December 7, 2005

December 7, 2005 — Wednesday
One Year Journey: Daniel 5-7; 2 John


"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." Hebrews 2:1-4


The Christian life is not a destination—it’s a journey. While it began at the moment you came to the cross for forgiveness, it most certainly doesn’t stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things God has for you?

One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “Keep up—don’t fall behind.” The author repeatedly warned followers of Jesus to keep their relationship with God current, not to let their hearts get hard, cold, or calloused to the things of Jesus. We’re told to press on to what’s ahead. “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1).

When you received Jesus as your Savior, you made some promises to God. How are you doing with them? Don’t drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to help you keep your relationship with God moving ahead:

• Does my life give evidence that I’ve been truly redeemed by the Son of God?

• Does my faith endure in hard times as well as good times?

• Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?

• Do I have an increasing hunger for God’s Word and a passion for God’s kingdom?

• Is my love increasing for God and his people?

You may be thinking, I don’t want to drift away. What can I do? Again, your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention.” What a great wake-up call! Pay attention—this matters! If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back. If you’ve been caught up in other things and have lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord.

I urge you to stay on course. Whether it’s been several days or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord, get on your knees right now. Open your heart before him. Review the five questions. Ask the Lord to show you the areas in your life that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com




seeking: Father, what have you revealed about my relationship with you in the past few minutes? How have you encouraged me to keep going in my faith?


responding: Which of the five questions most need my attention? What was the condition of my faith a year ago? Where am I today? In what area do I want to grow this week?

Father, thank you for the opportunity to have my life shaped and changed by your Spirit. Please quicken fresh love, passion, and fervency in me so that I won’t drift away from all that is mine in Jesus. Renew and revive my heart in passionate commitment to you.


following: Pay attention to what God is doing in your life.