January 1, 2018
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 
New International Version (NIV)
                Welcome to 2018!  What does this new year hold for you?  One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year is a brand new coffee cup with the words, “My cup is always half-full.”  How about you?  As we enter a new year, do you believe it will be better than last year or do you fear the worst?  I heard an excellent sermon on this text on our sojourn in Little Rock by a young preacher named Ryan Perkins. 
                It is okay to look back at the last year.  By all accounts 2017 was a tough year for so many of us.  Multiple thousands of homes were flooded in our great city by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath.  This flood is only matched by the flood of tears over lost loved ones.  Some of us lost parents, spouses or children.  These losses are painful and may make us wonder why we have to suffer in this way?  In the previous portion (11:33-38) the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God’s people have always suffered great losses  Their witness reminds us that God has not forgotten us. 
                What will you leave behind you in 2017?  Is there some hindrance or sin which slowed you down in your walk with Christ?  Feel free to leave it behind.  Repentance and faith are a continuing pattern in the life of believers as we preach the gospel to ourselves every day.  This enables us to endure.
                Best of all we lift our eyes upward to Jesus.  Unlike the heroes of the faith whose lives all included failure, Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith has never failed.  Just as Jesus never gave up, neither should we.  Jesus is not finished with us.  He always finishes what he starts.  Let’s focus our undivided attention on Jesus this year and follow where he leads us.  He will not fail.  Neither will we!   Robert Browning expressed this confidence about the future when he wrote to his beloved Elizabeth:  “Grow old along with me.  The best is yet to be.”
Pray with me:
Father, open our eyes to see your perfect Son.  Today we commit to give him our undivided attention in this new year.  For all that has been we say thanks.  To all that will be we say yes!  In the name of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith we pray.  Amen. 
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. 
Let’s focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he leads us. 
He will not fail.  Neither will we!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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