THE RACE

Greetings O Ye Long Distance Runners...how's the race?

"Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (see Hebrews 11) [who have borne testimony of the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every ENCUMBRANCE-- unnecessary weight--and that SIN which so readily (deftly and cleverly) CLINGS TO and ENTANGLES us, and let us RUN with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.  Looking away (from all that will  DISTRACT)...to JESUS, Who is the Leader and the SOURCE of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also it's FINISHER [bringing it to maturity and perfection].  He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him...ENDURED THE CROSS, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2 The Amplified Bible).

Our first picture is that of Eric Liddle...runner in the 1924  Olympics in Paris, subject of the movie and missionary to China gave the secret to his success.  "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.  And when I run, I feel his pleasure."  He also stated, "The SECRET OF MY SUCCESS over the 400 meters is that...I ran the fist 200 AS HARD AS I COULD..and then the second 200 (with God's help)...I RAN HARDER."

 In a world of FAST FOOD THEOLOGY and TV MENTALITY...where you can "have it your way" because "you deserve a break today", sometimes we get a tad impatient when our life issues are not resolved on our time table or if our prayers are not answered in a timely manner and to our satisfaction.  He is the KING of kings...but he ain't your own personal Burger King.

The second picture is a picture of me running in the Philadelphia Marathon.  Actually the marathon was routed by my hotel in Philly...and I had Brenda snap a quick impromptu photo op.  Actually I never moved one inch from where the picture was taken.

The writer of Hebrews speaks of those who have run this race of faith...and now looks down upon us as we continue in this long distance run.  Have you ever been in the middle of this race...and find yourself TRIPPED UP...STUMBLING...or even FALLING FLAT ON YOUR FACE?  I have.  When we have those moments...it is easy to blame the devil, point the finger at someone else, moan and groan about hypocrites...but what we need to do...is realize...that the ENCUMBRANCES...and THE SIN that so easily besets us...is us. 

Jesus ENDURED THE CROSS...the point of death...dying to Himself...and living unto the Father.  He kept his eyes on the prize...of the JOY SET BEFORE HIM.  We are called to that cross also.

"And He summoned the multitude with His disciples and said to them...If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him (1) deny himself (2) and take up his cross  (3) and follow Me.  For whosoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's shall save it.  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? "(Mark 8:34-36)

Paul talked about this dying process..."...I die daily" (I Corinthians 15:31)  Paul also spoke of "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" in the areas of speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.  These are the areas of entanglement, encumbrance, stumbling.  The word discipline means to exercise, train, practice, discipline yourself NAKED...with no garments to trip you up as you run the race.

Run the race until He comes back again to collect His saints.  Don't give up...pace yourself...remove those things that you KNOW that trip you up...the SIN that so easily besets you.  Only you know what that is...so be honest...repent, confess it, and run forgiven.

Love and Long Distance Kisses

Rodney "Chariots of Fire In The Lord" Boyd