Principle: “When surrounded, run!”

No – it’s not time to be a coward! I’ve been thinking about 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, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Since we are surrounded, run!

Now Heb. 12 follows Hebrews 11 (that’s brilliant, isn’t it?) What I mean is, the key to understanding these words is to remember what’s in chapter 11 – the “People of Faith” Hall of Fame. They are our witnesses. To what? To how to keep the faith in the midst of uncertainty and tough times. There’s Noah – he built the ark when there was no rain. (Imagine the neighbors!) There’s Abraham – he packed up everything, left behind everything familiar, and set out for a place he’d never seen. (I wonder if his family ever asked, “Are we there yet?”) There’s Joseph – so sure of his dreams, but such a long, round about, surprising way to their fulfillment. (I can hear him asking, “Lord, does anything ever come easy? Can I ever catch a break?”) And there are so many others.

In fact, says the author of Hebrews, consider Jesus. He knew all along that He would be King, the Ruler of the world. But first He “…endured the cross, scorning its shame…” Why? Because of the joy set before Him. Do you still believe in your vision? Do you still have your dream? Have you wondered lately if you’ll ever get there, if you’ll ever catch a break? “… ebeeHebrewssince 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.” Hang on. Keep at it. Drop and put behind all the ’stuff’ that’s gotten in the way. And remember to look at Jesus. You’re not on your own. It’s true you’re surrounded – but since you are, run! You’ve lots of running partners!

I believe it was the legendary coach John Wooden who said, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.” How eloquent and accurate. We cannot always control our circumstances but we can control how we respond to them. The apostle Paul’s words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” were written from prison where Paul was awaiting a verdict on his life. Rather than bemoan his imprisonment, he prayed , preached and dictated letters. The result? “Now I want you to know…that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
Whatever your circumstances realize only you can determine your response. Just remember, Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.”

Blessed are those who are flexible for they shall never be bent out of shape.

The kindest word ever said is the unkind word that was never said.

No matter what your lot in life may be, build something on it.

PRINCIPLE: “You need not be a miracle worker – just a faithful one.”

Because ‘success’ is often measured by numbers of people attracted to, or raving about, a particular endeavor, it is easy for us to go for the razzle-dazzle. Do the spectacular! Perform the unbelievable! Make a splash! And if we can throw in a few miracles along the way, that would cap it off nicely. Ever thought or felt that way?

Consider John 10:41: “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man [Jesus] was true.” John the Baptist didn’t rely on, and may not have been gifted for, miracles. In fact, while he may have been intriguing to listen to, he might have been boring – the same message over and over again: “Repent!”“I tell you the truth: among those born of women there has not risen anyone grater than John the Baptist.” That’s all he tried to do – lead people to repentance. And he did it faithfully. He was so faithful, in fact, that Jesus later said (Matthew 11:11): Apparently Jesus looked more for faithfulness than flashiness.

So if you have a miracle up your sleeve, feel free to share it! But if not, that’s OK. Just be faithful to your job or calling. Just be faithful in working, teaching, preaching, and modeling Jesus. That’s all Jesus expects. Then maybe, one day, He’ll brag of you.

It had been a long, busy week. Productive but energy siphoning! It was Friday morning, a day I try to take off. But there I was trying to catch up – to at least get done those things that would impact Sunday.The mind was working slower and less creatively. The computer seemed to be making more mistakes than usual. But I knew I should persevere. This was my chance to get some stuff done. Finally, around 12:30, I completed the Sunday agenda. I looked at my “To Do List”. There was so much more to do – I knew I’d never accomplish all that I wanted to – and I was tired! So I closed up shop and headed home.
I was reminded of two things when I did so. One was that when it’s time to rest, rest. I needed the break. It’s good to practice what I preach! But the second thing was even more helpful. I picked up a book with quotations dealing with attitude and the first one I read was an Arab proverb: “Dwell not upon your weariness, your strength shall be according to the measure of your desire.” Wham -right on the side of the head! I had lost all perspective that morning. I had let my tiredness to take control of me. I had let my circumstances dictate how I did my work and how I thought. That’s the very thing I preach against so often. I realized then how much better the morning would have gone if I had only remembered the admonition of Paul to do whatever we do to the glory of God! If I had approached my list that Friday with this in mind, I still would not have finished it all – but I would have had more mental energy and spiritual acumen, and therefore more energy. I had been duly chided. I’m sorry, Lord, for forgetting you and for losing sight of the goal. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me.

Yesterday (Sunday)was very special at Hope Church. Not because I preached! It was special because Bryan Popin led us in worship. Spirit-filled, divinely blessed, and supremely gifted Bryan humbly drew us into the very presence of Jesus. I can only remember one or two other times when a congregation of which I’ve been a part had such a unifying, uplifting, sacred time of worship. Praise the Lord! I encourage you to check him out for yourself – and if you ever contact him, tell him Pastor Curry sent you! It won’t get you any prizes but it will let him know once again of our gratitude! You can find Bryan @ bryanpopin.com.

Why is it so important that Christians speak out on the moral issues of our society? In an era when Christians are slowly but surely being pushed out of the public square, this is an important question. Perhaps Samuel Adams can give us some perspective:
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.” As we celebrate our independence today, may we also recommit ourselves to promoting, defending, and upholding God’s laws and principles for holy living.