"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. 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. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." [Hebrews 12:1-4]
I can't begin to tell you how many times I have had the opportunity to "talk someone off the edge" - who truly just wants it all to end, is willing to throw in the towel, wave the white flag and surrender to the way and scheme of this world! And I have also seen the devastation to families, friends, organizations and communities that is left in the wake when we give up, turn our back, say "it isn't worth the fight", or walk away...when we know that the "Champion who initiates and perfects our faith" is calling us to that mountain, storm, or fire that "it" may seem to be! I don't know what you might be facing today, and I don't know all the areas in your life that the Lord is currently "shaking" - but we run with endurance the race God set before us, by fixing our Eyes on Jesus! So don't look at wight might seem to be the edge, cliff, weight, storm, mountain, giant, fire, desert or wilderness [talking to myself there] - but rather fix your position, posture and perspective on our Risen Savior, seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father, because He is the author and finisher of our faith and promises to be right here with us, has gone before us, and has our back! Your next breath, next step, or next conversation may just be the point of break through - so hold firm to the Promise and stand on the Strong Foundation that was, is and will forever be Christ Jesus!
Kelly Update: Doing very well! You can see a "little" spring in her step this morning - though she still gets quite exhausted after a morning of activity with Carter and Jordyn - especially! Our Jordyn has more energy, personality and "go" than I have ever seen before! She makes me look like I am sitting still - imagine that! And Carter - what an awesome big brother, helper and encourager! Our little man has been a rock of faith through this whole journey at 5 years old - and continues to be a mighty prayer warrior for his little brother! This morning he climbed into bed with Kel and I and was so excited because he did the math and said "there is going to be 5 of us! And then 6!" LOL...
But overall Kelly is doing well! She is probably "lifting" and carrying a little more weight than she should at this point - but don't try to stop her or tell her she can't - because the athlete she is comes out and game on! She has been without her "heavy" pain meds for four days now, and taking Tylenol every now and then for the normal headaches and pain associated with a regular pregnancy! She still feels a great amount of pressure around the incision, but that is to be expected!
Jackson Update: Continues to move, dance and flip in the womb - and I believe loving every minute of his healing environment - aka Kelly's Spa! He is amazing and I can't wait to hold him in my arms in 17 weeks! We will not have an echo or ultrasound this week, as the doctors have decided - after this past Thursday's findings - to check him every other week in hopes of being able to see "measurable signs" of development! So the wait is on - and again commit him to the Lord's care and healing!
Move Update: Please pray today - actually go ahead and pray right now! We are taking a road trip later today to look at and pray through some homes and see if the Lord is opening up an opportunity for us to walk into! We are encouraged with a couple of "prospects" - but then again the Pittsburgh Pirates are too! [Sorry to all you Pirate fans on that one - but the truth hurts sometimes!] We know that the Lord has called us to this time in the "wilderness" and we are content in His Peace and Strength, and stand firm on His Promise - that we can do all things through Him - who is our Strength!
Thanks again for standing in the gap with us, and this is my encouragement to you today "...take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong..." and please...pick up your bible and read through the rest of Hebrews 12 - right now! [And don't you dare make "don't have a bible with me" an excuse - go to www.biblegateway.com right now and soak in some Hope, Truth and Life!]
Keep going...and Fix Your Eyes on Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment