readings

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

1. Surrounded by Clouds
(Hebrews 12:1)

There are two very good reasons why we should run the race of faith with endurance. Firstly, its because we are looking unto Jesus (Heb 12:2) who has set the course and wants you to complete it with victory. Secondly, its because “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. You are surrounded on every side with clouds of people past and present who were tested but held onto the promises of the Word of God.

2. Be an Unsung Hero (Hebrews 12:1)

You can make history today by adding your name to this list of unsung heroes of faith. God wants you to be an overcomer. He has a more perfect way ready for you to obtain. Run with endurance and receive the promises.

3. Run with Endurance (Hebrews 12:1)

Run so that you may obtain what God has in store for you today. In life's arena of struggles, persecutions and trials, strive forward with endurance and seize the destiny that God has prepared for you. Get ready to set aside any selfish ambitions and be a winner in Jesus Christ.

4. Weight Loss (Hebrews 12:1)

Anyone wanting to run with endurance must firstly “lay aside every weight” and also lay aside “the sin which so easily ensnares us.” The Greek word apotithimi was commonly used in the athletics world to signify the actions of the athlete who would deliberately try to remove any excess weight in order for him to be able to compete for the prize. If we want to run a race that is pleasing to God, we may need to remove anything that is weighing us down. So what is it we are supposed to be laying aside

5. The Three-Legged Race (Hebrews 12:1)

Running the race with Jesus is the most exciting and rewarding life a person can have. Determine to put off those things that prevent you from running freely today and experience a race you are sure to win.

6. Looking unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

The Christian who wants to run the race of faith must unwaveringly “look unto Jesus” for our Saviour has already completed the race and set an example for us to follow. Calvary is the single most important event in human history. It was the turning point in man's struggle with sin and it can be the turning point for whoever looks to the Cross.

7. Finish the Race (2 Timothy 4:7)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 How is your race going? Feel like giving up sometimes? Cry out to your loving Heavenly Father and lean upon Him as you complete this race together.

8. Where is Your Confidence (Part 1)
(1 Samuel 17:37)

As a shepherd boy, David had seen God's hand working through his life,
developing a deep trust in the Lord's faithful promises. Despite his youth,
David knew that God could do it again now in the greatest fight of his life.
Sometimes God is watching your faithfulness over the small things in order to prepare you for something far greater. Rest in the promises of God, knowing that He can take your ordinary life and do extraordinary things for His purpose.

9. Where is Your Confidence (Part 2)

The account of David's epic face-off with Goliath is well known. In competitive terms it was a complete mismatch. Yet David demonstrated an astonishing confidence, believing without doubt that he would be victorious. Don't be fooled by what the world tells you are the qualities for success, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. Sometimes God is wanting you to stand up, trust him and throw the first shot.

10. Running for Honour (John 12:6)

Eric LIddell stood up and said “No” because He believed it was what God wanted.
God then honoured this obedience by providing a better way, bringing an even greater blessing. God will never let you down when you put Him first. Hold
tightly onto the promises of God and get ready to run a race that brings Him honour.

11. A Higher Prize (Philippians 3:13-14)

Most people will remember Eric Liddell as the character in the Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire, who wouldn't run on a Sunday. But many are not so aware that Eric achieved a prize later in his life that was far greater than Olympic Gold. True champions for Christ are not satisfied with the trophies that the world offers, but are prepared to run a race that will count for eternity.

12. Who is the Greatest? (Matthew 20:26-28)

Jesus challenged His disciples to move from a self-centred life to a God-centred life; from first place to last place; from greatness to humility - a total contrast to what the Gentiles understood greatness to be and completely opposite to what we are led to believe by the world today. Only when moving from a self-centred life to a God-centred life will we begin to see true greatness unfold.

13. Muscle Man (Judges 16:5)

In a tragic unguarded moment, Samson's weakness was his failure to recognise the
true source of his strength. Samson's secret strength wasn't attained simply by pumping muscle in the gym – it was a special gift from God for a specific purpose. Despite Samson's failings, God hadn't finished with him yet. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Never forget the true source of your strength.

14. Getting into Shape (1 Timothy 4:7)

Any athlete who wants to compete seriously must discipline their body with radical dedication and focus. In the same way, the Christian who wants to run the race of faith seriously must develop spiritual muscles in devotion to God. The best reason to keep in good spiritual shape is because we truly love God.

15. Teamwork (Ephesians 4:7)

You have an awesome destiny and are a significant part of God's plan. But with
privilege also comes responsibility. You have been called out for a very special mission. Now get ready to accomplish great things for God and be part of His winning team.

16. Going for Gold (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

The Bible promises a crown that is of eternal value. Just as an athlete builds
disciplines into their life to obtain a crown that they value, build your life
with something that is of worth. If a prize is worth obtaining, its worth
running for. God doesn't want you to settle for second best – He wants you to run in such a way that obtains everything that He has prepared for you.

17. On Your Marks...Get Set...Go!
(MattHEW 28:19)

When Jesus told His disciples, “Go” in Matthew 28:19, His followers were given the signal with absolute certainty. Look ahead at the race. Who will God send? If we can trust God who has made the call to 'go', we can trust Him with the guiding. Will you step up to the mark? Rise up, run for God's glory and go for it!