Today’s Bible reading is Hebrews chapter 12
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
The life of faith will overcome discouragement. Faith looks back at the steadfastness of the witnesses and finds strength to overcome. Hebrews chapter 11 describes the many faithful saints of God and how they endured suffering. Abraham and Sara believed God’s promises no matter what it cost them. Moses refused the prestige and luxury life of royalty in Egypt in exchange for the reproach of God’s people. He counted the eternal riches of Christ a better reward than the temporary success he could’ve had in Egypt. Not only does faith look back, but also faith looks in and finds liberty. We must lay aside every weight. These are things that are burdensome that hold us back. We must also lay aside every sin. Sin leads to bondage. Sin gives the devil an open door to get a stronghold in our life. Don’t give the devil a place in your life through the practice of sin. Sin will take hold of you and slow you down, or disqualify you from the race. Not only does faith look backward and inward, but also faith looks upward and finds power for the race. “Looking unto Jesus” is the key to a powerful and productive faith! Think about all the hostility that Jesus suffered. None of us have suffered like Jesus. Keep on keeping on by telling your faith where to look.
Prayer: “Father in heaven, we glorify You for the saints of the past, may we be like them. Help us lay aside burdens and sins that weigh us down and prevent us from running the race. And may we keep our eyes on Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 