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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author 

and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured 

the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the 

throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from 

sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - (NIV84) 

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners 

run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the 

prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict 

training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to 

get a crown that will last forever.