JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to run the race of faith with purpose.
Have you ever heard of an Olympic athlete who shows up at the games without training for their event? In reality, each athlete has invested an enormous amount of time, energy, and training to fulfill their dream of representing their country, and to win a gold medal.
The Apostle Paul looked to the dedicated athlete and said to the church in so many words, “we can learn from their example as we apply it to the Christian life.”
He wrote in First Corinthians 9:24, “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.”
If we keep our focus on Jesus, He will give us incentive to run a good race with every step we take.
Take the daily challenge to run the race with purpose on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the value of mentoring relationships.
While friendships are relationships often among peers, mentoring relationships tend to have wider age differences. It might be the case where an elderly Christian is grooming a younger Christian to a place of leadership, such as Paul’s relationship with Timothy in the Bible.
Or it may be a situation where one believer is preparing another believer to succeed their role, such as Elijah preparing Elisha to become a prophet.
Another excellent example of mentorship is the parent-child relationship, where the parent brings them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
The value of mentoring relationships can be found in the opportunity to pass the faith along from generation to generation.
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Verse 7 says, “Then they would put their trust in God.”
The value of mentoring relationships is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
