11/01/2024
Shanah Tova
God nowhere promised that the Christian life would be easy. On the contrary, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan, as there are difficult times ahead and Satan will test us. But we do not persevere without the promises of a reward or prize because God always fulfills His promises.
1 Cor 9:24-27
"24 Do you not know that athletes who take part in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Then run in such a way that you may win the prize. 25 All who take part in a contest deny themselves all kinds of things. . They do this to obtain a perishable conqueror's crown, but we an imperishable one. 26 Then I also run like one who is not uncertain of his goal; I punch like a boxer who does not punch in the air. 27 But I exercise my body and bring it under control, so that I do not call others to battle and do not qualify myself."
The goal - to run the race in such a way that you believe you are going to win and All that can happen is to run straight to the finish line.
The plan - abstain from all that is potentially harmful and discipline your body and soul by practicing it.
The prize - an eternal reward that nothing or no one can take away.
Blessings
