On My Heart - A Weekly Devotional by Bob Krepps

Year 2001's Devotional Messages

December 27, 2001 - "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13: 1 - 8

We end the year 2001 in the last chapter of Hebrews. The focus here is on personal qualities that should characterize the lives of Christians. Qualities like hospitality, remembering those in prison, ministering to those who are being mistreated or suffering, purity in marriage, contentment and dependence on the Lord, and appreciating those who have led us and taught us. As you look to a new year evaluate your life, ask God to show you where you are doing well and where you fall short. Confess any sin God shows you and ask God what His desires are for you in 2002. What steps do you need to take to cultivate the qualities mentioned in Hebrews 13 in your life?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and tomorrow. He has been faithful in the past, is faithful now and will be faithful to you in the future. Rest and be strengthened by His amazing grace.

December 20, 2001 - "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But to angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds and said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2: 4 - 20 (NIV)

This week my prayer is that you will spent some time focusing on Jesus Christ and glorifying Him because the living God of the universe stepped on to earth, humbled Himself by becoming a man and gave His life so we might have life eternal. I pray you will experience great joy this Christmas.

December 13, 2001 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1 - 3 (NIV)

In Hebrews chapter 11 there are many examples of men and women who have been faithful witnesses to God's goodness and glory. They should motivate us to get rid of the sin in our lives that would hinder us from faithfully running the race of life we are now called to run. Then fix your eyes on Jesus Christ.

We all need to "fix our eyes on Jesus" daily. When I take time to look at Jesus Christ, what do I see? First, I clearly see that God loves me with an incredible love. Because of His love for me, Jesus willingly endured the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. I also see clearly that our Lord is King and Ruler of the universe, He sits in authority at the right hand of the throne of God. He was victorious over death, an enemy that only He has conquered.

Second, I clearly see who I am. I actually deserve the punishment that Jesus Christ endured. My sins are clearly not minor violations that can be excused, they are serious offences against a holy God. When I look at Jesus I must come face to face with the fact that I am guilty and deserve the most drastic punishment possible. I need to approach the Lord daily in humility, confession and repentance. I am in desperate need of the grace of God. He has provided what I so desperately need, an abundant amount of grace and mercy.

When I "fix my eyes on Jesus" it is easy for me to trust Him and love Him. Prayer and confession come naturally to me when Jesus Christ is my focus. When my focus is elsewhere, I loose perspective and become overwhelmed with life's difficulties. Take some time today and every day to "fix your eyes on Jesus". Focus your heart on Him.

December 6, 2001 - "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because He is a rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11: 1 - 6 (NIV)

Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is often called the "hall of faith" of the Bible. It lists more that a dozen examples of men and women who lived lives of faith. They worshiped by faith, walked by faith, worked by faith, conquered by faith, suffered by faith and died by faith. By faith they were courageous in battle, made strong in their weakness, victorious in defeat and patient in suffering and persecution. When our faith and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ we can live lives of confidence even when it seems like the evil all around us is set on destroying us. The faith of the saints listed in Hebrews 11 inspires and encourages us. When we place our faith in the Living Lord of the Universe, Jesus Christ, we are following their example.

Read Hebrews Chapter 11 several times this week. Do you live a life of faith? Is your faith in Jesus Christ or in something that is not reliable? Take some steps this week to exercise and develop your faith.

November 29, 2001 - "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10: 19 - 25 (NIV)

We can now have an amazing confidence to come to God because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. Today take a spiritual inventory of your life. Spend some time praying and then ask yourself these questions: Am I drawing near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance of faith? Am I holding unswervingly to the hope in Christ that I profess? Do I actively spur others on toward love and good deeds? To I meet with other Christians for fellowship and encouragement? Am I an encourager? After taking your inventory make some commitments to make any changes in your life that God shows you to make as a result.

November 22, 2001 - Thanksgiving Day - "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 (NIV) "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 106: 1 (NIV)

It is always God's will for us to give thanks, no matter what our circumstances. On this Thanksgiving Day, set apart especially to give thanks, spend time thanking God for all the ways He has blessed you in the past and is blessing you now. God is good. He is the very source of our life! I am very grateful for all our Lord has done for me and given me.

November 15, 2001 - "When Christ came as a high priest of the good things that are already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Hebrews 9: 11 - 14 (NIV)

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was a superior sacrifice. The elaborate tabernacle and sacrificial system of the Old Covenant was an illustration to teach was blood sacrifice and atonement were pointing toward. These sacrifices only accomplish an outward cleansing. Only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can cleanse our consciences, bring forgiveness and impart life.

Meditate on the fact that Christ's blood has cleansed you once for all so that you may serve the living God. Take time to thank God for the perfect sacrifice of Jesus this week. Then think of ways you can serve Him this week out of gratitude for all He has done for you.

