✝ Daily Encouragement (4/15/24) "So Bravely Run The Race"

Published: Mon, 04/15/24

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.

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Monday, April 15, 2024

"So Bravely Run The Race"

Message summary: Let us press on toward the goal and stay faithful to Christ as we bravely run our race with purpose and perseverance! So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

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“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly” (1 Corinthians 9:26). "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Today will be the running of the 128th Boston Marathon, always an exciting time to be in the Boston area where we lived in the nineties. We have been to the race several times and I always manage to glean material for a daily encouragement. One year we were at the finish line and another at a section known as "Heartbreak Hill".

One interesting detail many may not know is that just past mile 25 is Kenmore Square. As a spectator, the air is thick with excitement and you can barely move. Per tradition, the Red Sox play an 11am game at Fenway Park, and fans spill out onto the sidewalks to catch the middle pack of runners. It's also "Patriot's Day" in Massachusetts, a state holiday. We were there one year and it is full of energy and excitement.

Over 50 years ago I was a decent runner in both cross country (fall) and track (spring) at Truman High School in Independence Missouri. I recall long training runs out on the country roads east of the city. I was actually a fairly decent runner at the time, won some races, and at one point, participated in the state track meet.

I suppose, due to my participation in long distance running, I have always found it interesting that Scripture writers, particularly Paul, use "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”.

Two important components in being a good runner include having purpose and perseverance:

1) Running the race with purpose: In our first daily verse in speaking of his ministry in the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:26) Paul states, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly”. A key word is “aimlessly.” Another version uses the word “uncertainly”. The Amplified Bible states, “without a definite goal”. Perhaps positive 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 many years for the marathon, definitely have an aim or goal in mind. This speaks of the vital importance of purpose.

2) Running the race with perseverance: "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). This speaks of the vital importance of perseverance. 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 crossing the finish line. A challenge I've often heard and a challenge I give myself is to be "in it for the long haul". There's an interesting allusion to running in Galatians where Paul writes, "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" By God's grace I certainly don't want the word "were" in a description of how I am running the race.

As the Apostle Paul prepared to die he declared, “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). That’s a great expression of assurance and confidence by a dying but victorious 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 bravely run our race with purpose and perseverance!

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.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, when I’m distracted from my goal or tempted to withdraw from the spiritual race, impress this biblical 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, the same shall be saved. May I be found faithful not only when celebrating victories but also on the days and seasons of my life when I am simply plodding on. It is only by Your grace, through my surrendered will, that I can accomplish this. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"It Will Be Worth It All" Watch on YouTube The Browns

"Worth It All" Watch on YouTube The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Saturday afternoon we saw this young man loading his spring wagon after a busy shopping trip at Costco. After he unloaded his items he told us he was going to strap down the items before boarding the buggy and taking hold of the reins. It would have been interesting to see where he sat on the wagon to get home!
Click on photo to enlarge

Yesterday in our ABF class we heard a mission presentation by Don and Karen Stauffer who work with That All May See, a mission providing eyecare to the needy, as well as a presentation of the Gospel. Don told us they always make it clear that their work must include the opportunity to freely share the Gospel.

Presenting the Gospel through an eye chart!

MY EXERCISE PROGRAM

“Physical training is of some value” (1 Timothy 4:8). This speaks of the relative value in regard to spiritual training. Physical exercise is good for you. This unique training program recognizes and utilizes the exercise value of routine daily tasks. You just might be surprised at how much exercise you are getting!

1) Beating around the bush
2) Jumping to conclusions
3) Climbing the walls
4) Swallowing my pride
5) Passing the buck
6) Throwing my weight around
7) Dragging my heels
8) Pushing my luck
9) Making mountains out of molehills
10) Hitting the nail on the head
11) Wading through paperwork
12) Bending over backwards
13) Jumping on the bandwagon
14) Balancing the books
15) Running around in circles
16) Eating crow
17) Tooting my own horn
18) Climbing the ladder of success
19) Pulling out the stops
20) Adding fuel to the fire
21) Opening a can of worms
22) Putting my foot in my mouth
23) Starting the ball rolling
24) Going over the edge
25) Picking up the pieces.

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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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