Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so
easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before
us, 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. Hebrews 12:1-2
Congratulations are in order for those who will walk across the stages
of educational institutions in the days ahead to receive diplomas marking their
accomplishment of the required curricula for graduation. To graduate implies an upward change. This accomplishment certifies someone as
ready for the next level. With each
level of graduation we gain more privileges and possibilities along with more
responsibility. Graduation does not
simply signify an end but a beginning.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Even our personal maturity graduates us into
new levels of responsibility. Change is
the only constant we have in life.
Learning, therefore, is a lifelong experience connected with growing. The depth of our life experience is tied to
knowledge. Learning is growing and
enhances your perception of everything you see in life. Dissatisfaction comes from boredom and
boredom is directly attached to learning.
There is a time for everything you do.
Not to respond to that time is to lose opportunity. Yesterday is past -
tomorrow is future - today is your PRESENT!
LUCK = When
Preparation Meets Opportunity
The way you spend your time is the way you spend your life! Potential is not lacking in our
world...effort is because effort is about TODAY.
What do you plan to do between now and death?
Have you ever thought about writing your obituary before you live your
life?
Recall the Influences from
Yesterdays…since
we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us… v.1b Our
parents have powerful influence on our lives, and we will have significant
influence over the lives of those in our subsequent generations. It is natural to question all of the parental
influence on our lives and even what seemed to guide their actions. Be careful!
Don’t throw foundational faith under the bus! Research has shown that 60-90% of kids leave
the church once they graduate high school.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe said “Our
faith is the foundation that we build everything else on.” Faith is not mere assent of the
intellect to revealed truth; it is the practical submission to the guidance and
control of truth! In other words, real
faith not only says, “I believe in God,”
real faith says, “so take complete
control of my life.”
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. You can stand on
a mountain and shout, “I am the master of
my fate! I am the captain of my soul!”
and God will laugh at you. You are not
in full control of your life, you never were…and you never will be! However, there is no such thing as
irresponsibility. You are responsible for everything you think, say or do or fail
to do. Whether you are person enough to accept it is another story.
A key statement for beginning to take control of your life is "Nobody is responsible for my happiness and success but me and God.” You cannot control what you refuse responsibility for! Take responsibility for yourself and trust God’s leading in your life.
Scripture to Claim:
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"… Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"… Ecclesiastes 12:1
