If I were to tell you that you were going to have to run a long race, what would you take with you? Would you take a suitcase? A cooler? A huge queen sized bed? Probably not. When runners run a race, they take with them the bare essentials.
According to the writer of Hebrews, endurance is just as vital when it comes to our spiritual journey. And just how do we manage such stamina? Listen to his words: “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” (Hebrews 12:1–2 NLT)
Briefly put, we’re to remove all of the excess stuff that distracts us and slows our pace. As runners in the race of life, our focus needs to be on Christ alone.
Our human tendency is to believe we possess the ability to unclog our lives without God having to plunge his hands into the thick of it all. The truth is, however, that the greatest obstacle to God fulfilling his purpose for our lives is not other people but ourselves – our own goals, ambition, pride, and self will. Although it’s difficult to comprehend, God, in his amazing grace, actually yearns for his children to hand off this deadweight. Yet we so often insist on carrying it with our own limited strength.
So what is slowing your down and distracting you from living a totally surrendered life? As you look into your soul and take an honest inventory of your life, make sure you give God all of it by giving him your:
Worries – The things that are causing you anxiety in life.
Wounds – Your past hurts and pain that may still be robbing you of the life God has for you.
Wrongs – The times you hurt others and may still need to seek forgiveness.
Weaknesses –The things in your life that you don’t think God can use, but he wants to use.
Wishes – Your dreams and desires for God’s Kingdom.
TODAY: I want you to think about what might be holding you back. Write them down. What baggage are you carrying around?
TOMORROW (Friday): I want you to spend some time making a plan on getting rid of the "Things that are hindering" your life with God. Make steps to streamline. Let me know how it goes!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
WEDNESDAY- Training to Finish Strong
Eighty years ago, Eric Liddell electrified the world by capturing an Olympic gold medal in the 400 meters—a race he was not expected to win. Liddell was the favorite at 100 meters, but he had withdrawn from that race after learning the qualifying heats would be on Sunday, a day he observed as one of worship and rest. Instead of lamenting his lost chance in the 100, he spent the next 6 months training for the 400—and set a new Olympic record.
Paul used a sports metaphor to emphasize the Christian's need for spiritual discipline. "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25), that is, goes into strict training. "Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." Paul longed to remain faithful to Christ because he wanted to bring the message of salvation to others (vv.19,27).
Throughout Liddell's life, he disciplined himself spiritually each day by spending time in God's Word and in prayer. He remained faithful until he died of a brain tumor in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Strengthened by the grace and power of God, Eric Liddell ran well and finished strong in the race of life. And so can we.
To win the race of life in Christ,
This must become our daily goal:
To trust in God for grace and strength,
For discipline and self-control.
Paul used a sports metaphor to emphasize the Christian's need for spiritual discipline. "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25), that is, goes into strict training. "Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." Paul longed to remain faithful to Christ because he wanted to bring the message of salvation to others (vv.19,27).
Throughout Liddell's life, he disciplined himself spiritually each day by spending time in God's Word and in prayer. He remained faithful until he died of a brain tumor in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Strengthened by the grace and power of God, Eric Liddell ran well and finished strong in the race of life. And so can we.
To win the race of life in Christ,
This must become our daily goal:
To trust in God for grace and strength,
For discipline and self-control.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TUESDAY: FINISH STRONG- RECAP OF JOSEPH
Today, I want to recap a little about Joseph. We learned on Sunday morning that Joseph finished strong when he had every opportunity to simply quit. Here are a few of the highlights of the life of Joseph:
* Born eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, the first son of Jacob’s favored wife Rachael, who had been barren for many, many years.
* As Rachael’s son, Joseph became the favorite son. This disparity created a great sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers.
* One day Joseph was sold into slavery to foreigners by his ten older brothers who hated him with a jealous hatred.
* Joseph spent years in slavery and prison in a foreign land.
* But Joseph never forgot his loyalty and his commitment to Jehovah, the covenant God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
* Although his hardships increased and lasted near twenty years, Joseph won the battles within himself and kept his faith.
* In the end Joseph became second ruler over all of the land of Egypt and saved his family from starvation and became a key player in the plan of God for the whole world.
* We remember Joseph best of all from his life scripture when he faced his brothers and had power over them to punish them for what they had done to him. He could have taken revenge but …
* Joseph saw a bigger picture than his painful past.
Genesis 45:5 "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose. Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose.
We too have been chosen … Jesus said it this way:
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
What do you think that you have been chosen for?
Do you think that the way you "Finish” has an impact on you being able to complete the task that you have been chosen for? Why?
Think about this today and talk to God about it. Have a great day!!!
* Born eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, the first son of Jacob’s favored wife Rachael, who had been barren for many, many years.
* As Rachael’s son, Joseph became the favorite son. This disparity created a great sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers.
