24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises selfcontrol in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Do you like to run? When I think about running, I resonate with Forrest Gump and think, there will come a point where I’ll want to stop and say, “I’m pretty tired, think I’ll go home now…” You see, while I run often, it’s just not one of my favorite things to do. Why? A few reasons, it hurts, I get sore, the mental battle that tries to convince me to take a short cut and ultimately it’s HARD! It takes work, determination, and practice to be successful at not just the run itself but the battle along the way.

Can you relate?

Paul wrote the above text and likened his work in the furtherance of the Gospel as a race, and he was certain he wanted to not only finish well but embrace the journey well too! Paul was on mission, and he knew the end goal was far more precious than the momentary afflictions that the “race” would provide. He knew that all the sweat, toil, hardships and difficulties would be worth the “prize”!

We have been learning over the past few weeks about how best to steward the graces we receive in our journey. We have been considering this thought, “What would it look like to live without regret and ensure we steward all things well!” I have been very encouraged by all that God has been teaching us and how we can truly see how our stewardship plays a critical role in the big picture of the Mission! This week we will close the series and look at how our stewardship culminates into living a life that is not distracted, even in some of the hardest of times.

In preparation for our time in the word together, read 1 Peter 4:12-19, and then worship with these songs that we will sing on Sunday – click here for the worship set!.

 

Please pray for the following:

  1. The Mexico team as they serve and minister to the church in Oaxaca
  2. Pastor Brett and Jamie leave for Romania to serve the church in Targu Mures
  3. Jude Stier broke his foot in multiple places
  4. The Zubaly’s – for comfort and peace for them as Ian’s mom died this week after battling cancer. Also, as they await a ruling from the city concerning their housing.
  5. Geneva and Matt Neupauer welcomed a daughter, Isabella, to their family this week
  6. Randall and Tori Yoder welcomed a son, Hudson, to their family this week
  7. Jen Rose as she recovers from foot surgery
  8. Brent and Rachel Parmer – Brent’s mom’s leg needed amputation; additionally, his grandmother died this week

 

Loved & sent with you,

Pastor Nate