Hebrews 13:1 ESV

Let brotherly love continue.

A BROTHERLY LOVE.

There are 4 types of love mentioned in the bible. 'Storge' is an affectionate love, the type of love one might have for family or a spouse. Second, is 'eros' which is a passionate or sexual love (eros is the source of the English word erotic). The third is 'agape' which is the most powerful, noblest type of love. As a sacrificial love, 'agape' love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will. This is the love that God has for His people and that prompted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins. Simply put, Jesus is 'agape' love personified.

However, the brotherly love is ‘phileo’ in Greek language. Two individuals exhibiting brotherly love and is marked by close friendship. Best friends will display this generous and affectionate love for each other as each seeks the betterment of each other. The Scriptural account of David and Jonathan is its excellent illustration, “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1-3).

This involves feelings of warmth and affection toward another person. Thus, we do not have this love toward our enemies. But, God has commanded us to have an ‘agape’ love toward everyone. This includes those whose behaviors contradict, those hurt and treat us unjustly, and even those who are hostile toward us and our faith (Luke 6:28; Matthew 5:44). Later on as a result, as we obey God and His example of ‘agape’ love for them, we may start to experience phileo love for some of them as we see them through God’s eyes.

To a genuine believer, there is a new love to the brethren.[1 John 3:14] However, warm and affectionate relationships do not just happen. Like a garden, our relationship in church must be cultivated through constant communication and nurture through fellowship. Thus, we are enjoined to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” [Heb 10:24] Without this, our relationships will grow cold. As Solomon has said, “Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” [Prov 27:10b] To love a brother, therefore, is making oneself available to him in times of need.

As the apostle John had admonished us, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:16-18]

Today, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [Gal 6:10] Hence, brotherly love prompts us to prioritize in helping the needy in the church before anyone else outside.

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Hebrews 12:25-29 ESV

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.

God has spoken at Mt. Sinai. They suffered the consequences for their rebellion, how much more when they will ‘we reject him who warns from heaven’. That is, Him who can shake not only earth but heaven once more. In other words, we should not be ignorant of the consequences of rejecting Christ.

We can’t be secured by trusting the things that are removed, that is the law. Christ removed it by fulfilling it. [Rom 10:4] hus, the unshaken remains – His kingdom. And, we receive His kingdom, which means, it’s a gift to us to be part of His kingdom. How could a sinner like us be admitted into His kingdom if not for His unmerited approval or grace.

C. Spurgeon had written, “Glory be to God, our kingdom cannot be moved! Not even dynamite can touch our dominion: no power in the world, and no power in hell, can shake the kingdom which the Lord has given to his saints. With Jesus as our monarch we fear no revolution and no anarchy: for the Lord hath established this kingdom upon a rock, and it cannot be moved or removed.”

As we had received His grace, we should offer unto God our acceptable worship, should we not? Grace prompts reverence and godliness. Otherwise, a professing believer who abuses and thinks God’s grace as His license to sin more may not have really received the grace of God. Thus Paul had asked, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [Rom 6:1,2] He added, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11-12]

The God who sin full of compassion is a consuming fire, too. He recognized our helplessness towards His judgment. Thus, He sent His Son as our substitute. And as the fire consumed the burnt offering, so He poured His wrath upon Jesus at the cross. ‘The penalty of sin is consumed in Jesus at the cross’ [D. Guzik]

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Hebrews 12:18-24 ESV

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

FROM MT. SINAI TO MT. ZION

At Mt. Sinai, there was the sound of a trumpet, calling forth the nation to meet with God. The Jews had to wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations. Thunder, lightning. and a thick cloud were on spectacular display. There was more smoke, like a furnace, and earthquakes; then the trumpet sounded long – until Moses spoke, and God Himself answered. God spoke to Israel from Sinai, but warned them in every way possible to stay away. It was fenced off. Moses alone was allowed to touch it (Exodus 19:12-13).

The reaction of Israel was understandable: they were terrified and wanted the experience to stop (Exodus 20:18-21). This fear neither had succeeded in promoting holiness among the people of Israel nor changing the heart of Israel. For 40 days later, they worshipped a golden calf and said this was the god that brought them out of Egypt.

