Run the Race

Lord,

Because of you, I can rejoice – I am alive - I thrive.

Give me drive to strive deeper into Your Word,

 And to stay the course.

What I lack -When I fall back-

Get me back on track,

And help me run the race.

Lord, 

Fix my eyes on Jesus, 

Who paid the price- who made the sacrifice,

Who rose again, 

And Who made a home for me in paradise.

Please establish my pace-

Hold me tight with You ever in my space.

And Lord, 

I thank you for Your grace.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/7/2026

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set down before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

Romans 12:1-2 ESV 

 

What Have You Done?

“Then the Lord God said to the woman, (Eve) ‘What is this that you have done?’” Genesis 3:13a

 

“And the Lord said, (to Cain) ‘What have you done?’” Genesis 4:10a

 

When I hear, “What have you done!” how do I react. Do I blame or do I confess and ask forgiveness. Am I too proud to say, “I am sorry. Please forgive me.” I know there is no hiding. God has seen! Others have either heard my speech or seen and felt my actions. Pride needs to be put aside and the right thing be done. Others will feel better and so will I. God would be pleased to hear, “Father, forgive me for I have sinned.” 

 

He Sees! He Knows! 

 

“What have you done?”

Was a question God asked of Adam and Eve.

Eve made an excuse in an attempt to blame and deceive.

Her response didn’t go well.

Judgment still fell.

“What have you done?” 

Was asked of Cain.      

But Cain wouldn’t admit, Abel he had slain.

Yet, God witnessed the deed.

He saw! He knew!

That was then, 

But today it still holds true.

He sees! He knows!

In His Omniscience, my deeds are exposed.

“What have you done?”

He may need ask of me or anyone.

My thoughts, actions, speech, and who I serve

Are all readily revealed for God to observe.

What will my answer be within my plea?

“For all have sinned and fallen short.”

Will that be my excuse

When God has the final say in His heavenly court?

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/4/2026

 

Who Is The Lord?

I've had a few blah days. Not really at my best. I think the best way to turn it around is to start off my day giving the Lord my praise. 

Praise

Who is the Lord?

He is God!

He is worthy to be praised.

Praise the Lord all my days.

Praise His Holy Name!

Who is the Lord?

It is He who has made me!

I will sing to Him with glee.

Praise His Holy Name!

Praise God, 

The Maker of the Universe.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Praise the Lord all my days!

“From the rising of the sun to its setting. 

The name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 ESV

Repeat and Repeat

Do you ever get tired or frustrated with having to repeat the same thing over and over to your children so they will grasp your words? My child is grown and no longer lives at home, but I remember having to repeat myself often. In today’s world, I may still have to repeat myself, but that would be because the hearing aid is not turned up loud enough. 

     Getting back to repeating! In my Daily Hope devotional this morning, the author stated that “there are 365 ‘fear not’ verses in the Bible.”  Yesterday, I did a search on Google and found several who stated there are “sixteen verses with ‘I am with you’ or ‘I will be with you,’ or ‘God will be with you’” or similar statements.” 

     I have to say that God is my Father, and I am very sorry that He has to continually repeat Himself to get my attention. However, I am, also, so very glad He does. I know God repeats Himself because I am constantly pulled back from my sinful ways to Him. He sees! He knows! He holds me tight! 

     I am a constant sinner who knows, “God is always with me,” and I “fear not” because He is!

I Am With You

One of my favorite thoughts that takes me through the day is “This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it.” Why shouldn’t I be glad, because God is with me! Knowing God is with me absolutely makes my day. 

     How many times does God say, “I am with you” or God will be with you?” I didn’t do the count but one or two researchers said it was sixteen.

 

     Regardless, my verse for today will be from Isaiah 41:10

 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  

 

Rudeness

I was just thinking this morning about my knee-jerk reactions. I am like most folks when grumbled at, I grumble back. When faced with a rude person, I instantly want to be rude right back. However, that is not what God desires to see in my daily character. I have to be alert. So, what should I do when people are rude? I have to keep in mind they may have troubles I do not know about or can even comprehend.

 

R aise the bar- give them a smile

U ndo their influence – stay happy 

D o the unexpected -wish them a better day

E ven the score is not my job- keep that in mind – pray for them

 

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Proverbs 3:13 KJV 

 

Women of Mention

Women have a place in everyday simple places - in the home, in the workplace, and in the church. So, I thought I might talk about them just a bit. 

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” Luke 1:38

 

“And then as a widow (Anna) until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Luke 2:37 

 

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church...for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well” Romans 16:1,2b

 

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life.” Romans 16:3a

 

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia...a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Acts 16:14 

 

Women of Mention

 

We all know about Mary. How she was chosen to bare the Messiah!

And how she said, “I am a servant of the Lord; let it be.” 

She was obedient to God, you see.

Then there is Anna, a widow until she was eighty-four. 

She didn’t leave the temple but fasted and prayed day and night.

She gave thanks and spoke of Jesus to those at the temple door.

 Martha and Mary were two different talented sisters.

Both were eager to welcome Jesus as a guest into their home.

One wanted to clean- The other to give full attention to their guest.

There’s a purpose to both, but consider what Jesus expressed. 

There is no discounting Phoebe, a servant of the church.

She was a patron of many and of Paul, as well. 

Then there is Prisca who journeyed with her husband, risking her neck, for the ministry they had to tell. 

Lydia was a seller of purple goods and a woman of faith.

She offered her home for Christians to stay during her day.

Rich or poor, women have a place; 

Gifts upon them God has graced.

There is purpose within His intent,

And they’re flavored with a delicate scent.