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.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalms 119:130

In the verse above, the term “the entrance” signifies an “opening”. For the rest of this year, make it a habit to open your Bible every morning to kickstart your day. Before you delve into reading, take a moment to pray for guidance on where to begin.

The phrase “gives light” embodies the concept of dawn, symbolizing the start of a glorious day.

As we unveil His messages to us through Bible reading, may our day be filled with the enlightenment of understanding and glory. With the innocence of a child, let us allow the Lord to guide us, rather than allowing the unresolved issues of life to impose upon us a state of discomfort and worry.

Open the Word and receive your blessing.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

Often, our prayers may seem like complaints to the Lord. However, let's not forget to express our gratitude, not only through our actions and words but also in our prayers. For it is in thankfulness that we truly acknowledge His grace and mercy.

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40

1. Search

2. Try

3. Turn

As we search, we examine ourselves.

When we try our ways, we put into action that which we are learning through the discovery of who we are and who we ought to be.

As a believer, you are not under a curse.

In the absence of a curse, blessings should be present. However, two factors can delay your blessings as a believer.

Firstly, your actions can cause a delay if they are misguided.

Secondly, if you are aware of others engaging in wrongful actions and fail to warn them, this can also lead to a delay in your blessings.

It is your responsibility to inform individuals of their wrongdoings. If you don’t, their mistakes become your errors, causing a delay in your blessings and subsequently, certain changes in your life.

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.”

Proverbs 4:26

That is to say, do the right thing and do it constantly and let it be the established path you walk on.

The literal text reads:

Study the track of your feet, then all your ways will be established. (The feet represents where you go, physically and mentally)

When we study, we observe, and through observation we learn to put to actions those things that we are learning.

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Psalms 119:117

In our own ways, we shall go as we please, but become weary if we are not supported by the Lord, continually.

Exposition:

The phrase “Hold me up” speaks of the refreshment that comes after an establishment.

Often, when the mind is not established. Consequently, it wanders, and the individual is drained. Which is the absence of being refreshed. However, here is a hope: We read, “I shall be safe.” This speaks of the awareness of that which is right, in its absence.

THE TWO PROMISES

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Herein, we have the two promises. One, of a physical protection that no weapon formed against you will prosper. Observe the terminology used. "No weapon that is formed" against you. Meaning there will be obstacles in your path. Even though you are a believer. However, although these things be formed against you. It shall not harm you. This is the promise of the Lord, but with a condition. Of which we shall careful observe in the conclusion of this exposition.

The next promise to the believe from the verse above deals with a state of mental and emotional protection. To this we read:

"Every…

Insight

Genesis 6:11

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

• Violence

The word violence used here, in the Hebrew language חָמָס

In English this is the same word, those who enacted the horror upon Israel, called themselves. (Hamas)

Reflect from childhood to now as an adult.

What were those things that were dear to you and those that are dear to you now?

As a child your new toy captures your attention before you fall asleep and in awaken, it is the first thing you seek to look upon and take in your presence.

In relation to this, today’s verse is from Psalms 119:15, we draw the same idea from this passage.

It reads, I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways.

Today, we turn our focus to the 119th Psalm, a passage that many of you may already know. Yet, the unique inspiration and creativity embedded in its composition and presentation often go unnoticed. This exposition aims to shed light on these aspects, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this remarkable Psalm. Let's delve deeper into its profound layers of meaning together.

For an example:

David used the Hebrew Alphabets to layout and introduce the stanza. In the 119th Chapter of Psalms, he started off with the word "ALEPH" This is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is ascribed to God.

In this Psalms, Aleph is used to represent God, the creator and sustainer of all things. It is also used to represent the psalmist's devotion to God and his desire to follow God's law. Consequently, when we are drawn to the Lord, as our Creator He is our…

Insight to your body through your mood and actions.

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Psalms 55:18

Many were your problems, although a few might still be with you. But this day, in the quiet of your heart, try to reflect on where you once were. Your emotions, your struggles, and conflicts. Reflect on those things you have overcome.

And let it be of gladness to you.

Understand this, the Scripture said your body is a temple. This implies more than we realize, as a temple. There are duties and functions that ought to be carried out, and there are those that are responsible for the accomplishing of those things. Likewise, within you, your body which is a temple; there are over 37 trillion cells, and more are being produced at any given time. These cells…

WISDOM FROM THE PROVERBS

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. Proverbs 24:27

In other words, focus on the little things that you rightly do, though difficult at times, but your business should reflect consistency, which will ultimately lead to an establishment. May your question, if need be, Lord what is my business? Bless it, Father that I may find rest therein.

Concerning this verse, Swaggart once said, “Take care first to attend to the business, and the business will ’build the house.’”

Ordena tus labores de fuera, y tenlas listas para ti en el campo; y después edifica tu casa. 

Forma primeiro a tua lavoura e levanta a tua casa, então, estarás à vontade para constituir a tua família. 

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Exodus 14:14

To hear, at times it is only a consideration towards an action on our part. That is to say, hearing things doesn’t mean it is accepted. But for the learning heart, the individual who hears, let them hear that they may learn. For learning is built upon the applying of those things we have heard in our life and living.

The verse of Exodus 14:14 above, is a situation wherewith the individuals or individual finds themselves in a circumstance of hopelessness due to the fear of the past which is now resurfacing before the individual. In such cases, bewildered becomes the mind. Heighten are the senses, in seeing the individual see things, but for the worse. In hearing, the individual only hears doom and despair. In feeling, when all is numb, the ability to reason becomes…