Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1, 2.
In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the singlehearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life…. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice…. “Know ye not,” Paul asked, “that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?” However eagerly and earnestly the runners might strive, the prize could be awarded to but one….
Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race…. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory….
That he might not run uncertainly or at random in the Christian race, Paul subjected himself to severe training. The words, “I keep under my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions….
It was this singlehearted purpose to win the race for eternal life that Paul longed to see revealed in the lives of the Corinthian believers. He knew that in order to reach Christ’s ideal for them, they had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He entreated them to strive lawfully, day by day seeking for piety and moral excellence. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and to press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.
In view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life’s victory or defeat. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.
Conflict and Courage p. 351
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for a dear friend of mine who is having health issues. Mary
—–Please pray for God’s guidance. L
—–This is my second day without a cigarette. It’s very hard, been praying. Please pray for me. I do have faith I’ll make it through this. God is able. Heather
—–Seeking prayers for a couple that are stuck on Puerto Rico. They can’t get a flight out. Please pray for their safety. Their names are Taralynn and Kevan. Wendy
—–Please pray for my son Darin, who is stranded in Costa Rica because of the hurricanes. Pray that he will be able to get a flight out today for home safely. Caryl
—–Vanessa is fighting for her life, after a car accident over the weekend. She suffered brain injuries & facial fractures. Blood clots and aneurysms remain big threats. Please pray. Jenny
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Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl, I had a friend named Janie who was a year younger than I. She lived with her grandmother, who resented having to raise another child. Often she would beat Janie across the back and leave bruises.
On one such occasion (when I was almost seven) I took a very tearful Janie to my mother who was sitting on the porch steps. I looked up at her and said, “Janie needs a rock.” My mother was puzzled. Why would I tell her that Janie needed a stone. There were plenty of rocks around and if she needed one, all she’d have to do was pick one up. She asked me what I meant. I explained that Janie was hurt and she needed to be cuddled and rocked to feel better. Then my mother understood and gave her the comfort that she needed.
There are many times that we, ourselves, or someone we know, need comforting. There are times when we feel forsaken, friendless and alone. But we are not alone: we are not forsaken. We have a Friend Who sticketh closer than a brother. We have a Dear Saviour Who said, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted.” 66:13 “I, even I, am he that comforteth you. Isa 51:12 “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb 13:5
We have the assurance, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” Ps 27:10 At times we are tempted to think, “The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.” Isa 49:14 But He, Who loves us with an everlasting love will never stop forsake us, will never forget us. He assures us, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” 15, 16 Our Loving Redeemer died upon the cross that we might dwell with Him forevermore. What love! What wondrous love!
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor 1:3,4 His loving arms are outstretched to receive us. He calls, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
Let us come to Him now. Let His merciful kindness be our comfort. Let us accept His tender mercies that He so freely offers that our heart may be in tune with His Great Heart of Love is my prayer.
Rose