Race Devotion: Running On - Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Hebrews 12:1-2          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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)

When I was in High School, I used to enjoy long distance running. Going around the track twenty times or more gave me moments of solitude and clarity that enabled me to find solutions to some of the problems and issues I faced as a teenager. Most of the things that burdened me were brought on by my foolish and selfish ways. Running around the sports field gave me the time that I needed to sort things out in my heart and head. It was an effective way of facing my faults and thinking through my thoughts. Usually, when it came to running around the last track, I felt much better than I did when I started.

The older I get, the more I realize that life itself is a long-distance run. Through the years, I’ve made more mistakes than I can possibly remember and am burdened with a number of regrets. I cannot change the past, nor the route that I have followed, but my faith has endured so that when I look ahead and think about what’s left of this lifetime run, I see Jesus at the finish line. Knowing He is there, encourages me to throw off those past burdens which hinder me and fix my eyes on Him. That’s when I realize that this whole journey of going through life has but one purpose: to run to Jesus, the perfecter of my faith, and be welcomed by Him.

I don’t know what problems you are facing or how many burdens you’re carrying in your hearts; I don’t know what fears you have or regrets that weigh you down, but this I do know, you can throw them all off today and lay them down before Jesus – then you can continue to run this beautiful race that we call life, knowing that at the end Jesus will still be there, waiting for you.

Q: What is burdening me right now and hindering my enjoyment of life? Am I ready to hand it over to Jesus and let Him cheer me on?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and fully understand our weaknesses and worries, anxieties and cares. Help us to lay them down before You, as we fix our eyes upon You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website here: www.erinpres.org

Today’s image is an old favorite drawing of John’s called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: New Earth.

Free Devotions: Which is Easier? - Matthew 9:5

Today’s Bible readings are Isaiah 22:9-16 and Matthew 9:1-8

Matthew 9:5    Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 

Which is easier: to say, ‘I’m a Christian,’ or to actually be a Christian?

Wow! That second statement hits me right at the heart of my heart. I can say I’m a Christian all day long, but if I don’t practice what Christ preached, doesn’t that make me a hypocrite? It’s so easy to fool myself into thinking I’m a good person, doing good deeds, thinking positive thoughts and not doing anything bad, but is that just a delusion? Am I fooling myself, but not the people who know me best or the God who knows everything?

It would be very easy to point out other people who are not Christians. It would be less difficult to unlovingly label other people as outcast and strangers, hypocrites and heathens; but to honestly call myself a Christian? Is that my call to make or does Jesus do it for me?

Today has been a quiet day of self-reflection, meditation, and reconnecting with Christ. I seem to be at a spiritual crossroads where I must seriously ponder what God wants me to do with the rest of my days. I want to be totally committed to Christ, but that would involve a lot of challenges and changes. On the other hand, I want life to be easy as a church-going Christian teacher and preacher, but is that what faith is all about?

Over the years, I’ve watched Christian people of all ages fall into a religious routine that is soul-less, meaningless, and faithless. They don’t do it deliberately; it just happens day by day, week after week, year after year. They get so cozy with God and buddy with Christ that they believe everything that they say, do, or even think is okay with God and totally acceptable to Christ. That’s when it becomes easier to say, “I am a Christian,” rather than actually be one.

I don’t want to get comfy with Christ or cozy with God. I don’t want to just say “I’m a Christian,” I really want to live as one. I know it’s not going to be easy, or that the path ahead will be smooth, but I would rather walk in His ways for the rest of my days.

How about you?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You did not promise that following You would be easy; in fact You told us to pick up our crosses and then follow You. Help all of us this day to make the right choices that please, honor, and glorify You alone. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing. It’s called “Whale Play” and features a humpback whale surfacing on the sea. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click on the following link: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6336468229_058c5a5e5d_b.jpg