Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Yesterday, I was reminded about this great race we are in.  A race that began when Jesus became Lord of my life.  I’m reminded that I’m in this race to win.  I don’t want second place and I’m not about to lose.  I’m running with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things in life that come along and try to entangle us.  Things that get in the way of us running a great race for Jesus.  I’m watching someone right now who is struggling with a decision to do something because of those entanglements in life.  Maybe you know someone who is in that spot too or maybe you are in that spot.  I want to encourage you to “throw off EVERYTHING that would hinder you”.  Here is a portion from my second book that I was kind of thinking about yesterday when these race thoughts came to mind. Read more