Run to win

The Olympics are in full swing in Canada. Hundreds of people are hoping to bring
home medals of honor for their years of diligent hard work.

For those who win, it could mean millions of dollars in endorsements from
various companies trying to sell their products to the world.

As Christians we too are running in a race to complete our missions in life
for Christ.

We are created in the image of God, and each person has a specific plan and
purpose.

The Apostle Paul wrote, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24

The awards and earthly medals people receive, may be noteworthy and
for a while everyone will know their names, but we are striving for
a heavenly prize in heaven.

Our salvation is a free gift, but we will receive crowns and rewards
for our faithful and sacrificial service for God.

Paul tells us those on earth strive to receive a corruptible crown; but we
and incorruptible.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when
I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Paul encourages us to live each day as if the world were watching us compete
in a race.

Chickens run and flap their wings, beating the air, but never soar like
the eagles.

God’s word says…

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings
as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

When the trials and struggles of the world start to weigh us down,
do we quit, whine, and split…or get up, look up, and press on, knowing our
heavenly Father will give us the strength and energy each day to complete
our missions with excellence.

If we preach about how great our God is, then worry and complain about
troubles and hardship, the world is not impressed or drawn to the light
of Christ.

James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote…
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him. James 1:12

Beloved, today you may feel like you’re running on empty and tempted
to give up. You may be tempted to run to alcohol, drugs, sex, or suicide
to solve your problems.

Precious one, You have a loving heavenly Father who sent his son Jesus
to die on the cross for your sins.

Jesus knows how much you’re hurting, because he too was despised
and rejected by men. He was a man of sorrow and acquainted with
grief. Friends and family betrayed him. He endured the pain and
suffering willingly, and rose victorious from the grave.

He is now in heaven, and all power is in his hands to help and deliver you.

He gives power to the weak, and has promised to never leave or forsake us.

Run to Jesus, and lay your sins, pain, and sorrow at his feet.

Keep your eyes focused on the prize awaiting you in heaven one day.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Father, how grateful we are for your word to strengthen and empower us
each day. Teach us to number our days, and walk in your wisdom and power.
Forgive us for grumbling and complaining when we are given tests and trials
to strengthen and mature us. Help us to run the race you have set before us,
knowing you will empower and protect us each step of the way.

We look forward to the day when we can lay our crowns at your feet and give
honor and praise to you and your Son Jesus.

Father we ask for healing and strength for Barb and Norm. Help their spouses
and families to be compassionate caregivers, in their time of pain and suffering.
Your word says, the prayer of faith will save the sick, and you will raise them up.
We know, with you all things are possible, never the less, not our will, but thine
be done.

Father we ask for wisdom and help for our leaders throughout the world. Show them
how to govern and rule according to your will. Take out of power all who will not submit
to your authority, or pray in the name of Jesus. Bring an end to abortion, crime, violence,
incest, rape, and disrespect for authority. You have said if your people who are called
by your name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then
you will hear and heal our lands. May your favor and blessings be upon us all. Keep
us safe, strong, and in peace. Bring jobs, food, shelter, and help to all who are in need.
You have said, ask and it will be given to you. Not one of your promises has ever failed.

In the blessed name of Jesus we pray and wait expectantly for your help and deliverance.
Amen

GOD’S WORD IS NOT A FAIRYTALE

The word of God will always prevail…

Because it’s not a fairytale.

Its principals are tried and true.

To teach us what to say and do.

I know that Jesus lived and died.

His resurrection did provide…

A way for me to conquer sin.

By living every day through Him.

For in my strength, I’m helpless and weak.

But in His power, I’m able to meet…

Whatever challenge comes my way.

With courage to fight and win each day.

For Jesus never leaves our side.

In his shelter, we can hide.

Protected with His arms of love.

With grace and mercy from above.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,

I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down

with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches. Revelation 3:20-22

Your sister and servant of the LORD,

Valerie Rousseau