Tabernacle of Praise, 42690 Cherry Hill Rd, Canton, MI (2026)

12/20/2016

We invite you to come out and join HOLI Little Lambs Preschool as they put on a Mini Musical Wednesday December 21,2016 at 6:30pm

11/20/2016

BREAKING TRADITION

On November 20, 2016 at 10am; Tabernacle of Praise will be celebrating Harvest Festival!

We will give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest, as those who bring in the crops, to market for consumption.

We will give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation and people from very diverse origins and even walks of faith.

We will give thanks to God for looking beyond all of our faults and shortcomings to find our unity in Him.

We will praise God from whom all our blessings flow;
As we gather in worship
As we gather in fellowship
As we gather and pause to remember our blessings from the Almighty God

We are coming together to heal, strengthen and rejoice;

And you are invited to join Us; as we worship in Spirit and in Truth!!

No Worship Service on Thanksgiving Eve or Thanksgiving Day will be observed
Spend time connecting to your Family and giving Thanks to God.

11/09/2016

Good Wednesday Morning! We have a devotion to speak to the soul today!

Not to the Swift, nor the Strong

The race is not given to the swift nor the battle to the strong—Ecclesiastes 9:11

A professional marathon runner knows races aren’t won by speed, but endurance. They train for long distances, not sprints. The sprinter works on getting their speed up in a short amount of time in order to get out in front of the other runners. But a marathon runner is focused on staying in the race till the very end. Even reserving some strength and energy for the end when the race becomes hardest.

That’s so like this earthly journey. We are not sprinters; trying to outrun others, or run hard for a short distance. But just like the marathoner; determining to be in the race till the very end—in it for the long haul.

In another passage about races and faith the Apostle Paul says; “I have run the race, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul wasn’t a sprinter, he was a marathoner of the highest quality!

Sometimes as we start rounding third and coming in for the home stretch the going gets tough. We can see the finish line just ahead but there is much that gets thrown in our path: unexpected sickness, changes in income that make daily living difficult, loss of loved ones or friends, some degree of immobility, just to name a few of our challenges. Still we should not be discouraged or drop out of the race, or start to doubt God’s faithfulness; God is still with us, we can do it, we are not alone, we don’t have to run on our own strength!

Let’s Pray

This journey is a marathon God, not a sprint! We are going for distance, not speed. We need to stay in the race for the long run: all the way to the end. Grant us needed strength and the spirit of endurance every marathoner needs to run a good race. In Jesus’ name Amen

10/19/2016

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday! Happy Senior Wednesday to you all let's take a moment to focus on the word today. Brought to you on behalf of Vessels of Mercy Ministry:

Don’t Let Your Brain Turn to Mush

But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge…--2 Corinthians 8:7

Have you noticed with age comes a natural weakening of the muscles? A thinning of the skin and less elasticity? So many things begin to go south (as some would describe the aging body!) regardless of how much work you put into keeping it toned and strong? We might not be able to keep the physical body from changing but we can keep our minds from turning to mush! Mental sit-ups pay off!

St. Paul’s counsel to excel even in knowledge are a reminder that our brain is a living organ, alive, pulsing, capable, and it needs to be nurtured and cared for, fed. Think of the mental work you do as mental work-outs; mental “sit-up’s” if you will that will keep it strong and vibrant.

A few years ago, during the time of college graduations, the local news did a feature story on a ninety-four year old woman who was receiving her degree in Education. At the end of the interview, the reporter commented now that she had completed her long-time goal, she could happily frame it and hang it on the wall. The woman commented; “Oh, no I intend to look for work! I didn’t do all this work for nothing, I’m going to put it to good use!”

Even when (if) we are long past the time we are working hard at a degree or trying to become certified in a particular field of study, we can keep our minds keen through studying, reading new things, taking up new hobbies which cause us to stretch our minds for understanding.

Maybe your new studies will inspire you to return to school in some form or fashion, maybe they will simply add to the things you know well, maybe they will surprisingly be a means to increase your income…if nothing more, they will expand the ways you’re able to hold a conversation with others. Imagine the next family gathering when, instead of your usual revisiting of stories from the “good-old-days” you start talking about the mating habits of the Humpback Whale! Now that will get everyone’s attention!

Happy Learning, Friend!

