Today’s New Covenant nugget is from Hebrews 12:1-2 (TPT)
As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus Who birthed faith within us and Who leads us forward into faith’s perfection.
The Amplified Bible says, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, Who is the Author and Perfecter of faith.’
The King James Bible says, ‘Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’
During this season, let me encourage you to turn off the TV, get our your Bible, go spend time in your prayer closet and ‘Look to Jesus’ – Who birthed faith within you, as The Passion Translation so beautifully describes this verse. Jesus is the Author of our faith. He wrote the book. He designed our lives… He created the ability within us to have faith and to live by faith.
This may be a very emotional time for you… you may be feeling frustrated, angry, fearful or alone during this time but as the song old says “Let’s talk about Jesus” (For those of you younger people, you may have to Google the song… hahaha) - let’s take our thoughts captive and let’s look to Jesus. Let Jesus’ Name be on our lips. Whatever brings heaviness to your heart today, lay it aside and look to the person of Jesus. Let’s run this race with peace, patience and endurance. When someone is being patient in a situation, they are at peace, focused on Jesus, Who is the Prince of Peace. When you take your eyes off the world around you and put your eyes on Jesus – peace comes.
I see the word ‘patience’ as a word that describes a peace that is expanding, a peace that grows and increases… without being disturbed. Jesus wants us to be patient during this season… in peace with our eyes focused on Him. Hebrews 12:12 says ‘So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship.’ Take time to worship, minister to the Lord by lifting your hands to Him and praise Him for His goodness, His grace, His glory, His power made manifest in your life. Look to Jesus today and live. Look to Jesus today and receive your healing. Look to Jesus today and be in peace. Look to Jesus today and walk in the Faith that He birthed within you – Amen.
Blessings on you, Esther
*Please scroll to the bottom of this page for an important message regarding this weekend at Amazing Love Church
OR YOU CAN GIVE ONLINE BY CLICKING THE BUTTON BELOW
Aloha family, Please join us on Sunday 3-29-20 at 10am for a live broadcast service. We will be broadcasting on Facebook, YouTube, on our website at http://www.amazinglovehawaii.com/livestream as well as on our Amazing Love Church app.
Please prepare your hearts to participate and not only to watch… please remove all distractions so that you can worship, pray and receive one hundred present of what the Lord is depositing. Please gather prepared to partake of communion and please be ready to worship the Lord with your tithes and offerings. You can give on our app, at http://www.amazinglovehawaii.com/giving or you the easiest secure way of giving is to text ‘GIVE’ to (855) 906-3541. Once you enter your information you will be set for future giving.
By the way, Sunday’s service is going to be power packed! We have live praise and worship with Leilani and the Amazing Love worship team, and I have an anointed word that will feed you, bless you, impart the anointing to you and stir up your faith. Invite friends to join you online!
We are praying and joining our faith to President Trump’s that we will be able to gather again on Easter Sunday. Until then, let us know if you need anything, or if you want us to come over and share in Holy Communion with you.
We really miss all of you and we miss our wonderful, warm, anointed Amazing Love fellowship… what a beautiful reunion it will be when we all get together again!
We love you all more than words, pastors Nick and Esther