Run to Win

Consider God's Word as recorded in 1 Corinthians 9:12, 24-25 (NLT) -- If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

Grateful

Were It Not For Grace!

I know I have posted these lyrics before, however, this song of gratitude sung by Larnelle Harris is on my mind often and especially now. I love repeating the good stuff.

Click here: Larnelle Harris - Were It Not For Grace

"Were it Not for Grace"

Time measured out my days
Life carried me along
In my soul I yearned to follow God
But knew I’d never be so strong
I looked hard at this world
To learn how Heaven could be gained
Just to end where I began
Where human effort is all in vain

Chorus
Were it not for grace
I can tell you where I’d be
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me
I know how that would go
The battles I would face
Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace

So here is all my praise
Expressed with all my heart
Offered to the Friend who took my place
And ran a course I could not start
And when He saw in full
Just how much His would cost
He still went the final mile between me and Heaven
So I would not be lost

Repeat Chorus

Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace

Lord, remind us that while Your grace is indeed covering for sins, Your grace is also power over sinning. Cure? For sure! But also prevention! Amazing grace, indeed! In Jesus' name. Amen.

There but for the grace of God, go I... -- (Author Uncertain)
Grateful

Were It Not For Grace

The words of this Larnelle Harris song touch me deeply:

Were It Not For Grace

Time measured out my days
Life carried me along
In my soul I yearned to follow God
But knew I'd never be so strong
I looked hard at this world
To learn how heaven could be gained
Just to end where I began
Where human effort is all in vain

Chorus
Were it not for grace
I can tell you where I'd be
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me
I know how that would go
The battles I would face
Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace

So here is all my praise
Expressed with all my heart
Offered to the Friend who took my place
And ran a course I could not start
And when He saw in full
Just how much His would cost
He still went the final mile between me and heaven
So I would not be lost

Repeat Chorus

Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace

ALL JOY TO YOUR WORLD!
Grateful

Devotion Dilemma

We have (during these too-busy days that we "live" in) what I call, a devotion dilemma. Yes, sadly, it seems that people these days have little or no time at all for praying. However, if we are to ever learn to pray, it will take time and plenty of it. If we are to ever know God in ever-increasing intimacy it will require seasons of prayer in His presence, not just seconds of prayer as we wrecklessly race into the future. Let us take time immediately for intimacy with Immanuel or time will take us ultimately from His presence for eternity.

Lord, teach us TO pray... -- Luke 11:1 (NIV)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful