September 30, 2018

The Shepherd's Corner

[:en]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

Think with the end in mind

That race was fun, tough, memorable, difficult, and I trained, some days training hard.

I was the Bule who was running around Bangkalan, saying hi to the becak workers, the fruit sellers, the police, and as many people as I could, because it wasn’t just about running and the race, it was ALSO about a different race – to bring the Gospel to Bangkalan and the Madurese. The two weren’t separate. I do my normal every routine in such a way, with faith, for God, so that it is like I am also running a race, so that I can finish well.

Paul says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” (1 Cor. 9:25) I went into training, and some others on our ministry team did as well. I trained the hardest though. So, it wasn’t surprising on race day that I did the best out of our team…the guy who trained the second hardest did the second best, the others who didn’t train at all did the worst.

How much do you see your faith as “training”?

Do you see your faith as something that can potentially stay stagnant (if you don’t really do much with it), could die (if you never use it), or could grow beyond what you could ever thing imaginable (if you use it more & more)? I think Paul would say we should.

How can you begin to take your faith more seriously like a runner going into strict training? Because one day the race (of life) will be over.

Pastor Steve[:id]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

Think with the end in mind

That race was fun, tough, memorable, difficult, and I trained, some days training hard.

I was the Bule who was running around Bangkalan, saying hi to the becak workers, the fruit sellers, the police, and as many people as I could, because it wasn’t just about running and the race, it was ALSO about a different race – to bring the Gospel to Bangkalan and the Madurese. The two weren’t separate. I do my normal every routine in such a way, with faith, for God, so that it is like I am also running a race, so that I can finish well.

Paul says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” (1 Cor. 9:25) I went into training, and some others on our ministry team did as well. I trained the hardest though. So, it wasn’t surprising on race day that I did the best out of our team…the guy who trained the second hardest did the second best, the others who didn’t train at all did the worst.

How much do you see your faith as “training”?

Do you see your faith as something that can potentially stay stagnant (if you don’t really do much with it), could die (if you never use it), or could grow beyond what you could ever thing imaginable (if you use it more & more)? I think Paul would say we should.

How can you begin to take your faith more seriously like a runner going into strict training? Because one day the race (of life) will be over.

Pastor Steve[:]

More Shepherd's Corner Articles

The Shepherd's Corner - May 28, 2017
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER In his book, The Beautiful Fight, Gary Thomas shares an experience that brought shame and a sense of failure to himself....
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - February 12, 2023
Those of you who have been following the news about the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria know how massive the devastation is.  In the wee morning hour, the earthquake struck and took the lives of more than twenty thousand people. I am sure none among the dead would have known that that nig...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - February 7, 2021
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER Last Friday Tante Lydia underwent a medical procedure to remove fluid from her lungs.  By the grace of God, it went well and now she does not only breathe better, she also eats better.  We can only thank God for giving her the strength that she needed and for blessi...
Read More