Life Long Foot Race

Acts 20:22-24

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

Kati sprinted up the slight grade on North Sandusky Street in Delaware (Columbus). She'd already trekked over six miles and had six plus to go to reach the half-marathon mark of 13.1 miles. Along with Kati and many other runners, a group of people accompanied individuals who couldn't run the course by themselves. These inspiring people pushed their friends' wheelchairs and helped them finish their race.

As I sat along the side of the street and witnessed runner after runner complete the course, Paul's words in Acts came to mind; "my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." All Paul wished to do was finish his service to Jesus, the race of his life. As a follower of Christ, I am right there with Paul. But sometimes I need someone to run alongside me.

I can't quite wrap my mind around running so many steps at one time. Even though I'm not able to physically run anymore, I can support my family and friends who do. With positive words and just being present to boost their spirit, I can support and cheer. Just like Paul who depended on his friends to help him to the end of his race, we need each other's encouragement and the Holy Spirit's urging to stay the course and cross the finish line. The race we run for Jesus is filled with obstacles. But with a little help from our friends and sustenance from God's word, we can finish the race "of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." One step at a time wins!

Who can you encourage this week?

Heartfelt Thanks

Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

In the past month, we've received six thank you notes. Two in our mailbox, three on my desk at work, and one via messenger. We've been blessed to be included in a wedding, graduations, the birth of a baby and a housewarming. One was for my years of service where I work. Each time I opened a card and read the heartfelt words, I felt good. My heart was happy at the simple, but kind, gesture of someone taking the time to say thank you. Years ago it was the custom to pen thank you notes and send them often. I'm a little sad that our society has gotten away from that.

From receiving the notes, I realized how I've failed to continue the custom of thanks. A custom that predates our society. The Bible speaks often of giving thanks. Paul told the folks who received his letters how thankful he was for them. The Old Testament is full of moments when people gave thank offerings to God. Daniel thanked God for his wisdom. 

We hear a lot lately about being a kinder society. I believe if we give thanks more often, the kindness will follow. Paul writes in Colossians that we should be "overflowing with thankfulness." Certainly, that thankfulness should be given to God. But let's not forget to thank our spouses, friends, children, co-workers, and family, too. Maybe even write a note of thanks. Try that this week and see what happens.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Brothers and Sisters

Phil. 4:1, 4-7
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Brothers and sisters!
Along with my parents, my siblings took good care of me. I was their baby sister, with eleven years difference between me and my brother (the youngest of my sister and two brothers.)  As we've all grown older we aren't together as much, but I know if I need anything they'll be by my side. We do live close enough together to spend some time on Thanksgiving with our mom at my brother's home. The day will be filled with food, fun, and talk of the memories we share. I'm thankful for the love and history I share with my siblings.

In Philippians, Paul speaks to his brothers and sisters in the church. He loves them and tells them how much he misses them. As Paul writes to his friends, I love what he pens. Rejoice, be gentle, trust the Lord, pray with thanksgiving. Oh what joy to have the peace of God cover the heart and fill the mind. I've gained many brothers and sisters in Christ through the years. We still share a love of Jesus. I'm thankful for the encouragement I've received from my spiritual siblings.

With Thanksgiving near, pray with me for brothers and sisters, those close at hand and those across the world. Praise God for relationships! 

Pleased and Satisfied

Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Merriam-Webster defines the adjective “content” as pleased and satisfied; not needing more. According to this, Paul learned to be pleased and satisfied. He didn’t need more. As he wrote in his letters in the Bible, he spent time in prison, months with families in the churches he visited, and worked repairing nets. I’m sure he lived through many different circumstances. And in every one he found contentment.

When I read these verses years ago, I thought I had to have a feeling of satisfaction 24/7. No matter what, I needed to find a degree of happiness. The problem was I tried to find contentment on my own. I totally missed verse thirteen. While I tried to find satisfaction on my own, God waited for me to understand what I needed was him. He’s the one who gives me strength, the one who brings me contentment no matter what. But I have to get out of my own way, bow before God and ask for his help. I’ve learned over the years to seek God first. It’s not easy, but it sure is a better way to live. I love the promises I read in the Bible, they give me the confidence to seek my Father’s help. He gives me the strength in every circumstance to be content as long as I keep my eyes on him. 

Joy Finished the Race

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Joy Johnson ran her last marathon this year. She was the oldest runner to complete the New York City marathon at eighty-six. In her twenty-fifth venture around the city, she fell and hit her head on mile twenty, but got back up and finished the race. She passed away in her sleep the next day. A runner for almost thirty years, she understood the endurance and determination of a marathon. Because she loved to run, she kept moving.

The apostle Paul also finished a race. The one that mattered most. He endured prison, ridicule, persecution and physical abuse to continue his marathon for Christ. When Paul recognized that Jesus was Lord and accepted him as his Savior, he put his whole heart into the track laid out before him. Just as Joy trained her body to endure a running race, Paul exercised his spiritual life. He prayed, he read, he shared his faith with others. He encouraged his fellow Christians and reached out to those in need. Because he loved the Lord, he finished the course and kept the faith.