- Day 11
Open Your Bible
1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Romans 15:17-19, Hebrews 12:1-2
BY Erin Davis
I was a gangly eighth grader with the athleticism of an opossum. As one does in middle school, I signed up for the track team strictly because my friends had done the same. There was not a cell in my hormonal body that wanted to run the four-lap race assigned to me. I lumbered to the starting line hauling a bundle of nerves and a posture of defeat.
Then…Bang! The starting pistol fired, and we began circling the track. As I crested the final turn of my third lap, I noticed a few frontrunners were crossing the finish line a full lap ahead of me. Hungry for glory, I sealed my fate in the Track Hall of Shame. I squared my shoulders and crossed the finish line in style, confident no one would notice I still had a lap left to run.
Assuming I’d successfully cheated my way onto the winners’ platform, I celebrated my victory. It was a brief moment of glory followed by a humiliating spectacle of defeat. As the last of the runners crossed the finish line, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“You,” said a man with a stopwatch in his hand. “Run your last lap.” I ran the final lap of the race on an empty track. It was the opposite of a victory lap.
Such is the image Paul paints for us. As disciples and disciple makers, we are runners on the track of faith. God’s truth is a baton that has been passed from Abraham to Isaac, to the apostles, to Paul, to us. We are pushing toward the prize of making Christ known. Yet it’s easy to forget what we’re doing here. We’re so often distracted by the crowd in the stands or the other runners pumping and huffing beside us. Paul reminds us that those sideways glances can cost us the victory.
Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
—1 Corinthians 9:24–27
The apostle isn’t writing about salvation here. No amount of training or self-discipline could earn us that. Salvation is ours forever because of Christ’s work, not ours. But let’s be honest; it’s possible to be saved but not sowing. To be redeemed but not reaping. To be an ambassador of faith but not a good one. It’s possible to run the race of faith but not run it well.
Paul’s obsession with the gospel (vv.15–18) is what glued his eyeballs to the finish line. He could face criticism, hardship, and scarcity and still keep running because allegiance to the gospel was the medal he imagined hanging around his neck.
Since we don’t want to cross the finish line with heads hanging in defeat, how do we keep our own eyes on the prize? Like a runner’s cadence, we repeat…
It’s about the gospel.
It’s about the gospel.
It’s about the gospel.
Let us keep running!
(73) Comments
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Jade Gaines says:
July 5, 2024 at 7:22 pm
I will keep my eyes on the prize which is Christ and finish my race!
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 1:38 am
Amen, Jade..
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Marie Baxter says:
July 5, 2024 at 11:38 am
I’m constantly being distracted in this race with worldly concerns/desires. This is keeping me for showing others what I am racing for and it’s keeping me from all the things God has for me. It’s time to take my eyes off of myself and start focusing on the finish line.
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Tricia C says:
July 5, 2024 at 4:37 am
I’m just getting to yesterday’s reading. So good!
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 1:41 am
I’m 2 days behind Tricia.. praise for Grace days..♥️
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Roxane Richardson says:
July 4, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Paul’s example today just made it very clear what we as Christians are to be doing. It is better said in Hebrews.
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.Reply
Natasha R says:
July 4, 2024 at 6:29 pm
I love today’s simple message. We are guaranteed to cross the finish line – the question is HOW we will do it.
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 1:46 am
Natasha, your comment reminded me of the children’s book.. ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ the underlining words which are that whatever happens we have to go through it to get to where we need to be..
