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By Peter Biggs
 Read Part 1
Hebrews 12:1-2
1Therefore, 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. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
The act of running is vastly different from walking. I used to be a competitive marathon runner. Major muscles of lift the body momentarily off the ground each step. In exercise a slow run is vastly more challenging than a fast walk.
Show and tell
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great a cloud of witnesses,
If effort is involved, direction and inspiration is needed too. The example and support of others is essential. We need models. Many of us didn't grow up with Christian parents, indeed we may have had quite a 'dysfunctional' upbringing... models of how to live are absent - let alone how to walk in faith looking to Jesus when the going gets tough. Fellowship involves 'show and tell' (not just tell!) - seeing how faith is lived out.
The context is the Therefore is the previous chapter... a hall of fame. Those who expressed faith under pressure. I know of people who have forgiven murderers, found joy and purpose living with disablity, have come through adultery with forgiveness, and lost almost every material thing economically. 'God was and is faithful' they say and show.
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People who give testimony to the importance of God in their lives - inspiring 'overcomers'. If we are to look back to heros in the Bible, and forward to Jesus
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
Peripheral vision
To gain a motorcycle license in Canada, we are required to slowly ride in and out of orange 'cones' laid out in a car park. I was taught at riding school to NEVER look down at the cones but fix my eyes on a point on the other side of the car park - peripheral vision is used. "If you look at the obstacles you will ride into them." I didn't believe him - it was hard NOT to look down. Some in the class just couldn't do it. It's an illustration of us not fixating on obstacles. we need to fix our eyes on Jesus.
I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121
On a daily basis - sometimes in all 'spaces' when we are not working or interacting with people we PRAY! ... this is the answer to anxiety.
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.' Matthew 6:22
Reflect
Remember how he saved you... remember how he's been faithful... consider that all things, ALL THINGS! work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ... God is working things through your trials. (:28)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
December 3/2009
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