Walking Man

Yesterday's mail brought a new book I ordered. Walking Man is the autobiography of Narciso Zamora. Narciso is one of our Church of God leaders in South America. He has started many churches in Chile and Peru.

There is a line in the prologue that really captured me: "You can't expect a crown if you don't enter the race."

I've been "racing" now for a little over 40 years. (I became a Christian somewhere around 10 years old.) But, I still feel like there is so much more. I realize most of my course is behind me, but there are pit stops that I still see ahead. There is so much to do yet for Jesus!

I hope you are in the race. Don't get lost on a detour or stuck in the pit for repairs. Get out there and race!

Acts 20:24 (NIV)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24 through 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

2 Timothy 4:7 through 2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Hebrews 12:1 through Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.