Posted by: Jo | November 1, 2013

Praying With Childlike Trust

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise….” (Psalm 8:2)

image When I first came to Canada, I felt I needed to become part of the community in which we lived and decided to volunteer with Meals On Wheels, an organisation that delivered hot meals to seniors who were unable to cook for themselves. At that stage I still had one daughter at home, too young to go to school, and she was my constant companion whatever I was doing during the day. I have never been known for my navigational skills, but nobody questioned me about that and I began being a driver for the meals. One momentous day is firmly fixed in my mind. I had a delivery to a new recipient in an unfamiliar area, and as I drove round and round in circles, becoming more and more panicky, I realised I was truly lost. There were no cell phones in those days and we were too far from where we picked up the food to go back, when I heard a little voice from the back, “Are we lost? Why don’t you ask God to show us the way?” I am ashamed to say my first reaction was, “How can he do that?”, but I wanted to be a good example to my child so we pulled over to the side of the road and we both asked our Heavenly Father to help us. A few moments later while I was trying to yet again to figure out where we were, a car pulled up beside us and to my amazement a lady from our church popped her head out of the window and asked us what we were doing in her neighbourhood, and of course she knew the street we were trying to find.

Jesus knew that we all need to have childlike trust in him. Children’s minds are not cluttered with; perhaps he is not listening, maybe I am not saying the right words, I suppose I am not good enough, he cannot do anything about my big problem, I am not worth listening to etc.

Jesus reminds us that children have a special knowledge of the Father;

“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit said. “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”…(Luke 10:21)

I have another sweet example of childlike trust that happened many years later. Another one of my daughters, now a mother, was travelling with her family over a mountain pass when a nasty snow storm closed the road andimage she and her husband and children were forced to pull over to the side and wait for the snow plough. By the time the road was open their car was now trapped behind a big snow bank. My daughter told the family we need to pray to get the car over the bank onto the road , just then she heard loud and clear, “Please Dod”, this little one was just beginning to talk and had trouble with G and D. God did not seem to mind as with one rush the car cleared the snow.

Unfortunately as we grow older we lose that openness of child faith, and feel that now we are adults we have to somehow exhibit strength in ourselves. Not wanting to appear to be weak, not wanting to admit we need to rely on the strength of our Lord; wanting to appear always put together, thinking we have to get through whatever life throws at us, under our own steam. What a lot of pain we could avoid if we imitated childlike trust in our Lord. This verse of an old hymn is a good reminder of how to do that

O, what peace we often forfeit.

O, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

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Posted in Inspiration, Luke, Psalms | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Jo | October 25, 2013

Best Of Our First Fruits

“Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God…” (Exodus 23:19)

image Just recently I was reorganizing one of my cupboards and I put my hand on what was one of my sweetest presents and as I picked it up I felt the same rush of emotion as when I was first given it many, many years ago. One of my daughters had just started her first real job and was eagerly looking forward to that first paycheck. I imagine she had spent it many times over while waiting for it to materialize in her hand, but what she chose finally to spend it on surprised and delighted my husband and myself. Instead of buying clothes or make up for herself she had chosen to buy for us, an exquisite little, silver serving tray. As I held it in my hands I was reminded of the instructions found in the book of Exodus about giving back to God the best of one’s first fruits and thought my daughter’s giving embodied a little example of that type of giving. She had given out of her labors, first to us, before spending on herself.

I had often wondered about God’s commands about giving the best of the first fruits back to him. Of course he was not going to eat that beautiful sheaf of wheat or that fat little ram, but the action of selflessly giving of the best, that one had produced, was in itself pleasing to him. I think he wanted to instill in the children of Israel and of course us as well, that when we learn to quash that “me first” reaction, we mature spiritually.

