Completely Saved From What

"Therefore he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25

Saved completely from what? I believe that we need saving from our own selves. We are our own worst enemy. Overcoming the hardness of our own hearts, greed, grudges, anger, jealousy, selfishness, disappointment....fill in the blank....Ecclesiastes 11:9 says, "Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgement."

I think Hebrews 7:25 is saying that the short comings that we think we have are there because we hold onto them. We don't allow God to prune us of them. I like how the verse says that Jesus ALWAYS LIVES TO INTERCEDE. One who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners is interceding for us. If that is true why do we still have hardened hearts? Because we hold on, we don't let go. Sometimes we refuse to let go, because we are so comfortable. We can't let go because Satan is constantly reminding us of our failures, or how we've been victimized, or who has rubbed us the wrong way, or how everyone else has it better than we do....again fill in the blank.

Satan doesn't attack us because of who and what we are in our lives right now....NO! He attacks us because of WHERE we WILL be in the future and WHAT we WILL do for the Kingdom of God IF we BELIEVE that we are completely saved. Completely saved from the hardness of our own hearts. Why is it so hard to free ourselves from our own shortcomings? The Bible says that "all a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2)

Be Clear Minded

"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray" 1 Peter 4:7

What does it mean to be clear minded? I believe that myself, and many others struggle with being clear minded, and self controlled. To be able to do this, I feel we must engage three attributes.

• FOCUS-- Focus on God's business. What moves God? His people and us bringing people to know Him.
• DISCIPLINE-- Discipline yourself to keep your eyes on Him in all situations and refer to God's word often!
• PERSEVERANCE-- Do everything as unto God. Do your best, not half way! When you think you've failed, try again. God has used many a loose screw. ALL of our beloved characters in the Bible had their kinks. I'm sure He can work in and through mine and yours!

So back to being clear minded and self-controlled...we need to read the verses after 1 Peter 4:7. The Bible gives us a check list of things to do to attain clear mindedness. And let's face it...we could all use a little more clear mindedness. Here's the checklist:

1. Above all love others to cover a multitude of sins. (BTW- "love others" encompasses everyone!)
2. Be hospitable (to everyone)
3. Use your talents to give away God's grace (to everyone). Remember that we are giving away the very word of God as we talk about Him, and that because he gives us His strength...it's all good.
4. Lastly...and this is an important one. It's not about you and me! The above three were all about loving, and serving everyone else but ourselves. When we focus, discipline ourselves, and persevere in doing these things, we have not only blessed someone else, God is blessed by us and He is given the glory the bible says. And when we stop the self serving and serve others, God then gives out his good measure to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, poured in your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)