April 30, 2025 | Be God's Family
Pay Attention so You Don't Drift Away
Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4(NIV)
1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Devotional
This scripture says "so we don't drift away". That reminds me of the song by Simon and Garfunkel that came out in 1977, "Slip Sliding Away." The song says "You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip slide away." I felt like that was me in college. One of my sisters was going to the same college. She told me that we should go to Saturday night church and take communion. Then we could go our separate ways with our friends, go to parties and then sleep in on Sunday. It made sense in my little pea brain at the time. Obviously, I was slip sliding away wanting to do what Peggy wanted to do. I went to Saturday night church mostly to appease my parents in case they asked if I made it to church during our weekly Sunday evening phone call. I could answer "Yes" with no guilty conscience. In hindsight, I was backsliding.
Eventually I figured it out and started going to Church on Sunday and back to growing my faith. I was no longer drifting away but found my anchor again in Jesus. Therefore, I was not being carried away by the next current that came along or the wind. This passage warns of disobedience intellectually as well as morally. There will be just punishment for those unwilling to change their ways. Today, I am so grateful for a loving, forgiving and gracious God that I serve. He speaks the truth. God's Word reveals that he has power over all that he has created. His signs and wonder, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit confirm this truth.
Can you relate to back sliding? I don't think we plan on it. It just happens. Some seeds to back-sliding include: temptations, spiritual warfare, lies, accusations, weirdness, discouragement, doubting. Are you sliding into any of those or something else? We can't escape if we listen to the flesh because it brings corruption. Seek the Lord, get right with Him so you will be able to enjoy the fullness of abundant life and experience the Holy Spirit. When we listen to God, he will always be with us, ready to help and encourage us in our faith walk.
Poem
May My
Psalm 119:169-176
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
Psalm 119:176
May my eyes be ever on You
Seeking guidance for my path
May my heart be reined in by You
Lest I stray, incite Your wrath
May my soul be sealed by Jesus
By His blood firm in Your palm
May my lips be cleansed with fire
Lest I utter falsehood wrong
May my arms be ever lifting
Those whose burdens heavy bear
May my mind be ever sifting
Thoughts—bring comfort and bring care
May my hands be lifted skyward
This my attitude of praise
May my body know full glory
When by You at last I’m raised
