Run the Race

Today my devotional challenged me to look at my race and see what is distracting me from Jesus. It pointed to one of my life verses - Hebrews 12:1-2 - and again I was inspired. This time I read it in the Amplified Bible which adds some words to help with the understanding.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (who have borne testimony to the Truth) let us strip off and throw aside ever encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Looking away (from all that will distract) to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith (giving the first incentive for our belief) and is also its Finisher (bringing it to maturity and perfection). He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In the past other words have stood out, but today those words in bold stood out to me. I want to get rid of the weight of bad attitudes, frustration, and irritation. Instead, I want have the patience to endure the course that I'm on right now. Not looking ahead and worrying about how everything is going to work then, but to be steadfast and actively persistent. Persistence seems like a passive - just sit here and wait- type of thing. But it's actually an active thing - to pursue our Source, Jesus, for everything. To be persistent to believe the things promised and to see the fruit of your labor. It's an essential element of success. If you're not around the see the outcome, what's the point. So I'm encouraged not to give up or lose heart, but to continue with what has been given to me today, listening to Jesus, and doing my very best for Him!

Relentless Preparation

Leadership requires relentless preparation. You cannot predict every possible challenge. But if you prepare for those challenges that you can predict, you will be better equipped to handle all problems, even the unexpected ones. --Rudolph W. Giullani

This was on the side of my starbucks cup this morning. Seriously. What a great leadership principle to keep in mind! Prepare, prepare, prepare! It holds true in the natural as well as the spiritual. We can't prepare ourselves for every trial that will hit us as people walking through life, but if we are strengthening and staying connected to our source - God - then we will be better prepared for any and all trials! One of my favorite passages is in John 15 -

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.

Remember in all the things you do to stay connected to God. Don't just be involved in what God is doing, but be committed. Strengthen your relationship with Him today!

Incredible!

Check out this INCREDIBLE article about our church on the Mercy Ministries website! They were very complimentary about our church. I just believe that this is a God connection relationship with this ministry. I'm believing for a Mercy house here in Memphis! That would be awesome!

Chick Nite

We had a Chick Nite (our women's ministry events) at church on Saturday. It was incredible! Our special speaker was Nancy Alcorn from Mercy Ministries. She shared an inspirational message about the importance of getting God's word and His thoughts about you in you - and knowing who you are! Her life just radiates God's grace. She started Mercy 25 years ago to see life transformation in the lives of young women who struggle with all kinds of issues: addictions, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy and host of other issues. She spoke at our church services on Sunday as well. Over 100 people gave their lives to Christ over the course of the weekend. Personally I was most challenged at the Kingdom Builder's lunch where she spoke about relying on God's word and believing it for provision for Mercy. God's word is true and when He gives you a vision, He will provide. It's a faith journey in the process. If you want to be challenged and encouraged to pursue God with everything - check out her book: Echoes of Mercy. I'm reading it right now!