Guaranteed to cross the finish line, we’ve just got to get through the storms and temptations etc intact and still holding on to the Lord..♥️Reply
Mercy says:
July 4, 2024 at 2:39 pm
The race of a Christian. When I read Paul’s words or the devotional today, I envisioned a running track. However, in reality, it is not like that. I would like to share more perspectives on what an actual track looks like on the map of a Christian race by borrowing the wisdom from John Bunyan. Last week I was reminded about this spiritual map that God gave to John on this difficult race, during his prison time, that he wrote down in the ever famous book, the Pilgrim’s Progress. It is not as smooth and flat, and prepared, like a running track, but with more interesting factors that I like to share. If you have time, stick with me. The race/journey looks like this: Christian sets out to leave the City of Destruction because of his mental anguish after reading an unnamed book (the Bible). Evangelist meets him, and urges him to leave, and find the Celestial City. He heads out alone. His family thinks he is crazy. He accidentally falls into a bog called Slough of Despond. He meets Worldy Wiseman who urges him to seek practical living, happy existence without religion. He is advised to have his burden removed by a fellow named Legality, just to have the burden grows larger. Legality cannot free Christian, but traps more bondage. He finds the Wicket gate, and stays at Good will’s house. Good will directs him to the narrow path to the place of Deliverance. He stops at Interpreter’s house to learn more faith lessons. Walking along the wall of Salvation seeing Christ’s tomb, his burden falls off. He is given a roll/certificate by Three Angels as an entry to Celestial City, but loses it while falling asleep. Then he goes through the Valley of Humiliation, and meets the monster who tries to kill him, then proceeds through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a pitch dark realm. He meets Faithful, another traveler from his hometown and they go on together. They are warned that one of them will die at the town of Vanity. Faithful is cruelly executed at Vanity for his faith. Christian is sent to prison. He later escapes and continues the journey alone after witnessing his friend’s death. He meets another person named By-ends, who uses religion as a means to get ahead in the world, Christian rejects his company. He crosses the plain of Ease where a smooth talker tempts him with silver. He takes shelter for the night at Doubting Castle, a filthy dungeon, awake to the threats of the owner, the Giant Despair, who imprisons and tortures him. He grows depressed. But Hopeful encourages Christian, and he resorts to prayers, and learns that he possesses the key of Promise, which unlocks any door in Despair’s domain. Christian and his friend Hopeful approach Delectable Mountain, meet with wise shepherds. They are warned about the mountains of Error and Caution, where previous pilgrims have died at this place. The shepherds point out travelers who wander among tombs nearby, having been blinded by the Giant Despair. They warn the travelers to beware of shortcuts, which may be paths to hell. They later meet Ignorance, a sprightly teenager who believes that living a good life is sufficient to prove one’s religious faith, and also meet Flatterer, Atheist, and cross the sleep-inducing Enchanted Ground. They approach Beulah land (Beaulah: bride, married) that borders the Celestial City with lovely landscape. But he must cross the River of Death first by faith, he nearly drowns in the river. Hopeful must keep his friend’s head over the water. Christian is reminded of Christ’s love and thinks of Jesus instead of his own sins, then he finds the crossing gets easy. He safely emerges from the water. Then He arrives at the Celestial City and is joyously welcomed by its citizens. The end. This is the race and the journey. It is not simple like a running track, is it? I am a visual learner, and this map changes a lot of my perspective about what Paul was talking about. If I match up my journey events to this spiritual map, it is accurate, and still a very long way to go. I thank God for His grace, that the secrets of the Kingdom are revealed in this book through John’s dream. May the Lord be with us every step of the way, with a Hopeful friend. Christian is never alone. Hopeful is always with him. Happy fourth of July! This is a long one. Thank you if you make it this far :)
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Be blessed dear sisters.Reply
Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Praying for hubby, medical team & you!
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Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 4:53 pm
Mercy – oops. First reply was for Sharon :/
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For you – thank you for laying out that journey. If I wrote out the path of my life up til now, it would show many of those same twists and turns along with repeated travel in multiple roundabouts when I refused to choose a better path. Praying for the Lord’s guidance going forward.Reply
Mercy says:
July 4, 2024 at 6:18 pm
Amen, and no worries.
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Lanie h. says:
July 5, 2024 at 6:33 am
Wow. That is so good. Can confirm I’ve taken part of that trip lol
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Amy W says:
July 5, 2024 at 11:14 pm
Just finished reading The Pilgrim’s Progress a couple.of months ago. Very good book.
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 1:53 am
Mercy, that was so good! Thank you so much for that perspective. So gooood!
Hugs dear friend.Reply
Sharon, Jersey Girl says:
July 4, 2024 at 1:15 pm
These are the verses that stood out to me today:
1 Corinthians 9:16 – “woe to me if I do not preach the gospel”
1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”Do I become all things to all men? Do I always make an effort to “preach” the gospel? Sadly, I think not. But it is my desire and it is my prayer. How will I ever accomplish this?
