Tag: New Year

Everything seems so out of control right now. It’s like we are all caught in an out-of-control spin. It is time to put your foot down and focus on the only way out.  

There were 128 runners in the field for the cross-country race at the 1993 NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships. As they set out on the 6.2 mile run, they were following a course that had been marked for them by the race officials. Toward the end of the course, one of the runners in the middle of the group realized something was wrong. Mike Delcavo of Western State College in Colorado saw that the main pack had missed the turn. “I was waving for them to follow me and yelling ‘This is the right way,’” he told an interviewer after the race. 

Delcavo was right—but only four other runners followed him. The rest continued on the shortcut, which allowed them to run a shorter distance and finish the race sooner. In a widely-criticized decision, race officials allowed the abbreviated route to stand as the “official course” and Delcavo officially finished 123rd. 

The world does not always reward staying on track—literally or figuratively. But the path we follow is important to God. One day, those of us who have already trusted Christ for our salvation will appear before the Lord for an evaluation of our service. Our entrance to Heaven is sure—that was settled when we received Christ. But rewards—or the loss of them—for how we spent our lives are not so sure. When we stand before the Lord, no shortcuts will be recognized, and only those who have run the race by His guidebook will be honored.  ^{Story from: Scorecard, Sports Illustrated, December 27, 1993}

Right now we have so much “stuff”, you know all the junk, that is distracting us from looking at what is important. We need to stop drowning ourselves in the events of the day. It has taken us away from our family, friends and neighbors it makes us look suspiciously at those who do not deserve it. Because of all of the turmoil we tend to focus on ourselves. We don’t look to the One who has the answers, God. When we are focused on Jesus all of the other “stuff” will have a way of working its self out. 

Becoming familiar with our owner’s manual, the bible, we are told:  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ^{Romans 15:4 ESV} Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. ^{Proverbs 16:3 ESV} Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. ^{Proverbs 4:25 ESV} Look to God and quit being distracted by everything that is going on around you (I have to fight with this one myself distractions are everywhere). Not only pray but look to what we have been already instructed to do in these situations. We are told that He will walk through this “stuff” with us: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Stop looking to the world to fix your “stuff” remember: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ^{Romans 12:2 ESV} I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. ^{Psalm 32:8 ESV} He tells us to look to Him but you need to take the first step. Do not believe what others tell you the Bible says, not even me. Read it yourself pray and ask God to reveal what it says.  

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good ^{Romans 12:21 ESV} Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ^{Colossians 3:2 ESV} Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV} Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ^{Psalm 119:105 ESV} As you can see He will #help you walk through the #junk you are dealing with we all just need to turn to Him in everything we do. He has the directions to #follow we just need to read them. Remember: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 ESV No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ESV  

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to see the direction that we need to walk. Give us the strength to walk the path that You want us to travel. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the opportunity to be here today. In Jesus Name Amen 

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Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.