Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "compassed". The Scripture we'll be looking at is found in Hebrews 12:1-2:

Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This is the Greek word "perikeimai". Strong's Concordance says: to lie all around, to inclose and  encircle. The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament adds: to be surrounded. Paul meant for this to be an exhortation to not slack off, give up or quit, but to get really serious about finishing our race. He said this about himself in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. KJV

Thinking about those who have gone on before and knowing that every one of these "witnesses" is on our side and pulling for us to succeed should be an encouragement that we are never alone in this! When we add to this the Truth that we are also surrounded by angels who have been sent to assist us (Hebrews 1:13-14), we should really see ourselves as those who cannot fail, as long as we never give up! The sweetest victories, accomplishments or 'promotions' are usually those that we have worked for, believed for or waited for the longest! You have experienced many, with many more to come! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a song that we've used before, but I really love that it speaks to the motivation for doing what we do, to bring Him praise with our lives! "Only Wanna Sing":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!