RUN YOUR OWN RACE!

 

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

 

RUN YOUR OWN RACE!

 

Heb 12:1-2

12 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.

 

          Adam Clarke says: “Here is another allusion to the Olympic games: the agonistae, [those who were agonizing] or contenders, were often greatly animated by the consideration that the eyes of the principal men of their country were fixed upon them; and by this they were induced to make the most extraordinary exertions.”

 

          The Greek hupomone is translated “patience” and means “cheerful and hopeful endurance.” Living the Christian life has always required more exertion and endurance than expected. Christ’s offer of abundant life is often misunderstood as leisure ease. It is not! It is cheerful and hopeful endurance.

 

          More than a misunderstanding of the nature of the race is the comparison of myself with other runners. It is my race alone and I will never win if I watch others who run. My focus must be on Christ for He is the author and finisher. He fires the starting gun and watches the tape. I must keep my eyes on Him.

 

1 Cor 9:24

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.

AMP

 

Lord, let me not be distracted by other runners but let me sprint the last mile with my eyes firmly on you. AMEN

 

EXTREME PARENTING!

 

Sunday, March 15, 2026

 

EXTREME PARENTING!

 

1 Sam 1:27-28

27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.

 

          Hannah knew that Samuel was both a gift and a stewardship. He was a gift because he was the answer to an agonized prayer of a barren mother. He was the elimination of her humiliation. He was a constant reminder of the faithfulness of a compassionate God.

 

          Did Samuel ever have the colic? Did he ever cry endlessly driving sleep from Hannah’s eyes? Did he ever weary her with childishness? No, I think Samuel was a normal little Jewish boy. Was this part of the “gift?” I think Hannah knew that it was.

 

          Hannah also knew that Samuel was a “stewardship.” He did not ultimately belong to her. He was given by God, and she returned him to God’s service. This is when parenting becomes extreme and difficult. The moment we realize that parenting is for the child and not for the parent, we become good parents indeed. Guidance, training, and correction are all part of parental love and responsibility.

 

          Hannah learned that whatever you give to God is kept safe. It is made better, stronger, and more useful. This was Hannah’s reward.

 

Dear Lord, bless and help our embattled parents today. AMEN

 

IS THAT REALLY ME?

 

Saturday, March 14, 2026

 

IS THAT REALLY ME?

 

Job 42:5-6

5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

 

          Job had been the object of interest both to God and to Satan. He had been a battlefield both pock-marked and wounded! He demands an audience with the Almighty so that he could present his innocence and God’s unfairness. Oh My! What he saw!

 

          He saw God as very God! The blinding light of God’s glory made his claim of innocence to be sin! The blistering truth made his claim falsehood. The divine purity made his claim of purity filthy.

 

          He saw himself as never before. Job knew he was beaten. There was no way he could argue his case with God. Then Job admitted that his words had been wrong and that he had spoken about things he didn't understand. All that was left to do was to repent – in dust and ashes.

 

          So, each of us must bow before a holy God – either here and now or at the judgment.

 

Rom 14:11-12

11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

Awesome God!  Let me see you as you truly are so that I may see myself as I truly am. Thank you, Lord, because your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. AMEN