By looking to Jesus and fixing my eyes on Him! Learning what He loves, Learning what He hates. Learning what He has done and how He lived His life while He was here. Imitating Him….Father God help me to grow in my walk and in my faith and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ – bodily and unafraid.
Have a wonderful 4th dear sisters!!
Not how I planed this day – we were go have a family BBQ – instead I’m sitting in a hospital room with my hubby, who was admitted yesterday with a blood infection.
Prayers please for a quick recovery.“Man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
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Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 4:48 pm
Sharon, my reply somehow posted under Mercy’s comment – praying!
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Kelly (NEO) says:
July 4, 2024 at 5:57 pm
Oh, dear! Praying for a quick resolution
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Mercy says:
July 4, 2024 at 6:17 pm
So sorry Sharon. Praying for you and hubby.
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:44 pm
So sorry! Prayers for quick healing and hopefully a belated celebration.
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 1:56 am
Sharon, praying, though I’m late to the table, praying hubby is on the mend and comfortable.. praying your heart is knowing the peace of the Lord..
Hugs,Tina.♥️
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Gwineth52 says:
July 4, 2024 at 12:08 pm
Hello Shes
Yes! Yes!
“It’s about the gospel!”
“Let us keep running!”
Apostle Paul is compelled to carry the Word far & wide. But he & his co-workers are also entitled to sustenance. Not on demand or in arrogance or by boisterous manner.
But their due as free will sowers of spiritual things. By their labors they are earning a portion of benefits being reaped.
They must eat to be live! It takes tremendous effort & energy to do the work of the gospel, adapting to all conditions & circ*mstance…audiences & outcomes. With vigor & vitality. Constancy & commitment.
Paul cites Mosaic law. Deuteronomy 25: 4…”do not muzzle an ox when it treads the grain”. His life is their & our example: self controlled & chasing hard the ultimate blessing.Reply
Cheryl Blow says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:02 am
I love this! I have run in a 1/2 marathon and it was key for me to keep focus on what was ahead. Just in case you want to be impressed, DON’T! It was the one and only one I ran. I did it for my daughter when I was 60. But here is my point, when I lost focus in training us when, I tripped and fell. I got back up and continued training but later found out I had damaged my knee. So now I walk but I still have to stay focused or something could trip me up! We have to have our focus on Jesus don’t let obstacles stop you from finishing the race. And if you fall, get up and keep going! Don’t let anyone or anything deter you!
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:00 am
❤Forgot to mention: I was curious so I checked it out. Illyricum according to the source, is over 1000 miles Southeast of Jerusalem “as the crow flies”!
I apologize ladies… still navigating this new setup. My first comment was posted- I saw it in comments. I attempted to reply to my comment with a bit of info I forgot in the first comment. The first was apparently ‘saved’ and reposted. Please disregard the ‘reply’ I added. ;)Reply
Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Thank you CEE GEE ❤️ Great additions to our study all week!
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:45 pm
❤❤❤
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Michelle P says:
July 4, 2024 at 10:29 am
I know @Mari V probably feels a kind of way I do when we read Scriptures about running and races :)
I haven’t done a race since 2021, but recently the Lord and I have been talking about setting higher goals for myself in terms of running. I have to admit, I have not kept up with long distance running. But when I am training for a race, I am all-in.
The verses in Hebrews this morning, which I have heard and read more than a dozen times definitely stirred something in me, today. I felt the Lord tell me to read over and over and put them in my memory box to know from heart.
Long distance running requires endurance. But the joy of finishing a long run… Or a long race … Nothing compares. It is a victory physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We all have different ways we connect with the Lord and I believe running is one the Lord has put in me. I don’t consider myself the most graceful runner, but it is something God uses to teach me so much.
❤️
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Michelle P says:
July 4, 2024 at 10:41 am
@Searching & @Mercy – just seeing your comments from yesterday. Thank you so much for checking in on me. I have been doing the devotionals every day here, but not always reading all the comments. It’s been hard to fit in reading everyone’s comments during my devotional time. Honestly, I just have been preferring using that time to talk to God… Which is obviously our priority. It is hard for me to keep up with other people’s prayers requests and needs right now. I appreciate you checking in. Love you ladies so much ❤️
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:01 am
❤❤❤ Just glad you are here!
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Michelle P says:
July 4, 2024 at 12:44 pm
❤️
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Mercy says:
July 4, 2024 at 2:43 pm
happy to see you Michelle.
