“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance„ the race that is set before a s… 1 o o k ing unto Jesus…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).

Each year we look back, recall the things we did or did not do, and set new rules for the New Year. We desire to do better, but seems like it is hard to accomplish. We set new goals for diets, exercise, etc, but few set new goals for the spiritual life. We need to center in on the spiritual. This year could be the best and last year to do the best we can in the Race.

We must live to glorify God. Last year is history! The present is now! We can see the Future… The Rapture and Eternity! There will be many choices to make this year, let us make good choices as we run the Race.

If you are a born again child of God, you qualify, but are you prepared spiritually?

How do you enter the Great Race?

You must be born again! This can happen when God shows you that you are lost and have rejected His Son. When convicted, you must agree with God that you are a sinner, condemned, without hope.

You confess your sin, repent (turn from sin and turn toward God). You place your faith in Jesus Christ and live for Him. You are converted! You have become a citizen of Heaven (Phil. 3:20-21) and qualify to run the race.

How do you win the Race?

You must be disciplined, dedicated, determined, patient, joyful and love Jesus above all. It takes faith to run the race. We have too many who are not in the race to win, but hinder other runners. We must all run with endurance. Jesus has “set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We will soon join Him. Amen.

Each Christian has a special lane to run in and a goal to achieve. We must not be satisfied with our Christian life. I am afraid many think they are finished…but they are not! When you become satisfied, you are not in your lane running the race. You are living in the flesh! Self has taken over. God will discipline lazy runners! We need Real Dedicated Runners! As we run we share the Gospel and give our testimony to fellow Believers.

We stay focused on our goals and run our personal race, looking to Christ our Example, the Great Runner of all times.

Be devoted to Christ. Examine your life! Remember your values, your priorities, and always making good spiritual choices. Read your Bible. Have special prayer time, witness and worship Him constantly. Stay focused! Don’t be distracted by lazy runners or those who are living for the things of the flesh, or by the lost! “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3) He was focused on his race!

The Judgment Seat

“Therefore we make it our aim… to be well pleasing to Him…For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body” (2 Cor. 5:9-12).

Let us be able to stand with pride in Him and hear Him say, You were faithful, as you ran your race, you were devoted to Me, met your goal and now the “crown” is yours. This will be a great Day for those who ran with joy in the heart and a love for Christ. This Day is closer than we think!

Running in this Great Race is the greatest privilege of all times, looking forward to receiving our “crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,” (II Tim 4:6-9).

“…I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Phil 3:12-14).

We must repent of sin and run with endurance, looking to Jesus!

Winners! Heaven Bound!

Run by Faith and Love!