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Published: Jan. 24, 2013, 4:13 a.m.

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(Psalm 103:2) (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

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Reasons you watch from the stands:\\xa0

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1.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Experienced a false start

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2.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Comfortable being a spectator

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(Acts 17:26) (NIV84) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

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(Acts 17:27) (NIV84) God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

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(Acts 17:28) (NIV84) ^\\xa0For in him we live and move and have our being.

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(Hebrews 12:1) 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.

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(Ephesians 2:10) (NLT) For we are God\\u2019s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

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(Romans 12:6-8) (NLT)\\xa0 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.^\\xa0If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

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(Romans 12:9-11) (NLT)\\xa0 Don\\u2019t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

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(Romans 12:13) (NLT)\\xa0 When God\\u2019s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

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How do I run the race?\\xa0

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1.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Explore the possibilities.

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2.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Experiment with as many as you can.

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3.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Examine your feelings.

(Psalm 37:4) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

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(Philippians 2:13)\\xa0 \\u2026for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

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4.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Evaluate your effectiveness.

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(Proverbs 18:16) (NKJV) A man\\u2019s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

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5.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Expect confirmation.

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(1 Corinthians 1:5-7)\\xa0 For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.\\xa0

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(Hebrews 4:12-13) (NLT) The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, \\u201cThey will come from all directions and attack us!\\u201d So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.

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(Hebrews 4:14) (NLT) Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, \\u201cDon\\u2019t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!

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(Nehemiah 4:20) (NLT) When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!

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