on January 26, 2011
Hebrews 12:1-3 – 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. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews Chapter 11 relates the faith of those who forfeited their own plans in deference to God’s bigger plan. Their lives testify to us that they made the better choice and they serve as witnesses and models for us to have courage to do the same! It is plain to the writer that we will experience hindrances to this kind of faith and courage. Perhaps one of the biggies is our desire to be in charge and carry out our own plans. Jesus talked about the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of riches being the thorns that choke out and hinder. There is also the problem of the entanglement of sin. If you’ve ever tried to go through a thick briar patch, with vines and briars running every direction, you may appreciate the picture of sin that so easily entangles. The briars snatch the hat of your head, your feet get tangled up in the vines, you get poked in the eye and snagged at every turn.
What’s the secret to keeping the faith? Lettuce! Let us throw off – give sin and self-serving the heave ho! Let us run – with steadfast commitment the course that God has planned for us! Let us glue our eyes on Jesus – the creator and perfect example of our faith! Let us make Him our pattern and model for courage and faith to embrace God’s bigger plan and purpose. Think about the kind of faith and courage that enabled Him to endure the shame and reproach of the old rugged cross. Ponder the courage and faith that endured rejection and abuse from sinful men, so that you may be strengthened to keep the faith during the trials of your life!
Thursday:
- Humbly meet together with at least 1 or 2 others to encourage faith and pray for each other.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team (in prayer if not in person).
Friday:
- Confess your desire to be in charge and acknowledge the times that you desired your plans instead of God’s bigger plan.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Jim & Dina Priester (A.J., Allison, Sammy), Paul & Karen Rose (Cora, Paul, Shayne), Dennis & Sherry Smith.
Saturday:
- Pray for the Spirit of Christ to strengthen your heart and give you courage to run the race He has planned for you.
Sunday:
- Thank God for the gift of faith that enables us to know Him and believe Him.
- Join in with our Sunday prayer services to pray for God’s presence and blessing.
Monday:
- Ask God to help you keep your eyes glued on Jesus so that you will not lose heart when you experience difficult challenges to your faith.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Pray that others will see the witness of your example of faith in God and His bigger plan, and that they will join you in praying “Not my will, but Thine be done.”
Wednesday:
- Ask God to help you throw off and get rid of everything that hinders your faith in Him and your courage to follow where He leads!
Prayer Challenge: Take time to remember the great heroes and models of true faith. Think about the things that caused them to stand out in the crowd. Ask God to give you a double portion of their spirit and courage so that you may remain faithful and strong as you run the race God has planned for you. Intentionally pray, “God, not my will be done but Yours!”