"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." - Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus Christ taught us to go the extra mile in service to others. But we often overlook the importance of going the first mile. Joggers know, when in training, it is not always the third or fourth mile that is the toughest but rather it is the first mile! To just get started sometimes can be our biggest challenge. How do you start your day? You probably have a whole list of things that need to be accomplished. Sometimes there is so much stuff we are so overwhelmed that we don't know where to start. Other times we jump over some very important things knowing there is so many other things to do. Start that first mile of the day by quietly spending a few moments in scripture and in prayer and you will find the rest of the day is much easier to navigate. Remember, whether you are training for the big road race or simply for the daily race of life, the extra mile does not mean anything unless you faithfully go the first one. I remember the days of old. Psalm 143:5
Sometimes our minds run back through the years and yearn for that better time and place—the “good old days.” But for some, the past harbours only bitter memories. They ponder their own failures, disillusionments, and fantasies, and think of the cruel hand life has dealt them. It’s better to remember the past as David did, by contemplating the good that God has done, to “meditate on all His works; . . . muse on the work of His hands” (Ps. 143:5). We can see His blessings through the years. These are the memories that foster the highest good. They transform the past into a place of familiarity and fellowship with our Lord. We can’t change the past, but we can change the way we look at it. If we walk with the Lord and trust Him, He has a bright future for us all. When he had finished all three, He went back to the bar and ordered three more.
The barman says, "You know a pint goes flat soon after I pull it; your pint would taste better if you bought one at a time." Paddy replies, "Well now, I have two brodders, one is in America and de odder in Australia, and here I am in Dublin . When we all left home, we promised dat we'd drink dis way to remember de days we all drank togedder." The barman admits that this is a nice custom and says no more. Paddy becomes a regular customer, and always drinks the same way ...... ordering three pints and drinking a sip out of each in turn, until they are finished. One day Paddy comes in and orders just two pints. All the other regulars in the bar notice and fall silent. When he goes back to the bar for the second round, the barman says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief but I wanted to offer my condolences on your great loss." Paddy looks confused for a moment, then the penny drops and he starts to laugh, "Oh no," he says, ", Everyone is fine! Tis me, I've Quit Drinking!" It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside of the frame.
If you really do put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best. "The power of the Church is not a parade of flawless people, but of a flawless Christ who embraces our flaws. The Church is not made up of whole people, rather of the broken people who find wholeness in a Christ who was broken for us."
Mike Yaconelli We never get what we want,
We never want what we get, We never have what we like, We never like what we have. And still we live & love. That's life... Jesus always knew the right thing to do because He only did what He saw His Father do John 5:19 As our Lord we can trust Him to personally lead us John 6:45
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
Countless, unseen details are often the only difference between mediocre and magnificent. Be diligent in serving the Lord & He will direct your steps Ps 119:4
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Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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