Hebrews 5:1–4
1 "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was."

What does it take for a man to be a good High Priest?  Here we learn that his ministry is "in things pertaining to God."  Priests don't concern themselves with earthly things.  They are concerned with spiritual things.  Their objective is to see to it that your soul is saved.  Praise Jesus for having such a concern for you!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronnie & Janet Overby
• Taylor & Tanya Phillips (Tyler, Timberlyn)

Hebrews 5:1–4
1 "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was."

As the writer focuses on what makes a man a good High Priest he reminds us that every priest is "appointed on behalf of men".  In short the role of a priest is for the benefit of men.  God doesn't need a priest, we do.  Today praise God for providing the Priest we needed in Jesus Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Don & Judy Kaneski
• Ole & Doreen Olson

Hebrews 5:1–4
1 "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was."

In order to make the point of what a great High Priest we have in Jesus, the writer first sets out to describe what makes a man a good priest.  First we notice that they are "taken from among men".  It reminds us that if Christ was to be our priest He had to become human.  Praise Him for condescending that He might serve as your priest!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cody Lee
• Brendon Walker

Hebrews 4:15–16
15 "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Do you have confidence in Jesus when you cry out to Him?  Do you have confidence that He hears?  Do you have confidence that He cares?  Do you have confidence that He can help?  It is imperative that when we approach Him we approach Him with faith.  Confess to Jesus how confident you are in Him today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Gracie Hadding
• Cindy Wampler

Hebrews 4:15–16
15 "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

When you draw near to Jesus to lay your burdens on Him and to seek His rest, you are not approaching One who is unsympathetic, untested, or unqualified.  Jesus knows!  Jesus experienced!  Jesus overcame!  Jesus is ready to help!  Draw near to Him today with your burdens.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Vicki Diggs
• Cindy Glass
• Liam & Riannon Horn

Hebrews 4:14
14 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession."

What a great summary of the first 4 chapters!  Our High Priest is no ordinary priest.  He is greater than angels, greater than Moses, greater than Aaron.  He came as a man, overcame temptation, defeated death, and sits ready to help you do the same.  It would be a tragedy to turn away from Him!  Pray that our church will always hold fast our confession that Jesus Christ is Lord!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ken Brendle
• Doug & Carissa Clark (Elsie, Rivers, Murphy, Hezekiah, Judah)

Hebrews 4:11–13 
11 "Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

God's word is compared to a two-edged sword.  It can tell the difference between soul and spirit.  It can differentiate between thoughts and intentions.  In short, God's word is perfectly discerning and never wrong!  God's counsel is never misinformed, undiscerning, or confused.  You can trust the word of God.  Thank Him for it!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kermit & Kathy Woolley
• Kolbey & Jaydee Adams (Waylon)
• Eoin Horn

Hebrews 4:11–13
11 "Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

We know the passage is about entering rest, and God's propensity to see our heart and know if we are seeking rest or not.  And yet it is also such a vivid reminder of the uniqueness of God's Word!  God's word is active and living.  When you read God's Word, it reads you!  What a glorious gift to have a Bible!  Praise God for giving you His living word today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronald & Kim Todd
• Norman & Brenda Hill

Hebrews 4:11–13
11 "Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

After calling us to diligently enter rest, the writer then reminds us that God's word is alive and pierces the soul.  In short, God sees all and He will know if you are striving for salvation or not!  Pray that your commitment to Christ is real and genuine.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cathy Spencer
• Tommy & Peggy Swaringen

Hebrews 4:11–13
11 "Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

What a calling of diligence!  "be diligent to enter that rest".  If you want to work at something; if you want to strive for something; if you want to endure at something; then work, strive, and endure to trust Christ and rest in Him!  Pray that God will help you lay your burdens on Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Rory & Carrie Mosley (Abigail)
• Willie & Margaret Neufeld (Marissa, Cassie, Tyler, Aubrey, Ruby)

Hebrews 4:9–10
9 "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His."

It is the point of the passage.  There is rest available for those who believe God.  It is a rest from spiritual labor.  It is the rest Christ offered when He said, "Come to Me, you who are weary and heavy-laden."  It is rest from trying to earn salvation.  It is rest from trying to control the scenarios of life.  It is rest which comes from trusting in God's sovereign promises and His spiritual provision in Christ.  Pray that our entire congregation can find rest in Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• John & Shannon Parum
• Martha Pickens

Hebrews 4:6–8
6 "Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that."

We have God's rest when He entered on the 7th day of creation.  Then we have the promised rest in Exodus which the children of Israel failed to enter.  But in Psalm 95 David started talking about rest which was still available.  A rest not linked to Joshua and entering the Promised Land, but a spiritual rest that is still available "Today".  God's rest wasn't just for Him and it wasn't just for the Israelites.  It wasn't even just for David or the audience of the writer of Hebrews.  God's rest is for you.  Today you can rest in Him from your burdens and struggles and fruitless labors.  Believe Him and enter His rest.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlie & Fronye Morris
• Tommie McCormick-Davis

Hebrews 4:4–5
4 "For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this passage, “They shall not enter My rest.”

