Live Honorabley With the Equipment God Provides

This is my last post for Hebrews. Next week I will start Colossians....thanks Ron J. for the idea.

Read Hebrews 13:18-25
Title in NIV: Concluding requests and greetings.

Everyone has to examine himself. How is you conscience? Is it clear and free? Is it something you willingly follow when the nudge is felt (by the Holy Spirit)? OR is your conscience cluttered with regret after regret of bad choices. On the outside you look great to others but from within your conscience is either screaming at you or just an ember because you have suppressed the power it holds for so long.

Only you can answer these questions. Are you honest with yourself? Do you even realize that your conscience and your actions don't feel in sinc with each other? You may be following your desires based on experiences and feelings rather than truth and the Word.

I may write this blog and study the Word, but I struggle with all the concepts I just wrote about, too. Some more than others.

Vs 18 says to live honorably. Read Colossians 3:8-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. They discuss putting on a new self and getting rid of the old self......daily!!! Be aware of the fact that even if you try everyday to do that, you will continue to have consequences for your old self and old actions. Don't get discouraged. Don't give up. Satan will use your past mistakes against you.

Vs 21 says may God equip you with everything good for doing his will. I believe the equipment is listed in Ephesians 6:11. Belt of truth; breastplate of righteousness that protects vital organs; feet of readiness; shield of faith; helmet of salvation; sword of Spirit is the Word and prayer. Does a football player play with no helmet or pads? Does a hockey player? Bull riders? Of course not! They put on their suit for battle.

How are you intentionally suiting up? Are you reading your bible everyday? Everyday is a battle. Are you praying everyday? It is like talking to the coach. Are you following the rule book? Love your enemies. Any my favorite lately, are you following Jesus' example of being a friend of sinners. So many are scared of those who do not look like us or who have a broken past. That saddens me to no end!!! (but that is a story for another day)

Examine, examine, examine yourself to see if your actions line up with the examples Jesus showed.

I have a feeling the ones who read this are trying everyday to be the best they can be based on the teachings of Jesus. So, for you I would say, keep doing what you are doing. Talk to those at church who do not seem to "fit in" (what ever that means), your example will rub off. Sit with them.  Encourage them. Jude 23 says snatch others away from the fire and save them. It does not say when you feel totally comfortable with that person and when they have proved themselves and asked for forgiveness from everyone and gotten baptized and bought a car and got a job and wear "Sunday" clothes to church instead of jeans (whatever Sunday clothes are).

Blessings to you and try stretching yourself this week for someone else.