Text: (Heb. 6:1-12 NKJ)

"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Our meditation is based on the parable of the shrewd steward. You will see that when every effort to climbthe ladder of success leaves you falling flat, Jesus stands ready to pick you back up and put you to work in the kingdom of God. Again, the Savior defines the work ethic Heseeks: “I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon ofunrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” O Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word that we may trust in Thee. Amen.

Believe it or not, we’re pretty much back at that time of year again: it’s August, so it’s officially “Back to School” time. Which means you’ve probably noticed plenty of “Back to School” sale ads. A typical one usually goes something like this: “Get all your ‘Back to School’ needs at [insert store’s name here]!” Now, maybe for “Back to School” time the use of the word “needs” is appropriate at times. In order to take notes and do homework for class you need pencils, or pens, and a notebook, etc. You might even need a laptop or computer forcertain classes.

However, the word “need” is one of the most misused words in our language and is usually most misused by stores and businesses that are trying to convince you that whatthey are trying to sell you is an absolute necessity. Despite what advertisers, stores, and online retailers may tell us, we as human beings actually have very few “needs.” Physically, all we really “need” is oxygen to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, clothes to wear, and modest shelter to protect us and we could live just fine for many years. Jesus, in our text, reminds us that life is actually even simpler than that: He said to Martha, just “one thing isneeded” (v. 42).