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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 24-27
Do you like competition? If I am challenged to do something, I often make it a point to see what I or the person competing against me is made of. Unless it is something stupid dangerous, e.g. ‘I double dog dare you to…’ then I am usually up for it. I have been playing Fantasy Football with a group from our church for the past 4 years or so, and each year I think ‘I don’t really need to play this year’, and almost give it up. The past 2-3 years I even had someone else pick my team, and then the challenge is to see what I can do with someone else’s choices. It has gone surprisingly better than when I picked and overall had the best record this season. So, we can really make a challenge out of any situation. In fact, the challenge is to make the best of any and every situation, no matter how messy it is. That is the daily challenge in life.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
So, the challenge to myself and to you this week is a simple one. Double the time you put in the Word and prayer. And if you really had not put anything into it, spend at least 10 minutes each day doing so. One week, one challenge, do you accept? It is a simple challenge. If you normally spend 20 minutes a day doing this, find an extra 20 minutes sometime each day to spend talking or listening to your Heavenly Father and not just watching the clock. Just one week. I wish you the best and to be blessed in the attempt.
Yours in Christ,
Clark
