Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May 25, 2011

"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 perfecter 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." Hebrews 12:1-2

I just finished watching the American Idol final two show. Both Scotty and Lauren did very well, especially under the pressure of the night and being in the much larger theater. They both sang three songs, both did all three like pros but Lauren got to go last and she finished well! How can you not like a country song that honors your mother? That is like slapping a big hunk of vanilla ice cream atop your fresh from the oven apple pie? Lauren may have put herself over the top with that song because people do tend to remember how you finished.

Finishing well is crucial to whatever you are doing. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are reminded of the importance of finishing well in the spiritual race.

It is good to run fast. Running fast in a race is always a great idea! Running fast in the spiritual race is probably because you have rid yourself of all extra weight and hinderances. That is smart and more importantly, it is spiritually necessary. Those who run fact are the ones who normally win the race.

Just as running fast is an advantage, so is running far. The spiritual race is a marathon and not a sprint, so the farther you run the better. Running fast and running far gives you a definite edge in the race you are running. The most important thing though, is to run all the way to the end of the race.

That brings us to the most important truth about running a race - running fast, running far AND finishing the race! When you run a race plan to always finish well. Always run through the tape! Lunge toward the line! Running fast might get you some attention. Running far might get you and advantage, but finishing well - like Lauren Alaina - will get you remembered! And like her, it will get you into the winner's circle!

So, as you are running your spiritual race, run fast and run far, but make sure you run to the finish! Keep your focus fixed on Jesus at the finish line and run hard toward Him!

How are you running? Are you staying focused on Jesus? What are you doing to make sure you finish?










May 24, 2011

"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 perfecter 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."   Hebrews 12:1-2

As you know, Memorial Day week-end is a huge racing week-end.

In Charlotte, NC the entire week is designated "Speed Week" with a variety of race activities leading up to the Charlotte 600.

Several hundred miles north in Indianapolis, at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they will be running the Indy 500.

These highly skilled drivers will be running their finely tuned machines side by side and bumper to bumper at break-neck speeds for two or three hundred miles hoping to entertain thousands of fans looking on in person and watching on television - AND oh, hoping to win the races.

The 43 drivers in Charlotte and the 33 racers in Indy remember why they are racing. They are driving to win!

In this 12th chapter of Hebrews we are reminded that we are also running a race. Here are several important things he wants us to remember about our race during this Memorial week:
Remember Who's Running

You are running the race of faith and faithfulness. The Christian life is compared to a race several times in Scripture and with good reason - a Christian progresses one step at a time. As a Christian you must learn to pace yourself and run with purpose and determination.

Remember Who's Watching
This race you are running is a relay race. You have been handed the baton in order to advance the Faith through another generation. Those who handed it to you are cheering you on! Some are rooting from along the sidelines while many others, including all those heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, are looking on from the celestial bleachers. They set the example of how to run well and they set the pace and now it is up to you not to disappoint them. Will they have run in vain or will you sprint to the finish? What will you say to Moses if you drop the baton? How will you explain to Noah if you stumble and fall? Will you have an answer for Abraham if your faith fails short of the finish line? Run well because someone else is waiting to receive your baton.
Remember What Slows You Down

When an Indy car pulls out onto the speedway to compete in the most famous race of all, does he pull a camper behind him? Does a stock car fill the trunk with luggage as he leaves pit row at the beginning of the race? Of course not? Does a world class marathoner run wearing combat boots? Niether should you compete in this most important race carrying any extra weight. Sin is what weighs you down and slows you down and saps your strength. Run to win! Run without sin!
Remember Where You Are Running
Every champion racer knows that he is racing to win and he knows where the finish line is. It is that coveted destination that he is intent upon. His focus is upon finishing by crossing that line as quickly as he can. You don't win a 600 mile race by completing 590 miles. The Indy 495 means nothing! Get rid of all that weighs you down and run hard for the finish. Then you can hand off the baton to a new generation of runners! That is what champions do! It is was Christians do!
Remember you are in a race!
Remember who is rooting for you to win!
Remember to run well, without sin!
Remember you must cross the finish line to get the prize!