From Start to Finish

I don't know about you, but 2009 was a year filled with more than one challenge that's for sure! And on top of my own battles, it seems like everyday I hear of someone else going through a difficult time or challenging circumstance. More and more I hear of people making crazy decisions, or throwing in the towel and walking away from the very source of life itself.

As we get ready to start a new year, 2010, I want to share this verse with you. It comes from Hebrews 12:1-2 and it 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 where he was headed—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!"

More and more I am convinced that the ones who ran the race before us had it right! And not only our Biblical heroes, but the men and women a generation or two before us here on planet earth too.

I think they had a grip on some truth that for some reason we've dismissed as 'legalism' or 'old fashion' Their priorities, their standards, even their pace of life.....I think they had something back then that we're missing now unfortunately!

I seem to constantly be rethinking what I believe, and why I believe it; What's important, what isn't; and what's top priority. I think it's healthy, and I think God is speaking.

So whatever you are going through and whatever your fight is,or has been, as one year comes to a close and a new one stands before us think on this:

Don't quit! Stay focused! Don't buy into the lie that this journey we're on is to difficult and not worth the effort! Don't stray from the safe guards God has put in your life; your family, your local church, your friends who are on the journey too!

After all the life Jesus came to offer is an abundant life, and it is well worth the effort, from start to finish!

Merry Christmas friends.

Mark