Living in the Spirit
August 25, 2022
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’ –Hebrews 13:1-8
We could classify this as good advice to live by. We could also recognize the unknown author of Hebrews as a student of both Hebrew and New Testament scriptures. It contains a little Ten Commandments, some Sermon on the Mount, and parts of Matthew 25. It is good that we read through such scriptures routinely to reinforce their importance. It is just as important that we live what we believe. I like the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Usually attributed to St. Francis, which is now open to debate. These words speak a valuable lesson. How we treat others is often how we will be judged. When we act and speak in Christ’s name, we set the stage for how others understand him. In times like these, I shudder when I hear some of the things done in Christ’s name. Thus, besides being acquainted with the scriptures, we must maintain a close connection with God, who is indeed our helper.
There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God*.
Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God*. Amen.
First verse and refrain of the hymn Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee, see at https://hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_place_of_quiet_rest
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.