December 31, 2007

 

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, 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.

 

--Hebrews 12:1-2

 

The key to successfully running the race of life is found in today’s verses. And the first step to running the race of life in victory is to run the race with everything you’ve got!

 

I don’t need to run your race and you don’t need to run my race. We’ve all been given a race and a lane to run in, and we’re to run with all our hearts. And to run in your lane well, you just need to give God the best of your time, your talents, your service, and yes, even your tithes.

 

Secondly, running the race of life well means you say “no” to the sin of compromise. Allowing the sin of compromise to creep into your life is the fastest way to get derailed!

 

And last, the third step to running the race of life well is to rely completely on God and His Word…. always looking forward, never turning back. Sure, the devil will try to convince you how great your old way of life was. But don’t fall for it! Keep your eyes on Jesus… during the good times and the bad.

 

So as you look back on 2007, let me ask you: Did you run the race with all your heart? Did you keep keeping the sin of compromise out of your life? And did you rely totally and completely on God and His Word?

 

If you can’t say that you did, remember, God promises to give you the desire and power to accomplish all three of these things. So I pray that you’ll take Him up on His offer today so you can run the race of life in true victory in 2008!

 

We’ve all been given a race and a lane to run in, and we’re to run with all our hearts.