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. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25, ESV
We are called to faithfulness, and God tells us to exercise self-control as we grow. Fortunately, He also empowers us with the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV
We have been called to faithfulness, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in Christ’s faithfulness to the glory of the Father.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8, ESV
God has called us to faithfulness, and He has given His help by His Holy Spirit and the Word – the Bible. We study the Word and the Spirit works it in and through us to faithfulness.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24, ESV
We have been called to faithfulness. It is God’s grace that helps us remain faithful, especially to share the Gospel of grace to this world, even if it costs us our earthly lives. That was the cost for our grace from Jesus.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12, ESV
We have been called to faithfulness. Thanks be to God that His faithfulness brings us eternal life and guides us in faithfulness. Trust Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7, NASB
Many of the problems we face in this life come from bad decisions we have made, thinking we know better than God or that God might not care enough to bother with us.
We can overcome the problems in this life as we turn our focus on Christ and living according to God’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit. He cares for every part of our lives, and He has given us guidance through His Word and by His Spirit.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13, ESV
God has prepared a rest for those who are cleansed by the blood of Christ, and He knows even the stains of sins we are unaware of. With our faith in Christ, as revealed by the Word, we can know we are clean with the hope of rest from fear, shame, and judgment.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12, ESV
God has prepared an eternal rest for us, and we find this rest through the indwelling, Spirit-inspired Word of God which transforms us and guides us in all truth.
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:11, ESV
God has offered us rest for our souls in Christ. May we live in such a way that we can know that we will find complete rest, whether at death or at His return, knowing it is the Word living in us that saves us.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!