In the Word on Wednesday: Hebrews 12:1

In Hebrews 12:1, we read this admonition:

“Therefore seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily ensnare us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

One of our sons is getting married in October, and I definitely have some weight I would like to “lay aside” before the wedding, knowing that we’ll be “surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses” during the ceremony!

[photo by Rebekah Flanders (in hiding)]

The writer of Hebrews probably didn’t have weight-loss in mind when he penned those words, but I believe it’s a valid application of this principle, nonetheless.

So in an effort to lose those extra pounds that have stubbornly been holding on since the birth of my last child (five years ago!), I made a decision on April 21 (my 50th birthday) to forgo for six months something that has historically and very easily entangled me: sugar.

The result? I’ve lost 30 pounds so far. I’m thinking if I’ll bump up my exercise (from nothing to something) for the next 2 1/2 months, I may be able to shake off another 20 pounds or so.

Note, I don’t think there is anything inherently sinful about eating sweets. I just personally tend to struggle with enjoying such treats in moderation, and it made better sense for me to give them up completely for a time, to enable me to reach a goal.

What sorts of things keep you from running the race that God has set before you? What steps can you take to avoid the snares and traps and pitfalls Satan puts in your way to distract and defeat you or lead you astray?

This week’s verse can be found in the fourth set of our Scripture Memory Flashcards:

[click on image to print]

And for extra practice, I’ve made more handwriting printables, as well:

[click on image to print]

Plus, in case you missed them, here are links to the first three sets of flashcards and practice sheets, too:

• Scripture Memory Cards – Set 1
• Scripture Memory Cards – Set 2
• Scripture Memory Cards – Set 3
• Memory Verse Copywork – Set 1
• Memory Verse Copywork – Set 2
• Memory Verse Copywork – Set 3

And I’ve also uploaded a progress chart to help you keep track of which verses your child has already memorized (some of the verses listed are from sets of flashcards that will be published in the future).

May God honor your efforts to hide His Word in your heart!