October 20 — "Keep Going—You’re Closer Than You Think"

   

Today's Reading: Hebrews 10:19-39 

When life feels like a never-ending uphill climb and the finish line is nowhere in sight, Hebrews 10:35–36 bursts in like a coach yelling from the sidelines: “Don’t throw away your confident trust in the Lord…patient endurance is what you need now!” Oh yes—God’s not done yet! Every promise He’s made still stands tall, but this race? It demands grit, patience, and a faith that refuses to flinch when the road stretches long and hard.

The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were bone-tired—worn down by persecution and delays. Some were ready to tap out, wondering if following Jesus was worth the cost. The writer doesn’t sugarcoat it. He pleads: Don’t toss your confidence! Your bold, blazing trust in Christ will be richly rewarded. The word “endurance” in Greek is hypomonē, which means steadfast perseverance—staying strong under pressure. This reminds us to stand under the pressure knowin that God’s promises may not arrive instantly, but they always arrive eventually.

We live in a microwave culture—instant success, instant answers, instant relief. But spiritual maturity? It’s slow-cooked in the waiting. Every trial, every delay, every disappointment is a workout for your endurance muscles. The Christian life isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. And confidence in Christ is what keeps you moving when everything inside you screams, “Just stop already!”

Picture this: a marathon runner tosses his water bottle halfway through the race because it feels heavy. A few miles later? He’s bone-dry and full of regret. That’s what some believers do—they ditch their confidence right before the breakthrough. Remember Jericho? God’s people marched for six days with zero results. But on the seventh day—boom! Everything shifted. The reward came after the endurance.

So don’t quit. Don’t chuck your confidence. Keep walking in faith when prayers seem unanswered, when progress feels glacial, when the night drags on. The finish line might be closer than you think. Endurance isn’t just about waiting—it’s about trusting God while you wait.

May the Lord strengthen your heart to endure with joy, to trust when you can’t see, and to keep your confidence anchored in Him. May you run your race with unwavering faith until you hear those glorious words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

October 19 — "Perfected. Period."

Today's Reading: Hebrews 10:1-18

The truth that Hebrews 10:14 shouts is that Jesus’ finished work on the cross didn’t just slap a temporary bandage on our sins—it perfected us forever in God’s eyes. Boom!

While Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated year after year (cue the endless parade of animals), Jesus’ one-and-done offering accomplished what no priest, ritual, or bleating goat ever could. Thanks to Jesus, we don’t approach God as sinners scrambling to get better—we stand as perfected saints, declared holy not by our hustle, but by His finished work.

This truth is both positional (how God sees you) and practical (how you live it out). Positionally, in Christ, you’re already perfect—your record is squeaky clean. Practically, you’re still in process, being sanctified day by day as the Spirit chisels you into His image. That’s the beauty of grace!

While God is still working on you, He already sees you as complete. Like a sculptor who looks at a formless block of marble and sees the masterpiece it will become, the Father looks at you and sees the radiant reflection of His Son.

So what does this mean for you? You’re not perfect because of your performance—you’re perfect because of your position, made so by divine declaration. Christ’s sacrifice didn’t make you potentially perfect; it made you permanently perfected. Forever. For all time.

And “for all time” means Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t expire, doesn’t need renewal, and never loses its punch. This isn’t temporary forgiveness—it’s eternal perfection. Once you’re cleansed by His blood, that cleansing holds strong for ages unending, beyond the reach of time and decay!

Yes, we still need to continually confess our sins as we progress through this life. But the breathtaking beauty of being in Christ is that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

So, live from that truth! Let gratitude kick guilt to the curb. Let worship drown out worry. Chase holiness—not to earn God’s approval, but because you already have it. The same Jesus who perfected you is also sanctifying you—one patient, grace-soaked day at a time.

Today, may the Lord give you rest in Christ’s finished work, boldness in your standing before Him, and joy in knowing that He who began this good work will absolutely, without a doubt, bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. You are loved. You are secure. And yes—you are perfected. Forever. Period. 

October 18 — "Eyes Up—Hearts Ready"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 9

Today’s verse is a breathtaking bridge between the two most epic moments in salvation history—Calvary and Christ’s return. His first coming? All about redemption. His second? Oh, it’s about reward. The cross was His sacrifice; the crown will be His glory. He came the first time to deal with humanity’s sin. He’s coming again to bring salvation to those who are eagerly, joyfully, expectantly waiting for Him.

Zooming out, Hebrews 9 draws a bold contrast between the endless sacrifices of Old Testament priests and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Under the old system, blood had to be spilled repeatedly because sin was never actually erased—just covered (temporarily concealed). But when Jesus offered Himself, He didn’t just cover things up. He obliterated sin’s debt. That’s why the author declares Christ “will appear a second time, not to deal with sin.” It’s done. It’s finished. His next appearance won’t be as the suffering Servant—it’ll be as the victorious Savior, coming for those whose eyes are locked on Him like a bride awaiting her groom.

