Run the Race

3.2.14

READ: "Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Yeshua, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God."

 Hebrews 12:1,2

THINK: Listen to any medal winner from the Olympics talk about his or her "secrets of success" and you will almost always hear the word FOCUS. The athlete needs to set aside every thing but the goal he/she is seeking. Some athletes hire psychological coaches to help them stay focused on training, and many use music to block out any outside influences. The Bible speaks of the Christian life as an athletic contest: a long distance race with the goal of becoming like Jesus. Hebrews 12 commands us seek the same focus. Runners don't carry anything that would prevent them from using all of their resources for the run.  Some of the  things that would slow them down are everyday concerns; others are bigger issues that loom in their lives.  Runners, whether long distance skiers or marathoners,  must learn to focus on the finish line and block any distractions. They certainly would not wear weights or clothes that prevent movement. The Christian must also focus on the finish line, Jesus, from start to finish. What would hinder us from staying focused on the race of the Christian life?  Hebrews 12:1,2 instructs us to remove the weights that would prevent us from running the best race. The weights could be sin in our lives or everyday cares that burden us--anything that distracts us For example, negative influences of friends, worries about the future, or temptations. 

DO: Think of one thing that might distract you from running your best race in the Christian life, and pray for God to remove that distraction through the Holy Spirit and the Word.  Commit yourself to focus on on Jesus and the peace, love, and joy He wants to give you. 

Focusing on Jesus

3.1.14

Dear Students, 
Today is the first day of you Media Fast!  I hope the following Devotional prepares your heart for the next 30 days! 

     READ: "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

--Psalm 40:1-3

     THINK: Focus on four words you find in the first three verses:

  Turned, lifted, set, put. All action words. You can almost see the work of the Lord take place right before your eyes. Jesus Christ has righted an upside-down world. You see it in Psalm 40: the Lord taking pity on my upside-down-ness, turning, lifting, setting, and putting--giving me a new, noble purpose.

     Notice that there's an increase of intimacy in the progression of those four words.

    Jesus turns, He changes course, He considers me. Then He draws me near, pulling me up to Himself. Next, He sets me in a place of confidence, right beside Him as a participant with Him in His purposes for the world. And finally, He is the composer of the song that He Himself puts in my mouth.

    DO: When are you most disoriented? When does your upside-down life need a rescuer? Give thanks that when all other distractions are set aside, your walk with Christ is filled with his purposes.