Running the Race
Monday’s Verse:
From 1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
What a World Cup! The United States, Mexico, and Canada put on an amazing show for the past month-plus. Especially the US - thousands upon thousands of foreign visitors came to our shores to see their national team compete, and they fell in love with the United States. So many visitors were amazed that the USA wasn’t like they had heard about back home. We were friendly, we had advances that made life better (hello, air conditioners), and the food here in America stunned them.
With Spain hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy, we congratulate them and their incredible team. They played an amazing tournament - their defense was pitch perfect through it all.
The Spaniards truly ran the race this World Cup, defeating team after team, showing the skill and mastery that eventually led them to the trophy. That is why Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians really hits home. They “ran their soccer (football) race and won the prize. But Paul is talking deeper here. It is not just about sporting events; it is the race we run in life as believers in Jesus Christ.
Living by faith in our Savior, through all that we face and are challenged with in this life, in the end, we will win the prize - eternal life. It is a prize that God promised us. We don’t have to kick goals or battle another team. By faith alone in Jesus Christ, this prize is ours. Each of us receives the crown of eternal life and will live forever with our Lord.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Dear Father above, as I run the race in this life, strengthen my faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, so I can show others what it means to be a part of Your family. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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