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Michelle says:
July 5, 2024 at 6:30 am
❤️
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Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 4:56 pm
❤️ glad you’re still with us!!
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Michelle says:
July 5, 2024 at 6:31 am
❤️
Tami says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:50 am
I love the analogue in the devo about the runners passing the baton (God’s truth – the gospel) to one another from person to person, generation to generation. Our work is to continue to “pass the baton”, but we have no control over how the person will run their race. This encourages me because my job is just to keep passing, in whatever way I can. Sometimes it’s a smooth pass, sometimes I drop the baton, sometimes the person doesn’t grab it, I just need to keep passing. It’s all about the gospel. Lord put a burden on my heart to share your good news with others. I often fall short and get caught up in ME. Forgive me. In Jesus’s name. Amen. Have a blessed 4th ladies!
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Amy says:
July 5, 2024 at 10:33 am
Love this!
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:00 am
Beautifully said. Thank you,Tami..♥️
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Rhonda J. says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:32 am
GM- I thought..where is everyone?! Then remembered it is a holiday and maybe that is why! Happy 4th! Shall we NEVER forget the costs for independence and freedom!
And that goes so well with today’s reading! IF we have been saved, at such a high cost, given to us for us, for our freedom in Him…shouldn’t we NEVER forget and share that with everyone! Run the race. No shortcuts, no pretending, no faking…run hard with your eyes on the prize! Our heavenly reward! (not FOR the reward..but for the REWARD of being in eternity with our Savior!)It is hard. Lets face it. I probably went overboard in stating all that we are against in this world as Christians yesterday! But I just think like Paul is preaching today..we must be strong and fight strong, but in a way that relates to people. It’s not coming hard AGAINST them so much as coming together WITH them and pointing them to a better way. Tomorrow I am going back with Homeless Ministry and I am going to read some scripture while they are eating and invite people to come in closer if they want to hear it. To me this is scary…because it is in an uncontrolled environment in the park. Many don’t want to hear any “Jesus Talk” they just want our food! lol. But we want to start implementing this part again. I get nervous because of hecklers or people that come against us. Satan is real, and you can really feel it sometimes there. Other times it is just down and hungry, poor in Spirit people. Last time there was a drunk person falling into all of us cussing up a storm. Anyway..I am asking for prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us. The cool thing is—remember Stacy? My friend from jail..she is doing good still, and she wants to help so I am going to pick her up and take. We get to spend time together…and SHE now gets to take what ministered so much to her in her time of need, to minister to others in their time of need. She was homeless and came to that same place for food. I am praying for her strength and faith to hold strong and to bless and be blessed for both of us and our whole team!
Sorry I am such a Paul…in my wordiness!!
Love Ya’ll!Reply
Tami says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:40 am
Wow Rhonda. How touching that Stacy will now be serving! She has truly come full circle. I’m praying for favor and blessing on you and your team.
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Michelle P says:
July 4, 2024 at 10:35 am
Rhonda J, the Lord cover you and keep you and your ministry team. He is with you. I pray you are obedient to Him, despite any opposition you face there. Stand firm and keep His Word close to you!!!
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:06 am
Amen to what you said about this day of celebration and amen to the prayers for the homeless ministry and Stacy!
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Sharon, Jersey Girl says:
July 4, 2024 at 12:51 pm
What a blessing that this young lady has a heart to serve – and at a place that ministered to her! What a blessing and energy outage ment she can be to others there! God bless you both! ❤
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AZ Walker says:
July 4, 2024 at 12:55 pm
You are the hands and feet Rhonda! How wonderful that Stacy will help with you. I pray the event goes smoothly and will be thinking of you. My daughter and I helped serve food when she was in high school at a local place. There were some drunks and mentally challenged people and one guy made fun of me and kept calling me cat lady – my daughter still likes to bring that up and laughs about it! ! I hope your kindness and the love of the Lord gets thru to someone tomorrow or many!
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:07 am
Rhonda, this is such wonderful news, re Stacy.. so good you get to see the ‘fruits of your lsbour’ come to fruition.. God at work in her.. beautiful!