But we have come to a different mountain. We come to God’s other mountain: Zion, the name of the hill upon which Jerusalem sits. In the Old Testament Zion refers figuratively to Israel as the people of God (Isaiah 60:14). In the New Testament, Zion refers to God’s spiritual kingdom. We have not come to Mount Sinai, says the apostle, but “to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). Peter, quoting Isaiah 28:16, refers to Christ as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6). Thus, our relationship with God is not modeled after Israel’s bitter-sweet experience at Mount Sinai.

Consider the contrasts between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. [ By. D. Guzik]

· Mount Sinai was marked by fear and terror – Mount Zion is a place of love and forgiveness.

· Mount Sinai is in the desert – Mount Zion is the city of the Living God

· Mount Sinai spoke of earthly things – Mount Zion speaks of heavenly things.

· At Mount Sinai, only Moses was allowed to draw near to God – at Mount Zion, an innumerable company, a general assembly is invited to draw near.

· Mount Sinai was characterized by guilty men in fear – Mount Zion features just men made perfect.

· At Mount Sinai, Moses was the mediator – at Mount Zion, Jesus is the mediator.

· Mount Sinai brings an Old Covenant, which was ratified by the blood of animals – Mount Zion brings a New Covenant, which is ratified by the blood of God’s precious Son.

· Mount Sinai was all about exclusion, keeping people away from the mountain – Mount Zion is all about invitation.

· Mount Sinai is all about Law – Mount Zion is all about grace.

The superiority of the New Covenant is highlighted again. How could the Jewish believers even consider in going back and preferring the religion of Mount Sinai to their relationship of Mount Zion? The sprinkling of blood has been better than that of Abel.

Hebrews 12:15-17 ESV

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

FALLING FROM THE GRACE OF GOD.

Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. [see Eph 2:8,9] But, after salvation we do continue to depend upon His grace in order to walk the new life we have, don’t we? In fact, we are enjoined to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. [2 Pet 3:18] Thus, His grace that saves us also sustains us. It’s a ludicrous thought that we can start our Christian life by His grace and continue in the flesh.

Failing to obtain the grace of God is spiritually disastrous and would eventually result to sin's bondage.

The first identified is bitterness. By God’s grace we can forgive the person and let go of the hurts and wounds he has inflicted upon us. The writer of Hebrews may have thought of the persecutions and injuries inflicted upon them as believers in Christ. Forgiveness doesn’t allow bitterness to root in our hearts. It’s neglect is as letting the weeds to grow at the garden of our hearts. In due time, the inevitable fruits that defile or poison many others around us.

Secondly, it is profanity. Esau is the example. Why did he sell his birthright for a single meal? “Fornication is nearly akin to gluttony, Esau's sin. He profanely cast away his spiritual privilege for the gratification of his palate. Genesis 25:34 graphically portrays his reckless, self-indulgent levity. An example well fitted to strike horror into those Hebrews, whosoever, like Esau, were only sons of Isaac according to the flesh." (by Bengel). Simply stated, without the grace of God, there is no way to stop the flesh to gratify its own desires as a magnet to iron pellets. Like Esau, a fleshly person’s sense of judgment is distorted – what matters is the ‘here and now’ without seeing the worth of restrain in order to get the best.

The grace of God is as the buoy that makes us spiritually afloat above the changing current of world’s ebbs and flows. Life’s persecutions and pleasant experiences are equally detrimental to our spiritual health. The grace of God is indispensable for forgiveness and self control. Otherwise, we’ll indulge in bitterness and profanity.

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Hebrews 12:12-14 ESV

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

BE STRONG. BE RIGHT.

Be strong. The Christian is illustrated as a runner, warrior and boxer. Amidst the hardships and chastening of the Lord, the believer should take courage. Instead of wallowing in discouragements, as a determined athlete, we must flex our muscles personally.

Be right. There are two areas the Christian must strive to get right. Firstly, he must ‘strive for peace with everyone.’ The key of winning is by counting others as important. Thus, it’s not on what they do unto us but how we treat them with goodness despite the wrong we received. As Paul extensively had exhorted us in our relationship with others in Rom 12:14-21. He wrote,” Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Secondly, we must be right before God, that is, live a holy life. Far from isolating ourselves from people, holiness is practiced or achieved even when surrounded with people. Holiness is not building a wall from people. But, even though we put ourselves vulnerable, we maintain our meekness and humility before them. Thereby, God’s holiness in our lives is manifested as the star that glitters in the darkest night. Without this holiness, we would never see the Lord. Without any sign of hatred and prejudice in our hearts, we would look others, even in their worst, and yet see the Lord. Such, selflessness prompts us to serve others but also cognizant of their undesirable traits.

