We love because he loved us first

I decided today to start reading Hebrews. I have not finished Jeremiah mind you, but I often like to switch back and forth between old and new Testament books. Hebrews is also ideal for me right now, since a strong theme it carries is abandoning the one's dull and dreary spiritual ways for a vigor that Christ alone provides. I know that is something all of us at Cornerstone can relate to at some point in our lives; no one likes to be lukewarm, above all when it comes to God.

The first chapter proclaims Jesus as above all the angels and prophets, "Through whom he made the worlds" (2).

of 22 the Son he says, 23 “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, 24 and a righteous scepter 25 is the scepter of your kingdom.1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.
So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions 26 with the oil of rejoicing.”

This verse taken from Psalms proclaims Jesus in all his majesty has been anointed to do what we could never do: save ourselves. It reminds me of Luke 4:18:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed 62 me to proclaim good news 63 to the poor. 64 He has sent me 65 to proclaim release 66 to the captives and the regaining of sight 67 to the blind,to set free 68 those who are oppressed, 69 4:19 to proclaim the year 70 of the Lord’s favor.” 71

Although this is a direct claim to the throne that belongs to Jesus, it is one that we should all take to heart. This IS the year of the Lord's favor, and he has anointed every one of us to proclaim the good news! Each day it feels like this nation is indeed the "backsliding, stiff-necked people" that characterized so much of Israel's history. When I begin to feel like I'm not good enough to do much of anything, even in God's kingdom, I need to try and remember this verse. I know I don't want to be one of those "half-hearted yuppies" that pastor Rich talked about being all over the place at his church back home (when he came for Revival last year).

32: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those 33 who will inherit salvation?

All who really matter are on our side! Our Father in heaven and all his heavenly host are watching us from above, aching for us to embrace him in all that we do. God is the wisest of all businessmen; he has invested far too much love in us to give up now! God bless every one of you, and lets keep working to encourage each other!