Devotionals for December 15, 2023
See you on Sunday, TNLC fam! Our services are at 9:00am & 10:45am.
READ
HEBREWS 12:1-4
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”
REFLECT
The comparison game threatens to steal, kill, and destroy your happiness. It hangs in the air like a thief ready to attack at any moment. Threatening to dismantle your joy and thwart your perspective. It’s essential to throw off the weight of it. Turn your eyes toward Jesus and see the author of your faith. The One who knows the purpose your life serves and will establish you to do what only you can do. You can only run with excellence for the glory of the King when you sever anything that would want to slow you down. Compare yourself to Christ alone and be encouraged to run the race He’s called you to run! You have what it takes to finish well!
APPLY
Q: What is distracting you from running your race well?
Q: How can you shift your perspective to compare your life only to Christ and His plan for you?
Q: Who can you encourage and empower this week to see their race from God's perspective and run with new joy for His finish line?
Q: How can you shift your perspective to compare your life only to Christ and His plan for you?
Q: Who can you encourage and empower this week to see their race from God's perspective and run with new joy for His finish line?
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, I am often tempted to look at those who surround me and compare my life to theirs. Please give me eyes to see my race alone and remember that You are the Author and Finisher of my faith! May I find joy in the fullness of you as I shift my eyes to an eternal perspective!
Lord, I am often tempted to look at those who surround me and compare my life to theirs. Please give me eyes to see my race alone and remember that You are the Author and Finisher of my faith! May I find joy in the fullness of you as I shift my eyes to an eternal perspective!