Jesus alone
So don’t make me angry by worshiping idols and other gods. ~ Jeremiah 25:6 (CEV)
Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne! ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (CEV)
KEY IDEA:
Stay focused on Jesus alone.
PRAYER:
Once again, Lord, thank you for your ongoing love for us -- for me. I know that it makes little sense that I am so easily distracted by lesser things -- immitation gods -- fake fulfillment. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus. I'm going to finish my race well so that I can join the crowd of cheering witnesses. Amen.
TRANSLATIONS
ABP = Authorized Boydston Paraphrase — my own freestyle biblical adaptation — somewhere between paraphrase, commentary, and sermon
CEB = Common English Bible (©2011, the Common English Bible)
CEV = Contemporary English Version (©1995, American Bible Society)
MSG = The Message (©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)
NIRV = New International Reader's Version (©1996, 1998, Biblica)
NIV = New International Version (©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica)
NLT = New Living Translation (©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, Tyndale House Foundation)
