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Lent Day 19


Scripture Reading

Hebrews 13:14-21


The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the life we now live will not last but that our hope is in the heavenly city that awaits us when we die. As Christians we know that our hope is only in God and the miracle of sending his son to die on the cross for our sin. What then should our response be to God? "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name" (Hebrews 13:15). Our only proper response is to praise God and thank him for his love and grace that made it possible for us to have a relationship with him. How often do you thank God for saving you? How can your whole life become a sacrifice of praise to our God? 


The author of Hebrews reminds us that part of our gratitude to God for our salvation is to "do good." By this he means that we should live godly lives. Everyday we need to remind ourselves that as Christians we are to live lives that reflect Christ in what we say, think, and do. When we live for God and do good to other we are being Christ to the people around us. Their interaction with us may be the only exposure to the love of God that person ever has. 


The last two verses are the writer's prayer for the original recipients of the letter. My prayer for you today is the same as his. I pray that God will strengthen you to live for him everyday, so that he might be glorified and people might come to know our Lord and Savior through our own lives and testimonies. 


Prayer: Holy and mighty Lord, I ask that you help me to stay focused on the heavenly city that awaits me as a follower of Christ. Thank you for strengthening me to live for you each day. Help me to do good to others, that I might be a witness for you. Amen.

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