August 18, 2013 Hebrews 12: 1-4 Persevere in running the race. (Hebrews 12:1) Do you consider yourself a Christian athlete running the greatest race of your life? Well, that’s what you are. Right now, countless angels and saints, along with Jesus and your heavenly Father, are cheering you on. They want to see you win. A huge community of believers is running with you, all reaching for the prize together. During the race, Jesus wants you to know him not only as the Savior and Messiah but as your best friend and trainer! He wants you to receive his own strength and power, his own encouragement and excitement. He wants to help you be free from the self-righteousness, moodiness, and impatience that can bog you down so that you can soar with eagle’s wings. Just remember one thing: This is a marathon, not a sprint! So pace yourself. Don’t think you’ll attain your goal overnight – or even in the course of one year. Day after day, Jesus has mapped out a certain portion of the course for you to run. That’s all you need to worry about. Just keep your eyes fixed on him, and you’ll find yourself marking mile after mile after joyful mile. Then, at just the right time, he’ll be there at the finish line, waiting to hand you your crown. “I am here to win the race Lord! Crown me with your glory!” (the WORD among us) Monday, August 19, 2013 Matthew 19:16-22 Come follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) Jesus encountered a young man in today’s reading who was focused on getting everything right in his life. In fact, he was quite confident that he was making good progress, but he knew something was missing. He assumed it was one more thing he could do, something he needed to add to his list. But Jesus wanted to refocus his attention. “Go sell what you have and give to the poor. . . The come, follow me.” Jesus knew that as a rich and powerful leader, this man faced many obstacles to follow these words. Suddenly, the one who was so confident in his abilities was brought up short. He couldn’t shift his attention from himself and his achievements to refocus it on Jesus. But that’s where he could find the answer: following him, being in relationship with him. That’s the way to eternal life. This passage tells us about the power of idols to keep us from following Jesus. For this fellow, it was possessions that held him back. For someone else, it may be status or resentment or a sinful relationship. In reality, it could be anything that takes our focus off of Jesus and his call to eternal life. Whatever is holding you back, don’t make it into a bigger obstacle than it has to be. Don’t think that he won’t accept you until you have overcome it completely. You don’t have to go away sad as this rich man did. Instead ask Jesus to help you step by step. He will! So take up Jesus’ offer, and choose to follow him just as you are. “Jesus, help me to turn my eyes to you, and to follow you wherever you lead.” (the WORD among us)
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 05:58:08 +0000
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