How Far Did You Run?
Hello and happy Monday TWP Family!
How far did you run yesterday at your church building?
Seems like an odd question I know, but let me tell you about my morning.
In one hour and three minutes, I ran 1.24MI!
Somehow yesterday the Workout app on my Apple Watch started an “outdoor run” right as service was starting. I had no idea this was happening until eight minutes after service had ended. I am somewhat encouraged however when I noticed my heart rate, it bounced to and fro from 97 BPM to 126 BPM.
This got me thinking. I have an intentional routine after my real outdoor runs to assist me in my recovery. But I do not really have a routine for my after-church service recovery. So here is my attempt to craft one and I would like to share it with you:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! - Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)
The water from our taps and the water Jesus provides may have similar satisfaction physically yet only what Jesus offers provides living, lasting, and eternal refreshment. I desire to have a “fresh, bubbling spring” inside me forever! I desire the same for you too. Be sure to hydrate!
Wash, you stink! - Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:16-18)
As soon as I get home from a run two things must happen. I must shower and my running clothes must be washed. When you work hard on a run you will stink. It’s science. It is vital that we as leaders stay humble and right while at the feet of our creator God through the freeing and saving work of Jesus! Make time to get alone and wash! Pray, give thanks, and ask for forgiveness, guidance, discernment, and direction. We must lead from there!
Dream of your next run! - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
You, we, are surrounded by such a great crowd of like-minded and like-hearted individuals. Know that you are not alone! With that in mind let us stay with our eyes fixed on Jesus, and let us keep running! With God’s endurance, run! And know that I am running with you!
Peace and Love TWP Family!