In our present day not many of us labor in the fields, but we certainly work hard in other areas of our lives, in fact we may have heard it from our parents, “You must work hard to get ahead in this world.” or “You must work hard at making a good impression on others.” or “You must work hard at showing yourself in the best light to get that job.” image Certainly not bad advice for the young, but when that becomes first priority in any of our lives we are ignoring the Lord’s command to devote our energy first of all to him and his word and then our endeavors will be rewarded by him. Paul writes to the Corinthians;

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The other words echoing from my childhood came from both parents and teachers; “I don’t want any second best efforts from you!” I am sure our Heavenly Father was saying the same to his children when he asked them to give the best of their first fruits. It is so easy to slip into “second best” devotion time with the Lord. We get so caught up with our busy schedules that a quick prayer on the run is all the time we have in the morning before we begin our day. It is so easy to have a “second best” attempt to show his love to all those in the office, especially when they can be so annoying. It is so easy to allow our love for the Lord to become lukewarm, definitely “second best” compared with his mighty unconditional love for us.

image The Lord can always out give the giver and the joy of giving the best of our thoughts / words / deeds to him, results in him showering us with blessings;

“Blessed be all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” (Psalm 128:1 – 2)

This little poem sums it up

Surer than autumn’s harvests

Are harvests of thought and deed,

Like those that our hands have planted,

The yield will be like the seed.

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Posted in Challenge, Corinthians, Exodus, Psalms | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Jo | October 18, 2013

God’s Chosen Name For Us

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

image Giving a new born a name is an important decision in most cultures and, with some cultures, deeply entrenched tradition has a main sway over any other sentiment, but not only tradition has sway in some countries, several countries have strict laws banning unacceptable names. My father loved telling jokes, and one of his favourites was about a lady who agonised over a noble name for her new son. Her last name was King and she wanted a suitable name to enhance this already regal name. As she was still deciding, she drove past a building that had huge doors open at the entrance. One door had in big letters Nosmo the other King. She was thrilled and immediately went back to her husband to tell him they would name their son Nosmo and he agreed. Several weeks later she was driving past the same building and this time the huge doors were closed and to her horror now read “NO SMOKING”.

Many of us perhaps grow up not liking the name chosen by our parents. Some of us carry scars from the names we have been called at school. Others of us are dated by the old fashioned names now not used by the younger generation. Scripture has a lot to say about the importance of names and often records God himself changing a name. Some of the name changing has great significance for God’s purposes and the new name reflects what the recipient is to become not what he/ she is at the present. One of my favourite stories of the Old Testament is found in Judges where we read of Gideon. Our first impression of Gideon is of a nervous, indecisive probably cowardly figure, but much to our surprise we read of the mighty title bestowed on him from above.

“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

Gideon was anything but a mighty warrior at that time, but when he finally accepts that the Lord is on his side he grows to fulfill that lofty name. It was God’s chosen name for him. (Whole story worth reading in Judges 6 and 7)

The other well-known name changing is found in the New Testament. Jesus changes Simon’s name, his disciple, to the name Peter.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Peter (Cephas) means rock. When we first meet Peter he is nothing rock like. He appears to speak without thinking. He is impulsive, (jumping out of the boat), acts again without thinking of consequences (cutting off ear of servant), but God’s chosen name for him comes into fruition when we read of this solid rock of a person fulfilling his name and boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ after the resurrection.image

Jesus the Good Shepherd knows each one of us by name. Some of us need to listen carefully to hear his chosen name for us.   When we may be facing a daunting task, we will hear him rename us, “Courageous One” and we know with his help we will fulfill that name. When circumstances have weakened us and we can no longer go on we will hear, “Strong and Firm One” knowing it will be his strength that will carry us through. When sorrow over-burdens us and darkens everything around us we will hear, “Filled with Light” as our name and know the darkness will disappear. We may be filled with doubt and have lots of unanswered questions, but this beautiful name will spur us on, “Faithful One” and we know the doubts will disappear as we trust the Lord.

image The beautiful promise for all who love the Lord is found in Revelation where we read of the ultimate new name we will have;

“….I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem which is coming down from heaven from my God, and I will also write on him my new name.” (Revelation 3:12)

