”Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1
Do you sometimes feel as if you’re stuck on one of those hamster wheels? You run and run, and get nowhere. I’ve felt like that lately.
I’ve been making yet another effort to get into shape, and I’m focusing less on appearance this time. I used to aim for a goal weight or a pant size. This time, my goal is to feel better. Period. I’m tired of being tired. Plus I’d like to get to the point where I could jog without passing out.
I set up a treadmill in my basement. It amuses me that I’ve walked what seems like a thousand miles, and I’m still in the same place – in an unfinished basement listening to my old stereo, one with an eight-track player, no less.
Today, as I trudged along, I wondered how many people feel like this could be a metaphor for their lives. I know time marches on even if I’m not going anywhere. The digital timer I watch ever so closely assures me of that.
And I do know I’m walking forward. My sister-in-law had to be picked up off the floor more than once at the gym because she set the treadmill to the wrong speed and ended up going backwards.
So I press on. One day, I’m hoping I’ll be rewarded with a healthier body for my effort.
The writer who spoke to the Hebrews advised them to ‘run with patience’ the race set before them. Paul told the Philippians, “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
My prayer is that as I make my way down the path of life, I will fulfill the purpose God has for me, and I won’t feel I’ve labored in vain.
In my walk through this world, I’ll press on, “laying aside every weight.” Now I know the writer of Hebrews referred to things that would hinder our spiritual growth, but oh, how I wish I could lay aside some physical weight as well!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your Word that is a lamp for my path, and for Your promise to make my path straight when I acknowledge You. I desire to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Monday, May 17, 2004
The Cicadas Are Coming!
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20
I live in an area where cicadas are about to make an appearance after seventeen years. The male cicada vibrates ribbed plates in a pair of amplifying cavities at the base of his abdomen making the loudest sound of any insect. It can sometimes be heard as far as 440 yards! If we get the large groups of cicadas the experts predict, the noise can be louder than even the noisiest lawnmower.
I spend a lot of time out on my back deck, and I dread the thought of these flying noisemakers darting around my head.
Every night on the news, we have ‘Cicada Watch.’ So far – no bugs. But they are coming. We’ve been assured of that.
Today, I thought about how, when I was a teenager, most of the popular songs in Southern Gospel (which is what I sang then) focused on Jesus’ return to earth. I’m sure I sang “The King Is Coming” a jillion times.
The other night, a guest speaker at our church recounted how when he was a teenager, the church choir got up to sing "The King Is Coming" and, as a surprise, they hid trumpeters in the choir loft. On a signal, they stood and blasted a trumpet call. He said his five-foot tall granny jumped about two feet – certain the Lord had returned!
But now we sing and write about God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s blessings, but we don’t focus too much on His return. One way I know that’s true of me is my tendency to procrastinate. If I were looking for Jesus’ to appear at any moment, wouldn’t I be working more diligently to bring others to Him? Would my writing be different? Less scattered? Would I let even one opportunity pass without telling my loved ones and friends about Jesus?
My prayer is that I’ll begin each day with a “Jesus Watch.”
Prayer: God, I pray I will be more diligent in my daily life to tell others about Your love, Your Son, Jesus, and the peace you bestow when we become a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Donna
Update: Well, everyone, I saw my first cicada this morning. I didn't think it looked too intimidating, until we went to Cincinnati today and I heard them en masse. They are quite loud! So the 'cicada watch' has concluded. They are officially here.
But I'll still stay on "Jesus Watch!"
I live in an area where cicadas are about to make an appearance after seventeen years. The male cicada vibrates ribbed plates in a pair of amplifying cavities at the base of his abdomen making the loudest sound of any insect. It can sometimes be heard as far as 440 yards! If we get the large groups of cicadas the experts predict, the noise can be louder than even the noisiest lawnmower.
I spend a lot of time out on my back deck, and I dread the thought of these flying noisemakers darting around my head.
Every night on the news, we have ‘Cicada Watch.’ So far – no bugs. But they are coming. We’ve been assured of that.
Today, I thought about how, when I was a teenager, most of the popular songs in Southern Gospel (which is what I sang then) focused on Jesus’ return to earth. I’m sure I sang “The King Is Coming” a jillion times.
The other night, a guest speaker at our church recounted how when he was a teenager, the church choir got up to sing "The King Is Coming" and, as a surprise, they hid trumpeters in the choir loft. On a signal, they stood and blasted a trumpet call. He said his five-foot tall granny jumped about two feet – certain the Lord had returned!
But now we sing and write about God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s blessings, but we don’t focus too much on His return. One way I know that’s true of me is my tendency to procrastinate. If I were looking for Jesus’ to appear at any moment, wouldn’t I be working more diligently to bring others to Him? Would my writing be different? Less scattered? Would I let even one opportunity pass without telling my loved ones and friends about Jesus?
My prayer is that I’ll begin each day with a “Jesus Watch.”
Prayer: God, I pray I will be more diligent in my daily life to tell others about Your love, Your Son, Jesus, and the peace you bestow when we become a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Donna
Update: Well, everyone, I saw my first cicada this morning. I didn't think it looked too intimidating, until we went to Cincinnati today and I heard them en masse. They are quite loud! So the 'cicada watch' has concluded. They are officially here.
But I'll still stay on "Jesus Watch!"
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