“Let us hold unswervingly [reliably] to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may SPUR ONE ANOTHER ON TOWARD LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS, NOT GIVING UP MEETING TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:23-25) [Since we have the freedom and opportunity, let us meet together with our fellow saints and worship the Lord and encourage one another! It would be the greatest ingratitude and contempt of God and Christ for us to keep at a distance from Him. We must draw near in all holy conversation, like Enoch walking with God. We must draw near in humble adorations, worshipping in His presence. We must draw near in our holy dependence upon our Abba Father. We must draw near in conformity to God, and communion with him, living under his blessed influence, still endeavoring to get nearer and nearer, until we come to dwell in his presence forever!] “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YOU WILL RECEIVE WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.” (Heb. 10:35-36) [Be encouraged because you are assured the reward of your holy confidence in our Abba Father and His many promises. This also carries a present reward in it, in holy PEACE AND JOY, and much of God’s presence and his power resting upon us; and it shall have a great payment of reward hereafter!] For, “In just a little while, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME AND WILL NOT DELAY.” (Heb. 10:37) [He will soon come to us at our individual end, and put a finish to all our sufferings, and give us a crown of life. He will soon come to judgment, and put an end to the sufferings of the whole church, and give all of us an ample and glorious reward!] “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” BUT WE DO NOT BELONG TO THOSE WHO SHRINK BACK AND ARE DESTROYED, BUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH AND ARE SAVED.” (Heb. 10:38-39) [We are not of those who draw back. I pray that you and I, who have already met with great trials, and have been supported through them by the grace of God who is so wonderful in strengthening our faith, so we were never at any time left to ourselves to draw back to damnation; I thank God that He will keep us by his mighty power through faith unto salvation!] “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW HIM BETTER. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that YOU MAY KNOW THE HOPE TO WHICH HE HAS CALLED YOU, THE RICHES OF HIS GLORIOUS INHERITANCE IN HIS HOLY PEOPLE.” (Eph. 1:16-18)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that YOU MAY KNOW THE HOPE TO WHICH HE HAS CALLED YOU!
-Bill Stockham