Daily Prayer - Cheerleaders

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

Do you remember what it was like to be playing hockey or soccer and being cheered on by your parents?  Or maybe you had dance or piano recitals and they were beaming as they watched you?  Isn't it wonderful to have someone in your corner who believes in you, and applauds your every effort?

 

The author of Hebrews provides a pretty impressive list of men and women of faith who are cheering you and me on:  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets!  And then he says: 

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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebrews 12:1-3) 

Can't you just hear Abraham shouting his encouragement to you?  Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and win the only race that matters.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, the people of faith listed in Hebrews died without receiving all that You had promised, but they never lost their faith vision of heaven as a "better country – a heavenly one."
 
We take courage from these fearless heroes of our faith who remained faithful to You in this life so that they could inherit a future life with You for all eternity.
 
We who follow You many generations later trust Jesus' promise that He returned to heaven to prepare a place for all who remain faithful.
 
We anticipate with great joy the hour that we are joined with You to receive our commendation in the clouds of glory for all eternity.
 
In Jesus mighty Name, Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/a-prayer-for-spiritual-commendation/)