Unencumbered Vision
Another important aspect of restoring the spark of life in life is visualizing the sanctified perception.
One day recently I pushed myself to run faster and longer on the treadmill. My normal way of thinking would not permit this. I usually just watch the time, and think about how I can’t wait for the time to pass. But that day I was inspired to ‘think differently.’ I pictured Olympic runners and I kept thinking of running wholeheartedly to God.
I realize that I sabotage my ability to ‘run’ and to be thoroughly engaged in spiritual challenges because I carry the burden of thinking ‘old.’
So I think its time to let go of the weight , ‘think new’ and RUN!
Much love in Christ,
Joy
#194 Unencumbered Vision Hebrews 12.2
Hebrews 12:1-2 "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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
Without Encumbrance:
Running without encumbrance or a burden of weight requires "putting away" the weight and the sin which entangles us. The phrase “so easily entangles” is defined in Strong’s as "a competitor thwarting a racer in every direction." We are hemmed in by the competing influence of our old thinking.
Part of having a Vision is SEEING the reality of what the Lord is working in us and seeing the reality of His big picture. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus...who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame." Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes:
All athletes visualize. They see themselves doing their very best. They picture it, they practice it in their bodies and in their minds, and then they do it.
What do we visualize on a habitual basis? The answer to this question will reflect our sometimes involuntary vision. In the past I have watched myself visualizing my mistakes and my fears. My greatest competitor and weight is when I put the past into the present, seeing past failure as the present reality. Here is the urgent necessity to clarify our vision, by visualizing Christ triumphing through us and in us. Let us run to honor God. Let us run so that He will triumph in us and through us!
This has led me to pray while I am running on the treadmill, as I picture myself “running to God.”
What “encumbrance,” what story or perception is weighing me down so that I am not able to run to God and Christ in today’s challenges? Today, what are the perceptions that are holding me back or weighing me down?
We can see the challenge and confess it to God. Then we can visualize the triumph through Christ.
Instead of praying “Lord, I am afraid of such and such, and I need your help” our prayer can be “In Christ I am courageous to face this challenge and I know that you will help me.” This prayer is more than a plea for help. It is a declaration of faith and a prayer of confidence.
Instead of “I can’t,” “In Christ I can!” And picture what that would look like…
One day recently I pushed myself to run faster and longer on the treadmill. My normal way of thinking would not permit this. I usually just watch the time, and think about how I can’t wait for the time to pass. But that day I was inspired to ‘think differently.’ I pictured Olympic runners and I kept thinking of running wholeheartedly to God.
I realize that I sabotage my ability to ‘run’ and to be thoroughly engaged in spiritual challenges because I carry the burden of thinking ‘old.’
So I think its time to let go of the weight , ‘think new’ and RUN!
Much love in Christ,
Joy
#194 Unencumbered Vision Hebrews 12.2
Hebrews 12:1-2 "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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
Without Encumbrance:
Running without encumbrance or a burden of weight requires "putting away" the weight and the sin which entangles us. The phrase “so easily entangles” is defined in Strong’s as "a competitor thwarting a racer in every direction." We are hemmed in by the competing influence of our old thinking.
Part of having a Vision is SEEING the reality of what the Lord is working in us and seeing the reality of His big picture. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus...who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame." Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes:
All athletes visualize. They see themselves doing their very best. They picture it, they practice it in their bodies and in their minds, and then they do it.
What do we visualize on a habitual basis? The answer to this question will reflect our sometimes involuntary vision. In the past I have watched myself visualizing my mistakes and my fears. My greatest competitor and weight is when I put the past into the present, seeing past failure as the present reality. Here is the urgent necessity to clarify our vision, by visualizing Christ triumphing through us and in us. Let us run to honor God. Let us run so that He will triumph in us and through us!
This has led me to pray while I am running on the treadmill, as I picture myself “running to God.”
What “encumbrance,” what story or perception is weighing me down so that I am not able to run to God and Christ in today’s challenges? Today, what are the perceptions that are holding me back or weighing me down?
We can see the challenge and confess it to God. Then we can visualize the triumph through Christ.
Instead of praying “Lord, I am afraid of such and such, and I need your help” our prayer can be “In Christ I am courageous to face this challenge and I know that you will help me.” This prayer is more than a plea for help. It is a declaration of faith and a prayer of confidence.
Instead of “I can’t,” “In Christ I can!” And picture what that would look like…
