Off and Running
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1–2
Our generation is obsessed with sports. Passionate fans of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and a host of other sports and competitions fill arenas across the country. There are entire television networks dedicated to specific sports, hobbies, and interests.
The Roman Empire was much the same in its passion for competiton. Though the Coliseum in Rome is the best known of the ancient arenas, there were hundreds of stadiums, amphitheaters, and arenas scattered across the Empire. Tens of thousands of people gathered for the entertainment offered by the different contests, games, events, and fights.
The writer of Hebrews uses the imagery of a runner in a coliseum to describe what the Christian life is like. First he describes some of the great men and women of faith who have gone on to Heaven, and then he explains that they now, like spectators at an event, watch to encourage us in our race.
The devil is going to do everything he can to hinder your race. He tries to load us down with weights and sins that will keep us from finishing the course God has laid out for us. It is our responsibility to put those aside and run with our focus on Jesus. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Hebrews 12:1–2
Our generation is obsessed with sports. Passionate fans of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and a host of other sports and competitions fill arenas across the country. There are entire television networks dedicated to specific sports, hobbies, and interests.
The Roman Empire was much the same in its passion for competiton. Though the Coliseum in Rome is the best known of the ancient arenas, there were hundreds of stadiums, amphitheaters, and arenas scattered across the Empire. Tens of thousands of people gathered for the entertainment offered by the different contests, games, events, and fights.
The writer of Hebrews uses the imagery of a runner in a coliseum to describe what the Christian life is like. First he describes some of the great men and women of faith who have gone on to Heaven, and then he explains that they now, like spectators at an event, watch to encourage us in our race.
The devil is going to do everything he can to hinder your race. He tries to load us down with weights and sins that will keep us from finishing the course God has laid out for us. It is our responsibility to put those aside and run with our focus on Jesus. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Today’s Growth Principle:
The knowledge that those who have gone before are watching should inspire us to run faithfully for Christ.
Start Your Day Right
by Joyce Meyer - posted January 01, 2017When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
—Psalm 94:18
Some people seem to start their day on the "wrong foot." They feel all right when they wake up, but as soon as something goes wrong, they lose their footing and walk with a "loser's limp" the rest of the day. Once they are off to a bad start, it seems they never catch up.
If someone offends us early in the morning, our anger can keep us defensive all day. If we start the day rushing, it seems we never slow down. But to¬day our feet can be firmly planted in God's Word.
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