Ripple Effects Reading Plan – W3D3

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Ripple Effect Reading | Week 3 | Day 3

Prayer

Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Pray that God would open your eyes to wonderful things from His word today.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25

Read these verses three times slowly.

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, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Reflection & Questions

We live in very challenging times. Darkness is not hard to find. Society isn’t getting better. It takes but a few minutes of watching the news, reading social media or driving on the freeway to experience how divided, anxious and lost people are. Scripture teaches us that, especially as the time for Jesus’ return comes closer things will get worse. The writer of the Hebrews today writes about how believers are to act as they “see the Day approaching.” To sum it up, we’re not to be influenced by the ripple effect of the world, but we’re to send out our own ripples for good.

He tells us three things: (1) hold to the hope, (2) spur each other to love and good deeds and (3) keep meeting together to encourage each other.

It starts with each of us holding onto hope. As we see darkness spread, we’re not to despair. We know that “he who promised is faithful.” In other words, He will not break His promises. Things may seem dark, but He is at work, He has a plan, and we can trust Him.

Secondly, we’re to spur one another on. We have a tendency to look at darkness and shrink back. To hide our light. We need each other to kick us back into gear. We’re not to hide – we’re to be out there making ripples. Doing good deeds.

Finally, the writer says keep meeting together to encourage each other. Believe it or not, you need encouragement. And that’s not a bad thing. We’re each like coals in a fire. Separate us from the group and we will fizzle out. Gathering for our service, growth groups and hanging out with friends who are believers is critical to continue to shine in a world that is dark.

Do you want to have a ripple effect for the light in this world? Following the words of the Hebrew writer is essential, especially as the world darkens.

1. What word or phrase from these verses in Hebrews encourages or challenges you today? Why?
2. Which of the three points do you need to take to heart today? What do you need to do about it?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?