Never too late to pray, but hopeful all went well in the park! Love you muchly, dear sister..♥️Reply
Allison Bentley says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:21 am
“It is easy to forget what we’re doing here” whew @Erin Davis ain’t that the truth! How often I turn my eyes to the trivial things of this world! Praying for the endurance to run the race well! Happy Thursday She’s! ☮️and ❤️ to you all!
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Adrienne says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:17 am
Heavenly Father, let me and my sweet sisters run the race of faith and run it well. It’s all about the Gospel… amen!
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Rhonda J. says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:33 am
Yes Amen!! Help us Lord! I want to be a used vessel for you Lord! You are my priority…Kingdom thoughts. Eyes on you Lord!
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:12 am
❤
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:08 am
Amen. ADRIENNE. Amen.♥️
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:05 am
Wiersbe says, “The Christian does not run the race in order to get to heaven. He is in the race because he has been saved through faith in Jesus Christ.”
That quote echoes Erin’s statement in the devo. I love when she said, “…it’s possible to be saved but not sowing. To be redeemed but not reaping. To be an ambassador of faith but not a good one. It’s possible to run the race of faith but not run it well.” It’s a sad truth that some people give their heart to God, but not their hands and feet. May we strive to do better and, like the apostles, know our audience. Yesterday’s devo used the phrase READ the ROOM and I immediately thought of preachers, entertainers, politicians, anyone speaking to a group. One of the keys to success is that they KNOW their AUDIENCE. We see the apostles applying that principle and Paul mentions it today – when with Jews … Great points for us to remember in sharing the gospel. Of course, that doesn’t mean joining in any ungodly activity to reach someone, but when we are with those who are hurting, we can share out of our experience. When we are with those who are praising, we can share some of our praise. Meet people where they are.
Bless you sisters. Praying with you! ❤Reply
Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:10 am
Wiersbe says, “The Christian does not run the race in order to get to heaven. He is in the race because he has been saved through faith in Jesus Christ.”
That quote echoes Erin’s statement in the devo. I love when she said, “…it’s possible to be saved but not sowing. To be redeemed but not reaping. To be an ambassador of faith but not a good one. It’s possible to run the race of faith but not run it well.” It’s a sad truth that some people give their heart to God, but not their hands and feet. May we strive to do better and, like the apostles, know our audience. Yesterday’s devo used the phrase READ the ROOM and I immediately thought of preachers, entertainers, politicians, anyone speaking to a group. One of the keys to success is that they KNOW their AUDIENCE. We see the apostles applying that principle and Paul mentions it today – when with Jews … Great points for us to remember in sharing the gospel. Of course, that doesn’t mean joining in any ungodly activity to reach someone, but when we are with those who are hurting, we can share out of our experience. When we are with those who are praising, we can share some of our praise. Meet people where they are.
Bless you sisters. Praying with you! ❤Forgot to mention: I was curious so I checked it out. Illyricum is over 1000 miles Southeast of Jerusalem “as the crow flies”.Reply
Adrienne says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:22 am
Amen, CeeGee! (And “know your audience” is what popped in my head yesterday when “read the room” was mentioned…) Let us all know our audience and read the room when proclaiming the gospel… and proclaim the gospel well and let our faith be evident. ❤️
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Rhonda J. says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:38 am
Yes, thank you Cee Gee! It is so true, and such a good devotional! Know our audience! Yet, not joining them, but knowing how to talk to them! I was pretty good at this in my exercise career because I could read them and know how to earnestly try to help them..but it is hard with faith. I tend to love to be around other Christians…which is good, we need to be built up as well, but going out to others..that’s where I get anxiety.
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Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 11:11 am
I hear you, Rhonda! People are much more open about sharing physical weakness than they are sharing a spiritual weakness. So thankful for the help of the Holy Spirit. May I rely on that and not anything else! ❤
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:12 am
Wiersbe says, “The Christian does not run the race in order to get to heaven. He is in the race because he has been saved through faith in Jesus Christ.”
I love this quote. Writing it down in my note book..
Thank you Cee Gee…♥️Reply
Aimee D-R says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:57 am
Lord that my eyes stay fixed on You! In Jesus mighty name, Amen
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Adrienne says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:24 am
Right!! ❤️
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Erica Chiarelli says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:31 am
It’s all about the Gospel! We can’t look to the right or left, just to Jesus!!
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Adrienne says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:23 am
Yes and amen! ❤️
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:14 am
YESSSS!
