Run: July 16, 2010

Today's Word for Friday July 16, 2010

RUN

DEFINITION
Move swiftly or fast; make haste; rush; flee.

SCRIPTURE

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." 11 Corinthians 9:24

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Three days ago we shared with you our thoughts on the word target and the importance for us to have a target that we are aiming for in life. Today we want to share some thoughts with you on running the race of life so that we can get to the target in life that God has waiting for us.

Life is a race that all must run in. And as the verse above infers, even though we all run only one becomes the winner. The apostle Paul tells us in this verse that we all must run our race of life with the goal of winning. This is what God expects of us.

The story is told of the British sprinter who was obsessed to winning. But in a preliminary 100 meter dash leading up to the 1924 Olympics he was soundly beaten by his rival. The loser was in deep despair and when his girlfriend tried to encourage him his response was, "I run to win. If I cannot win, I will not run." His girlfriend responded to him very wisely, "If you do not run, you cannot win."

As we run, life is full of triumphs and reversals. As Christians we are not excluded from disappointments that make us want to give up. Paul challenges us to keep running in the Christian life God has called us into.

We are to run faithfully and we are to run honoring our King. If we falter in our race, if we quit serving God or give into sin because of the difficulties we face, then we risk losing a rich reward at the end of our race. That is why we need to always run our best for our Lord. Remember if you do not run, you cannot win. The goal of our race here on earth is to become more like Christ. At the end of our race here on earth we do not want a medal but we want to hear the Master say, "WELL DONE."

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 John 1:9.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

PRAYR

Help me to run the race today that I may obtain from You the words, "Well done." Give me the stamina and the endurance to live my life exalting You in all that I do and say. Keep my eyes focused on my goal to become more like You.