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. (Hebrews 12:1-2) What I am asking you to do at this time in your life is not difficult: 1. Throw off everything that hinders. Look at every aspect of your day and ask the simple question, “is this hindering me?” If it is, then throw it off. 2. Run with perseverance. Press through the hard times and be determined to…
Train yourself to be godly…
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) I want you to continue to train yourself in godliness. No training is required for me to love you and save you, but training is essential if I am going to use you to build my kingdom. To be trained in godliness is to learn to take dictation and to see everything through the eyes of Jesus. To be trained in godliness is…
What seekers must seek…
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. (Isaiah 51:1) The people in Isaiah’s time could only look to Abraham as the rock from which they were cut, but now every human can look much farther back to the one who is the fulfillment of the law and prophets, Jesus the Son and the firstfruits of what humanity is meant to be. When a church is visited by seekers, they don’t really know what they are seeking (that is why they are called seekers) and it is…
A peace that transcends …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) If my peace is not guarding your heart, it is because you are not – in every situation – presenting your requests by prayer and petition in thanksgiving. I haven’t asked you to solve every problem, I want you to present every problem to me in petition. Only then will you have the peace that you must have to be an influence over those around you. I…