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"Bravely Run The Race"
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God'? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:27-31).
This last weekend I had the opportunity to share three messages at a men's retreat.
On a side trip Saturday afternoon we went up to Hawk
Mountain, a remote area along the Appalachian ridge which is a major
flyway
for migratory birds. The Appalachian Trail also runs along this ridge
and I had the opportunity to walk alongside it (very briefly). It was
great to be with a group of committed men seeking to please the Lord.
In my messages I used the theme of our
Christian journey being like a race, a theme frequently used in
Scripture, such as the portion in our daily text that states, "They shall run and not be weary." Of all the types of races the marathon is most like the Christian race.
I want to share in today's encouragement the major points made this last weekend, condensing the three teachings into one daily encouragement message:
1) The Christian race must have a start. We are not in the race by default regardless of our upbringing. This start begins when we place our faith in Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Paul wrote, "For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11). For all of us there is a time when we "first believed". For some it's a very distinct memory; for other not so much, if they came to faith early in life. You are not in the race unless you've started and if you haven't done so we encourage you to accept Christ as Your Savior today, and begin your starting point! Like songwriter John Newton wrote may we with joy proclaim, "How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed."
2) The Christian race is characterized by ongoing strict training by practicing spiritual disciplines and self-control. Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."
Surely the apostle Paul is speaking here of the spiritual development
and disciplines we volitionally participate in that contribute to a
growth in godliness such as Bible reading and study, Scripture
memorization, prayer and praise, church participation, Christian
virtues and service along with other forms of spiritual discipline. In 1 Corinthians
chapter 9 Paul uses the athletic analogy and urges that we "Exercise self-control in all things" (9:25). The writer of Hebrews instructs us to, "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us"
(Hebrews 12:1). Speaking at a men's retreat I had the opportunity to
challenge the men regarding specific sins so many men deal with.
3) The Christian race is characterized by endurance and overcoming inevitable trials. As I type this line I consider John, a young friend who for several months now has been enduring an affliction and is again in the hospital. Many readers are undergoing trials as they read this and any of us who have been in the race for awhile can sing,
The writer of Hebrews continues in the latter part of Hebrews 12:1, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Endurance is especially needed due to trials which give opportunity for maturing in our faith. In the only recorded message quoted from Paul's first missionary journey, he "strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God'” (Acts 14:22).
4) The Christian race is characterized by encouraging and being encouraged. This is a gifting available to each one of us and we need to conscientiously practice it. "But
encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called
“Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of
sin" (Hebrews 3:13).
In 2000 I attended the Boston Marathon as a
spectator and watched the race along what is known as Heartbreak Hill.
Running up the gentle grade along the race course at the top of the
hill near Boston College, the runners get their first glimpse of the
Boston skyline where they will cross the finish line. We caught sight
of one viewer's encouraging sign that gave runners a reason to stay in
the race, "Heartbreak is over, you're on your way home". What a powerful spiritual reality we can share as we help our fellow runners focus on the finish line, "fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy
set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2,3).
5) The Christian race is characterized by a very specific and spectacular finish. This
finish will be at the time of our death or, if we are alive at the
time of Christ's return, we will be caught up in the rapture. In the apostle Paul's sermon to the Ephesian
elders he stated, "However, I
consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and
complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying
to the gospel of God's grace" (Acts 20:24). Notice especially that phrase, "if only I may finish the race." Our goal is to finish well and stay faithful to the end. At that point may we be able to sum up our life's story like Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Fellow runners let us bravely run the race till we see Christ!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, the
spiritual journey may have its twists and turns, its potholes and
inclines that obscure the finish line, but by faith I will stay the
course because You give me power when I feel faint and strength when I
am weak. Everlasting Father, Creator of the ends of the earth You do
not grow weary or faint; Your understanding is vast beyond measure and
Your might gives me strength when I grow weary and hope when I become
discouraged helping me to rise as though I have wings as eagles. Help
me to soar above my troubles and give flight to those worries that
would otherwise weigh me down. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Rise Up O Men Of God" Video Titan Men's Chorus or here Palos Verdes Quartet
This was our theme song throughout the men's retreat and the men sang it in their church service on Sunday. Hymn Background told by the songwriter: This song was written specifically for men by William P. Merrill in 1911. "Nolan R. Best, then editor of The Continent, happened to say to me that there was urgent need of a brotherhood hymn. The suggestion lingered in my mind, and just about that time I came upon an article by Gerald Stanley Lee, entitled 'The Church of the Strong Men.' I was on one of the Lake Michigan steamers going back to Chicago for a Sunday at my own church, when suddenly this hymn came up, almost without conscious thought or effort."
"Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord" Video Gary Chapman The first time I recall ever singing this hymn was several weeks ago in our church. My brother Pat shared that he had also recently heard it and thought the last verse which we quoted at the end of today's message was especially moving.
"It Will Be Worth It All" Video Musicians not identified
"It'll Be Worth It After All" Video Terry Terrell
"Bloodline" Video Dallas Holm
For the geographically curious here is a map of where the men's retreat was held along with Hawk Mountain (Google map)
Information about Hawk Mountain
The story of the Hawk Mountain eagle statue.
Last year we shared a five part series of messages on "Lessons From Life's Marathon" beginning with this message. Use "next message" link to read each message.
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
Are our daily
encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask
you to consider making a donation to Daily
Encouragement Net so that we can continue to
prepare and provide this daily resource
which is accessed by believers and seekers all
over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies
solely on the generosity and financial support
of its readers and podcast listeners. See here
for more information on supporting this
ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials)
1) Open the basic text editor that comes with all computers (known as wordpad, textpad, etc.) You can also use a program like Word and select paste text only.
2) Select and copy the text from the portion of the message you want to print.
3) Paste into the text pad. (The photos won't show up but you will have a brief text description of the photo which you can delete or just ignore.)
4) Format if you desire (change font, increase or decrease size, etc.)
5) Print!
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
<Previous Message Next Message>
Monday,
May 20, 2013
Eagle statue on Hawk Mountain
This is made of rusted metal parts with dimensions of 14 x 9 x 9
It was formerly at the Wannemaker's Department store originating in Philadelphia
Listen to this message on your
audio
player. Note:
Due to my quality microphone not working with Windows 8 the sound is rather poor and occasionally has
a very annoying feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!
Eagle statue on Hawk Mountain
This is made of rusted metal parts with dimensions of 14 x 9 x 9
It was formerly at the Wannemaker's Department store originating in Philadelphia
Listen to this message on your
audio
player. Note:
Due to my quality microphone not working with Windows 8 the sound is rather poor and occasionally has
a very annoying feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!
"Bravely Run The Race"
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God'? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:27-31).
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
This last weekend I had the opportunity to share three messages at a men's retreat.
On a side trip Saturday afternoon we went up to Hawk
Mountain, a remote area along the Appalachian ridge which is a major
flyway
for migratory birds. The Appalachian Trail also runs along this ridge
and I had the opportunity to walk alongside it (very briefly). It was
great to be with a group of committed men seeking to please the Lord.In my messages I used the theme of our
Christian journey being like a race, a theme frequently used in
Scripture, such as the portion in our daily text that states, "They shall run and not be weary." Of all the types of races the marathon is most like the Christian race.I want to share in today's encouragement the major points made this last weekend, condensing the three teachings into one daily encouragement message:
1) The Christian race must have a start. We are not in the race by default regardless of our upbringing. This start begins when we place our faith in Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Paul wrote, "For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11). For all of us there is a time when we "first believed". For some it's a very distinct memory; for other not so much, if they came to faith early in life. You are not in the race unless you've started and if you haven't done so we encourage you to accept Christ as Your Savior today, and begin your starting point! Like songwriter John Newton wrote may we with joy proclaim, "How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed."
2) The Christian race is characterized by ongoing strict training by practicing spiritual disciplines and self-control. Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."
Surely the apostle Paul is speaking here of the spiritual development
and disciplines we volitionally participate in that contribute to a
growth in godliness such as Bible reading and study, Scripture
memorization, prayer and praise, church participation, Christian
virtues and service along with other forms of spiritual discipline. In 1 Corinthians
chapter 9 Paul uses the athletic analogy and urges that we "Exercise self-control in all things" (9:25). The writer of Hebrews instructs us to, "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us"
(Hebrews 12:1). Speaking at a men's retreat I had the opportunity to
challenge the men regarding specific sins so many men deal with.3) The Christian race is characterized by endurance and overcoming inevitable trials. As I type this line I consider John, a young friend who for several months now has been enduring an affliction and is again in the hospital. Many readers are undergoing trials as they read this and any of us who have been in the race for awhile can sing,
"Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come.
