Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

Psalms 50:15

And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Concerning this, Barnes wrote: There is no way in which we can honor God more, or show more clearly that we truly confide in him, than by going to him when everything seems to be dark; when his own ways and dealings are wholly incomprehensible to us, and committing all into his hands.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

May the days ahead be of such ...

That He (The Lord) Would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.

Ephesians 3:16

One thing that is always present with you is your awareness. Where there is awareness, may you use the right discernment. Knowing where I am is not where I want to be in my life. Considering it is our actions, and our will, which at times usually placed us in such a place. Even then, let your desire be, ‘Lord, help me, hear me.’ When we know the danger of our situation, the honest is our prayer.

To this we pray. In like manner we say:

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit fails: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 143:7

Self-help falls short. Embrace self-awareness to understand your situation. Yet, look beyond your condition and will. Trust in the Lord, acknowledging your limitations, and open yourself to divine guidance, support,…

Post to the Art Gallery later today.

Have a blessed

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

Often, our prayers may seem like complaints to the Lord. However, let's not forget to express our gratitude, not only through our actions and words but also in our prayers. For it is in thankfulness that we truly acknowledge His grace and mercy.

Test all things, hold fast the good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Before you approve anything, examine it.

Where there is uncertainty, prayer will suffice.