Amen.
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Kristin T says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:12 am
I read this in the Bible Ref about this Chapter I thought went well with the devotional:
“He doesn’t want anything to get in the way of anyone believing the gospel. He limits his freedoms further by becoming all things to all people to win some for Christ. He disciplines himself like an athlete in training, to get a prize and to avoid being disqualified.”
I think about what am I learning about myself with this and I realize I don’t always keep my eye on the prize of living an eternity in heaven. I let myself get distracted, I trip, I fall, sometimes I even stop the race all together because I think I am too tired.
I have to be like Paul, I have to keep my eyes on Jesus. And just like a race it’s one step at a time. I pray today I go step by step with my eyes on Jesus.Reply
Searching says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:05 am
Keeping our eyes on Jesus, spending time in God’s word daily, sharing the hope we have in our salvation through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, praying for the lost.
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It can be disheartening at times but yes, as KELLY said, “just keep swimming.”
I’ve been praying for Mr P (and his wife) this week, an elderly gentleman I met and talked with Monday. In the course of our few minutes together, he revealed a list of ongoing health problems he had recently developed (for some of which he had gone through surgery and been hospitalized) and also his wife’s serious health issues. When I expressed concern about the health issues they were facing and that I would be praying for them, he looked at me and said “medicine is what has made me better.” I was speechless.
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I think, sisters, that we have been challenged a lot in this study (and not yet halfway through) as we read about life in the early church and find that we wrestle with the same or similar issues today – inside and outside the church. Praying for guidance as we seek God’s will and wisdom in our words, actions and reactions.
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MERCY – thank you for your comment yesterday
LAURA DIANNE – thank you for yours also
CEE GEE – thank you for the research, and now “I stand educated” as well ❤️
LEHUA K – good to see you ❤️Reply
Cee Gee says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:12 am
Joining you in praying for Mr. P and your closing prayer! ❤
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Adrienne says:
July 4, 2024 at 9:28 am
Oh, wow. I woulda been speechless too. A sad reminder that many don’t know Him, and that we have work to do, so that they DO come to know Him. ❤️
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Mia Faith says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:59 am
It is all about the gospel. It is all about the gospel. It is all about the gospel.
Yes!
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Lanie Hefferly says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:09 am
Thank goodness Kelly. I thought something had gone wrong when it said no comments, but then I realized I probably am one of the only ones up working on the 4th lol. I loved this devotional, literally loled. This has been a conviction on my heart for some time now. The realization that many of us are running the race but not well. My realization came back in Matthew. When I realized I was the saved plant just sitting in the weeds of this world. I still struggle with doing God’s work, but not in a striving for reward or praise type of way. For me this has looked more like striving to be content in my present circ*mstance, being focused on the field God has given me to work right now. The devil constantly sneaks in and tells me it’s not enough, I need to be doing more. BUT GOD reminds me that his grace is sufficient for me. I know as long as I stay focused on the gospel of grace I can’t go wrong.
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Sally B. says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:35 am
Ditto Lanie – sometimes it feels like such an effort to keep my footing in this present culture. That means I’ve lost focus on the gospel and sharing Jesus!! This has been a good, convicting couple of weeks in 1 Corinthians. Blessings on your Holiday celebrations today!
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Amanda Dumas says:
July 4, 2024 at 8:48 am
I feel like you took the words right from me when you talk about striving to be content in your present circ*mstance. I often fall into the trap of “what’s next” and don’t live in the now and ask God what he has for me today.
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:16 am
BUT GOD.. ♥️
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Carol Burlew says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:06 am
Excellent reminder today in the midst of my running (for the Gospel) slump.
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Kelly (NEO) says:
July 4, 2024 at 6:49 am
“Just keep swimming” :-)
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Some days it feels as though I’m running uphill, against the wind…but that’s what Jesus did, right?
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Have a safe Independence DayReply
Carol M says:
July 4, 2024 at 7:14 am
What a great reminder today’s scripture and devotional is for me! I so often lose my focus… you guessed it… my eyes are on ME…not Jesus and Bringing others into His Kingdom…!
Yes, Kelly… let’s just keep swimming…with Jesus!! ♥️
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Tina says:
July 6, 2024 at 2:15 am
♥️
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