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. (Heb. 12:1)

Isn’t it wild how the Spirit uses everyday things to remind us of truth and encourage us to live passionate lives?  The simple things often remind me of the truth found in God’s Word. One evening this happened to me while watching television and the encouragement found in Hebrews 12 came to mind. The program was showing a video from a high school track meet and began with the racers lined up, waiting for the starting pistol to sound. Crouched down in the traditional set position, the runners were concentrating on the race about to begin. As the sound of the pistol rang out the runners were off and the pack quickly separated into individuals. As the lead runners pulled away the ones left behind seemed to give up; all but one of them that is. This young fellow continued to run all out. He didn’t seem to notice he was falling behind. His face was set and even though he had no hope of winning, he was giving his all. Cheeks billowing with the effort to capture oxygen, with long strides and arms pumping he raced to the finish line. Crossing the line, his feet became tangled and he fell, face first, onto the track. The studio audience began to laugh, but his passion was inspiring to me and he has become an example to me of perseverance. His goal was to finish the race and he did it with all his mind, soul, and strength. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to live our lives with the same passion, to throw off those things that slow us down and persevere. That is what the young man did—he persevered. Keeping his eye on the goal he didn’t give up or let up.  He threw everything he had into the effort and that is exactly how scripture tells us to live our lives. Hebrews 12:1-3 says:

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of his goal—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!  (The Message)

As we consider our race let us ask ourselves some questions. What things are slowing me down today? Is it my busy schedule? Perhaps my lack of love for others is impeding my race. Sometimes it is my self-absorption. What sin am I harboring today that is holding me back?

I want to run all out, fixing my eyes on Christ—I want to finish the race totally exhausted, falling face first at the feet of Jesus.

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I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.  (Phil. 4:12b, 13)

Not too long ago, I needed to make some changes with my internet and phone services so I decided I would also sign up for cable at the same time.  Before, I had very few TV channels to choose from, so I was a little overwhelmed with the magnitude of choices.  I scrolled through the guide to get an overview of what was available.  There were so many, it was hard to choose.  But I would look at the channel name and then select some that looked interesting.  Every once in a while I would select a channel and, at first, nothing would happen … and then eventually, these words came up:  “You are not subscribed to (this channel).”  Throughout that evening I had chosen BBC, National Geographic, Biography, Style, DIY, Family Net, along with some others that I could not get.  Every time that message came up, I would think, “You are kidding me … I can’t get THAT channel?”  Now, remember, I could get MANY others … in fact, a couple hundred others.  But, it really bugged me that I couldn’t get ALL the ones I wanted!!  

As the evening wore on, I started thinking about some of the spiritual lessons tucked into this story.  How often do I focus on what I don’t have rather than on what I do have?  I could apply this on several levels.  It made me ask myself how well am I doing in the area of contentment … with what I have, with what I do, with where I live and with who I’m with?  Have I passed the course (called LIFE) where I have learned through WANT and through ABUNDANCE to completely trust that “my God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”  (Phil. 4:19)?  When I am lonely and missing my husband (now in heaven), do I choose to content myself with the fact that God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)?  Have I learned the secret that through Christ, He will give me the strength to be content with little or much?  Some days I do this well and some days I do not.  Which means I haven’t really learned it yet.

May I encourage you to journey with me?  Read Philippians Chapter Four for yourself (better yet, read the whole book!) and then wake up each morning and talk to the One Who gives us the strength to choose contentment.

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“And Judas, who was betraying Him said, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself.’” “Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, ‘Hail, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” (Matt. 26:25, 49)

In these verses Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi,” which means teacher. This got me thinking. What do I call Jesus?  To me Jesus has many names: Lord, Savior, Friend, King and many others

Many who know me are aware of the fact that I have four grandchildren. I call them my “lovies.” They are very special to me. They have a special name for me – “Mom Mom.” When one of them calls me on the telephone, I can tell who it is right away.

This made me think of all the different names for Jesus.  Some are much more personal and intimate than others. I believe there are many people today who know “about” Jesus and many may even call him a “Great Teacher.” But that doesn’t mean they really “know” Him intimately.

Many may attend church, give money and serve in many various ways; but that doesn’t mean they know Him personally. To call Jesus by some of His more personal names, the Bible tells us that we must receive Him. 

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (Jn. 1:12)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)

I have received Christ as my Savior.  Based on God’s Word I know my sins are forgiven and I will spend eternity with Him. So I call Jesus — Savior, Lord, Friend, King.

What do you call Jesus?

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“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”  (Ps. 63:6-7)

Have you ever had to “count sheep” to get to sleep?  How about waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep?  People do lots of things during those times.  Some worry, some get up and read, or get up and eat, or watch late night TV.  Some try to pray, either for what is bothering them, or for other people they may think of.

I guess I’ve done just about all those at one time or another.  These verses quoted above encourage me to think about God- His greatness, His mercy toward me, His character, and His help.  What better way to spend “extra” time than to spend it thinking about the One who loves us?

When was the last time you couldn’t sleep?  Did you use that time wisely as suggested in these verses?  What will you do the next time?

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