Running as if to win the prize is not about our physical or intellectual abilities. Those who win are those that have made a decision in their hearts that they will never quit or retreat.
I have often read these words and have wondered what it must be like to run for the prize. I am not a runner. I am not much of anything that could be described as athletic. So, it can be difficult at times for me to understand some of the images that Paul used.
Continue reading “Lent Day #5 | Running as if to Win”
Each Sunday during the season of Lent is a “little Easter” and is therefore a time of celebration. Amen!
One of the most important realities of life is that there are no “do overs.” What this means is life must be lived each and every day.
One of the most important realities of life is that there are no “do overs.” What this means is life must be lived each and every day. This may sound odd at first, but I have found myself thinking about what I am filling my years with. I do not want to look back on the moments that I have been given and have a regret. I know that I will miss opportunities. But, that is not what I mean. A regret is something that follows you around because you cannot go back and change it and it’s too late to do anything about it.
Continue reading “Lent Day # 4 | Stop and Smell the Roses”
When people talk about change, and how bad it is, what they are really saying is that the thought of losing control, of having to depend on others for security is too nerve-racking to allow.
These words serve as the foundation for our confidence in God. The reason that we can trust in God is due to his unchanging and unchangeable nature. God is the very definition of consistency. Therefore, whatever God has said will happen could be talked about in the past tense because it is as good as done. There is no reason to doubt this attribute of God’s being.
Continue reading “Lent Day #3 | Change is not the Problem”
One of the lessons I have learned in the last several years is this: I like being able to get what I want.
One of the lessons I have learned in the last several years is this: I like being able to get what I want. At the beginning of this year our church participated in the Daniel Fast. This is a twenty-one day fast where we do not eat any meat, or anything that is processed. It was my first time participating and it was an incredible challenge.
Continue reading “Lent Day #2 | Every Thought Captive”
Facing our limited time on this earth can be unsettling, but we must never forget that our lives here on this earth are not supposed to last forever. We are sojourners and travelers in this world.
Today is Ash Wednesday. For those who may not know, this is the first day in the season of Lent in the Christian calendar. That’s right, the Christian church has a calendar. I was introduced to this time of the year when I began working at a United Methodist Church as a youth pastor several years ago. The first time I attended the Ash Wednesday service I was surprised that people would go to a service and have ashes put on their foreheads. I have since learned to appreciate these opportunities to reflect on what God is teaching us.
Continue reading “Lent Day #1 | Remember that thou art dust…”
