Look for ways

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24

Ten months ago, Colin McCourt, who had once been an internationally competitive middle distance runner, weighed 207 pounds and was out of shape. But after being issued a challenge by 17 of his old running buddies that he couldn't run a sub-16 minute 5k within a year, McCourt, now 32, got busy training and completed a 5k last weekend in 15:38 to win the bet. And not only did he not have to get the name of each of his friends tattooed somewhere on his body (part of the bet), he walked away $2800 richer (his counter-wager). Of his friends’ crazy efforts to motivate him back to a healthier lifestyle, he said, "It's done well smashed. I can't believe it.. it has been the most craziest mental journey ever. Thank you. You guys have changed my life." 

You know, losing the motivation to stay in shape is an easy thing to do in our fast-paced world. Especially if you don't have friends to encourage you to do otherwise. But the effects of losing the desire to exercise pales in comparison to what happens when you and I lose our enthusiasm to focus on the Word and serve Christ as we should. Which is why Paul urged believers to "think of ways" to keep that from happening-ways to continuously "motivate one another to acts of love and good works." 

So if you have a brother or sister that has lost their enthusiasm and passion for God today, won't you help them gain that excitement back? Won’t you look for ways to encourage, strengthen and motivate them to love others and serve the way they once did? They will most surely thank you for it later because it will not only change their lives, but the lives of those around them.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people that never “wait” for an opportunity to encourage others but are always “looking” for ways to uplift and stimulate them. May we be those people who constantly search for ways to strengthen our individual brothers and sisters that the church as a whole might become stronger. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are the dreamers - Jeremy West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkpqmsR9xZo

https://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/wanna-bet-running-and-wagering-have-a-long-history-and-still-bring-out-the-best-in-us