The Race #241

Hebrews 12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Ever felt like throwing in the towel and giving up. You more than likely have been to that point in a struggle or trial where there seemed to be no hope, no solution and your answer was to give up. The writer of Hebrews says, there is an answer “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” 12:3.

If you are there or have been close to giving up the Bible gives us some real help. That help is faith. After the writer spends the eleventh chapter talking of the great people of faith in the Bible he then turns his attention to the “HOW TO.” First you need to realize that there are multitudes that have been where you are. They are a great cloud of witnesses. That doesn’t mean they are looking down from heaven, but they have endured themselves during difficult times in order to give to you hope.

He also says that life is a race. It is not a hundred yard dash, but a marathon. The hope comes in realizing that most things “come to pass.” He admonishes you to lay aside anything that is in the way of victory, especially the sin that entangles you. You are in a race. A race to ancient Greeks was anything that was a struggle or conflict. The needed element to win a race was endurance. You have a race ahead. Endure. That is not a passive word but one in which all energy is required. It refuses to be sidetracked.

That is not done without “looking to Jesus” and “considering Jesus.” You need Him to see you through. He endured the shame of the cross and endured its pain and suffering for you. Look to Him for your strength. Faith in Him is your answer. 

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

What a wonderful week. Sandy's biopsy came back. NO CANCER. We praise the Lord for answers to your prayers and ours. 

Johnny celebrated his second birthday with a rousing party on Saturday. He was thrilled with every aspect. He would open a present and then declare: "MORE!" I think he must take after his Grammie. It was such a joy for me to have my family together. The Lord blessed us by allowing Rich and Monie Kuckkahn from our church in Wisconsin to join us for the evening. 

Next week on the 20th I will have the sixty-seventh birthday. I am working on the "MORE." Hope to have it perfected by then. 

Tempe is enjoying spring. The temps this week will reach into the low 90s. I love it. Spring break is this week for schools in Tempe. 

March 25th I will have the procedure to have a stent placed in the left biliary tube of my liver. I am praying that it works to accomplish its purpose of bile flow. I will likely be in the hospital a few days. The three major side effects are bleeding, infection and pancreatitis. Pray that non of these happen. I continue to lose weight. Roger called me skinny this morning. 

There is not way for me to adequately thank you for all your prayers and support during these last few weeks. I am so grateful for all of you. 

God bless you this week with answered prayer.  ~ DGW