PREPARING FOR A NEW YEAR
Hebrews 12:1-3

Introduction:     As we are on the threshold of a brand new year may we resolve to run a better race for our Lord in 2008. I do not know what you will face as you run your race, but I do know doing the things revealed in these verses will help us all to be runners who are pleasing to the Lord God.

I.          REMEMBER THE WITNESSES (V.1a)

            A.        They Have Run Their Race

            B.         They Have Received Their Reward

            C.        They Have Revealed That God Is Reliable

II.         REMOVE THE HINDRANCES  (VV.1b-2a)

            A.        We Must Make Proper Preparations

            B          We Must Run With Patience

            C.        We Must Guard Our Priorities

III.       REFLECT ON JESUS (VV.2b-3)

            A.        Consider His Race

B.                 Consider His Reasons

Conclusion:       Serving Our Lord better in 2008 will not be without its trials. Let me challenge you to keep your eyes back on Jesus. Stop looking at the other runners. Stop looking at the circumstances through which you are running. Get rid of those weights, strip off the besetting sins and make up your mind to run a patient race.