Tuesday, July 20, 2021
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
What Are You Doing Today?
Every day is a blessing and a gift from God. As a Christian, it is our responsibility to steward our lives in a way that is glorifying to God. Each new day brings its own challenges and we don't know what to expect, but we can walk through what every day brings by trusting in God.
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! Stewarding our lives responsibly requires us to be aware of what God is laying before us and stepping into those opportunities. Time is one of the opportunities we waste the most. We spend a lot of time on Social Media and binge watching Netflix. Once those minutes and hours pass, they are gone and with it whatever opportunity we have ignored, even if it is the responsibility of cleaning your house or doing yard work.
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? What do you want people to remember about you and what do you want to accomplish with 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 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.
