The Race

Hebrews 12:1 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.

In high school I was all about running track. So it comes as no surprise that the Lord is teaching me through this well noted verse. After reading it, I kept turning over the words “set before us.” Last night I came to the realization that I have been running a lot of races that the Lord has not put in front of me. Meaning I have been competing for prizes that are not the crown of righteousness. Here are a few examples:

-Having the best career

-Most fashionable

-Being the most creative

-Having more friends

-Needing the least amount of help

As silly as they are I’m sad to say the list goes on. These pick-up races are things that take our eyes of the goal. They are like a treadmill, keeping you busy, but always in the same spot. Think about it. Are you mentally exhausted all the time? Do you want to shut everything out? Are constantly frustrated that you are not good enough? Maybe you too are competing in these made up competitions.

Here is my encouragement: Drop out. I’m not saying don’t try your best in whatever the Lord puts in front of you. What I am saying is stop comparing, and being competitive with your brothers and sisters. There is no need, and no gain. When you put all of your energy into finishing the race that God has set before you, life has a lot more peace. You are able to have real community instead of scheming on how to outdo your neighbor. All in all you are content.

Thank the Lord, Christ has won the only victory that matters. Remembering this I am turning around and running the way I should have been going the whole time, towards Him. Ready…set…

Exciting Times

If you have been within five feet of me in the last three days you have heard me talk about the song "The Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. A good friend of mine posted a blog inspired by the band earlier this month. Needless to say I have fallen in love with them too. (Thanks Jaz).

Here are the lyrics:
The dog days are over.The dog days are done.
The horses are coming so you better run
Run fast for your mother
Run fast for your father
Run for your children and your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your loving behind you
Can’t carry it with you if you want to survive

What's so great about this? It makes me excited for what is to come. As a Christian we are often told " Live each day as if the Lord is coming." We don't. It's hard to to wrap our minds around a prospective God when the daily grind is so monotonous. The chorus of Florence's song takes me out of the now, and makes me think about the blessed day we are all waiting for.

Here is a glimpse of what comes to mind: Running so fast it hurts. The pain is numbed by the great thing that is driving you. You scream and you yell in sheer joy on the way to tell your parents, siblings, friends, even strangers that we are going home. " It's over! He's come back for us! We are not alone! He's here!" The smile on your face can no longer be taken. All has been put right. The sound of rejoicing and clapping fills the air. The King has come for His church. Can you see it?

There is my interpretation of the song. I have no clue what the thing is really about. All I know is God is using it to encourage me that there is still time to share the truth before His arrival. The time is near. How exciting it is!

All I want ...

We all want something. Isn’t that why Christmas is so appealing? Once a year we finally have a legitimate excuse to voice our desires. If we are honest we know our requests aren’t truly about the stuff. They are about hope. Somewhere in our heart we believe that a dress will make us beautiful, this car will raise our status or a ring will mean love. We hope for something better. All we want is that one thing that will make it happen. Why do we hide behind our lists of demands instead of asking the Lord outright for love, acceptance, or comfort? The things He longs to give us.

Everyone whether they believe it or not knows that the Christmas holiday started with Jesus. What is so special about His story? Well, imagine if you always put others above yourself. Being content in the place you are in. You didn’t have to fight to get ahead. Pride wasn’t an armor you had to wear. What if you never had anything to hide? Admitting weakness was O.K. You never had to lie. There wasn’t ever a question if there would be enough to sustain you. Popularity was just a passing fad. And at the end of everyday you slept well knowing that there was hope. That there really was a God who loved you more than you could ever deserve. If this was reality, what could you ever want? You wouldn’t need stuff to lead a life of happiness; you would be fully satisfied in the Lord, as we were made to be.

This is the impossibly perfect life that Jesus lived. Today I am remember that He lived a life of hope. A life we can't live without Him. Realizing this, I am once again coming to the understanding that I don't just want Jesus in my life I NEED Him. What we all need is a savior, and hallelujah, are Great Lord has provided. In 2011 my prayer for you is to stop living for your wants and recognize your greatest need. The love of Christ.

Jesus conquered this life, and redeemed it for us all. Through His death we can live our lives in the same way. What a gift.