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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Questions for Reflection:

From the possible translations for pioneer in verse two (author, leader, originator and source) Which do you prefer and why?

What does it mean to you that you are the Joy set before Jesus?

How does fixing our eyes on Jesus help you run the race?

Prayer of the Week:

Heavenly Father, I recognize your presence here with me right now and I invite you Father, Son and Holy Spirit into my life and this time of prayer. Holy Spirit, lead my prayer and show me how to pray.

Lord I thank you for sending Jesus to bring your Kingdom Reign into the world. I thank you for teaching me through parables. I thank you for every opportunity that you provide for me to be a contender for the Kingdom. (you are invited to spend a few seconds giving thanks to God) I thank you most of all for ransoming my life on the cross. Thank you Jesus.

Jesus I recognize my need for you today. I know that on my own I am unable to follow you. I ask your forgiveness now. (take some time confessing to Jesus whatever sins come to mind now) Heavenly Father, thank you for loving and forgiving me, through Jesus. Thank you that you never stop loving me. Help me to live more and more every day into the identity that I am a truly loved child, who is precious to you.

Holy Spirit as I think about my day and upcoming week there are many things that I can think of that worry me. I ask and contend for your Kingdom reign to come into those places now, both in my life and in the lives of others. (spend some time praying over that now) Jesus help me to see and respond to all the different places where you have called me to be a contender for the Kingdom.

Thank you Father for revealing yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day! Amen