November 8, 2001 - "The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If He were on earth, He would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: 'See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.' But the ministry Jesus received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, ant it is founded on better promises." Hebrews 8: 1 - 6 (NIV)

The author of Hebrews now summarizes the main point he has been trying to make in the last several chapters. That is, Jesus ministry is superior because He sits at God the Father's right hand and serves in God's actual tabernacle. Priests on earth serve in a tabernacle that is only a copy of the real one in heaven. That ministry was valuable for instruction because it provides us with a picture of the real tabernacle. But Jesus ministry is superior because it is not a shadow or a copy - it is reality! His ministry is what actually cleanses us from sin and can actually bring us into a right relationship with the living God.

How has Jesus ministered to you? Take time today to meditate on and to thank God for all the ways the ministry of Jesus Christ is superior to every other ministry. Allow Jesus to minister to you today.

November 1, 2001 - "But He became a priest with an oath when God said to Him: 'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: You are a priest forever.' Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed a Son, who has been made perfect forever." Hebrews 7: 21 - 28 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is indeed the supreme high priest. His priesthood is permanent and superior to everyone that preceded Him. And because it never ends He is able to save completely all to come to God through Him! Jesus is also constantly interceding (praying) for us - bridging the gap that exists between us and God the Father. The One who personally paid the price for our sinful deeds pleads our case before His Father's throne of judgment. He begs for the forgiveness we desperately need but don't deserve.

Think about what it means to have Jesus Christ interceding for you. What difference does this make in your life? Take some time today to praise Jesus for being holy, pure and blameless. Thank Him for paying the price for your sin. Thank Him for interceding for you. Rejoice in the fact that He is able to you save completely.

October 25, 2001 - "Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weaknesses. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So Christ also did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to Him, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' And He says in another place, 'you are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of his reverent submission. Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be a high priest in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 5: 1 - 10 (NIV)

Hebrews chapter 5 deals with Jesus role as a high priest and that He is supremely qualified to be a high priest. Jesus was appointed not as a temporary high priest, but as a permanent - eternal - high priest. The sacrifice He offered was Himself. Unlike other priests, Jesus did not need to offer sacrifices for His own sin. He is perfectly able to understand and gently minister to us because of the suffering He experienced. These verses also give us insight into prayer. Jesus prayed fervently with tears to be saved out of death and He was heard. How was Jesus prayer answered? In one sense the Father's answer was no, Jesus would have to suffer a horrible painful death. In another sense the answer was yes, Jesus would rise from the grave never to die again. He was saved out of death and now sits enthroned as King of Kings at the right hand of God. We now have the hope of eternal life because of His death and resurrection. God's eternal purposes were accomplished through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

God often answers our prayers in ways that may at first not seem like an answer at all. We may be close to despair. But, God's answer is often to bring life out of death. Have you experienced a loss? The death of a dream or vision? Deep disappointment or pain? Jesus Christ is a high priest who understands. Our Lord is a God who brings life even out of death.

October 18, 2001 - "There remains, then a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rest from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4: 9 - 16 (NIV)

Entering God's rest is a benefit of faith in Jesus Christ. Is God's rest a reality in your life? To what extent to you experience God's rest? Reflect and meditate on the idea of resting in God alone. The author of Hebrews goes on to talk about the word of God. It is active and living and can penetrate our hearts so that we can enter God's rest. He says that when we come under conviction of sin from meditating on God's word we have Jesus Christ, a high priest, to whom we can go to with anything because He can sympathize with us, understand us and cleanse us from every sin.

Thank God for His promise of rest both now and in the future (in eternity). Thank Him for knowing you and loving you completely. Thank Him for providing understanding, grace and mercy.

October 11, 2001 - "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Hebrews 3: 1 - 6 (NIV)

The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus is greater than the prophets, then he says that Jesus is greater than the angels. In this chapter he says Jesus is superior to Moses, who was considered to be the greatest leader the Jewish nation ever had. Moses redeemed and liberated the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. He spoke to God as one speaks to a friend and gave the written law to the Jewish people. He mediated between God and the people. No one was more respected than Moses. Yet, Jesus Christ, the Messiah is far superior to Moses.

We are told in this passage to fix our thoughts on Jesus. This means we are to put our mind on Jesus and let it remain there so that we will understand who He is and what His will is for us. We are to thoughtfully consider Jesus and concentrate our attention on Him. Fixing our thoughts on Jesus is vital if we want to know, love, walk with and obey God.

Where is heart today? Do you love Jesus? Is He first in your life? Where is your hope? Take some time now to examine your heart. What things are distracting you from fixing your thoughts on Jesus Christ? What can you do about these?

