At The Movies | Thursday
Thursday | July 9
This Week's Focus:
As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.
As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"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."
Hebrews 12:1-2
Hebrews 12:1-2
Eye's Up
Throughout the week we have continued to see the importance of focusing on what God has called us to rather than what is happening around us. This idea is made even more plain in today's passage from Hebrews.
The metaphor Paul uses of athletes running is one we know well. When we run, or even are walking fast, and then become distracted the chances of tripping and falling increase. So when something grabs our attention, we slow down. What Paul is urging believers to do is to not become distracted. Don't slow down, don't trip, and don't fall. Keep your eyes up. By keeping our eyes on Christ we are protecting ourselves from slowing down or from being tripped up.
What would this look like? It could be that distraction of busyness comes and so the regular rhythms of spending time with Jesus are not part of your day. It could be running after the wrong things so there is an emptiness or discontentedness when achievement comes. In keeping our eyes on Christ, He protects us and we experience the joy and contentment that comes in experiencing Him.
The metaphor Paul uses of athletes running is one we know well. When we run, or even are walking fast, and then become distracted the chances of tripping and falling increase. So when something grabs our attention, we slow down. What Paul is urging believers to do is to not become distracted. Don't slow down, don't trip, and don't fall. Keep your eyes up. By keeping our eyes on Christ we are protecting ourselves from slowing down or from being tripped up.
What would this look like? It could be that distraction of busyness comes and so the regular rhythms of spending time with Jesus are not part of your day. It could be running after the wrong things so there is an emptiness or discontentedness when achievement comes. In keeping our eyes on Christ, He protects us and we experience the joy and contentment that comes in experiencing Him.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Am I distracted from running after Christ?
- Have I been slowed down or tripped up by something I need to let go of?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."
Galatians 6:4 NLT
Galatians 6:4 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, thank you for saving me. Help me to focus on running after you without being distracted by the things of this world. I praise you for all you have done, are doing and will do! Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we dive into how to be with others without falling into the comparison trap.