“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 ” – Hebrews 12:1
Human nature is to find the shortest path between two points and take that path. We learned this in Geometry, along with many other algorithms and formulas. But this one can be applied to most decisions we make in life. Time is a precious commodity and wasting it leaves one frustrated, stressed and often times dejected. Most of us will look at the problems we face in life, analyze multiple avenues to address those problems and then proceed with executing the plan with the fewest obstacles, quickest time to resolution and the least painful or stressful. There are those times though where we must go “through” some pain or stress in order to resolve a particular problem in life. It’s in these circumstances where our character is formed, strengthened and matured. We each carry with us scars from our past experiences that influence every decision we make about the direction we are heading. These scars though, many times keep us from seeing clearly how to reach our end goal. We all need to learn to look beyond the obstacles and scars from our past and trust in His plan for where we are headed.
Paul, the apostle, summarizes it well in Hebrews 12:1. Before we can discover our path and purpose in life we must first break free from the sin that holds us back. I have noticed that many of us are questioning what God’s plans are, yet while we are waiting for an answer we continue living in the sinful condition of our past. We can never be made perfect, because mankind is born with a natural propensity towards unrighteousness. But being born again marks a point in time where we accept God’s plan of salvation, invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and repent from our sinful ways.
Repent comes from the Greek word – “metanoia” which means a change in the inner man, a change of heart. The scriptures are clear – true salvation comes with repentance (Acts 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Peter 3:9) which means we need to turn from our former ways. We cannot accomplish this on our own, thus building a stronger faith and reliance on the One who can – Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
As strong as you think you are, Satan is much stronger. Not just physically; I’m referring to mentally and spiritually. Granted his spirit is evil, but he is 100% committed to it. After salvation your spirit is righteous and holy, but must be accepted and strengthened through continued learning and participation on your part. Therefore, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our weakness and natural tendency to sin. Then we can begin running the race that God has mapped out for us. This race or purpose in life is filled with serving Him with everything we have and therefore requires that we are committed to eliminating the unrighteousness that stands between us and Him. This creates the shortest path to serving God and finding our purpose in this life.
Paul, the apostle, summarizes it well in Hebrews 12:1. Before we can discover our path and purpose in life we must first break free from the sin that holds us back. I have noticed that many of us are questioning what God’s plans are, yet while we are waiting for an answer we continue living in the sinful condition of our past. We can never be made perfect, because mankind is born with a natural propensity towards unrighteousness. But being born again marks a point in time where we accept God’s plan of salvation, invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and repent from our sinful ways.
Repent comes from the Greek word – “metanoia” which means a change in the inner man, a change of heart. The scriptures are clear – true salvation comes with repentance (Acts 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Peter 3:9) which means we need to turn from our former ways. We cannot accomplish this on our own, thus building a stronger faith and reliance on the One who can – Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
As strong as you think you are, Satan is much stronger. Not just physically; I’m referring to mentally and spiritually. Granted his spirit is evil, but he is 100% committed to it. After salvation your spirit is righteous and holy, but must be accepted and strengthened through continued learning and participation on your part. Therefore, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our weakness and natural tendency to sin. Then we can begin running the race that God has mapped out for us. This race or purpose in life is filled with serving Him with everything we have and therefore requires that we are committed to eliminating the unrighteousness that stands between us and Him. This creates the shortest path to serving God and finding our purpose in this life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You have given us a spirit of overcoming sin in this world. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us to repentance and righteousness. Help us to strengthen our daily walk with the Holy Spirit, that our lives might be a representation of Your holiness and loving mercy. Fill us with Your love that we might be overflowing to others as we walk this path of life. In Your name I pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011
You have given us a spirit of overcoming sin in this world. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us to repentance and righteousness. Help us to strengthen our daily walk with the Holy Spirit, that our lives might be a representation of Your holiness and loving mercy. Fill us with Your love that we might be overflowing to others as we walk this path of life. In Your name I pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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