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Posted by: Jo | October 11, 2013

Clothed With Power

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

image It is impossible to enter any big stores at the moment and not be assailed by hideous monsters, creepy skeletons, ugly witches as well as scary, unrecognisable creatures. As we approach Halloween these macabre figures are around every corner as the stores offer up suggestions for dressing up for the big night. I am always a bit horrified by them all and wonder why anyone would choose to garb our little ones in such evil looking costumes, but it is not only little ones that are so dressed in such a fashion even adults seem to throw all caution aside and dress in this way on October, 31st and seem to have no trouble in being clothed so outrageously and perhaps they feel it gives them power in hiding behind a costume. Clothing does distinguish us and can be used to make a statement. Scripture talks about a spiritual clothing that also makes a statement in a much different way.

Clothing has existed from the very beginning of time when God in loving compassion clothed Adam and Eve after they had been banished from the Garden of Eden.

“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)

Jesus in his last words before he leaves his disciples to return to his Father, uses the words “clothed” as well. (Luke 24:49)

Jesus was echoing his Father’s words. He knew he was leaving his disciples in a world that was beset by sin. He knew they were going to need not only special help, but the mighty power of his Holy Spirit. He knew the clothing he was going to provide had already been promised from the Heavenly Father. We know the Heavenly Father always keeps his promises and the book of Acts records how dramatically the disciples were given the power of the Holy Spirit from on high.image

This power was not only for the disciples, but for all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. As with all promises from our Lord, they have to be claimed by us personally. We have to choose to be covered with spiritual clothing. Scripture offers us many choices;

“Awake, awake O Zion, clothe yourself with strength….” (Isaiah 52:1)

Who would be so foolish as to not to accept this beautiful offer of strength? When life is overwhelming and we feel we can go no further under our own steam, we can gratefully accept to instead be clothed with the Almighty’s strength.

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 13:14)

What a beautiful way to get dressed every day, presenting to the world the beautiful nature of our Saviour.

We can do this with this advice;

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

When life is filled with despair what a wonderful choice of clothing in this verse;image

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” (Isaiah 61:3)

Perhaps as we dress in the morning we can remember the spiritual clothing we can so easily done as we get ready to face the world and think of Job’s example;

“I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.” (Job 29:14)

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Posted by: Jo | October 4, 2013

Running Alongside Another

“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked” (Acts 8:30)

imageUnderstanding what you are reading. It seems a simple and obvious statement, but when I was young, one of our most important classes was called “Comprehension”. In this class the object was not to read fluently, but to read with understanding, so after reading the set passage came the in depth questions that probed individual words, phrases, subjects, perhaps innuendos and veiled references. We had an excellent teacher and I always credit that class with deepening my already love of reading and when I became a Christian, I found the lessons invaluable in reading and understanding the Bible.

The book of Proverbs emphasizes over and over again the importance of gaining understanding;

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

We have a fascinating story about understanding in the Book of Acts (Acts 8:26 – 40). Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, is suddenly directed by an angel of the Lord to go south to a desert road, I have often thought he must have been confused by this command. How many people could he share Jesus with in a desert? Philip was obedient and the Holy Spirit pointed out why Philip was where he was. The Lord had already chosen the exact person he wanted Philip to meet. What a wonderful lesson for us. Often we may feel that the Lord has led us into some sort of desert, but when we have imagegiven our lives over to him we can be assured that nothing happens by coincidence, we can trust that we are in the right place, at the right time, we can rest in the fact that the Lord will reveal his purpose for us in his timing.

Philip sees an Ethiopian in a chariot, reading from the book of Isaiah, and runs beside him and asks him does he understand what he is reading. Now we know why Philip is where he is! Philip is invited into the chariot and is able to help the Ethiopian understand God’s word to the point of asking Philip to baptize him.

We too, like Philip, can be asked to run alongside another. The Christian journey was never meant to be a lonely walk and one of the benefits of having a companion to be right beside you, is the way both grow in the wonder of understanding of God’s word and the wonder of knowing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in a real and personal way.

