From Running to Religion

What do you think running and your religion have in common? Anything? Well, I do. The main thing I see is that they both require a great deal of discipline. I mean you're not going to want to get out of bed and read your Bible just like you're not going to necessarily want to get up and run at 6 a.m. every morning. They both require constant training. We must be constantly spending time in God's Word to get everything out of it that we possibly can. Just the same, with running, you must constantly be pushing yourself harder because if you don't you will lose all you had gained. The last one I think about is how they both make you feel. When I get up and spend time learning in God's Word and then praying, I feel refreshed. It helps me to go through the day in a much better attitude and it makes me feel great. Same with running (most of the time...). Most of the time when I run I come in feeling refreshed. Feeling confident that I just accomplished something else that I thought I couldn't do. My purpose for this post is not to make the Bible equal to running, but to a make a practical application. I've shared with you before I learn something a whole lot better if it can be compared to something athletic. I hope this post encourages you! Have a great day! (:

Run Your Race (Part 2)

Hebrews 12:1-2


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."





When you read those two verses what did you think about? I love the line that say, "and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." Again, I want to do an athletic application. Anyone who has run for long distances or has done something similar know that endurance is a hard thing to have. It's not one of those things you just get when you're born... unless you're some freak of nature or something. Some people are determined to have endurance but it comes through commitment. Dedication for striving to do your best at what you're doing. Since I am an athlete, I understand this perfectly... but understanding and doing are two very different things. I know a ton of stuff I should be doing but I hardly ever do it, if at all. But, this is something you can't just let slide out of reach. We must have the dedication, commitment, and endurance to the race God has set before us to bring Him glory. This is easier said than done... but I think I'm up to the challenge. I'm not promising that I'm gonna be a success... I will probably fail a lot but, God is always there to forgive me if I ask Him for it. Isn't it amazing to think how wonderful our God is? Y'all have a great day!

Run Your Race (Part 1)

I want you to read this passage. While you're reading it, think about it. Also, you might want to come up with some questions to ask yourself.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ~ 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

What do you think about what you just read? What questions did you ask yourself? Well, with me personally to connect an athlete to something is one of the biggest way to get me to understand it because I'm and athlete. I know that in order to win games or run a fast mile you have train, eat the right foods, pace yourself, etc. One thing we all need to realize is that just as a runner prepares for a race, or a soccer player prepares for a game, we must prepare for our Christian race. Now when you win a race or a game you get a prize such as a trophy, but one day you will forget about it or it will be destroyed. What if you don't win? What happens then? Well, you typically don't get a prize. But what about our Christian walk? Does only one winner get a prize? NO! Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior and accepts the challenge of following Him will get a prize and that prize is spending time with Christ in heaven. There is no greater gift than that one. As you run this race remember that you are never alone; Christ is always with you. I hope this was encouraging to you! I will try and have part 2 posted sometime this week if school permits:). Have a good night!