Verse of the Day 6/12

Verse of the Day 6/12

Hebrews 12:1-2

New International Version

12:1b And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 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.

I mentioned recently how my wife Jean had said that 2025 would be the year of perseverance.  It actually began about a year ago this time as we were planning a trip out to Denver for a procdure in her cancer treatment. We ended up taking two trips out there with mixed results.  But July 3rd definitely began that year.  She ran that race not as a sprint but as an arduous hard fought marathan that required everything in her to fight.

Perseverence requires several things, beginning with resolve, a strong determination.  I was reminded of a favorite Philips, Craig and Dean song from many years ago that spoke of this:

It takes a strong determination
A trust that never dies
The courage to forgive
And a heart that reconciles
A life full of devotion
A faith that won't give up
It takes a strong determination
To build a house of love

Jean continued to build that "house" that life of love in the power of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in her life.

Over the next few days family and friends will be celebrating her life, that perseverance and strong determination, devotion and faith that didn't give up.  She lived her life to the end holding up John 3:30 on her right arm.

John 3:30

New International Version

30 He must become greater; I must become less."

I love you Jean!

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version

12 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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.