Reading God’s word with another, praying together, sharing fears and joys can be a life changing experience. Often we hear plaintive cries just like the Ethiopian cried out to Philip, when Philip asked him did he understand;

“How can I” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:31)

image Time and time again we hear of others saying the same thing. We need to be ready like Philip to put on our running shoes to be ready to run alongside the one the Lord has chosen for us to share our mutual love of the Saviour. We need to look around at where the Lord has placed us. Asking the Lord to show us who may be struggling to understand what God is saying through his word. We may be asked, like Philip, to move out of our safety zone and to be ready to make a new friend, to be ready to share our knowledge of the Lord, to be ready to be a companion in his name with another.

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Posted by: Jo | September 27, 2013

Holding Hands

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

imageI can remember my mother saying to me when I was a little girl and we were about to cross a busy street, “Hold on tightly to my hand and you will be safe.” I grew up to be a mother myself and repeated the same words to my four little girls and lo and behold they had little children themselves and history repeated itself as I held my grandchildren’s hands and trust flowed between us. The circle of time always brings about changes and this was brought sharply to my attention in an incident that happened when my family was visiting a night market. This was an exciting place held in the evening in the summer as little booths were set up with all sorts of goods and food to sell, but it proved to be a very popular place to visit in the warm evenings and became very crowded with people jostling each other though narrow passages. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by so many people when my eldest granddaughter, now a young lady and much taller than I, called to me, “Nana hold my hand and I will lead you through.” Suddenly the roles were reversed! This lovely young lady did not need my hand I needed hers.

Life often revolves around the simple act of holding hands. We see it beside the hospital bed. Just holding the hand of a suffering one can bring reassurance, an expression of love, comfort can flow through the warmth of another’s hand. We see it imagein times of sadness when words are inadequate, but the soft pressure of a sympathetic hand can convey more that words. We see it in times of danger as another reaches out to grasp the hand of someone being swept away by flood waters We see it as the fit and able hold the hand of the disabled to prevent them stumbling. We see it as a form of unity as people join hands to show a common concern or a common goal. Holding hands binds us together.

Our Heavenly Father knew that in various times in our lives we need the assurance that his mighty hand is close by;

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)

He reminds us that even though our walk might have rough patches along it, we will not be overcome by adversity;

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23 – 24)

imageJesus reinforces the Father’s love for us and reminds us that when we grasp his hand nothing or nobody can wrench us away from his protective power.

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:29)

When we grasp the joy of knowing we are held fast by our Lord’s hand, we are more willing to use our own hands in loving affirmation of others. We are also more willing to let others extend their hands to us. Our hands can become an instrument of peace. This old hymn sums up the blessed assurance we can hang on to.

My hand is in my Father’s hand

Tho’ fierce the winds do blow

Why should I fear

While he is near

He will not let me go.

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Posted by: Jo | September 20, 2013

Hide And Seek

“But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”” (Genesis 3:9)

image Hide and seek has been a favourite game for children all down through the ages. We have a little grandson who is just beginning to understand the fun of this game, although he is still at the stage of Peek A-Boo and still peeks through his fingers to make sure we are still there even though he thinks his face is hidden, he loves one of us to hide behind a piece of furniture and then to pop out and surprise him. The delight of this game for all children, is the fact that all the participants will be eventually found and nobody wants to stay hidden for very long. Mostly the fun exists in the shrieks that erupt as the hidden ones are found.

As we grow up hiding from others and in particular, hiding from God, hiding takes on a far different meaning from the hide and seek game so gleefully played by children. Sometimes we are so cleverly hidden others are unable to see our inward feelings/our hurts/our fears/our desperate need for someone to understand us. Some of us feel that we must at all costs hide from God. Not believing that he could love us if he truly saw us. Preferring to stay in the dark rather than risk walking in his pure light, where nothing is hidden

The first people to hide from God were Adam and Eve.image

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)

God did not allow them to stay hidden;

“But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

Sin had forced man to go into hiding. God immediately put into operation a plan to allow all mankind to be forgiven, so in the future, there would be no need to hide from God’s presence. God does not stay hidden from us either. Over and over again he assures us that he can be found;

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

God continues to cry out to all his children, “Where are you?”

