Intentional Training

"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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training...Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly...No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize"- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV).

You are a runner! The analogy of training, running and finishing the race represents our need for self-discipline in our calling. It determines the outcome...because we all, sooner or later, cross that proverbial finish line. Intentional training is required. I ran a three mile race when I was 24 years old. My training was, shall I say, undisciplined. The most I ran at one time was one mile before the day of the race. My thought was, if I could run one mile I could run three. I struggled after the first mile, stopping to walk some of the way, but oh the joy I felt when I saw that finish line. My speed picked up and I crossed over. I won no prize that day. What I do remember of that race was the exhilarating rush upon seeing the finish line before me and...the realization that I hadn't run the race I had hoped to run. I'm now training to run a 5K. I may not win that race's prize, "But one thing I do...straining toward what is ahead...the goal to win the prize for which God has called me" (Philippians 3:13-14). Intentional training is required; Jesus is on the other side of that finish line.       

Leap of Freedom

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?"- Romans 8:24 (NIV).

It takes faith to believe in something you cannot see or touch. If we could see it, if we could touch it, then faith would not be required. Faith requires trust. For many, trust is a big issue. Little children trust easily, but as we grow up and the world bursts our bubbles, we become cynical and stiff-necked to anything intangible. Jesus asks us to trust like a child. That sounds like regressive maturity, but the rewards are great; the greatest being freedom. Don't children live freely? And we desire childlike freedom. As we stand on the edge of the diving board, and our Almighty Father urges us to trust Him and jump, let us fling open our arms and leap into His awaiting arms. But consider: Could you do it blindfolded? Trust God; your faith will grow with each successive dive. He will always catch you, even when you cannot see Him. He is always there. That, my friend, is worth the leap. Freedom awaits.

Test

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"- James 1:2-4 (NIV).

A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is a 40-day Bible study that everyone should do and preferably with others. Yesterday's lesson was about your life being a test, which determines your eternity. God tested Abraham (Genesis 22:1). Abraham's response to God's test was faithful obedience. Every action, thought, and word affects your test score (Hebrews 9:27). Think of Gideon, Esther, David, Daniel...all were tested. Life being a test, the Bible is the Resource from which one studies in order to persevere and pass the test. You can't test well without using the Resource. God breathed out His Training Resource to be used for teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Perseverance will finish its work in preparing you for eternity.

Oh Be Careful What You Say

"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the King for his friend"- Proverbs 22:11 (NIV).

"Oh be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above is looking down with love....so be careful little mouth what you say." Our speech should be used to build up, to give grace to others (Ephesians 4:29). Lord, help us to be people of understanding in this message. James wrote an entire book on the use of speech; that the misuse of the tongue made a person's religion worthless (James 1:26). Jesus said we were defiled, not by what went into our mouths, but by what comes out in our speech (Matthew 15:11). There is also the promise that on the day of Judgment we will be held accountable for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36). Lord, our King and Friend, like David we pray that You put a guard over our mouths and keep watch over the door of our lips! (Psalm 141:30). Oh be careful...what you say...