HINDRANCES

 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,

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

What holds you back? What hinders you? What cripples you? What limits you? What stunts you?

I read of spiritual giants, men and women who walk with God, so closely, so intimately, so faithfully ... and I then look back at my life, at my progress, at my reversals, at my ...

Do you not despise the devil for selling you such a pig in a poke? You have been given a bill of sale for nothing. It's worse than nothing, it is poison.   He puts an ad before you, but the picture is a lie.  But, one buys it, only to be disgusted after a few bites, then nauseated!  Instead of hiking upwards, one is barfing behind a bush.

One can never sit on the ridge enjoying the vista ... if he keeps dawdling and detouring ...

What needs to be discarded?  What needs to be emphasized?  What needs to be prioritized?

Stop looking behind.

Stop looking around.

Look upward!

COMPETITION

 So many competing stories being told, some screamed, in the marketplace selling realities.

"The world is dying due to overpopulation, fossil fuels, and meat on our dinner plates... and it's now or never ..."

"You are worth it.  This the newest,  fastest, best ever ... and it's on half-price sale! But, it's only a three day sale..."

"We are the peak of the evolutionary stream, and it is up to us not to destroy all of this ..."

"Vote for me! We care. We will fix this. We will legalize it all, and open it up for all, and we will stop the evil right ..."   "No, vote for me, or it will all go up in smoke!  We are the party which REALLY cares.  We want REAL solutions that are feasible and affordable ..."

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,  not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

2 Peter 3:9‭-‬12 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 ESV