Runners Devotion

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NIV)

In everything we do, we should always try to glorify God.  We also should never cause our peers to sin or turn from God.  Therefore, our actions and what we say affect many.  One group run can stir the hearts of some lost souls or turn a wondering soul away from God.  It is so important we try to glorify God in every way and each way we can so more can be blessed by his grace and mercy.  

Runners Devotion

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25 NIV)

I run, not to medal, but for several reasons spiritually.  I run to take care of God's temple (my body) which he has given me temporarily while I'm here on Earth.  I run to release myself from daily stresses and take in anything God may want to tell me.  I run and pray. When I run in a group, I run to share encouragement.  There are so many prizes with running.  

In this verse, God had the author use running and the prize as our life and living for salvation in  Jesus. He is the ulitmate prize to everlasting life.  Amen!

Nov. 22, 2013

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Building endurance

Fired Up

Jimmy Page (adapted from WisdomWalks Sports)

READY:

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4

SET:

Cut from the team. Knee blows out senior year. Lose the state title. Playing time disappears. Your mistake costs the team a win. As a competitor, all these circumstances are considered tough trials. Add academic pressure or conflict at home and you can feel overwhelmed.

But our character is uncovered during life’s trials. It is revealed and refined in the fire. When we are squeezed, what comes out shows us what’s inside. And for God to truly transform us, it takes time, pressure and heat. He forms our character the same way he forms diamonds. When the element carbon is forced deep beneath the surface of the earth, it encounters extreme temperatures and pressure. Those extreme conditions transform carbon into diamonds. And when they rise again to the surface, they display the brilliance of the light.

So, when we face trials, we can do it with joy, knowing God will use every piece of the pressure and pain to produce perseverance and maturity. And if we let our character be formed in the fire, we, too, will shine in His light. Going through tough times will make us unshakeable and Him unmistakable.

GO:

1. Have you experienced adversity or trials that have tested your faith?
2. What are the purposes of the pain we suffer in this life?
3. How important is it to have others walk with you through your trials?

WORKOUT:

1 Peter 4:12-16
2 Corinthians 1:3-6
Proverbs 17:17

OVERTIME:

Father, I know that storms are not optional, but inevitable. Use these trials to transform me and change me into the person You have made me to be. Let me rejoice when I face trials and struggles and trust that You have a reason. Form my character through the fire. Amen.

Want more Relentless studies? Check out the Athletes Bible atfcagear.com