Endurance

Endurance 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 

Hebrews 12:1

 Life is often compared to a game, but I think it is more like being a player; periods of strenuous practice and exercises with brief moments in which we are given the chance to play at our full potential with the world watching. Christ is present in everything that we do.

 Even the most painful and difficult times of practice when we struggle to run that extra mile or even get to the field on time. Christ knows what it means to sweat, struggle and suffer through our road blocks in life. By the power of Gods love Jesus shows us the way through every obstacle we may encounter to the confidence that far surpasses anything that we know or understand. We may have many important tasks at hand, but we should never let them overwhelm us in such a way that we forget who we are and where we are going. 

 A game tests a players endurance. What are some of the things that weigh down and slows us down? Maybe guilt, anger, hatred, or even greed. Are we ready for the challenges that life throws at us spiritual, physical, mental and social? 

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭

Drum Major

 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 Growing up on a Christian Campus for the evening worshIp one of old favorites was the song " We are one in the Spirit we are one in the Lord." This song had the ability to penetrate deep within ones heart and touch the hearts of many as they sang along at the evening worship service. The song went on to say that they will know we are Christians by our love. Our daily walk with Christ is not just a time when we sense his spirit within but overflows to our daily Ives as we reach out to those in need. 

The equilateral triangle has for thousands of years been symbolic of a sacred trinity. A pastor once elucidated our spiritual walk as viewed as 3 sides of an equilateral triangle; one being spiritual and the others physical and social. Christ is not just evident in our spiritual dimension but also becomes a part of our physical and social dimension.

 Martin Luther King Jr. the civil rights activists and beloved pastor of many, delivered a very powerful sermon where he said, “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, “Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.’’this sermon was so moving that the architects of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington abbreviated these lines to be inscribed on the memorial’s statue of the pastor and leader.

Thought:- What do you want people to say is your drum major?

They will know we are Christians by our Love.

1      We are One in The Spirit, 
        We are One in The Lord. 
        We are One in The Spirit, 
        We are One in The Lord. 
        And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

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Chorus 
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, 
By our Love, 
Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.

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-2-    We will work with each other, 
        We will work side by side. 
        We will work with each other, 
        We will work side by side. 
        And we'll guard each man's dignity 
        And save each man's pride.

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Chorus

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-3-    We will walk with each other, 
        We will walk hand in hand. 
        We will walk with each other, 
        We will walk hand in hand. 
        And together we'll spread the News 
        that God is in our land.

Grounded

Grounded 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, be (being) rooted and established in love.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭

Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Do you sense the presence of Christ within you or are you still plagued with doubts? Our acceptance to Christ's invitation throws open the doors of faith of our hearts and invites the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.  St.Paul’s prayer in Ephesians is still so powerful today, Let us pray to God to strengthen us with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our inner being. The first fruits of the Holy Spirit working in us is the indwelling love of Christ working through us grounding and rooting us in God's Word and for his service.

 When a seed sprout springs up from the ground in a shady area it strives hard to find the sun, in some cases it grows very fast as it tries to reach a point when it can get the required sunlight. But in the process becomes weak and soon whithers away. Growth should be slow and constant. Take time to grow at the pace you were meant to grow. Good discipline of daily Bible study, prayer and meditation enables us to be well grounded in our faith. 

 Being grounded in the God's Word empowers us to keep our faith in times of trouble. Reading God's Word everyday and finding time to speak and strengthen others in their walk of faith empowers not only them to stay strong and full of courage but in the process strengthens us from within in our inner being leading us to a profound understanding of God's ways. 

Lord Jesus, take my hand oh precious Lord and lead me to a deeper relationship with you. Open up the hard places within me where your light and love are blocked.  Where my faith is empty and trivial fill my heart and broaden my understanding by your Word. Reveal to me my anxieties and ambitions that hinder your still small voice from being heard. Empower me to break ground and sink deeper into a more solid relationship with you. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

And finally, Jesus, show me the worries and desires that crowd out Your voice. Help me clear the gro

And fina