Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
The message to my heart is that we must strive to find peace. We should break free of all that prevents feeling the peace of knowing Christ. As I reflect upon seeing Christ in the face of family, I would like to share a personal experience of what I call a God sign. My sister had a Christmas cactus which is a plant that blooms in December only. Her plant had never bloomed. My mother passed away in September a few years ago and the plant bloomed that week. It did not bloom again until our dad died two years later in July. My sister and I knew our parents were with the Lord.
Debbie Witherspoon
For reflection:
Who are the people that are part of your “great cloud of witnesses,” and why?
When have you experienced a “God sign,” and what was the significance of that sign for you?
How does the example of Jesus factor into your own ability to persevere and/or endure a challenging situation?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSavannah-
ReplyDeleteThanks for inquiring about Kramer. I think the word that comes most to mind about Kramer is "unflappable." Perhaps that is just a sign of age--he has seen it all!
In the scripture passage from February 26 we read a proclamation recorded in Isaiah and later spoken by Jesus himself (in Luke) as he addressed those in the synagogue in Nazareth. No ordinary proclamation, we can almost hear the trumpet welcome to Jesus in Isaiah. In Luke, Jesus stops in the middle of verse 2 because His time had not yet come; but we know the rest of the story and the purpose for His life, death, and resurrection. Now, as the "Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews KJV), He stands at the head of the throng of witnesses because He alone perfected faith. Indeed, we are not mere spectators, but called to participate with patient continuance in the "race that is set before us" (KJV).
ReplyDeleteChristians feel the challenges daily, no, every minute, it seems as we see and fight Satan and his minions attacking every moral value and freedom we hold dear.
Paul in Hebrews tells us to look to Christ, who endured the indignation of the cross for our sakes. Keeping our attention on Him will give us the strength we need to be the best examples of Christ's men and women that we can.
Furthermore, we need to teach others, beginning with our children and family members. But, how can we teach others if we ourselves do not study His Word and learn it? In this way, through prayer and repentance we keep our attention on Jesus and God our Father. Then, we will be in a position to receive God's blessings and be of influence to others.
Sandy Bielfield
Such a beautiful message of sure and certain hope...thank you Debbie, for both the message, and the visuallization...Breathtaking!
ReplyDelete