Running the Race—Part 7: Worship

This week’s theme for running the race of life is worship. Worship is all about glory. Many times, runners in a race are not only striving for a prize … they are longing for the “glory” of winning the race. If the race is important, a victory may even result in fame, headlines, and magazine articles.

Likewise, in the race of life, we may long to receive accolades for our achievements … to be lifted up and glorified above our peers. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best we can be or to enjoy the appreciation of others. The problem comes when pride takes over and we are seeking glory for ourselves. In all things, we must remember that the glory belongs to God. Anything we can accomplish is a gift from His hand. 2 Corinthians 2:5 reminds us that our sufficiency comes from God, not ourselves. We looked at this a couple of weeks ago, with the theme, empowered.

Today, we remember the importance of giving God the glory due Him. Psalm 29:2 (and 1 Chr. 16:29) reminds us of our duty:

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

If we are regularly giving God the glory due Him, we will be less likely to claim His glory for ourselves. Our lives should be characterized by worship. If something good happens, thank God for it. If times are tough, thank Him that He is still on the throne. When someone gives you praise for something you did, graciously accept, and thank God for enabling you. If you see a beautiful sight, praise God for His creative genius.

In all things, give God the first place in your life. Live a life of worship. Run the race so that He might be glorified. And, never forget to “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day! While I am not here to celebrate it with you, I am glad that I have this week to spend with my family. Though it may be tiring, I’m confident that it will be memorable.

I can’t remember where I heard it, but someone gave an interesting “definition” of a dad: a man with pictures in his wallet where money used to be. I thought that was pretty good. Though not all fathers are so generous, it is a joy to provide things for your children, isn’t it. But, far more important than giving “things” is giving time. So, today, I encourage you to spend some quality time with your family. If you can’t be with them, at least make a phone call.

As you celebrate today, I also encourage you to think about the people who have invested their lives into yours. Whether it is a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a pastor, or a friend, take the time to tell them “Thank You” (if they are still living). Make a phone call, write a letter, send an e-mail or text message … just make contact if you can.

I hope that this Father’s Day is a good one!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 6: Endurance

Last week, we looked at running the race “empowered.” This means running the race in God’s strength, acknowledging that we cannot do it on our own. However, that does not leave us without responsibility. We also have to run the race with ENDURANCE (that’s our part). We looked at Hebrews 12:1 before, but we need to consider it again:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us … (Hebrews 12:1 ESV emphasis mine)

Instead of “endurance”, the KJV uses “patience.” NIV says, “perseverance.” Any way you look at it, it doesn’t sound very fun, does it. Endurance, patience, and perseverance all speak of determined effort over time. They also speak of something that isn’t easy. Let’s face it, we are never promised smooth sailing through the Christian life. Instead, we are told to “...rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance … (Romans 5:3).” Paul taught his protégé Timothy to, “... always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5).”

We all face tough days. Some are far tougher than others. But, we must never give up. Like Hebrews 12:2 says, we must keep our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” We must keep going so that, in the end, like Paul, we can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)”

So, when the race seems easy, thank God! When the race is hard, pray for help and keep going. Ask God for strength (empowerment), and “… press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.… (Phil 3:14).”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 5: Empowered

As we run the race of life, we must remember that we are not running alone. Yes, there are others running along side of us, but I was thinking about God Himself.

We must do our part, which is to be ready and willing. Perhaps you are thinking that I left out “able.” I left it out intentionally. If we are honest, I think that we would admit that we often run the race in our own ability and strength. When we do that, we quickly find ourselves depleted, drained, and weary. However, that is not the way we are supposed to run the race.

We are supposed to run it EMPOWERED. While we do use our strength, we have even greater strength available for the asking … God’s strength. Consider what Paul has to say to the churches of Colossae and Ephesus, and to Timothy:

Colossians 1:11-12: May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service...

Paul knew that we could not effectively run the race or carry out the mission God gave us in our own strength. Led by the Spirit, Paul reminded us that we don’t have to. The God who gave us our mission and instructions for the race also enables us to carry out His plan. But, we have to ask for His help and rely on His strength.

So, when you have been running on your own strength and are feeling depleted, drained, and/or weary in the race of life, remember the source of true strength and ability, God Himself. If you’re doing His will, He will provide the strength you need!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 4: Praying

You’ve all heard the phrase, “a fish out of water,” and I think that gives us a good illustration for today’s concept about running the race of life. Just as a fish out of water can’t get the oxygen it needs, we cannot get the oxygen we need if we don’t breathe. Just holding your breath for 15 seconds, you begin to feel uncomfortable. After 30 seconds, you will really need a breath (assuming you haven’t passed out yet). And, if you’ve ever felt like you can’t catch your breath, you know what a fish out of water feels like.

But, what does this have to do with the race of life? Everything. Just as we need to breathe to keep functioning, the believer needs to pray to keep functioning in the Christian race. Just as a fish out of water will soon die, the Christian without prayer will soon find that a piece of him or her has died. There is, however, great potential for revival if we will turn and pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us that prayer is to be constant, like drawing a spiritual breath:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Did you catch the terms: always, without ceasing, in all circumstances? Paul says that “this is the will of God.” So, then, if we fail to rejoice, PRAY, and/or give thanks, perhaps we are functioning like a fish out of water … maybe not spiritually dead yet, but struggling to stay alive. Just as our bodies need a breath of oxygen, our souls need a breath of prayer.

So, as you run the race of life, pray frequently. It should be as natural as breathing. Likewise, if we go without praying, we miss out on that life giving refreshment that comes from frequent communication with God.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker