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 

 

In Need Of Prayer

Life gives me opportunities, if I take the time to look for them. Just this week I discovered at least 2 if not more. 

     I was busy and had projects at home I wanted to do, but I also needed to meet with an advisor. I really did not want to make the drive and could have initialed it by a phone call from home, but I do believe the best results are gained by face-to-face contact. During the visit we both took time sharing personal information. He did not say as much, but his family stories and life told me he was a Christian. What was most important was that his wife struggled with an illness. This is my main point. Because I listened, I picked up the fact that here was a lady who needed prayers. I Could Do That! 

     The next day I wanted to stay at home and do “my thing,” but I also felt the need to support a family member who was committed to helping a friend with a “minor medical” procedure which did not turn out to be so minor. Instead of a few hours in the hospital, it turned into an all-day process. Also, we had to deal with unexpected car issues. Without telling the whole story, the one having the procedure stated, “I am scared.”  It was then I realized that, here again, this was someone that needed prayers.  

     Life can be busy- life can get hectic---but there is always someone who needs prayers.  I just have to take the time and look for them. It can be a part of "running the race that is set before us (me)."  

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1 KJV 

The Race of Endurance

“Let us (me) run with endurance the race that is set before us (me)…so that you (I) will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

     I have to remind myself daily to run with endurance and not lose heart. I believe we all depend on someone which means someone is depending upon me, as well. Those who teach have children and co-workers who depend upon them. Pastors have a congregation that depends upon him. Those in other professions have co-workers and bosses who depend upon them. I am retired, yet I have others who depend upon me in some way or other. It may just be a Sunday School teacher who needs a good attendance member, missions that need my offering, an elderly person who needs a way to travel, and maybe a child, grandchild, or friend who needs a listening ear.   

     The marathon I choose to run takes endurance because my path is not always clearly marked and, often, I veer off course. However, when I do reach the finish line I hope to receive the reward of “Well done!” 

     To endure and keep on running with endurance, I need God’s Word and His instruction. 

     “Therefore we (I) do not lose heart. (Never give up.)…Inwardly we (I) are being renewed day by day.”  My renewal can only come through God and His Word. 

 

 

Daily Quiet

     I believe there is a natural determination within all of you to get ahead.  We want to stay on the fast track of achievement, not letting anyone catch up or get ahead, must like a race.  Yet there is a time in each day when we need to slow down, at least long enough to listen diligently to the voice of God.

 Deuteronomy 28: 1-2  
"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God."