We tell over and over again a sweet story about one of our daughters who was only two at the time when she wandered a short distance from a cabin where we were staying, and suddenly looked around and did image not see any other people around her. We were still able to see her, but she cried out in fright, “I’m losting. Somebody find me”. Perhaps that might be the same story for some to know the terrible feeling of “losting”, but not knowing that our Lord and Saviour is always at hand, always ready to lead the lost one to a safe place. Our little girl knew that close by was her family, any “losting” ones can take heart that Jesus is always close at hand.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

We might be hiding deliberately or we might feel so lost nobody will find us, but the beautiful promise from our Heavenly Father is the same. All we need do is to look for him. He is easy to find. In fact he is looking for us. He is seeking the hidden ones.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4)

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Posted by: Jo | September 13, 2013

Make Every Day A Great Day

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

image I was amazed to see, as I was travelling up the escalator of a very well-known North American department store, ( who will remain nameless) a huge poster on the wall with these words emblazoned on it; “Make Every Day A Great Day At…” It may have been a clever marketing ploy, but I was saddened to see the meaning behind those words. We are bombarded with all sorts of advertising which is usually aimed at persuading one that the product being advertised is something one has to have, but this sign had a much deeper meaning. It was inferring that by indulging in shopping in this brightly lit, beautifully decorated surroundings with just the right soft music playing, could transform your day and make it a great day. By aiming at the basic human concern with self, the advertisement was encouraging the thought that just by pleasing ourselves and acquiring more possessions we could change our whole outlook on life and have this wonderful experience of a great day. The psalmists had a very good answer to where they would want to spend the day;

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” (Psalm 84:10)

Scripture has lots of advice on how we can make each day a great day. One of the best ways of ensuring it is going to be a great day, is to start by acknowledging who made the day and rejoice in the fact that our lives are in his hands and start the day joyfully praising his name. (Psalm 118:24) image

We know that life does not always run smoothly and at the end of some days we feel drained of any joy, but the beautiful promise of belonging to the Lord is the promise of being renewed by him so we can face any circumstance.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

We can relax knowing a great day is in store for us if we do not lose heart.

Perhaps the best way to ensure every day is a great day is to be content with what we have, where we are and who we are. I read this quote recently

“Contentment is not getting what we want, but being satisfied with what we have.”

The world, especially the market place, shouts a much different message than this. The secret of selling a product is to make the consumer feel dissatisfied with what he owns and promising that the newer more advanced laptop/car/kitchen appliance will ensure that the buyer will experience that great feeling after purchasing same. Time and time again this promise turns out to have a hollow ring to it when what we buy does not bring any dramatic change in our day.

When Paul is writing to Timothy he has some very wise words for him.

“But Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Contentment can be achieved when we trust ourselves to the Lord

image If being content can ensure that great day, Paul is a wonderful example of achieving just that by trusting Him who gives us strength.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

Have a great day, every day with the Lord!

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Posted in 2 Corinthians, Comfort, Encourage, Inspiration, Philippians, Psalms, Timothy | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Jo | September 6, 2013

Being at Risk

“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)

image Just recently a young friend was telling me about a fascinating course she was taking on Risk Management. I was intrigued by the title and surprised that one needed to go to such a course, especially in the business world, but I had a lot to learn from my young friend. She assured me risk could be defined and when we recognized this we could save ourselves from many mistakes. She was referring to business and the project management of which she was a part, but as she enlightened me I began to realize a lot of what she was saying could relate to our own daily walk.

