Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Race Set Before You

Beginning Your Legacy
Hebrews 12:1-2
Congratulations are in order today for those who will walk across stages in the days ahead to receive diplomas marking their accomplishment of the required curricula for graduation. There has never been a time in the history of our nation when so much has been asked of our next generation.  
With each level of graduation we gain more privileges and possibilities along with more responsibility.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
The natural curiosity we have is the catalyst for learning and growth.
The depth of our life experience is tied to knowledge. 
When Building Your Legacy...

I. Recognize the Importance of Today  “Therefore” v.1a
LUCK = When Preparation Meets Opportunity

II. Recall the Influences from Yesterdays  since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,  v.1b
Be careful!  Don’t throw foundational faith under the bus!
Faith is not mere assent of the intellect to revealed truth; it is the practical submission to the guidance and control of truth

III. Deal with Your Past  let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, v.1c
Beginning your legacy out of resentment or bitterness toward your parents, teachers or others is a recipe for disaster.
You can’t stop me!” are the four most dangerous words in the world.
We need to be aware of the influences of our parents, but we do not have to be mastered by them

IV. Accept Responsibility for Your Life  and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. v.1d
God has a plan for your life and your first job before doing anything else is to discover it.

V. Focus on Your Future  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. v.2
Every day that you get up without a goal, direction, purpose and plan for your life, you will live someone else's dream.
Those who fail often live lives of avoidance instead of achievement.
Formula for Failure
  1. Live in Fear of Failing
  2. Live Blaming Others for Your Problems
  3. Live Without Setting a Goal in Any Area of Your Life

Devotional Archive