Help! Love, MOM

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Encouragement to stay with Jesus ahead. Read at your own risk!!!

This post is based on a Spirit – soaked sermon my friend, Vercelia Petty, preached on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at The Bronx Church of God of Prophecy.

You can listen to it here. This is an amazing word from the Lord! I commend it to you in its entirety.

Difficulties, Discouragement, Distractions

I have allowed a difficult school year to weigh on me to the point where I was beginning to take on a pronounced discouragement. I was sinning by forgetting God. Psalm 73:16-17

Between the barrage of

• negative nightly news and constant pings on my news feeds,
• my own inner distractions fed by screen time, and,
• being too busy at work and in my everyday life,

I was contemplating scheduling time with my therapist; which, while not negative wasn’t needed.

Turns out that what I needed, and thankfully was graciously given, was time in the presence of the LORD and His word.

Yes, there have been sunny days. I truly am learning to savor every day, even Mondays, because what I have is right now; the next is not promised.

I like to plan for tomorrow which is good to do. Saving for emergencies and vacations; growing my business and so on: oh, very important.

You may have heard it said that when we fail to plan we plan to fail.

However, it is also true that when I give and live every day to the fullest, I put my best energy into the only life I really have, which is right now.

Still, the constant drumbeat of now, now, now, often leaves me weary.

On last Sunday, the preacher reminded us to look unto Jesus. Not to look at the headlines about — whenever you are reading this, to be sure, the headlines have changed — Greenland, the Nobel Peace Prize, Iraq, the 25th Amendment, ICE raids, or ICE enforcement operations (depending on your political lens), but, rather, to keep a steady focus and gaze upon Jesus.

I commend that same message to you today.

Are you weak and weary? Look to Jesus.

Sad and discouraged? Look to Jesus.

Flush with fame and fortune? Look to Jesus.

Needing to make a critical decision? Look to Jesus.

Distractions can Destroy Faith

With the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, I pray that you are able to see and silence the distractions.

These tend to destroy our resolve to look unto Jesus and to live for Jesus joyfully, trusting His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 and Hebrews 13:5.

• Social media? Distraction!
• Staring too long at the past? Distraction!
• Fears about the future? Distraction!
• Too busy? Distraction!

The audience of the original statement faced persecution for their faith. Their cloudy future was their distraction.

As they weighed their options to stay with Jesus or to return to their pagan religions, the writer of the book urged them to look to Jesus.

How does one look to Jesus?

Community – Join, or at least visit, a bible-believing and teaching church online or in-person. Become a part of the community. This is how I was reminded about the need to ‘look’ to Jesus. I was in my church community. Weak, worn out, a bit discouraged but in my place at my church home.

I’ve gone to work sick, discouraged, anxious et cetera. However, often, to the unchurched attending service and not “feeling it” presents as hypocritical, not faithfully committed.

Meanwhile, at 2819 Church, and at others, leadership emphasizes that you can be a part of the gathering and not yet be a believer. These kinds of statements can be disarmingly welcoming.

Prayer – When I was an agnostic tween, I prayed and asked God to show me if He was real. This was the sincere request of a youngster growing up in church who questioned what I heard and saw weekly. Because the LORD kindly answers prayers, even those of doubters, I am a Christian today.

Read the Bible for yourself – Borrow or buy a plain translation. I recommend the English Standard Version or the New International Version. These are both linguistically accessible and readily available. The LORD who so very closely identifies with His word will speak with you.

Stay faithful. Be encouraged. Look to Jesus!!

Blessings,

Kimberly xo