– Scripture:

‘Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there , in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! ‘

                        Hebrews 12:1 MSG

– Reflection:

             Discipline in a Long-Distance Race

Every person has a special talent or skill that allows them to make a significant impact with minimal effort. We have all experienced that feeling of being “in the zone.” These unique abilities are what make us invaluable to others – whether it’s our employers, families, friends, or the people we serve. Among all the tasks we perform, it’s our unique abilities that truly make a difference; they are what we are meant to do. Our special talents are not random or accidental – they are gifts given to us by a higher power, indicating where we should focus our energies to make a positive impact. These talents are designed to address specific needs, and they show that the higher power cares about those needs and has crafted us to meet them.

Where do we go from here?

Take some time to think about the things you are really good at. Then, take a piece of paper and write down a job description that would be perfect for you, focusing on those strengths. You won’t be able to get that job right away but use the description as a guide for future decisions so that you can move closer to it over time. Identifying your strengths helps you analyze your days and weeks and helps you prioritize. It allows you to focus on activities that you excel at and create a better work-life balance. Even if retired or not interested in an everyday job or career, it helps to know what we are good at.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for designing us with direction and purpose. We honor you for all that we are able to do for others and our families, knowing that this was the way in which Jesus walked as well. Thank you. Amen.

– Scripture:

It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah. Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

                                    Ephesians 2:1–10 MSG

– Reflection:

                   He Tore Down The Wall

The passage focused on the realities of sin and how it has a way of keeping us trapped in the world as it is. Today’s passage marks a turn from that reality, representing God’s amazing grace that frees us from a destiny defined by death.  The present is today!  By grace, you ARE saved. This IS not your own doing! It IS a gift from God!  Grace defines us today.  Grace frees us to the possibilities of a new tomorrow.  We are saved from yesterday to live in grace today, which gives us hope for tomorrow.  That is the formula of faith we find in Ephesians 2.  May that grace free you today to live in that peace that passes all understanding, with hope for God’s new day tomorrow.

Where do we go from here?

Let’s remember the message that Jesus has left for us. He died for all of us on that cross so the least we can do is follow his example in how to live our lives. Anyone who has read my previous writings knows that following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the only way to succeed. Any other path is a waste of time. Yes, there are criticisms and attempts to poke holes in the word that was left over two thousand years ago. Individuality is a hot topic right now. I understand that everyone wants recognition for their work. But let me ask you this: Did Jesus get recognition? No, he didn’t, but he still saved our lives. He has asked nothing of us but to follow the roadmap he left for us all those years ago.

Our Prayer for Today

For the breath we have just taken, and the one that, by your grace, we are about to receive, we thank you, Father. Life itself is grace, and so we stand in the grace of this present moment that you give us. Free us from any past that holds us captive so that we might live in the hope of the new humanity your Word promises for us all. Amen.

Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting, Shout the high praises of God, brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations, a signal that punishment’s coming, Their kings chained and hauled off to jail, their leaders behind bars for good, The judgment on them carried out to the letter and all who love God in the seat of honor! Hallelujah!

                            Psalm 149:5–9 MSG

– Reflection:

              Always Give Him The Highest Praise

We often tend to take our problems to God instead of giving Him praise for all that He does for us. We complain to God about our struggles – addiction, difficult children, financial problems – turning prayer into a complaining session. But it’s important to remember that God already knows our needs. We don’t have to tell Him everything that’s wrong or how long it’s been that way.

Where do we go from here?

It is better to direct your praise to God instead of focusing on your problems. Even though your financial situation may not look good, turn it around and say, “Lord, thank You for supplying all my needs. Thank You for being Jehovah Jireh, the Lord my Provider.” If you are not feeling well, refrain from complaining and say, “Lord, thank You for my improving health and strength every day.” If your child is off course, declare, “Lord, thank You that my child will fulfill his destiny.” Remember, praising God gets His attention, not complaining.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for being the God who reigns over every problem we face. Thank You for knowing the details of every situation we struggle with. We will give You our highest praise and remain in peace, knowing that it’s all in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”