So what does this mean for us? It means our hope isn’t tethered to politics, possessions, or personal achievements—it’s anchored in a Person who’s coming back! The same Jesus who ascended from the Mount of Olives “will so come in like manner” at His Second Coming (Acts 1:11). Every promise He made? Fulfilled. Every tear shed for His name? Wiped away. Every act of faith? Rewarded. Living in this kind of expectancy flips the script—it purifies our priorities, fuels our perseverance, and keeps our hearts blazing with hope in a world that often feels dim.

And let’s clear something up: “eagerly waiting for Him” is not the same as “wishing we could escape this mess.” One is born of despair; the other of devotion. Escapism says, “I just want out.” Expectancy says, “I can’t wait to see Him.” One scans for exits; the other watches for His entrance. We’re not ducking from the chaos—we’re leaning into Christ’s coming. We’re not running from pain—we’re sprinting toward a Person. That’s the pulse of true hope. So keep your anticipation high. Steady and ready. Eyes up, hearts ready. Live like today could be the day He returns (because it could!).

Today, may the Lord ignite in your heart a joyful, burning expectancy for His return. May He find you faithful, fruitful, and full of hope when He appears—and may the Blessed Hope of His coming flood your soul with courage, comfort, and contagious anticipation. 

October 17 — "Better Covenant—Better Life"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 8

A “covenant” is no casual handshake—it’s God’s way of binding Himself to His people with a sacred, unbreakable promise. In Scripture, covenants are the backbone of God’s relationship with humanity, revealing His heart, His holiness, and His relentless pursuit of us.

The Old Covenant—aka the Old Testament—was glorious. Think Mount Sinai trembling with thunder, lightning flashing, the Tabernacle thick with God’s presence, and priests robed in splendor stepping into the Holy Place as incense curled upward like prayers. Every law, feast, and sacrifice was a brushstroke in a masterpiece, painting the holiness of a God who longed to dwell with His people.

It was good. It taught Israel how to worship and live set apart. The deal? Obey God’s law, and enjoy His blessing and fellowship. But as dazzling as it was, it couldn’t empower obedience. It pointed to what was right—but not how to live it. The Old Covenant was a sketch waiting for color, a melody missing lyrics, an engagement ring sparkling with promise but awaiting the wedding day.

Then came Jesus. Hebrews 8:6 describes Him as the Mediator of a “better” covenant, built on better promises. The Old said, “Do this and live.” The New says, “Believe and live.” The Old said, “Earn it.” The New says, “Receive it.” The Old said, “Sacrifice again and again.”  The New says, “It is finished.” The Old said, “Know the Law.” The New says, “Know the Lord.”  Through Jesus, God offers salvation, forgiveness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life to those who simply trust in Him. The New Covenant is better because it replaces law with grace, rituals with relationship, and temporary coverings with eternal forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

The Old was good and served its purpose. But the glory of the Old fades in the brilliance of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:10–11). And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to live under guilt or striving. The Old Covenant revealed our need; the New Covenant meets it in Jesus. Don’t settle for shadows when you’ve got the substance. Don’t cling to sketches when you can know the Artist Himself.

May the Lord open your eyes to the beauty of His covenants—both the foreshadowing glory of the Old and the surpassing splendor of the New. Walk boldly in the better promises of Jesus, resting in His finished work and rejoicing that His presence now dwells not in a tent... but in your very heart. 

October 16 — "Saved to the Nth Degree"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 7

Jesus isn’t some far-off Savior who did a heroic thing once and then disappeared from our lives. No way. He lives forever—yes, forever—to keep saving, keep interceding, and keep holding you fast with a grip  that never lets go.

In Hebrews, the writer paints a stunning picture: Jesus is our flawless High Priest, unlike the old-school priests who were bound by time, frailty, and eventually, death. Under the old covenant, sacrifices were offered daily, but even the holiest of men couldn’t escape sin and the grave. Jesus, however, holds His priesthood permanently because He crushed sin and death once and for all. That means His saving work doesn’t expire, and His prayers for you don’t run dry. He’s alive—right now—standing in heaven as your tireless Advocate.

The phrase “to the uttermost” comes from the Greek word pantelēs (παντελὲς), which means completely, entirely, without limit, forever, to the utmost degree. Translation? Jesus doesn’t hand out half-salvations or spiritual band-aids. His saving work is full-throttle, all-in, and absolutely perfect. Think of it this way: Jesus saves to the “nth degree.” It’s a vivid way of saying He goes all the way—like cranking a dial to 11 when the scale only goes to 10. Jesus saves fully, completely, and eternally—leaving no sin uncovered, no soul overlooked, and no ceiling on His grace.

So what does that mean for you today? It means you’re never left to stumble through life solo. Jesus is praying for you right now—about your battles, your temptations, your wounds, and yes, even your doubts. Imagine that: before you even whisper a prayer, Jesus is already speaking to the Father on your behalf. Your salvation isn’t just a golden ticket to heaven someday; it’s a present-tense rescue mission in full swing.

