Week 1: What’s in your backpack?
Day 1: Devotional
“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.” ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
Imagine you’re preparing for a hike with friends. But instead of filling your backpack with water and snacks, you fill it with rocks. That wouldn’t make any sense! The extra pounds would weigh you down and make your hike unbearable and unsuccessful.The Christian life is like a hike, with its ups and downs, joys and struggles. To grow into Christ’s image, we must follow His example. As we begin our Lenten journey, it’s the perfect time to lighten our loads and let go of what weighs us down.
Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to live with endurance by fixing our eyes on Jesus. As we navigate life’s challenges, we know that the temporary struggles we face are nothing compared to the eternal rewards awaiting us. Just as athletes train for a prize, we, too, should live with our eyes on the eternal treasures our Father has promised us. The distractions of this world are fleeting, but by keeping our eyes on Jesus and His kingdom, we can prioritize investing in what truly lasts.
Day 2: Pray
Sample Prayer: Father, help me cast off all that hinders my devotion to You. Give me the perseverance to run the race of faith, keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. May Your church endure hardship with joy as we live in light of your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Day 3: Journal
What does it mean to you to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”? What are three things that hinder your walk with the Lord?
Day 4: Simplify Your Life
Just as you would remove unnecessary items from your hiking pack, consider simplifying your daily life. Maybe this means cutting back on activities that don’t align with God’s purposes. You can fast from social media or TV to focus more on prayer, Scripture and service to others.
Day 5: Invest in Eternal Treasures
Identify one area in your life where you can invest in God’s kingdom. Whether it’s volunteering in a church ministry, serving a neighbor or supporting a mission, ask God to show you how to store up treasures in heaven. Acts of love, generosity and service have eternal value.