Again we see the tragedy of an available rest which is not utilized.  We know that spiritual labor and anxiety are not necessary for God's rest is real.  And yet so many people fail to believe God and thus fail to enter His rest.  Ask God to help you believe Him and to enjoy His rest.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Evelyn Matthewson
• Woody & Linda McArthur

Hebrews 4:3
3 "For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world."

God's rest is finished.  He has been resting since the 7th day of creation.  It is not the presence of rest that is in limbo, but rather the entrance into it.  The children of Israel failed to enter due to unbelief.  What a tragedy for the "rest" of God to be available but not utilized.  Ask God to show you how to rest in Him today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lee & Alice Kidd
• Nell Martin
• Zek & Lindsay Mosley (Peter)

Hebrews 4:3 
3 "For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world."

God had promised a land flowing with milk and honey; a land of rest from their enemies.  And yet the first generation of Israelites failed to enter due to unbelief.  Rest is only for believers.  We are talking about the rest that Jesus offered.  A rest from laboring to please God; a rest from condemnation; a rest from anxiety and doubt and uncertainty.  This rest comes by believing Christ.  Pray that God will help you believe promises that you may have ignored.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Michael & Amber Kermick (Emma, Jacob)
• Gary & Elaine Key  

Hebrews 4:1–2
1 "Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."

The reason the children of Israel failed to enter the land of promise was not ignorance.  The word had been preached to them.  They failed to enter because they didn't believe the word they heard.  Pray that God will grant you not only knowledge of the truth, but a heart to believe it.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ruby Karr
• Keith Karr
• Louise Hoffman
• David Karr

Hebrews 4:1–2
1 "Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."

Again with the children of Israel and their failure to enter the land of promise as the chief example, the writer tells us specifically to fear.  Fear that we may also come short of the promise through unbelief.  This fear is meant to be motivational.  Let the fear of judgment motivate endurance.  Pray for a heart endures out of fear of judgment.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kevin & Rhonda Brendle
• Tom & Marilyn Tayor

Hebrews 3:16–19
16 "For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief."

What a reminder that experiences of deliverance are not guarantees of salvation.  That Generation walked out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and straight to God's presence at Sinai.  And yet, God was so angry that He killed them all in the wilderness.  The problem?  Unbelief.  It forces me to ask whether or not I truly believe God?  Believe Christ and hold fast to Him to the end.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Terry & Teenya Gilbert
• Daniel & Sunni Cates (Caleb, Bethani, Jonathan)

Hebrews 3:16–19
16 "For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief."

The writer just warned about falling away from Christ and provoking God like the former generation.  Here he helps us identify that generation so that we don't make the same mistakes.  He refers to those who "came out of Egypt led by Moses".  Could it be that a people could experience such a mighty deliverance from one area of captivity and still fall back into sin and defection?  Yes.  It happened before.  Commit to not be like that generation.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chris & Rachel Horn
• Cody & Karen Hurdt

Hebrews 3:14–15
14 "For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 15 while it is said, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.”

Do you remember the beginning of your assurance?  Do you remember how confident you were in Christ on the day you first confessed Him?  Don't let life and circumstances shake you out of that assurance.  Christ is still the same Savior today He was then.  Hold fast to what you know to be true about Him.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chuck & Laurie Hinson
• Gladys Hinson

Hebrews 3:14–15
14 "For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 15 while it is said, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.”

We never underestimate the importance of endurance.  While we certainly believe that Christ secures those who are His, we also know that those who are His hold fast to the end.  Those who harden their hearts and turn away from Christ prove they were never His.  Ask God to give our church soft hearts that hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Cindy Heflin
• Lucy Sanchez
• Neal & Nancy Hindman

Hebrews 3:12–13
12 "Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

The threat mentioned is "the deceitfulness of sin".  The problem is that sin will harden your heart and turn you away from the living God.  Ask God to expose any deceit that sin is spreading in your life or in our church.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lance & Amy Harris (Kodah)
• Rita Harris

Hebrews 3:12–13
12 "Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

The call is not only to examine our hearts, but to examine and encourage each other as well.  Today pray for our church family that every heart be true and full of endurance.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Pam Goodall
• Max & Rebecca Haney

Hebrews 3:12–13
12 "Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

The admonition is clear, "Take care".  Today examine your heart and make sure it is neither evil, nor unbelieving and, like the Israelites, prone to fall away from the living God."

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlena Fitzgerald (Gage)
• Benny & Cathy Fitzgerald

Hebrews 3:7–11
7 "Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tried Me by testing Me, And saw My works for forty years. 10 “Therefore I was angry with this generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they did not know My ways’; 11 As I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’”

One more note on this quotation from Psalms 95:7-11.  The day in which Israel failed was called "the day of trial in the wilderness".  It is true that God may in fact put each of us through a day of trial and testing.  He expects that in our hour of testing we will remember what God has shown us in the past and trust Him in the future.  Failure to do so is equated by God as us going astray in the heart and failing to truly know who He is.  Prepare your heart for a day of trial by focusing today on who God has been and all that He has done for you in the past.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• David & Toni Crawford
• Bonnie Edwards