Today's Devotion: We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Heb 6:12) The Handbook on the Letter to the Hebrews suggests that this passage means that the writer is encouraging his audience to be eager or have perseverance in their activities, so that they can be like those who trust in Christ.

Today's Comments: My former girlfriend and I had a discussion on the way to a party today. She thinks that, as Christians, we must walk the walk, as well as talk the talk. In her opinion, this means showing the joy of Jesus Christ in our lives. While I substantially agree, it is important that we must be somewhat guarded with respect to proclaiming a type of prosperity gospel. Christians must know that they may, at some point in their lives, be persecuted or ridiculed for their beliefs. Being a Christian does not guarantee happiness and prosperity. What it does guarantee is a real relationship with God, where we mature and grow in that relationship. And, it provides a sense of inner peace, where each of us is able to understand that we have a purpose and direction to travel as we mature in that relationship. Our joy may not lie in material goods or substantial wealth, but God will give us everything that we need to flourish in that relationship with him.