In Training

12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
12:2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 Consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
12:4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children--"My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by Him;
12:6 for the Lord disciplines those whom He loves, and chastises every child whom He accepts."
12:7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline?
12:8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children.
12:9 Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share His holiness.

12:11 Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12:12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
12:13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.   Hebrews 12:1-13

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35 (NIV)
 

In my area, the month of June kicks off the season of triathlon racing. These contests of varying distances include swimming, biking, and running and are held one after the other. Over the last five years I have competed in triathlons and will participate again this year. In order to complete a triathlon, an athlete needs to prepare for it. Workouts that balance all three areas are better for the body and more helpful in completing the races than are workouts that focus on just one area. 

A spiritual journey is a lot like a triathlon. To fully engage in the spiritual journey we need balance in prayer, Bible study, and worship.

These three activities will strengthen our spiritual lives so that we can accomplish what the writer of Hebrews calls “the race marked out for us.” Some might add a fourth area — service. But I am a firm believer that service is actually an outward expression of prayer, Bible study, and worship. When we train by praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping with others, we can persevere in the race marked out for us, the race that leads to an experience of God that is eternal.

 

The Author -  Charles D. Kelsey (Iowa, USA) - from the Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day - “[Listening and Doing] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” -James 1:19

Prayer - Dear God our source of all love, fill us with desire, strength, and perseverance to grow in Christlikeness. Amen.

Prayer focus - Starting the race again after the storms of life