5 FEB 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“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.” Hebrews 12:1-2
When you are running, you don’t want to carry additional things that might slow you down or burn you out before you finish. It is a given that pain can happen or you have to endure stress to muscles and lungs. You embrace it and even disregard it knowing that the prize or the goal is greater than the pain. As a Christian, our prize is Jesus and it is he we focus on.
In the hymn, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, it says that “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace”. The closer we are to Jesus and in alignment to his plans the more we can experience lasting joy even in the midst of pain and suffering. Jesus himself was able to endure the cross and its shame because he looked forward to the joy awaiting him. Our challenges, suffering, and pain can be used to perfect us in the faith.
As you live this life, begin to look at what is weighing you down. What things of this world are keeping you for living for Jesus? Maybe you are not letting go of the sin that you like. Maybe you are striving after the things of this world and houses, career, and possessions now have a hold on you. Whatever it is? Get rid of it and focus on Jesus instead of yourself or your stuff.
What is keeping you from living for Jesus?
Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Isa. 57:14-21; Heb. 12:1-6; John 7:37-46
Daily Office Year 1
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