Welcome to my blog!
The Bible teaches us in Philippians 4:8 that there are very specific topics that should occupy our thinking. They are described as things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy! So with that in mind, I’d like to share with you some of the thoughts I’ve been having about what the Bible is teaching me in my personal study. I trust it will be a blessing to you!
I love to run! I love it so much that when I go to sleep at night, I go with a sense of anticipation! I’m already looking forward to getting up in the morning, having that cup of coffee, spending some time in the Word and then lacing up my running shoes. I love running because of the feeling of freedom and the challenge of finishing the course.
But I also love running because it reminds me of my life as a Christian. The author of Hebrews speaks of this in Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The author of Hebrews tells us that as we run, we are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. So who are these witnesses? They are none other than the list of faithful believers that the author mentions in Hebrews 11. People like Abel and Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the men and women and children who crossed the Red Sea and walked around the city of Jericho, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, and an anonymous list of multitudes of faithful men and women who suffered for their faith. They’re not looking at us. They have a far more wondrous sight to look at in heaven. But we are looking at them. Looking at the example of their lives. And the list is daunting isn’t it?
Yet each of these men and women were just like you and I. They struggled and lived through good times and bad. But their faith was such, that God has chosen to list them among the truly faithful.
As we run the race that is set before us, and seek to live out our Christian lives in a way that honours the Lord, we are to look to them, the great cloud of witnesses and take courage from their example of faithfulness.
In the next few weeks, I’d like to share with you some of my thoughts about running. Not just physical running, but running as a Christian. And I trust that the thoughts I share will be a blessing to you as you also seek to run the race that is set before you.
So I hope you’ll come by and check out my blog. And by the way, I hope you’ll get a pair of running shoes and give running a try! You’ll love it!
Deborah Hodgkinson
03, August,2016 4 years ago
Good morning Gerry
I am looking forward to following this site . What a gift to know that my children have such God filled examples in Jill and yourself. I will be checking in from time to time to read your message myself.
( my shoes are often waiting for me, the mornings outside are the best when I can squeeze it in to start the day. Maybe some of these grandchildren will
join their grandparents in this joyful experience.)
Gerry
03, August,2016 4 years ago
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for commenting on my blog! You’re the first. Hope that as you read it will be an encouragement for you. Ben and KathyLee left this morning and should be close to home right now. We had a great time together. I’ll be posting every Monday if you like to check in again. Have a blessed day!