Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Today's reading titled Walking with Jesus was written by Karen Pimpo.

Lean food rations, waterproof boots, and a map are some of the essentials carried by hikers on the John

Mier Trail. The John Mere Trail is a 211 mile path in the western United States that winds

across creeks, around lakes and woods, and up and over mountains, encompassing 47,000 feet of elevation gain. Because traversing this

trail takes about three weeks, carrying the right amount of supplies is critical. Too much, and you will

run out of strength to carry it all. Too little, and you won't have what you need for the journey.

Finishing well on our journey as believers in Jesus also requires careful consideration of what we bring. In Hebrews chapter 12,

we're told to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. The author compares

our lives to a race marked out for us, one in which

we must not grow weary and lose heart. To become overburdened with sin or distracted by things

outside of God's purpose for us is to carry an unnecessary weight. Just as there are packing lists for the John Mirat Trail,

God has provided direction for following Jesus in the Bible.

We know what habits, dreams, and desires are worth bringing along

by examining them in the light of the scriptures.

When we travel light, we're able to finish well.

Today's Our Daily Bread Devotional Scripture reading is from Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 through 3.

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 perfector 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.

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