Running the Race

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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.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

 

Yesterday, I was reminded about this great race we are in.  A race that began when Jesus became Lord of my life.  I’m reminded that I’m in this race to win.  I don’t want second place and I’m not about to lose.  I’m running with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things in life that come along and try to entangle us.  Things that get in the way of us running a great race for Jesus.  I’m watching someone right now who is struggling with a decision to do something because of those entanglements in life.  Maybe you know someone who is in that spot too or maybe you are in that spot.  I want to encourage you to “throw off EVERYTHING that would hinder you”.  Here is a portion from my second book that I was kind of thinking about yesterday when these race thoughts came to mind. Read more

Walking in Worship ~ Part 2

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‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet.  Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’ (John 4:19-20)

Yesterday, we learned three of the questions the samaritan woman was asking with this statement.  She was asking:  what is worship, how do I worship, and when do I worship?  We were able to explore the answers to these three questions, but one very important question was left behind.  Also, a very meaningful truth was not identified.  So let me take a step back.  I pray you will take the time to examine John 4:1-26 for yourself, as it does contain some beautiful words between Jesus and a woman who learned of His living water.

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Walking in Worship ~ Part 1

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Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24)

Before this passage, Jesus has a beautiful encounter with a samaritan woman.  You can read all about it in John 4.  In vs. 20 she asks,

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.  Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

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Crazy in Love

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In just 11 days, I will be celebrating my 1 year Anniversary with my husband.  It’s made me reflect on the number one a lot this week.  So I’m thinking I will do some of that reflecting on here.

First of all, I’m crazy in LOVE with God.  He is still Number One in my life.  If there was anything I ever feared about a marriage it was where my relationship with God would go.  Thankfully, my husband has been so supportive and so encouraging about who I am in the Lord and where my relationship is at with God.  He is constantly spurring me forward.  I’m so blessed.

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Lessons of Righteousness ~ Psalm 119 Part 7

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God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me—promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics—but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways! (Psalm 119:33-40, MSG)

Moving forward…
1.  We are revived by God’s Word.
2.  The Word is our instruction for life.
3.  The Word gives us determination for life.
4.  We grow when we are obedient to God’s Word.
5.  We increase in understanding as we pursue the Truth in God’s Word.
vs. 33 “God, Teach me lessons for learning…” Read more