Welcome to the InTouch Podcast with Charles Stanley for Thursday, January 5th.

Christians have the blessing of knowing what comes after the finish line.

But how you are running until then matters.

Let's evaluate your progress in the ultimate race.

They're all kind of races today.

They're horse races and car races and boat races and races that people run.

And when I think about the ultimate race is the race that you and I have to run every single day.

That's the race of life.

And I want you to turn if you will to Hebrews chapter 12.

And in this 12th chapter, this is exactly what the writer is doing.

Taking an idea from the sponsoring of his day and applying it as a spiritual principle in your life and mind.

And it is so very applicable.

And there's one word in this particular passage I want us to look at because it is the key to running well this race of life that you and I run.

And not only beginning well, but ending well.

And apart from this particular word, it won't happen.

In fact, apart from this particular word, life just really won't match up to your expectations.

So look if you will, beginning in this first verse.

He says, therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every incumbrance.

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 perfector of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, disposing the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against himself so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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