Today, let us be strong in order to do what is right before others and God.

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Hebrews 12:5-11 ESV

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

LOVE AND CHASTENING.

The believer’s relationship with God is familial. God is our Father and we are children by virtue of adoption. [see John 1:12, Eph 1:4-5] This should continue to amaze us that sinners could become God’s children, should we not?

A relationship must take place before we talk about discipline. We almost don’t bother upon seeing a child throwing himself in a tantrum unless he is our child, do you? God isn’t only interested in saving us but also in sanctifying us as His children. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” [v.6] At another angle, we do freak out when a man disciplines us unless he is our father, don’t we? We only recognize and offer the right to our father to discipline us.

If we sinned and we are not disciplined by God, we may doubt wether we are really His children. Does God treat us as His sons? For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. We learned this from our parents, who we respect. Likewise, we understand and do this same to our kids, don’t we?

If earthly parents do this best both for themselves and his kids, how much more our heavenly Father in heaven does this for Himself and us?

He disciplines us in order that we may share in His holiness. [John 15:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16] This process is painful but temporary. The ultimate fruit compensates many times over the pain to those who are trained by it at the moment.

As an athlete being harnessed to compete and win in a fierce competition, our Father does likewise unto us in life’s hostile competition. The goal is for us to obtain the fruit of righteousness through ‘peaceable’ means. That is, we must be yielded, to His control as a fruitful tree to the pruning of the farmer and a wild horse becoming meek. Why should we take the hard way as the horse or amule [ Psa 32:7,8], when we can learn righteousness he easy way – by cooperation and submission.

Discipline is God’s gift of love shown unto us by His patience in training us to achieve the purpose that pleases Him.

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Hebrews 12:4 ESV

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

OUR STRUGGLE AGAINST SIN.

Certainly, the early Christians were severely persecuted and ostracized but not yet to the point of shedding their own blood. Consequently, these provocations had caused struggles against sinning. As the writer had pointed out, they’ve withstood or resisted.

Because of the fall, man is born sinner. Psa 51:5 says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Simply put, man sin because he is a sinner. To commit sin is his nature. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child.” [Prov 22:15a]. It’s not a surprise that a child will do naughty things even though nobody taught them. His nature prompts him so.

Thus, our struggle against sin is as going upstream, against the natural current from the springs. Paul had recognized this by saying, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” [Rom 7:18-20] This tension won’t stop until the grave.

Thereby, it will take the power of the Holy Spirit for us to resist sin as a motorized boat travels against the strong water current. Should the engine stop, the boat will be carried downstream. Thereby, we must continue to let the Holy Spirit take control by our obedience to Him as the engine is kept running with sufficient fuel supply. Indeed, He is indispensable. This struggle is explained by Paul in Gal 5:16-17, that is, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” [Gal 5:16,17]

Today, let’s be watchful to any provocation of sin from three sources, namely, our flesh, the world and Satan. Let’s consecrate our hearts unto the Lord for they are desperately wicked by itself. [Jer 17:9,10] Only those who have purified hearts who can see God. [Matt 5:6]

The provocation for us to sin is inevitable as the gravitational pull. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Cor 15:56] He gave us the Holy Spirit, who is our indespensable power, to live the victorious Christian life. Thus, like Paul, we may claim, “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Gal 2:20]

To win against sin's struggle, let us obey the Spirit's control.

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Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS.

The crucial part in running our race is focus. Distraction is the devil’s tool to get rid of our eyes from Jesus. Our eyes must be fixated on him by looking away from other things in order to see Him distinctly, as one looking an object afar. Like Peter, James and John at the Mt. of Transfiguration, we should no longer see anyone but Jesus only. [Mark 9:8] Let’s remember that the central person in this race isn’t us. It’s Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the originator of our faith because of His vicarious work at the cross.

Jesus is our example about focus. For the joy that was set before him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Thus, we must consider Him. If He underwent such severe conflict and opposition from sinners, who among us should refuse to submit unto Him to experience the same? Otherwise, we will grow weary and fainthearted.

