Today’s Bible Verse:
Hebrews 3:13 ESV

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

My sermon this weekend will be focused on Hebrews 3:13. I thought it would be a good primer to ponder this verse today.

In the craziness of daily life, it's easy to become absorbed in our struggles and forget the importance of community. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that our faith journey is not meant to be traveled alone. Encouragement is a vital aspect of our Christian walk and serves as a safeguard against the deceitfulness of sin.

Each day offers a new opportunity to connect with others, to share words of hope, and to uplift one another. The phrase "as long as it is called 'Today'" emphasizes the urgency and importance of daily encouragement. Each moment is a gift, and we are called to use it to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sin can be subtle; it creeps in and hardens our hearts if we’re not vigilant. This hardening can lead us away from God and His promises. Encouragement acts as a balm for our souls, softening our hearts and redirecting our focus toward God’s love and grace.

Prayers

Remember:

1. Florida as they recover from Hurricane Milton.

2. The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

3. All people dealing with cancer

4. Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community and the encouragement we find in one another. Please help me to be a source of support and strength to those around me. Guard my heart against the deceitfulness of sin, and let my words and actions reflect Your love. May I encourage others daily, reminding them of Your promises and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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A Song for Today