One Year Bible Reading Guide:

Ezekiel 23:1-49
Hebrews 10:18-39
Psalm 109:1-31
Proverbs 27:13 

Verse of the day:

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

In other words, “let’s get stirred up” as we motivate others to love and good works. Notice that when the verse says we are to think of ways to stir up, (motivate), one another, this does not mean we think about whether or not we want to do it—it is understood that we are to be intentional and perceptive, looking for ways to motivate each other for the sake of God’s Kingdom.  

When Jesus told His followers to consider the log that is in your own eye, He wasn’t calling us just to consider whether or not we should simply remove it; but rather to recognize the need to remove the obstacle that hinders us from seeing clearly—it’s then that we can see clearly enough to help remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Literally, God is calling us to provoke and incite one another to good works. A good illustration of this phrase “stir up,” is a hornet’s nest.  If you ever stirred up a hornet’s nest, then you are aware of the immediate activity that takes place—including your motivation to vacate the area. Of course in this application, we are trying to wake each other up—get us moving in the same direction, utilizing the strength we have in numbers to bring the message of “so great a salvation” to those who need to hear it. 

In doing so, we are told to not lose hope, nor waver, because “He who promised is faithful”.  We have no idea what will happen tomorrow or today, we do not know if things will get worse or better, but praise be to God, this one thing we do know: “God is faithful.” So let us continue in faith—motivating, (stirring up), each other to “acts of love and good works.”