T'was grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."
T'was grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."
The writer of Hebrews continues in the latter part of Hebrews 12:1, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Endurance is especially needed due to trials which give opportunity for maturing in our faith. In the only recorded message quoted from Paul's first missionary journey, he "strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God'” (Acts 14:22).
4) The Christian race is characterized by encouraging and being encouraged. This is a gifting available to each one of us and we need to conscientiously practice it. "But
encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called
“Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of
sin" (Hebrews 3:13).
In 2000 I attended the Boston Marathon as a
spectator and watched the race along what is known as Heartbreak Hill.
Running up the gentle grade along the race course at the top of the
hill near Boston College, the runners get their first glimpse of the
Boston skyline where they will cross the finish line. We caught sight
of one viewer's encouraging sign that gave runners a reason to stay in
the race, "Heartbreak is over, you're on your way home". What a powerful spiritual reality we can share as we help our fellow runners focus on the finish line, "fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy
set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2,3).5) The Christian race is characterized by a very specific and spectacular finish. This
finish will be at the time of our death or, if we are alive at the
time of Christ's return, we will be caught up in the rapture. In the apostle Paul's sermon to the Ephesian
elders he stated, "However, I
consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and
complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying
to the gospel of God's grace" (Acts 20:24). Notice especially that phrase, "if only I may finish the race." Our goal is to finish well and stay faithful to the end. At that point may we be able to sum up our life's story like Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).Fellow runners let us bravely run the race till we see Christ!
Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Wherever my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey's done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
Wherever my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey's done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, the
spiritual journey may have its twists and turns, its potholes and
inclines that obscure the finish line, but by faith I will stay the
course because You give me power when I feel faint and strength when I
am weak. Everlasting Father, Creator of the ends of the earth You do
not grow weary or faint; Your understanding is vast beyond measure and
Your might gives me strength when I grow weary and hope when I become
discouraged helping me to rise as though I have wings as eagles. Help
me to soar above my troubles and give flight to those worries that
would otherwise weigh me down. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.Today's Suggested
Music
and Supplemental Resources
"Rise Up O Men Of God" Video Titan Men's Chorus or here Palos Verdes Quartet
This was our theme song throughout the men's retreat and the men sang it in their church service on Sunday. Hymn Background told by the songwriter: This song was written specifically for men by William P. Merrill in 1911. "Nolan R. Best, then editor of The Continent, happened to say to me that there was urgent need of a brotherhood hymn. The suggestion lingered in my mind, and just about that time I came upon an article by Gerald Stanley Lee, entitled 'The Church of the Strong Men.' I was on one of the Lake Michigan steamers going back to Chicago for a Sunday at my own church, when suddenly this hymn came up, almost without conscious thought or effort."
"Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord" Video Gary Chapman The first time I recall ever singing this hymn was several weeks ago in our church. My brother Pat shared that he had also recently heard it and thought the last verse which we quoted at the end of today's message was especially moving.
"It Will Be Worth It All" Video Musicians not identified
"It'll Be Worth It After All" Video Terry Terrell
"Bloodline" Video Dallas Holm
For the geographically curious here is a map of where the men's retreat was held along with Hawk Mountain (Google map)
Information about Hawk Mountain
The story of the Hawk Mountain eagle statue.
Last year we shared a five part series of messages on "Lessons From Life's Marathon" beginning with this message. Use "next message" link to read each message.
Send a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
Are our daily
encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask
you to consider making a donation to Daily
Encouragement Net so that we can continue to
prepare and provide this daily resource
which is accessed by believers and seekers all
over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies
solely on the generosity and financial support
of its readers and podcast listeners. See here
for more information on supporting this
ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials)
1) Open the basic text editor that comes with all computers (known as wordpad, textpad, etc.) You can also use a program like Word and select paste text only.
2) Select and copy the text from the portion of the message you want to print.
3) Paste into the text pad. (The photos won't show up but you will have a brief text description of the photo which you can delete or just ignore.)
4) Format if you desire (change font, increase or decrease size, etc.)
5) Print!
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA