Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
I’ve been walking while carrying one 3-pound weight in each hand. They aren’t heavy. They do, however, become heavier the steeper the hill, or the longer I carry them. Often, I go on a 3 mile walk and put the weight down at the halfway point. It’s truly amazing how much easier my walk becomes when I put down weights. Suddenly I have a bounce in my step. I can walk faster, and the hills seem so much easier.
When I carry my weight, I can’t help but think of the life weights I tend to pick up. Often, I think I can handle a situation on my own, so I carry the weight by myself because it doesn’t seem very heavy. Since it’s not very heavy, I see another situation that needs my attention, so I pick up more weight. Before long, I find myself carrying the weight of the world.
Before I realize it, the situations I keep carrying become more difficult. Life’s rain comes. Then, I find myself walking around in the mud from the rain of life. I’m carrying so much weight I begin to sink. It’s a vicious cycle.
It never has to be this way. The writer in Hebrews tells us to lay down the weight. Laying weight down is just as important as laying sin down. We don’t have to walk around with the weight of the world on our shoulders. We are clearly instructed to lay the weight down. Better yet, Jesus is walking right beside us. We can simply hand the weights to Him. Who better to trust with our weights than the one who took on the sins of the world to save us from ours?
It’s so much easier to run our race with endurance if we put the weight down. What weight are you carrying? Isn’t it time you put it down? How will you Devote2day?
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive that your joy may be full. John 16:24
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:7-12
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive that your joy may be full. John 16:24
Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
“Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34
Telling someone not to worry when they are going through a difficult time can come across a little uncaring, it can even seem hypocritical. He who hasn’t worried please step forward.
Yet, during the “sermon on the mount”, Jesus addresses the subject of worry, and He instructs us not to. His Father knows exactly what we need when we need it. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God instead. I suppose if we are busy seeking God and His righteousness first, we won’t have time to worry.
If we seek God and His righteousness first, we have a greater opportunity to become more like the one we are seeking. The one we are endeavoring to seek first doesn’t worry.
Earlier in the same scripture passage, Jesus asked this question:
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (V. 27)
I think we all know the answer to the above question. In fact, concern or care escalates to worry, worry to anxiety and anxiety to fear. Sometimes people even get ulcers over chronic worries. 1 Peter 5:7 says … cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
What burden, worry, care, or anxiety are you carrying around? Isn’t it time you cast your care on Him? Maybe you’ve given it to God already, but you’ve picked it back up? Today let’s seek Him first and cast our cares on Him.
How will you devote2day?
Time is peculiar. The past 20 years have both flown by and stood still. So much has happened and changed since May 18th, 2005.
My husband and I have experienced so much in 20 years. We’ve given birth to our daughter, and now she is getting ready to graduate. We finished raising our other kids who have become amazing adults. We’ve worked together our entire marriage. We’ve cried over our fathers’ deaths, seen our moms through major health issues, and made it through the covid era. Half of the 20 years was spent leading praise and worship together, a joy I will treasure. We’ve had the privilege of enjoying countless family trips as well as countless hours on the farm fishing, riding, etc… Recently we experienced the joy of welcoming our first grandchild. Our first 20 years have been a wild ride. We’ve laughed, cried, yelled, prayed, grieved, served, worked, ached, hurt, and grown together.
I look forward to the next 20 years of our journey. Hopefully we can take what we’ve learned over the past 20 and make the next 20 even better. I’m thankful my mom showed me an ad in the paper, and I’m glad your dad hired me.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
God can supply any and every need we have “according to His riches.” And do “way more than we are able to ask or think” Ephesians 3:20 His supply is endless in every area of our lives.
Here are just a few of areas in our lives in which He can supply:
Strength – 2 Corinthians 12: 9-11
Peace- Isaiah 26:3
Wisdom- James 1:5
Guidance- Proverbs 3:5-6
Grace – Romans 5:20-21
Mercy – Lamentations 3:22-23
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just (right), whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything (or excellent) praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just (right), whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything (or excellent) praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
If we are thinking about anything that doesn’t pass this test in scripture, it’s not worth spending time thinking about.
Is it…
True; factual, correct, right
Noble; possessing very high or excellent qualities
Just; acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good
Pure; free from moral faults
Lovely; delightful, wonderful, beautiful
Of good report
Virtuous; honorable, righteous, upright, worthy
Praiseworthy; commendable
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, (Petition) with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Supplication- request; to ask humbly and earnestly of (Strongly, intently, intensely)
Petition- appeal a formal request made to an authority
The above scripture may be my absolute favorite, along with most of Philippians and especially the rest of chapter 4. Today I’m compelled to ask myself these questions:
Why so anxious?
Why is it important to be thankful?
When should I rejoice in the Lord?
Why should I rejoice in the Lord?
Where is God in my situation?
How is God’s peace different?
Today my intention is to rejoice and be thankful. I’d much rather live in God’s perfect peace than be anxious for anything. How will you devote2day?