Letting Go

Hebrews 12:1-3 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.

This week, consider what might be holding you back from loving God and others whole-heartedly. Are there things you need to “throw off”?

Letting Go of Stuff

As Eugene Cho wisely notes,
“Generosity is what keeps the things I own from owning me.”

How can practicing the spiritual discipline of generosity set you free this week and remind you that your worth is in who you are, not what you own?

Ideas:

• Save up for our special Easter offering to support Preemptive Love Coalition’s work to bring clean water to the suffering people of Mosul
• Buy coffee for the person behind you in line (or buy a meal for the car behind you at the drive-through line)
• Lend a favorite book to a friend (or purchase them a copy of their own)
• Send one message (email, post, tweet, snap, etc.) a day that is strictly to help or encourage someone else
• Mail someone a thank-you card just because!

Letting Go of Shame

Micah 7:19 tells us,

Once again you (God) will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Yes, sin (and the consequences of sin) are real — but, take heart, the love of Christ is greater still!

Tim Keller writes, “You are more sinful than you could ever dare imagine, but you are more loved and accepted than you could ever dare hope.”

Ideas:

• As you shower, thank God for the cleansing we receive through Jesus
• Take a drive to the beach or lake and skip a few rocks. As each one sinks to the bottom, remember how much God has forgiven you.
• Let ordinary household chores (such as throwing out the trash or shredding old files) become a spiritual reminder that your shame has been erased because of Jesus

Simply Seeking

Matthew 6:33 (NLT),

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.

Ideas:

• As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Find ways to deepen your friendship with sisters & brothers in Christ. Commit to pray for someone every day for a week and ask that person to do the same for you.
• Research a follower of Christ who has gone before you as part of the “cloud of witnesses” to be inspired & encouraged
• Seek Jesus through reading Scripture this week — praying for a joyful heart as you read