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EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Apparently God's grace is heart-healthy. Such is the message of Hebrews 13:9:

"it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods"

In case we were inclined to think that eating certain cereals or other foods rich in fiber would help our cholesterol levels and our heart, this verse reminds us that what we ultimately need is God's grace. Perhaps many of today's modern ailments are basically spiritually-related rather than physically-related.

The final admonitions in Hebrews chapter 13 call us to consider a variety of areas that our important to both spiritual and physical health. We are called to love the family of God and extend hospitality to strangers (verses 1-2); remember prisoners (verse 3); uphold the sanctity of marriage (verse 4); avoid materialism (verse 5); imitate our mentors in the faith (verse 7); and avoid "varied and strange teachings" (verse 9). Attention to these important areas is a prescription for true health.

Living in genuine appreciation of the sacrifice and work of Jesus the Christ and looking forward in faith and hope to "the city which is to come" (verse 14) places us in a position to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." (verse 15).

God's ways aren't just His demands; they are for the ultimate good of those who obey. That which He calls us to know and to do are "pathways" for His grace. That grace truly is "heart-healthy" on several levels. And it is this grace that He extends to us so that He can extend it through us to others. His grace is designed for all people.

Bask in the benefits of God's grace today, but also let your life be a "conduit of grace" to others. The good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God is personally enriching in every way, but it is especially enriching to us when we enrich others with it.

Prayers and warm thoughts today for your "heart health" through God's incredible grace.

Steve

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