August 4th, 2023
Friday, August 4
Our Discipline Proves our Love
By: Anna Williams
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;
then you won’t become weary and give up.” -Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
Do you feel tired, overburdened, or weary? Have you wondered how much longer you can continue in the race? I confess that I have entered this headspace at times. The responsibilities of parenthood, special needs caregiving, maintaining a home, keeping up with financial obligations – all while being technologically connected to a hurting and chaotic world can get overwhelming. Although we have more access to information than any other previous generation, we also have more interruptions and distractions than ever before.
I love this passage of the Bible so much because it helps us identify the challenge we face; diagnoses the root cause of it; warns of the potential damage if left untreated; and provides a solution coupled with encouragement!
To me, the race is defined as our purposeful life in service of God. If we find ourselves slowing down or tripping up, we need to stop and prayerfully analyze what’s going on in our hearts. Have we tried to assume control of things again instead of taking them to God in prayer? Are we letting old habits creep back in that we know are harmful to our walk with Jesus? Has pride wormed its way into our hearts and made us self-reliant and hard hearted? Are we making outright, sinful choices that need to be dealt with?
If we find an area of sin, we need to repent and start fresh. This renews our mindset and fixes our eyes back on Jesus – where they belong. Our behaviors, choices and plans must be molded to the example that Jesus set for us. (If you’re not sure how to do that, start reading the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.)
When the race gets hard, meditate on all that Christ has done for you. Think about what he endured on Earth to set us free and all that he has rescued you from. Remember the huge crowd of witnesses that are watching. Your life of overcoming will impact and encourage others’ faith!
Our Discipline Proves our Love
By: Anna Williams
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;
then you won’t become weary and give up.” -Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
Do you feel tired, overburdened, or weary? Have you wondered how much longer you can continue in the race? I confess that I have entered this headspace at times. The responsibilities of parenthood, special needs caregiving, maintaining a home, keeping up with financial obligations – all while being technologically connected to a hurting and chaotic world can get overwhelming. Although we have more access to information than any other previous generation, we also have more interruptions and distractions than ever before.
I love this passage of the Bible so much because it helps us identify the challenge we face; diagnoses the root cause of it; warns of the potential damage if left untreated; and provides a solution coupled with encouragement!
To me, the race is defined as our purposeful life in service of God. If we find ourselves slowing down or tripping up, we need to stop and prayerfully analyze what’s going on in our hearts. Have we tried to assume control of things again instead of taking them to God in prayer? Are we letting old habits creep back in that we know are harmful to our walk with Jesus? Has pride wormed its way into our hearts and made us self-reliant and hard hearted? Are we making outright, sinful choices that need to be dealt with?
If we find an area of sin, we need to repent and start fresh. This renews our mindset and fixes our eyes back on Jesus – where they belong. Our behaviors, choices and plans must be molded to the example that Jesus set for us. (If you’re not sure how to do that, start reading the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.)
When the race gets hard, meditate on all that Christ has done for you. Think about what he endured on Earth to set us free and all that he has rescued you from. Remember the huge crowd of witnesses that are watching. Your life of overcoming will impact and encourage others’ faith!
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