The word for this week is "run". The first verse we'll look at is Hebrews 12:1:
12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, KJV
This is the Greek word "trecho". Strong's Concordance says: to run or walk hastily; have course, run. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: of persevering activity in the Christian course with a view to obtaining the reward. Another Scripture portion that shows this same meaning is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. AMP
Every person ever born has a "God-plan" for their lives! He revealed His plan for Jeremiah to him in Jeremiah 1:5:
5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. AMP
Everything that He has done to bless your life and direct your life has been done with His plan for you in mind! There are no coincidences where God is concerned! If we get off track, He already has in place the way back to His plan! Ephesians 1:3-4 also shows this under our New (and better, Hebrews 8:6) Covenant:
3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm! 4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. AMP
Your life, your love, your integrity, your discipline, your faithfulness, your work ethic, your commitment, shows off the God you serve! You and Kristine are a good and godly example to your children, your families, and the people you work and interact with, of a born again believer! Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you (1 Peter 3:15)! They WILL be asking! Here is a song from the new Hillsong Live album (Cornerstone) called "Running":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