October 5, 2001 - "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2: 14 - 18 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man united in one person. The Lord of the universe humbled Himself by taking on human flesh and becoming a man. God loved us so much that He was willing to suffer and die to defeat our biggest enemy, death. He understands intimately what we are experiencing - our fears, suffering and temptation. There is no trial or trail or temptation we will ever face that Christ does not perfectly understand. In His mercy He made atonement for our sins by offering and becoming the sacrifice Himself.

Are you enslaved by the fear of death? By other fears? By sin and temptation? Are you experiencing suffering? Jesus Christ understands and is able to help. Let this truth sink deep into your heart, meditate on the truth of God's Word. Pray and ask Jesus to help you come to Him, trust Him and let go of your fears.

September 27, 2001 - "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. And after He made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs." Hebrews 1: 1 - 4 (NIV)

Hebrews is on of my favorite books of the Bible because the glory and greatness of Jesus Christ permeates the entire book. With the arrival of Jesus, God speaks finally and completely in the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each time the prophets spoke they only reveal part of the story, now God's revelation is complete. These four verses speak to us of the incredible greatness of Jesus. He is the heir of all things, He made everything that exists and He shines forth God's glory. When we look at Jesus we are looking at God. He maintains and carries along every thing in the universe. Without Him, our sin could never be forgiven. He is now sitting at the right hand of God the Father, a position of honor, glory and power. Jesus is greater than the angels, who are extremely powerful and exalted beings. He is the Lord of the universe. My heart has been overwhelmed with praise for our Lord Jesus as I have read these verses over and over again this week.

Meditate and ponder these verses. Is Jesus more than just a name to you? Do you adore Him? Do you love Him? Do you trust Him with your life? When our trust is in Jesus Christ we have nothing to fear. Take time today to tell Him how much you love and adore Him. Ask Him to help you trust Him with your fears.

September 20, 2001 - "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 2 (NIV)

September 14, 2001 - Today is a national day of prayer and remembrance. We can't do anything more important than pray urgently and fervently for our nation, the victims, families affected, rescue workers and our national leaders. Please join me in praying for our nation , our leaders who need God's wisdom, families who have undergone unspeakable loss, rescue workers and for the world. Please pray that our nation and other nations will turn to the Lord and depend on Christ alone for grace and salvation.

The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has been on my heart since Tuesday morning. We have never seen anything like this in our history as a nation. Life is incredibly fragile. This tragedy has been a vivid reminder to me that I can not take life for granted, we need to be ready to meet our Lord at any moment. It also brings into focus those things that are really important in life.

The stories of families who are now without fathers, mothers, sons or daughters is heart wrenching. I can not go for long watching television without becoming very emotional. And I am sure I have only heard a small fraction of the thousands of stories that could be told. I am greatly comforted by the fact that God is sovereign and that nothing that happens is out of His loving control. We will never have answers to all the why's that are being asked this week - we don't know why God allows evil and suffering. We do know that God is good, He is not the author of evil and that He does "work all things together for good for those who love God, to those called according to His purpose." (Romans 8: 28) Meditate on the goodness and love of God and pray for our nation this week, then reach out to embrace someone close to you.

September 10, 2001 - Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15: 4 - 7 (NIV)

A couple of summer's ago my heart was captured by a news story on a Saturday - I still remember it today. A family with four children had gone to Madera Canyon (a short drive south of Tucson) for a picnic. Their seven year old son wondered off - everyone thought he was with someone else. After a frantic search for the boy, the family knew they needed help. The Sheriff's department was called, soon search and rescue crews and a several army helicopters joined the search. Several hundred people dropped what they were doing on a Saturday morning to search for this little boy. Why all the fuss? Because the stakes were high! A small child can not survive in the harsh elements of the Arizona desert in the summer for very long. This was a life and death situation!

The stakes are even higher when we are talking about lost people. All around us, every day, people you and I know are in a desperate situation. They do not know Jesus Christ. They need to know the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a matter of eternal life and death. I need to "leave the 99" more often and reach out in love to the people around me. How about you?

The little boy was found the next day after spending a frightening night alone in the desert. You can imagine the tears, joy and celebration that took place when he was found. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched it on the news. I could imagine my son being the one who was lost. Jesus says "in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents. . ."

To Year 2002's Devotional Messages

Year 2003's On My Heart Devotional Messages

Year 2004's On My Heart Devotional Messages from Psalms and the Gospel of Luke

Year 2005's On My Heart Devotional Messages from Acts and Psalms

Current year's Devotional Messages

Permission is granted to use these devotional messages for personal study and small groups only. On My Heart weekly devotional is a ministry of Bob Krepps .

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