March 12, 2010Read: Hebrews 9 "Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin." --Hebrews 9:22

My dad once told me to never give God anything that costs me nothing. In effect, Dad was telling me that we have to give out of our heart's sacrifice and not what's easy or convenient. Otherwise, we can't call it giving.

When I think about God offering Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins, well, it gives giving meaning. So let's try something. Speak your name in each space, and I'll see you when we're done:

God saw ____________ and loved ___________ so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for ____________. The sins ___________ committed and the shame and struggles _________ faces, God completely forgives and forgets. Does _________ deserve it? Has _________ ever done anything good enough to earn heaven? Could ________ ever? Despite of ________, when God sees _________, He sees Jesus.

It sure isn't easy to hear our names in those blanks, but because each name fits, someone had to die. So instead of _________ dying forever, Jesus died once and for all.

--J.P.

RUNNING AHEAD This week we've focused on breaking tough habits, but next week is all about creating new ones. Calling all road warriors. Any runners, walkers or bikers (road or mountain, of course) in the room? We want to hear from you and learn from you. Share with us your workouts, your routines, your routes and since spring is in the air, want your enthusiasm and commitment to be the spring in our step.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYFIT RUNNERS' FORUM

>> PRAYER REQUESTS: As you close the week, take a moment to stop in the prayer requests forum to see what needs others in the PrayFit community have this week.