* One day Joseph was sold into slavery to foreigners by his ten older brothers who hated him with a jealous hatred.
* Joseph spent years in slavery and prison in a foreign land.
* But Joseph never forgot his loyalty and his commitment to Jehovah, the covenant God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
* Although his hardships increased and lasted near twenty years, Joseph won the battles within himself and kept his faith.
* In the end Joseph became second ruler over all of the land of Egypt and saved his family from starvation and became a key player in the plan of God for the whole world.
* We remember Joseph best of all from his life scripture when he faced his brothers and had power over them to punish them for what they had done to him. He could have taken revenge but …
* Joseph saw a bigger picture than his painful past.
Genesis 45:5 "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose. Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose.
We too have been chosen … Jesus said it this way:
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
What do you think that you have been chosen for?
Do you think that the way you "Finish” has an impact on you being able to complete the task that you have been chosen for? Why?
Think about this today and talk to God about it. Have a great day!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
MONDAY- Finish Strong
Welcome to Monday. I have had some of you ask about Nick Vujicic. If you remember, Nick was the young man in the video from the gathering. If you were not able to be at the gathering, I have attached the video below. This month is about finishing strong. So far in this series we have looked at some example of people in the Bible who started off great, but didn't finish strong. Sometimes it has terrible results. This week, we are going to go deeper into the question; "Will you finish strong?"
David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
Today, watch the video about Nick again. Ask yourself the question, will I finish strong? After you do that, spend some time talking to God about it.
David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
Today, watch the video about Nick again. Ask yourself the question, will I finish strong? After you do that, spend some time talking to God about it.
Friday, April 17, 2009
FRIDAY- WISDOM FROM PROVERBS
Good day! Welcome to Friday. Today we are going to do something a little different. First of all, find a Bible. Go ahead, look around for it and come right back. I'll wait for you to return.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Back? Good! OK, here is what we are going to do. Open your Bible to Proverbs chapter 8. Hold your place there. Now log out and go to a quiet place. If it is nice outside, go outside, if not, fine too. Just go somewhere you can be alone and where it is quiet. When you get there. Spend some time with God in prayer. Ask Him to be with you and to speak wisdom to you. After you have prayed, read Proverbs chapter eight. Yes, the whole thing. If any questions come to mind, write them down and bring them with you next Thursday. Enjoy this time! Now go!! Spend some time alone with God.
See you Sunday!!!
Dan
Back? Good! OK, here is what we are going to do. Open your Bible to Proverbs chapter 8. Hold your place there. Now log out and go to a quiet place. If it is nice outside, go outside, if not, fine too. Just go somewhere you can be alone and where it is quiet. When you get there. Spend some time with God in prayer. Ask Him to be with you and to speak wisdom to you. After you have prayed, read Proverbs chapter eight. Yes, the whole thing. If any questions come to mind, write them down and bring them with you next Thursday. Enjoy this time! Now go!! Spend some time alone with God.
See you Sunday!!!
Dan
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
THURSDAY: "Don't Waste Your Life-Wisdom From Proverbs"
Today, I want you to slowly read the following chapter in Proverbs. After every couple of verses, think about what this means to you. What is God trying to tell you in your own life?
Proverbs 13 (New International Version)
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner,
but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 13 (New International Version)
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.
3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man's riches may ransom his life,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues the sinner,
but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
WEDNESDAY: "Wisdom From Proverbs"
Do you feel wise today? Here is some inspiration to get us started:
Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical; it comes down from above
Billy Graham
Don't expect wisdom to come into your life like great chunks of rock on a conveyor belt. Wisdom comes privately from God as a byproduct of right decisions, godly reactions, and the application of spiritual principles to daily circumstances.
Charles Swindall
Isaiah 50:4-5 (ncv)
"Every morning He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn..."
James 3:13 (ncv)
"Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom."
Matthew 7:24 (niv)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Today, pray this prayer at least three times today and every day for the rest of the week. Write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you:
"I seek wisdom, Lord, not as the world gives, but as you give. Lead me in Your ways and teach me from Your Word so that, in time, my wisdom might glorify Your kingdom and Your Son. Amen"
Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical; it comes down from above
Billy Graham
Don't expect wisdom to come into your life like great chunks of rock on a conveyor belt. Wisdom comes privately from God as a byproduct of right decisions, godly reactions, and the application of spiritual principles to daily circumstances.
Charles Swindall
Isaiah 50:4-5 (ncv)
"Every morning He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn..."
James 3:13 (ncv)
"Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom."
Matthew 7:24 (niv)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Today, pray this prayer at least three times today and every day for the rest of the week. Write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you:
"I seek wisdom, Lord, not as the world gives, but as you give. Lead me in Your ways and teach me from Your Word so that, in time, my wisdom might glorify Your kingdom and Your Son. Amen"
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