Seek to Deepen Your Knowledge

“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10 NIV

In a timely article about resolutions subtitled “Whether you want to become a faster, stronger, happier or more consistent runner, here’s how to commit to a new running habit in 2025” published yesterday, the writer said, “While the thought of New Year’s resolutions may leave you rolling your eyes, laying out your goals at the start of the year can keep you accountable and more motivated to stick to them over the coming months – especially if you are a new or improving runner. Your objective might be to nail a new PB, or to simply start running again after an injury-induced period on the sidelines. Alternatively, you might be looking to hone healthy habits that supplement your running – such as your nutrition, hydration and sleep patterns – or commit to stretching more regularly and doing those all-important strength and conditioning sessions.” The writer went on list some possible goals to set for those runners who don’t have any goals. 

And, you know, when to comes to setting goals in our spiritual lives, the number one objective for every believer should be to deepen their relationship with the Lord—something they do by growing in their knowledge of who God is by carefully searching the Scriptures for the treasures found within them. This was something David clearly understood saying, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” In fact, God’s laws, statutes, precepts, commands, and decrees are so able to teach us about God that David went on to declare “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”

So, above and beyond anything else you resolve to do in 2025, seek to know Christ more my friend. Make it a relentless search, knowing that you’ll reap the rewards for doing so both now and into eternity. And unlike with running, the gains you’ll make will never fade and will fill you with more joy and peace than you could ever imagine. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible, which is the living and breathing Word of God. Lord help us to understand that You can be discovered within the pages of the greatest Book ever given to mankind and that our knowledge is only limited by the amount of time and effort that we are willing to put  into reading, studying and meditating on the Bible. Compel us to draw nearer to you Lord, knowing that You will draw nearer to us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Temperate in All Things

"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." 1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV

Like many other runners around the world yesterday, I started off the first day of the new year by running with friends (after Bible study of course). And I wasn't the only one. In a story published by KPAX News out of Minnesota yesterday it was reported that, "Some people started off their New Year at the starting line of the Resolution 5K in Missoula on Wednesday. Runners started 2025 on the right foot as they ran just over three miles, beginning and ending at Missoula's Pineview Park. The race began at 10 a.m. on level terrain but later included a hill. The scenic route attracted dozens of runners, including Kyler Harris. The high school student signed up for the 5K because he believes practice makes perfect — and that showed when he earned first place." The writer went on to say that Harris had some advice for those who may be planning their resolutions--advice that I one hundred percent agree with. "The main thing is just be consistent. If your goal is to run a certain amount of miles just stay consistent and run every day." 

And you know, when it comes to the need for consistency in order to reach a goal, Paul used the analogy of an athlete training for a competition with the goal of winning to illustrate the need for Christians to consistently exercise self-control in all aspects of their lives, saying, "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." Paul emphasized the need to be temperate in "all things" by adopting a pattern of self denial and self discipline. He went on to remind the church at Corinth that, while an athlete strives for a temporary victory, Christians should strive for an eternal reward that will never fade away; essentially, consistently prioritizing spiritual discipline over worldly pursuits.

So, whether you're a person who makes formal resolutions each year or one who doesn't, resolve to be temperate in all things my friend by following the example of Paul, who lived to fulfill the mission the Lord had given him. Above all else, Paul sought to do the will of the Father and to run the race in such a way that he would inspire others to join him, thus doing his part in bringing glory to God and fulfilling the Great Commission.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are all to run the race in such a way as to gain the prize, disciplining our flesh to abstain from the comforts and pleasures of this world, to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow You. Knowing that Jesus return could happen at any moment, fill us with a sense of urgency and boldness Lord that we might be found busy doing all that You have called us to do. It’s' in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!