If you’ve ever gone backpacking, you know what a wonderful adventure it can be. The first thing you need to do is to choose everything you are going to need for your time in the wilderness. One person said that the way you do this is to make three piles. The first pile should contain only those things you absolutely cannot live without. In the second pile put the things you would like to have but don't have to have. Then in the third pile, put all those things that would make life on the trail a lot more comfortable but which you could get along without. This is where you put the lightweight hammock, the camp chair, and your extra clean clothes. Now, discard everything that is in piles two and three, pick up the first pile and head for the woods. It works that way with the life that is following this Jesus of the Bible. We have so many options of things that we can fill our lives with that we can get simply bogged down with stuff that is nice, but not necessary or even helpful for the trip. The book of Hebrews cautions us to strip off every weight that slows us down. And especially that sin that will trip us up on the trail we are taking. So what is the secret to knowing what is necessary and what we can leave behind? We do that by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Keep listening to God through his living word, the Bible. Hang out with other travelers backpacking on the trail…especially on Sunday mornings. And keep the dialogue going with this Jesus who is not only your companion, but the goal of the entire trip. It’s a great journey but get rid of as much stuff as you can that is not necessary. Travel light and don’t let your trip get bogged down with stuff that may be good but will make your trip more difficult than God wants it to be. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT 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. (2) 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.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT 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. (2) 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.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Posted in Daily Devotionals