Completing the Race With Zeal! - Hebrews 12:1-2

S. 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, 2 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.

O. Two more “let us” are found in the first verse of Hebrews 12 (there were at least 3 in Hebrews 11 … making that the “Lettus” chapter of the Bible. As we think about those “heroes of the faith” (chapter 11), we are now encouraged to look away from them and look unto Jesus the one who perfects or completes our faith. As we do, we run with focus, with mission and determination to not let anything keep us from completing the race.

A. I will continue to run with vision, mission, focus and zeal to complete this race that God has set me in.

P. Thank you Father for people of the faith and most of all for Jesus who perfects or completes our faith. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue the race with vision, mission, focus and zeal. In Jesus’ name!

Do You Have Beautiful Feet? Romans 10:14-15 May 29, 2020

S. Romans 10:14-15

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[g]

O. The Apostle Paul shares that a person is saved by their confession of faith based upon the finished work of Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). He then adds that those who have not heard the gospel, need to hear. He raises the question “How will people believe if they do not hear the gospel?” He adds, “How can anyone preach unless they are sent.”

Paul then describes that it is a beautiful thing to be one sent to bring the gospel of Jesus to others. To bring (preach, teach, share) the Gospel of Jesus is seen by God as a beautiful thing, or i.e., how beautiful are their feet.

A. I will continue to use the gifts God has given me to preach, teach and share the Gospel of Jesus. I desire and will pray that God will clear the path for me and bless “my feet” (the steps I take) to share Christ.

P, Thank you Father for calling me and sending me to preach, proclaim, teach and share the Gospel of Jesus. I pray that you will bless my steps and direct me to continue in my calling to preach, teach and share the Gospel of Jesus.

The Biggest 'But' In History - Romans 3:21-22 May 22, 2020

S. Romans 3:21-22

21 But now apart [k]from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [l]who believe; fo”r there is no distinction; 23 for all [m]have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

O. Paul just concludes Romans 1-3 that there are none righteous (Rom. 3:10) other than God. However Paul then uses a conjunction of contrast in v. 21 “But now.” This may be the biggest “but” in history. Paul states that God’s holiness (which incidentally I just read about in Psalm 99 today), God’s righteous is now revealed. It is revealed or given through or because of the faithfulness of Jesus.

Many modern bibles read this “faith in Jesus” which is certainly not wrong. However the word faith in this text is in the Greek genitive case which shows possession or source - so it, I think, more accurately reads “the faithfulness of Jesus.”. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness - God’s righteousness is now revealed and made available to all.

A. I am thankful for Jesus’ faithfulness. Without Jesus we do not have any way to stand before God, let alone have a relationship with Him. So I am so thankful for this big “but” in scripture.

P. Thank you Father for Jesus’ faithfulness that is revealed and made available so all can have a relationship with you. In Jesus’ name!