She spoke of anticipating risk and being prepared for it. She spoke of the “known risk” and being equally ready to respond to that. She spoke of the “unknown risk” that must not take one unaware. The more she told me about this course the more I began to see that God’s word was way ahead of this present day lecturer and many wise words had been recorded long ago, for the children of the Heavenly Father to help them with exactly the risk problems that faced all of us in everyday living, not only in the business world.

I decided to a little research myself on the meaning of the word. The word does not have a happy definition;

“to expose oneself to danger, mischance or peril.”

When Solomon was writing the book of Proverbs, imagehe knew his son was going to be exposed to all sorts of danger, perhaps the biggest risk he faced was wandering away from the wisdom of the Lord, so many verses remind him, and of course us, of the danger in doing this. Many of the verses contrast being foolish or wise and the Psalmists were very definite about the definition of who was a fool;

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God…” (Psalm 14:1)

Oh how we long to teach our children (especially our teenagers who are venturing into adulthood) the wisdom of this next verse;

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)

As I thought back about my young friend’s course, I began to see that yes, being at risk was a very real threat that had to be addressed for all of us and yes we would be well advised to anticipate risk in our own lives and to be aware of the known and unknown risk that could be around the corner, but unlike the business world, we who know and love the Lord have a image wonderful insurance policy. When we read the benefits of being covered by this particular policy, being at risk holds no terror for us. We have a handbook that outlines how we can avoid perils and mischance, by adhering to the advice contained there, and by committing every action to our Heavenly Father’s scrutiny before we go ahead.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

This lovely old hymn assures us that trusting and acknowledging our Lord will certainly manage risk in our own lives.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways acknowledge him

And he shall direct

And he shall direct your path.

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Posted by: Jo | August 30, 2013

Spurring One Another On

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

image A few weeks ago my daughter and teenager granddaughter, ran their first Half Marathon race. Preparation for this big race had been hard and arduous. It took lots of discipline for them both to get up early and train together. Our whole family were very proud of them for attempting such a long distance run and on the morning of the race a group of family members went to show their support and to cheer them on to the finish line. Excitement and anticipation filled the street, but it was the overriding feeling of the crowd that was the most infectious. The spectators were united in their cries of support, each one spurring on their friends and family members, encouraging them to finish the race, encouraging them to keep going, encouraging them to cross that finishing line triumphantly. The spectators during the running of the race were not thinking of themselves, but totally lending their support verbally, with smiles and wild gestures to those who were participating. (My two finished triumphantly).

Scripture describes life as a race;

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

When my two marathon runners were training for this big race, they found that running with each other and others who were training, was a great way to be spurred on by their common goal and to remain focused on that goal of running through the finishing line. We have been designed by our Heavenly Father to need each other in this great race of life. That is why the writer of Hebrews urges us to run closely together and to consciously think of ways to spur others on.image

In Hebrews 10:24, the verse begins with the phrase, “let us consider”; when we consider an action we are thinking quite seriously about how we are going to put into practice our decision. This particular verse is asking us to think, not so much of how we are coping with life but how we can provide encouragement to those around us, not to be only concentrating on our own prowess, not to be so consumed as to what is happening to us, but asking the Lord to make us aware of those around us who may be discouraged; who may be exhausted by trials; who may just need a comforting word to help them get up and try again.

When we have eyes to see those who need to be spurred on, it is time to take action. Often our own church community contains many who are weary and discouraged and who are burdened by so many pressing tasks, that their race has become so tiring they can hardly keep pace with those around them. Too often it is our church leaders who are the most burdened by the worries of others, who most need somebody to cheer them on who most need a companion with words of love to give them that extra burst of strength to keep going.

It does not take a lot of effort to provide help for those who need it.  Most pastors have to often deal with complaints; often have to spend hours listening to others problems, imagehave the huge task of keeping the whole congregation happy, so what a boost we can give them by a simple word of praise, a little note thanking them for a great sermon, a recognition of their service to the church.

When we seriously “consider” how we may spur others on, the Holy Spirit will show us exactly those who need us to be cheering them on from the sidelines.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

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