Welcome!
Today: Time to focus on our race!
Passage: Heb 12
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12, NIV) – emphasis added
The author of Hebrews compares the Christian’s life to that of a man running a race. The runner cannot carry any burden, and has to focus on the “goal” set in front of him/her. He/she must be determined to win
A heavy burden/worry in the heart and sins can really affect the race
In order to make our race smooth, we need to get rid of worries and sins
One of our major worries could be about material things. We have God’s promise that He will take care of things.
Thank God for what we have and for what we don’t have!
For the past few days, Wall Street is in panic. Things are not working as expected. Stocks are going down and so are people. But God is not shocked. He knows things way in advance
Below, the (Christian) philosophy of Paul towards riches:
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim 6, NIV)
God’s principles are true. But even God’s own people violate the principles and run after that which is of the world. Gold is preferred than God!
Gold can come down any moment; God won’t!
When “winning the race” becomes our priority, our eyes will be focused on the author and finisher of our faith-Jesus Christ; nothing else can “get” us
May God bless you and help you run and finish the race well, like Paul
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to run my race well and without worries and sins. With your help, I can do that. Let me put all my “luggage” on you so that I can relax and focus on you and just run my race. Amen
“Less luggage, more comfort”