Swimming with endurance the race before us. (Heb. 12:1-3)

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Focus on breathing, not just getting to the end. Life is a marathon, learn to pace yourself. Life is a marathon, learn to pace yourself. Prayer= breathing out prayer and receiving back God’s word. Prayer= breathing out prayer and receiving back God’s word. Real, sustainable change is a process, not an event. Real, sustainable change is a process, not an event.

Wear goggles: Vision keeps you going straight. Where there is no vision the people perish…(Proverbs 29:18; Hos. 4:6). Where there is no vision the people perish…(Proverbs 29:18; Hos. 4:6). Worst enemy of best can be something that is good. Worst enemy of best can be something that is good.

Learn to give and not to keep. Michael Phelps Donna Gibson

Fat Sheep vs. Skinny Sheep 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 20 "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, Ezekiel 34:18, "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, Ezekiel 34:18, 20-22

Keep your head submerged underwater. Dare to submerge your head fully into God’s word/reality. Dare to submerge your head fully into God’s word/reality. Give yourself fully to Him. Give yourself fully to Him. We determine how deep we go with God. (Ez. 47) We determine how deep we go with God. (Ez. 47)

Wear appropriate swim wear.

1 Corinthians 9: Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Don’t swim alone Do life together with others. Do life together with others. Be aware of other swimmers. Be aware of other swimmers. Think about your family. Think about your family.

My Family

Listen to the lifeguard. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Heb. 12:2 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Heb. 12:2

Know when you have swam enough. Avoid burnout by regularly taking days off, not checking e- mail, having family days, etc. There is always MORE to do. Avoid burnout by regularly taking days off, not checking e- mail, having family days, etc. There is always MORE to do. God never sleeps, but even he took a day off. (Genesis 2:2) God never sleeps, but even he took a day off. (Genesis 2:2)

Keep your pool (heart) clean. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Swim to finish well

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run (swim) with endurance the race God has set before us.

Living with Endurance Focus on breathing (rhythm). Focus on breathing (rhythm). Wear goggles (vision) Wear goggles (vision) Give and don’t just consume (generosity). Give and don’t just consume (generosity). Submerge your head under water (commitment) Submerge your head under water (commitment) Wear the right swim wear. (contextualization) Wear the right swim wear. (contextualization) Swim with others. (Don’t do life alone). Swim with others. (Don’t do life alone). Listen to the lifeguard (God speaks today). Listen to the lifeguard (God speaks today). Take time to rest, you need it. (rest) Take time to rest, you need it. (rest) Keep your pool (heart) clean. Keep your pool (heart) clean. Swim to finish well. Swim to finish well.

Hebrews 12:2 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.