The wonderful examples of faith we have are only to be followed as they followed Christ. [ 1 Cor 11:1] As James, “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11.) Then the Apostle means that the end of our sufferings will be the same with those of Christ, according to what is said by Paul, “We’re heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:17.)

Like Paul, who himself even had testified, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” [Phil 1:20,21]

Today, have you grown weary in your Christian race? Do consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [Rom 8:18] Jesus will surely finish what He has began in your life.[Phil 1:6] “Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” [Heb 13:13]

In our Christian race, our win is to exalt Christ, by following the example of Christ, and through the energy of Christ.

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Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE.

We have a great cloud of witnesses, meaning a great number of people. The thought of these past heroes of faith in heaven are watching us as spectators is inconclusive to prove. Surely, heaven as a place is where people are always happy and untroubled. But, it is hard imagine that they are happy and untroubled if they are watching us stumbling at times in our faith journey, isn’t it? Thus, it’s preposterous to say that people in heaven are actually observing us.

Therefore, these witnesses are not witnessing us as we conduct our lives. Instead, they are witnesses to us of faith and endurance. [by D. Guzik]

In view of this encouragement, let us run successfully by laying aside everything that impedes us. “Weights” are encumbrances that may not be sins but nevertheless makes perseverance difficult. We should strip off any unnecessary baggage that may weigh us down, shouldn’t we. "Some one is recorded to have asked whether a certain thing would do a person harm, and the reply was given, "No harm, if you do not wish to win."" [by Dr. Thomas] The believers’ choices may not be always between right and wrong, but between something that may hinder us and something else that may not. Is there a weight in our lives that we must lay aside?

Secondly, we must confess and get rid of any lingering sin that beset us. Sin has a hardening effect in our hearts as stain that stick stubbornly on a fabric. [Heb 3:13] According to Dr. Lane, "Sin might have reference to the love of wealth, attachment to the world, preoccupation with earthly interests, or self-importance." Have we confessed our sins and repented from it?

According to D. Guzik, “The words ‘easily ensnares’ translate a difficult ancient Greek word (euperistaton), which can be translated four ways: “easily avoided,” “admired,” “ensnaring,” or “dangerous.” If such ensnaring sins were really the work of demonic possession or demonic influence in the Christian, this would be an ideal place for the Holy Spirit to address this. Yet we are never given reason to blame our sin on demons; the appeal is simply for us to, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The reason for this discipline is for us to keep on running the Christian race effectively. As the opposition mounts, let us endure to finish the race and obtain His promise. [ Heb 10:35,36] Far from being passive, we should have a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (by Barclay). As Paul had admonished us to be stedfast, unmoveable yet abounding in the work of the Lord. [1 Cor 15:58]

The Christian race is not a 100 meter sprint but a marathon. Let us, therefore, run with endurance.

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Hebrews 11:32-39 ESV

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

FAITH AND DIFFICULTIES.

For the lack of time to mention the details, the writer just has had his list of characters with broad narrative descriptions to a few of them. One thing in common, however, is that all of them continued to trust God faithfully amidst difficulties, even extreme hardships that led to death.

Many were able to accomplish extra-ordinary tasks. Yet, many died mercilessly having not accomplished anything spectacular except for standing faithful in God. Today, likewise, we see a wide spectrum of equally faithful believers with different outcomes in serving God. While some had seen their ministries growing by leaps and bounds, some are struggling or stagnating. The outcomes, whether good or bad, don’t necessarily mean that one is better or lesser than the other.

Yet in v. 39, all of them did not live to see the Messianic promise fulfilled (see Hebrews 11:13), though some had individual special promises fulfilled as already mentioned (Hebrews 11:33). Unlike them, God had provided something better for us, that is a better promise. [Heb 8:6] This special and glorious purpose of God is not due to any special merit in us. It is simply the fulness of the time in God‘s dispensation of grace of which we are the beneficiaries. But all the same and all the more, we should prove worthy of our heritage and of God‘s goodness to us and be loyal to Christ.

Like them, let’s hold unto God's promises. As Heb 10:35-39 says,

“35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,

“Yet a little while,

and the coming one will come and will not delay;

38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,

and if he shrinks back,

my soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”[2 Cor 4:16-18]

Real faith holds unto the promises of God even when the circumstances are difficult.

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