Read Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud 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 that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
---------------------
I love history, so one of my favorite passages in the Bible is Hebrews 11. Hebrews 12:1-2 is one of the most famous passages in the Bible, but reading it in the context of Ch 11 adds a lot.
In vs 1, Paul talks about getting rid of the 'weight' that slows us down, especially the 'sin'. That means, like we said this past Sunday, that both 'bad' things and 'not bad' things can cause us to become weighed down - lukewarm.
What are some 'bad' and 'not too bad' things in your life that weigh you down?
For me, it's my work, and then also just 'distractibility' - because I love finding things out, I'll choose reading the news, for example, over reading the Bible, regularly. How do I combat this? Not well, at times. But I find that maintaining a discipline to wake up early to study the Bible and pray creates in me a passion for more of it and for more of Christ. Unfortunately this habit waxes and wanes at times, but if I remain disciplined during the 'waning' periods, I am renewed again before long.
The other vital thing is asking the Holy Spirit to reside in me and around me in a noticeable way, then EXPECTING Him to do exactly that! What huge difference that makes. Try it!
So what's your 'weight'?
And what are you going to DO about it?
What else did you find in Hebrews 11-12 that spoke to you? Take the week and re-read it or take a few verses at a time...no rush.
For me its the constant beat of life, this includes my young boys, my TV issues, work, the wife, the house etc. I continue to turn toward and turn away from God. I see the blessings in focusing on Him and inviting the Holy Spirit, then just as quickly I slip back into my normal routine. I am surprised by the amount of effort it takes me, why dont I want to be in his presence constantly? Why would I rather do other stuff?
ReplyDelete