In just a few days, I will be running a 5k trail run called “The Ablazing Race.” When I run races, I run with about everything I have. I would be fast except for the extra pounds that I am carrying. The Apostle Paul speaks of running a race in 1Corinthians 9:24.

He says, “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.”  Later Paul would say, ” Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

The Apostle Paul knew that it would take all he had to be what God wanted him to be. Maximum effort. Today in many churches we preach an easy gospel that requires nothing of the believer. Paul preached a gospel that required maximum effort. I think Paul is correct, so run with everything that you have for God. See you soon. Pastor Bob