading the “Introduction” for Hebrews from a Study Bible and watching the Bible Project video before reading the chapter.)

Tuesday – Hebrews 2

Wednesday – Hebrews 3

Thursday – Hebrews 4:1-13

Friday – Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Saturday – Psalm 46:10, Psalm 37:7, and Leviticus 23:3 (The Sabbath theme for today is “STOP & REST.”)

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

You are invited to watch the Book of Hebrews Summary video on Monday, before reading Hebrews 1 either using the link below for YouTube or go to The Bible Project website:

Book of Hebrews Summary by The Bible Project (on Monday)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fNWTZZwgbs&t=174s

 

DAILY QUESTIONS:

You may find it helpful to read the verses a second time as you ask yourself these questions while pondering about God’s message to you. You may find it helpful to write your responses to the questions, or talk about them with a family member, friend, or your small group, or to simply think about them:

What do these Bible verses reveal about God and/or Jesus?

 

What do these verses reveal about people?

 

What is God’s message for me from what I read?

 

How should I respond to God’s message today and this week?

 

The Message Bible translation of Jesus’ message provides this invitation to us,

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG). With Jesus’ message in mind, ask yourself, Am I living and resting according to God’s “unforced rhythms of grace” revealed by Jesus?

 

How will I prepare to observe a full or partial Sabbath day of rest this weekend?

 

LISTEN to and/or sing a Worship Song or Hymn to help you respond to God to express your gratitude for the Lord. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some or all of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

PRAY reading The Bible verse(s) again as you allow scripture to guide your prayer. You may feel the Holy Spirit guiding you to lift up joys and concerns too. You may want to pray for:

• Those Who Are Closest to You (family members & friends)
• Those Who Point Others Towards God (parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, professors, coaches, musicians, authors, filmmakers, influencers, churches, etc.)
• Leaders (locally, nationally, & globally)
• Those Who Are Vulnerable & In Need (children, orphans, widows & widowers, the hungry & homeless, refugees, sick & diseased persons, prisoners, etc.)
• Yourself (tell God your thoughts, concerns, feelings, and desires)

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.