March 23 – Hebrews 12:1-2
Our Jesus, we praise You, for You are Salvation. You are Hope. You are Peace! We love You and want to draw near to You. Be with us as we come together to spend time with You and worship You.
As I read these two verses, I am reminded of a time when God helped me to let go. I had been hanging onto something for so long and couldn’t shake it. And I realized I had apologized to God for it many times over but never really asked for His forgiveness. So, as I sat in my rocker with a cat neatly tucked into my lap, I did just that and oh the weight of it lifted! I could see clearly, the burden gone, I could smile and I was so full with joy! I’ll never forget that moment, that sudden understanding of some of Jesus’ words.
The joy only Jesus can give us. How does one obtain this joy? According to these two verses there are parameters established, let’s chart them out.
Listen to testimonies of faithful followers of God
Lay aside what is holding us back
Let go of the sins that cling to us
Run without weariness the race before us
Look to Jesus
Repeat (Melissa’s words)
This is the recipe for joy filled living, an unfleeting joy. Our quiet time with God is not just the “good Christian” thing to do and it’s not just an expectation. It is that we might know Him better so that His joy will be our joy and that we too will be witnesses of faith.
As you meet with God each day, may it be intentional. Ask the Spirit to reveal areas of unrepentance and for the courage to do so. And may the knowledge that Jesus endured the cross in your place that we might have HIS joy be a comfort to you and the motivation needed to sit with Him far more often.
My Verse: Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
My Response: Jesus, my Jesus, thank You for sitting with me this morning. Thank You for reopening my eyes to Your joy and Your work on the cross. I praise You! May I continue to praise You throughout my day and not lose sight of You.
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My verse: Hebrews 12:2a “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith …”
My response: Father, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus – fixed without faltering on You, triune God. You initiated my faith and called me to come to You. And You alone can perfect my faith, helping me grow more like Jesus! When I’m tempted to look at circumstances, help me to firmly fix my eyes on You, knowing You can lead me through whatever trials await. With You, there’s joy and love, strength and wisdom. I need You every hour of every day.
My Verse: Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
Perhaps it is my age… as I read :”let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,” I thought of how when I get too hot I have to rip off my jacket or sweater!I can”t even wait another minute. Oh Lord Jesus help this to be true of any sin I am carrying today. For I desire to live a life worthy of you in every way.
I love that analogy – rip off anything and toss it that hinders us from HIM!
My Verse: Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
My Response: let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” This part of the verse reminds me of how quickly I have to just tear off my coat or sweater when I get too warm. Perhaps it is my age….. but it is an immediate reaction. Oh that this would be true when the heat of sin tries to cling and weigh me down.
Father God, thank you for these words today. Help me to pay close attention to the temperature changes so that I can remain steady in my relationship with you. For I want to live a life of complete endurance centered on your love.
Amen and Amen. Thanks for commenting!