Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
7 “When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of GOD. 8 But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn the field and burn it.” ~ Hebrews 6:7-8
Land that produces thistles and thorns has to be burned so the farmer can start over. Like an unproductive field is condemned by the farmer, an unproductive Christian life falls under God’s condemnation. We are not saved by deeds or conduct, but what we do is evidence of our faith.
9 “Dear friends, even though we are talking like this, we really do not believe that it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. 10 For GOD is not unfair. HE will not forget how hard you have worked for HIM and how you have shown your love to HIM by caring for other Christians, as you still do.” – Hebrews 6:9-10 – It is easy to get discouraged, thinking that GOD has forgotten us. But GOD is never unjust. He never forgets or over looks our hard work for HIM. Presently we may not be receiving rewards and acclaim, but GOD knows our efforts of love and ministry. Let GOD’s love for you and HIS intimate knowledge of your service for HIM strengthen you as you face disappointment and rejection here on earth.
11 “Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit GOD’s promises because of their faith and patience.” – Hebrews 6:11-12 – Hope keeps Christians from becoming lazy or feeling bored. Like an athlete, train hard and run well, remembering the reward that lies ahead. – “I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which GOD, through Jesus Christ, is calling us up to heaven.” – Philippians 3:14 – With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians.
Because our hope is in Christ, we can let go of our past mistakes and guilt and look forward to what GOD will help us become. Do not dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of GOD by concentrating on your relationship with HIM now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.
Thank YOU Father GOD, that no matter who we are or what we have done, we can still have hope in Jesus Christ. LORD, we know that YOU are aware of our efforts and our love. We ask Father GOD that YOUR love for us and YOUR intimate knowledge of our service for YOU strengthen us as we face disappointment and rejection here on earth. Help us Father, to be productive Christians so that we may produce a good crop. Our great desire is that we will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what we hope for will come true. Then we will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead we will follow the example of those who are going to inherit GOD’s promises because of their faith and patience. We have a fuller and more meaningful life because of our hope in Christ.
Photo: Stowe (Vermont)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
