Daily Bread_October 3, 2013

Title: How to Run the Race of Life and Win

Text:

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.

Observation:                                                                                                                             

The Bible has many examples of people of faith who were faithful. God's people who trust His promises are blessed; this should be an encouragement to us today.

Romans 15:4 (NLT)
⁴ Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.

However, our greatest hope for today and tomorrow comes by this; "keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith".

The trials that we face in this world should not cause us to have a disposition of defeat and discouragement. This world is not our home; when we fix our eyes on Jesus, and keep them there, we become like Him in the way we view suffering and trials.

This is the key to living the overcoming life; observe how Jesus handled suffering, what He suffered was exceedingly greater than any suffering the heroes of faith, and we will ever suffer. For the joy and the reward that was set before Him, Jesus endured the suffering.

The race of life is a marathon, not a sprint; it requires endurance to win. Are you running with endurance? Are you running to win? Have faith in God, and stay faithful to God.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that suffering and trials don't last forever. Father, I thank You for the power for living in victory that is possible when we keep our eyes upon Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith.

What a blessing to know that I am on my way to heaven, and I am so glad. And it's all because of Jesus who is the hope and joy of heaven. Amen and Amen.

There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/In_the_Sweet_By_and_By/midi/

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/