January 23, 2026 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Immanuel Garcera 

Strip Off Weight to Strive Forward 

Erica and I entered our mid-life crisis season last year when we both turned 35 (yes, we're old). During this time, one of the things we got into -- apart from all the other things, was running. And so, with our pulpit theme coming from Philippians 3:14-16, Erica and I can really relate! 

Striving to run after a goal and focusing forward seemed doable, until I started running in the winter. The excess weight of my winter boots, winter coat, and extra layers for warmth, put on excess weight as I ran and made the goal of running 1 km even harder to achieve. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to, “strip off any unnecessary weight and sin that so easily entangles” so that we can run with endurance the race set before us focused on Christ. 

Whatever unnecessary weight we are carrying, these things slow us down and take our attention to where our focus ought to be, ahead towards Christ. So church, what unnecessary weight is holding you back? As we go into a time of our solemn assembly, let's take time to strip ourselves of these things so that we can place our focus solely on the Lord to whom our whole attention belongs. Take time today to identify this unnecessary baggage and leave them at the foot of Jesus so we can run, unhindered.

To God be the glory!