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![]() "Purpose And Perseverance" "Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly" (1 Corinthians 9:26). "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). ![]() I suppose due to my participation in long distance running I have always found it interesting that Scripture writers, particularly Paul, used running the race as an example of the Christian life. In my teaching I frequently liken the Christian life to "a marathon, not a sprint". I've met plenty of sprinters and middle distance runners in the Christian race. Some may start and run for awhile but give up before they reach the finish line. But it's the long haul that matters and an expression I learned early on was "being in it for the long haul." In our first daily verse Paul is speaking of his ministry in the Gospel (9:23). "Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly..." A key word is "aimlessly." Another version uses the word "uncertainly." Perhaps positive words or phrases to describe how Paul ran and how we should run are "with an aim, with certainty, with purpose, with a goal." The runners who have trained for years for the marathon definitely have an aim or goal in mind. This speaks of the vital importance of purpose. The second daily text uses an agricultural illustration rather than a sport illustration but makes a similar point: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The farmer is interested in a good harvest. This morning a farmer friend of ours is chopping corn, a part of the harvest process. That is the reason for sowing. The farmer doesn't sow aimlessly. But a second major point is also seen in this text that can be applied to running, farming and certainly our service for the Lord in the phrase "if we do not give up." This speaks of the vital importance of perseverance. As the Apostle Paul prepared to die he declared, "I have finished the race." That's a great expression of assurance and confidence by a dying man! In the great Christian race all who faithfully finish are winners. Let us press on toward the goal and stay faithful to Christ as we run our race with purpose and perseverance! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Jesus, when I'm distracted from my goal or tempted to withdraw from the spiritual race, impress the following truth upon my heart. "It's not the one who runs the swiftest nor the one who shines for a day, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved." May I pass the test of endurance and be found faithful even as I draw my last breath on this side. It is by Your grace that I cross the finish line and hear Your welcoming words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Amen. Some photos from our weekend. ![]() ![]() Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "It Will Be Worth It All" Video "So bravely run the race, 'til we see Christ!" "It Will Be Worth It After All" Video Terry Terrell "It's Gonna Be Worth It" Video Rita Springer Note: Readers may find the first photo of the runner in today's message interesting. Oscar Pistorius, is an amputee runner demontrating both purpose and perseverance! ![]() ![]() Send
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