Read the race manual
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." Joshua 1:8
Before you run a race, you must read or listen to the instructions and obey them to avoid being disqualified. Generally the harder and/or longer the race, the more instructions there are. I've seen instruction "manuals" from one small sheet (or one quick briefing) to ten pages long (think ultra races). It's only by reading, learning and obeying the rules that a person will succeed in the race.
This is the same in our pursuit of Christ. The difference is that this is a daily race. You could even say that it's the ultimate ultra marathon. As such, we have to study the bible (the book of instruction) continually. The bible tells us to meditate on it day and night to be sure to obey everything written in it. It's only then that we will prosper and succeed. In this fast paced world, what does it really mean to meditate and is it really necessary on days when there's really no time left for anything but sleep? You bet. If God said it, He meant it.
Merriam Webster defines meditate as: to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over. But here's the great part-the reward for doing so, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3. God promises us perfect peace if we keep our eyes fixed on him, meditating day and night on His word. The fabulous part is you can do this anywhere, God is always there. It sometimes just takes losing the distractions to hear Him. But remember, just like with race instructions you must read them and know them to be able meditate on them. The better you know the rules, the better you run the race.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the bible to know your Word and thoughts. Thank you also for the gift of the Holy Spirit living within us that speaks to us wherever we are. That is such a priceless gift that we don't deserve. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross because you loved us. May we spend our lives serving You and sharing the gift of salvation as we run this race of life. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
It takes a soldier who knows his orders to walk the walk I'm supposed to walk-For King & Country
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