It Takes Sacrifice

I have only this week and next of Hebrews. Let me know if you have any suggestions for the next book.

Read Hebrews 13:1-17
Title in NIV: Instructions on hospitality, marriage and sacrificial giving.

The title mentions three topics, but there are so many verses in the 17 verses. I believe they ALL have to do with sacrifice. You have to sacrifice your time and your comfort to be hospitable (lots of people don't want people at their house whether it is too cluttered, a work in progress, or just not 'big' enough... a sacrifice is made when you invite people over). You also have to sacrifice in your marriage. You can't do what you want without considering your spouse. And giving takes sacrifice. Time, money, comfort are all involved in sacrifice.

Other topics: (I like lists)
1. Love each other as brothers.....takes sacrifice.
2. Entertain strangers. They may be angels in disguise.....it takes sacrifice.
3. Remember those in prison and support them....it takes sacrifice.
4. Remember those mistreated and comfort them...it takes sacrifice.
5. Marriage should be honored....it takes sacrifice.
6. No adultery (putting some ONE or some THING above God or your spouse. It could be golf or shopping etc.)...it takes sacrifice.
7. No sexual immorality. Webster says moral is telling the difference between right and wrong. SO, immoral is that you can't tell the difference between right and wrong....or you just don't care and do the wrong action anyway. It also says moral is good and right in character. SO, immoral would be bad or wrong in character. So you have to decide what kind of character you will have in all kinds of areas in your life. Will you be seen as moral because you exhibit truth, strength, self-control, kindness, patience, gentleness, joy etc.? OR will you be immoral because you exhibit lying, stealing, weakness, lust, lack of control, bitterness, anger, depression? What does your character say about you?
8. Keep free from the love of money....it takes sacrifice.
9. Be content with what you have....it takes sacrifice.
10. Remember "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."   and   "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
11. Remember your leaders who speak God's Word to you. Watch the way they live their lives and imitate their faith. Obey your leaders. Submit to their authority. They keep watch over you. Believe it or not, every decision they make is for their flock. They have the future in sight and your best interest at heart. Obey them so that their work will be a joy not a burden. Have you burdened you leaders? Grumbling and complaining is of no advantage. If you have a concern, who do you go to??? A leader in private or several several other members to 'get people on your side'? That causes division.
12. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. Let your heart be strengthened by grace not by tradition. Can you think of a tradition you hold dear but really does not help you get closer to God?

And above all....Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise from our lips. We have to confess his name, do good and share with others. God is pleased with such sacrifices.