by: Carole L. Haines
It’s amazing how God’s Heart is right there, open and drawing us toward Himself all the time. It’s a force unleashed so often through prayer. Here I thought I was going to be dropping some gems for you all (arrogant, huh?), but God always has much bigger plans. God revealed to me over the last few days just how bound up I still am into what I will call the “spirit of rejection.” God’s Word calls us to freedom. His call is to, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” Let’s look at God’s call in its context.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy 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 has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
In the business I am in, there are what we would refer to as “Calls to Action.” These encourage a potential client to respond to the proposal given in some form or fashion. God’s Word has these too. In the above Scripture we see several. Our Calls to Action are lay aside, run, fix our eyes on, and consider.
1) Lay aside every encumbrance and sin that so easily entangles us
2) Run with endurance the race that is set out before us
3) Fixing our eyes on Jesus, who is the author of our faith and the one who
Is our faith’s finisher (Philippians 1:6)
4) Consider and meditate on Jesus who;
A) recognized the future joy
B) Endured the cross
C) Despised its shame
D) Sat down at the right hand of God
God is giving us calls to action that will lead us deeper into the freedom that was bought for us by Jesus Christ. Just listen to these tender words of Jesus toward His followers:
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
What are calls to action here, followed up by Jesus beautiful promise to come back for us. List them and meditate on them as You seek the face of Jesus. Breathe in the fresh truth of how deeply Jesus yearns for His Bride, the Body of Christ, to be with Him where He is.
O yes, Dear Believer, You are Cherished, Precious and Wanted. Sit with Him and soak in that truth for awhile. Be Blessed this day.
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