“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”

_____Hebrews 12:1-2

There is a race to run but there are many obstructions. In our world today, it is easy to be entangled with many sins and be limited in our spiritual growth. The gaze must always be on Jesus else we die spiritually. What we are viewing on television and our mobile phones influence our spiritual lives. What was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning? Did you stretch your hand to grab your phone first or you knelt down to pray? Did you pick up your phone to join a live prayer session, read a devotion or check messages and missed calls?

There is a race before us and as soldiers we cannot be entangled with civilian affairs. We are sojourners, the world is not for us. We are journeying to eternity and we have been given the mandate to draw souls for the kingdom of God. Jesus knew his calling from the very beginning. At the age of twelve, he was already about his fathers business. Jesus knew the eternal reward of glory and hence endured the cross and the shame he was subjected. He didn’t compromise the revelation of the word of God in him. He stood for the truth and proclaimed it without fear.

As pilgrims, we should not be too concerned about what the world think of us as long as we are glued the business of the gospel. We should look unto Jesus, the pioneer of the faith and walk as he walked to the end. We should strive to emulate what Jesus did when he walked on this earth. We should learn to pray as he did and live as he lived, having in mind that there is a reward for our righteous labour. True joy and happiness is at the end of the race. Let us go through every day with Christ in mind, not losing our guard for sins to have a place in us.

May your gaze always be on Jesus. May the Lord help you to overcome the deceitfulness of sin and walk in his nature and purpose. May the Lord help you to finish the race and never be a cast out. Remain blessed and Shinning!

Rev. Gyakari