Wednesday, May 24, 2006

RUN!!!

This post is dedicated to anyone who is just tired today. Especially those who are teachers and are dealing with all the end of the year "fun"... or anyone who is a parent... or anyone who has a job... or is unemployed... who lives with other people... or lives alone... who is lonely... or would love to have some time alone... it's part of chapter 12 of Hebrews. In chapter 11, we read about all the great people of faith from the Old Testament and all the crazy stuff they went through. ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2011&version=50 ) It talks about how they overcame this world and I think it's really encouraging. Then in chapter 12 starts off by saying "Therefore..." meaning, if those guys went through all of that and made it, then we can meditate on these things and be comforted...




"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.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. . . . ."




And don't forget Matthew 11: 29-3

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Jaime, I came to work this morning feeling emotionally drained - my 1-year leadership study has ended and have since resigned from women's ministry team in Manteca; Jen is moving in with us in a few days and seeking a legal separation from hubby; my best friend will be moving to New Mexico in a few weeks; finishing up my Hospice training but not quite sure if this is the direction the Lord is leading me. Feeling lonely, isolated, maybe a little lost. Of all days to give in to the "urge" and check your blog for new updates. Thank you, dear friend, for your encouraging words.
Blessings!