Daily Wisdom

Heb 8:6 “But, now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry… better covenant… For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.”

The first covenant (O.T.) was to show a need for a better covenant, one that was flawless (N.T. Christ). Jer 31:31 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant…”

In Gal 3:4 Paul states the vain efforts of man under the old covenant. Illustrating that the faults associated with the O.T. covenant originate out of man’s efforts to obtain perfection in Christ instead of accepting the perfection of Christ.

Point being: Man has always tried to accomplish what he needs, while Christ provided what man needs. A “better covenant” established on God’s promises, not man’s efforts.

In reality, the better covenant (N.T.) was already in existence and promised to Abraham (Gal 3:13-18) 430 yrs. before the first covenant (O.T.). As well the first covenant (O.T.) given to Israel was external, engraved in stone (Ex 32:15-16), the “better covenant” Christ is internal, written on the heart (2 Cor 3:3).

Since the beginning man has failed in trying to accomplish what God has perfected through Jesus. Man’s efforts (first covenant/law) has always been the fault. God’s promise in Jesus has been and always will be… faultless!

Under law, God requires; under grace, God provides… which do you prefer!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

1 Jn 3:17-18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

This verse is strikingly similar to James teaching in (Jm 2:14-17) what profit is there if a man says he has faith but not works, turning away a brother or sister that is naked or in need of food. Bringing to questions: how clearly do our actions show forth the love of Christ towards others? Does our generosity offer as much grandeur as the grace we’ve been given through Christ?

Point being: The world asks, “what does a man own?” Christ asks, “How does he use it?”

Generosity is compassion and love in action.  For the Christians/disciples of Antioch, “every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the breathern in Judea.” (Acts 11:26-29).

Even if we are suffering hardship, it does not excuse us from still being a blessing to others. There is always one worse off than ourselves!

No one has ever become poor by giving! (Lk 21:2)

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Psa 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

Modern society longs for peace, joy and happiness of mind. Here is clear-cut instruction on how to attain this: if we love the Word of God, and its instruction, we will have “great peace.” Such peace will cause one “to rejoice at thy word as one that finds great spoil.” (vs 162) 

One becomes susceptible to offenses when they’re not at peace in their spirit. Hurt people, hurt people; forgiven people, forgive people.

Point being: The truth only offends those who live outside of it.

Truth offends everyone outside its definitions. But the irony of truth is that the greater its potential for offense, the greater its potential for giving hope, for those who come to love it!

Offense never let you go, you have to let it go… Pro 1:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but, he that repeateth a matter separateth friends.”

HSAY… Todd