The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 112:1 (HCSB)
1 Hallelujah! Happy is the man who fears the LORD, taking great delight in His commands.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Hebrews 12:1-4 (HCSB)
1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.
4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
My observation:
When I read today's focal passage from Hebrews I am reminded of the words from one of my favorite hymns; Draw Me Nearer. The words are, "Consecrate me now to thy service Lord, by the power of Thine divine. Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine."
Today's passage is an exhortation to live the consecrated life. We have a host of witnesses that have gone before us that provide examples that it is possible for ordinary people like you and me.
It takes faith to live a life of devotion and consecration. The writer likens this life to a race. This race is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires endurance. It also requires preparation and patience. To prepare for the race we need to shed those things that would hinder us from running to win. The goal is the crown of life; nothing that we encounter on the journey should deny us the joy and the glory that is awaiting those who are faithful to the end.
The key is to look to Jesus. He is the source and perfecter of our faith. Be like Jesus; run the race with joy, endure the cross, and receive the crown.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for your saving power, and for your keeping power.
Father God, I have started with Jesus, and by faith, I will continue with Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus, not part of the way, but all the way to my Father's house. O, how I am looking forward to wearing that bright and shinning crown in glory. Praise God for his lovingkindness, and amazing grace.
Romans 16:25-27 (HCSB)
25 Now to Him who has power to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages
26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all nations—
27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to Him be the glory forever! Amen.
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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."
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