This is that ... 12.20.17
Conversations from the Cloud of Witnesses
There he was, running his race terribly bent over, struggling to take the next step. The witnesses were watching, wondering, “Why is that? Remember when he was full of life and energy?”
One said, “I remember in his early days when he had such joy. Every morning he would spend time with Father, reading the Book of Life.” Another said, “Whatever he would read, he was determined to do. Why is that enormous canvas bag on his back? Doesn’t he know it’s slowing him down? What is it that’s in that bag?”
Just then his angel spoke up. “He’s caring the cares of life.
In the bag are worries for his family, worries about money, worries about the chaos in the government, worries about his health, worries about his church, worries about Iran, worries about Korea, worries about global warming, worries about being left alone, worries about his age and his health problems, worries about what is being taught in schools/universities, worries, worries, worries!”
Several others remarked, “Why isn’t he doing what the Master said?”
The angel replied, “Because the Word has been stolen.
He is not following what is written in the Book of Life anymore.
When he gets up in the morning he checks his phone then social media, turns on the news for current disasters, then he’s off to work to share with his co-workers conversations about all that’s going on in the world and his troubled family. But he still goes to church every Sunday and hears a lot of messages about how much God loves him!”
The Race of Faith
“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 ...” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Do Not Worry
“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 ...” (Matthew 6:33-34)
Casting Cares onto the LORD
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith ...” (1 Peter 5:6-8)
Secret to Bearing Fruit in Perilous Times
Put the Word first place every day.
Do what it says and you will be blessed and free to run your race with joy! (James 1:25) No Word ... no faith ... no faith ... no resistance ...
And that will lead to bondage!
This is that ... which Jesus Christ taught.
“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:18-20)
Conversations from the Cloud of Witnesses
There he was, running his race terribly bent over, struggling to take the next step. The witnesses were watching, wondering, “Why is that? Remember when he was full of life and energy?”
One said, “I remember in his early days when he had such joy. Every morning he would spend time with Father, reading the Book of Life.” Another said, “Whatever he would read, he was determined to do. Why is that enormous canvas bag on his back? Doesn’t he know it’s slowing him down? What is it that’s in that bag?”
Just then his angel spoke up. “He’s caring the cares of life.
In the bag are worries for his family, worries about money, worries about the chaos in the government, worries about his health, worries about his church, worries about Iran, worries about Korea, worries about global warming, worries about being left alone, worries about his age and his health problems, worries about what is being taught in schools/universities, worries, worries, worries!”
Several others remarked, “Why isn’t he doing what the Master said?”
The angel replied, “Because the Word has been stolen.
He is not following what is written in the Book of Life anymore.
When he gets up in the morning he checks his phone then social media, turns on the news for current disasters, then he’s off to work to share with his co-workers conversations about all that’s going on in the world and his troubled family. But he still goes to church every Sunday and hears a lot of messages about how much God loves him!”
The Race of Faith
“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 ...” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Do Not Worry
“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 ...” (Matthew 6:33-34)
Casting Cares onto the LORD
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith ...” (1 Peter 5:6-8)
Secret to Bearing Fruit in Perilous Times
Put the Word first place every day.
Do what it says and you will be blessed and free to run your race with joy! (James 1:25) No Word ... no faith ... no faith ... no resistance ...
And that will lead to bondage!
This is that ... which Jesus Christ taught.
“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:18-20)