So most people are back at work today and the new year has begun. Many are actually happy to be getting back to a normal routine and have celebrated, eaten far beyond their normal limits, and have watched as much football as they can stand.
When I was a kid I used to run track. My coach would drill into my head over again how important it was to quickly get off the blocks and start fast. Later I got into drag racing cars and it was the same thing. If one didn’t get off the line fast, catching up was nearly impossible.
I was thinking about this and getting off to a fast start relates to any form of racing really. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said: Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! To me that means we all need to get off to a fast start; otherwise you will spend the rest of your time trying to catch up. In fact today is not too soon to begin your race.
The Bible also states that we must have perseverance the ENTIRE race and not slow down or grow weary. We must start fast but also stay focused until the very end.
In our spiritual lives the Bible states that it is vitally important to witness to others; actually nothing is of greater import. If you are not as adept in witnessing as you like, then don’t use that as an excuse not to do it, simply try another avenue. For example you can invite someone to church with you this weekend. I’m speaking at Honey Lake Church this coming Sunday and if you know someone who needs to receive the hope and the love of Jesus Christ, then simply invite them. Seventy per cent of new people go to church because someone cared enough about them to ask them to go with them. Do it today.
Once they have experienced church, then it opens up an entirely new opportunity to talk to them about how Jesus has had a great impact on your life and can make such as vast difference in theirs. Don’t drag around and put it off. Invite someone TODAY. Tell them you will pick them up and bring them home, making it easy for them.
In 2016 make God and His purpose for your life your number one priority. Remember God and the Saints in heaven are watching with keen interest as you run your race. Start fast and finish well my dear friends.
Hebrews 12:1
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 trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
January 4, 2016 – Click here to listen