“NOT FORGOTTEN”

OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
FEBRUARY 13, 2022

READ: Hebrews 6:9–12

MEMORY VERSE
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

BACKGROUND
When we think of historic, trailblazing missionaries, the name of George Liele (1750–1820) doesn’t leap to mind. Perhaps it should. Born into slavery, Liele came to Christ in Georgia and gained his freedom prior to the American Revolutionary War.

He took the message of Jesus to Jamaica, ministering to the slaves in the plantations there, and served as the founding pastor of two African American churches in Savannah, Georgia—one of which is considered the “mother church of Black Baptists.”

Liele’s remarkable life of kingdom service may have been forgotten by some, but his spiritual service will never be forgotten by God. Neither will the work you do for God.

The letter to the Hebrews encourages us with these words, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (6:10).

God’s faithfulness can never be underestimated, for He truly knows and remembers everything done in His name. And so Hebrews encourages us, “Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (v. 12).

If we serve behind the scenes in our church or community, it might be easy to feel our labor is unappreciated. Take heart. Whether or not our work is recognized or rewarded by the people around us, God is faithful. He’ll never forget us.

INSIGHT
The letter of Hebrews encourages believers in Jesus to continue to live in the power of the Spirit. In earlier days, those to whom this letter was written had shown courage and concern for one another (10:32–34).

They were living witnesses to God, who sacrificed His Son so we could be reconciled to Him. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we’re now free from the “fear of death” (2:15) and a self-centered way of life (6:10–12).

But then, as now, time and trouble have a way of wearing us down. And the temptation is always to avoid situations where we might face persecution.

So while the author went into great detail to show how the temple foreshadowed Jesus, his purpose was to urge his readers to never slide back into something less than a living demonstration of the Spirit of God.
By: Mart DeHaan

APPLICATION
What service do you do for God? How does knowing He doesn’t forget your service encourage you?

PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Therefore, my beloved (brothers), be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:56

PR’s RE-EMPHASIS
“God’s faithfulness can never be underestimated, for He truly knows and remembers everything done in His name… Whether or not our work is recognized or rewarded by the people around us, God is faithful…”

PRAYER
“Loving God, my service to You is far from perfect, but I also know that as I serve You, that service is remembered and valued by You. Thank You for equipping me to serve.”

*YOUR TAKE? 

TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL
“IT’s NOT IN VAIN” Andrae Crouch Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

It’s not in vain
It’s not in vain
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Do all you can for Him
He will reward you in the end

What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
We’ll be rewarded
We’ll wear a crown
When all our work on earth is done
We’ll be rewarded
He’ll call us by our name

What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Do all you can for Him…
He will reward you in the end…
He’ll call us by our name

What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Don’t be discouraged
Keep pressing on
Because it’s not in vain

READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
PSALMS 22-30
REVIEW BOOK OF JUDGES