So lean in. Draw near. Don’t grit your teeth and try to power through life alone, and don’t treat prayer like a last-ditch emergency button. If Jesus Himself is already praying for you, why wouldn’t you run to Him? Bring your burdens. Confess your sins. Drop your fears. And thank Him—thank Him!—that He hasn’t stopped saving you. There’s no shadow too deep, no failure too massive, no fear too fierce for His grace to reach.

May the Lord flood your heart with fresh confidence in His boundless salvation and relentless intercession. May you walk today with the rock-solid assurance that Jesus is both Savior and Advocate—and may His ongoing prayers anchor your soul and strengthen your faith until the day you see Him face to face. 

October 15 — "When No One Notices, God Does"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 6

Do you sometimes feel like your efforts for others vanish into thin air—unnoticed, unappreciated, or just plain forgotten?  Like your kindness gets swallowed up by silence? You pray for your church, teach that Sunday School class, fold the laundry, share the Gospel with a neighbor—and it feels like no one notices. But here’s the truth: God does. Your loving, watchful Father never forgets a single act of love done in the name of His Son. Not one. The Bible says, “God is not unjust to forget your work and the love you’ve shown.” That’s not a pep talk—it’s a promise.

The Hebrew Christians were under pressure, tempted to drift back into old religious habits. They were tired, discouraged, and wondering if their service mattered. The writer of Hebrews steps in with a bold reminder: The Lord of glory sees every hidden act of service. Every quiet sacrifice. Every moment of faithfulness. In a world where applause fades faster than a social media post, God’s record book stays open. He never overlooks your love.

So when you donate to missions, offer groceries to someone in need, or whisper a prayer for a hurting friend—Heaven takes note. Your Father is not unjust. He will never treat your labor as meaningless. We live in a culture that craves instant recognition, but God calls us to trust His timing. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

And remember, God isn’t impressed by flashy deeds. He’s moved by the motive. Did you serve out of love? Did you give when no one was watching? Did you forgive when it hurt? That’s gold in Heaven’s economy. Malachi 3:16 tells us, "A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name." Yes, God keeps a journal. And your name’s in it along with every act motivated by love done in His name.

So keep going. Keep serving. Keep giving. Even when no one claps. Even when it feels like your kindness falls into a black hole. Know this: God sees. God smiles. God remembers. And one day, you’ll hear the words that make it all worth it—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). That’s the applause that never fades. That’s the only applause you need.

May the Lord renew your strength to serve with joy—even in hidden places. And may the Holy Spirit constantly remind you that nothing done for Him is ever wasted. 

October 14 — "What? Me a Teacher?"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 5

In Hebrews 4 and 5, the writer begins unpacking a glorious truth: Jesus is our Great High Priest. Not just any priest—He’s exalted, eternal, and empathetic. The sinless Savior who bridges Heaven and Earth and intercedes for you right now. No other priest, no other sacrifice, no other go-between needed. You’ve got Jesus.

But then—bam!—the writer abruptly hits pause. He says, “I’ve got so much more to say about this, but you’re not ready. You’re spiritually sluggish and hard of hearing.” Ouch!

Verse 12 delivers the knockout punch: “By this time you ought to be teachers.” Translation? You’ve been believers long enough to be leading others—but you’re still sipping spiritual milk when you should be grilling Gospel steak.

The Christian life is meant to grow in stages: (1) Infant faith: newly born again, learning the basics. (2) Bottle-fed faith: nourished by foundational truths like repentance and salvation. (3) Solid-food faith: strengthened by obedience and applying the Word. (4) Reproducing faith: mature enough to feed others, guide them, and multiply the Gospel. It’s a journey—from being nurtured to becoming a nurturer. From learner to leader. From taught to teacher. From receiver to reproducer.

But those Hebrew Christians? Stuck in spiritual infancy. Still wearing spiritual diapers and drinking from the baby bottle. Still needing someone to re-teach them the basics. Imagine being told, after years in the faith, “You are still like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.”

Here’s the kicker: maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christ follower—it’s measured by how much you’ve grown into Christlikeness. This type of growth leads to reproduction. Mature believers disciple others. They model godliness, encourage the young in faith, and teach by example.

So... are you still bottle-fed? Or are you ready to feed others? After all, you “ought to” be a teacher by now! Wait! What?! Me, a Teacher? Yes, you and every Christ follower are called to pass on what they have learned to others!

You don’t need a pulpit or a seminary degree. You just need a willing heart. So, put down the bottle and start a daily diet of being nourished by the solid-food of God’s Word. Then ask God to show you someone to teach, guide, or encourage. Love them. Pray with them. Serve them. And yes—teach them. By this time... you really ought to.

Today, may the Lord stir your heart from comfort to calling, from milk to meat, from receiving to reproducing.
May you walk in the strength of His Word, the joy of His Gospel, and the boldness of His Spirit.