Today's reading: Isaiah 22, 23, 24; Hebrews 12
S) " 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is just very, very good. It starts off with a superbly encouraging word, though. The first thing, is that we (hopefully) are surrounding ourselves with a "cloud of witnesses" and we have solid accountability with our church body. We need to be putting ourselves in the position that people can see us, with all of our glaring mistakes. Second thing, we need to sober up and acknowledge the sins that are common to ourselves. Scripture and honest experience shows us that our sins are not unique to ourselves. satan (lower-case "S" to spite him!) would like for us to think that our sins are unique to ourselves and no one would understand if they were exposed. This is a terrible lie and it is what needs exposure. If we know what our common struggle is, then we need to take steps to address it ahead of time, instead of acting like "next time will be different." We need to keep ourselves out of temptation's way. We need to put ourselves in the middle of a "cloud of witnesses" and Snitch on ourselves, like @TripLee116 says. From there, we can then set out on our race, which is a marathon, not a sprint. If a marathon runner stumbles and falls, he does not wallow in his misstep. He gets up, realizing that there is a whole length of race before him, and he regains his pace.2
A) Accountability DOES NOT WORK if you expect other people to hold you accountable. You must hold . You must hold yourself accountable. So first, I need to continue to put myself in that "cloud of witnesses" and hold myself accountable with them. I need to be transparent and accept rebuke, correction, and edification. Second, I need to be honest with myself and God, and that "cloud" about my sins, especially those that easily entangle me, so that I have a practical plan of aversion and I can set aside that encumbrance. Thirdly, I need to be encouraged that when I do fall, it's not the end of my race. It's important to remember that I have my entire life to live out. Even if I near the end of my race, and I fall, I need to realize that it won't nullify the long running I have already done.
P) Father, strengthen me. Most times I hold myself to a very quick, very close accountability, but there are still times when it's hard to confess. Help me lean on my "cloud" and be quick to confess. Help me seek advice and counsel when my plans to avoid sin are failing me. Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of this verse and other Scripture, to encourage me in my down times. Thank you for your mercies, LORD, which are new each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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