Let’s Pray:

Dear God, thank you for my brain! Help me to keep it fresh by feeding it with good things! As I expand my mind don’t let me forget to spend time in Your Word, in daily study of my Bible and Your precepts which not only expand and strengthen my mind, but my faith and spiritual muscles. In Jesus’ name. Amen

10/05/2016

Good Morning today is the first Wednesday of October and we get to celebrate it with a post for Senior Wednesday, from Vessels of Mercy Ministry! Another installment in the series "POWER OF WORDS"

The Power of Words (Part 3)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue—Proverbs 18:21

Have you ever noticed how a kind word to someone, even a complete stranger, immediately changes the/their mood. Brings a smile to the face and eases a tense situation. In our third, and final discussion on the power of words, let’s consider the impact of using words to breathe life and bring healing into people and situations. It doesn’t take much to use your words to bring life and light to those in darkness. Using your words to heal and liberate. All it takes is something I call the “Triple A”: Abide, Avail, and Announce

Abide. Jesus said if we abide in Him, He will abide in us. Abiding in Him means spending quality time in His Word: after all He is the Living Word, the Life-Giving Word. Studying, meditating, praying. From Him flows streams of living, refreshing water. When we are filled up with God’s word, when we spend time with Him in His word; we will, over time, become a mirror of who he is. We will know His character and nature and automatically share His promises with others, especially those we recognize are in need, or spiritually depleted…

Avail. When we avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit, Jesus is free to keep living His life through us. Free to express himself through us. Free to illuminate the darkness. When we are available we can be used however, wherever, and whenever the Spirit desires and with whomever He desires. When our words are shaped through an abiding relationship with Christ and our wills availed to his; then the next natural flow, becomes Announcing…

Announce. Psalm 68:11 says; “the people of God who announce the Good News are a great host”. To announce means; “to make known publicly. To give notice of the arrival, presence or readiness of. To serve as an announcer of.

I like that: “To serve as an announcer of good news. Good news to the hurting, or despairing, or wounded. Good news to those so beat down by others and their discouraging and disparaging remarks they can’t see anything good about themselves or their future. Good news to the bullied and the battered and abandoned. Think of the people your words could touch in a deep way. Life-giving words are slave to the wounded. Just as Jesus is the Balm in Gilead.

Jesus said when he is lifted up from the earth—including our life-giving words—he will draw all men to him. And when we are in Christ we have all that we need!

Let’s Pray

Jesus use my words to soothe open wounds to bring healing and breathe life to the hurting. Count me among the great hosts who come with a good and timely word. Just as the words you speak to me through your Word bring me joy and comfort, strengthen, and uplift let my words to others do the same. Since the words I speak to others have the power to usher in death or bring forth life; help me to choose the latter. In Jesus Name. Amen

09/21/2016

Good Morning everyone do you know what today is? Yes it is Wednesday, and also Senior devotion day but did you know that this particular Wednesday is the last one of Summer? The last Wednesday in the Summer of 2016 Yes it is! So as you go about the day enjoy it, but also take each moment to be a true testament to others to what the Lord has done for you!!!!

The Power of Words (Part 2)

I’ll begin by stating something you’ve probably learned through experience: just like your arms are too short to spar with God, your tongue is no match for the devil! You cannot be more clever, more insulting, more crushing with your words than he. Satan is the master wounder. His tongue is literally a double-edged sword that will cut you coming and going, inside and out. His venom can travel faster and further than a snakes spray. Deeper than the physical can detect. Some battles, especially those that involve the sharp tongue are battles best left to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says; “This battle is not yours, but God’s.

True! We’re no match for the evil that pushes and lies behind cruel words. Battles of words are not ours to fight (against) but belong to God. The one who takes pleasure in taking his opponent down with words, chopping him or her down at the knees, cannot be outdone, or out argued. The person determined to win or score his or her point through damaging words will not pull back or pull up short until their goal is reached.

Words can damage, they can bruise, they can crush, and cleverly strung together, they can kill the soul, even the body.

I read a news story recently about a nine year old boy who took his own life. Seems he was the victim of cyber bullying. It both grieved and angered me to think he had been so torn down, so beaten down by harsh, thoughtless, even deliberately wounding words that he could no longer take it.

In all the Gospel accounts we never see Jesus argue with the foolish. Never engage in a verbal war with those who loved to argue. Why? It’s pointless to argue with those who refuse to listen to reason. With those who are more concerned about outdoing, outlasting, than learning or hearing. The skillful arguer will not concede; but always need to be in the right.

In closing, I’ll remind:

Proverbs 15:1 says; “A gentle answer turns away wrath. And

Proverbs 25:11 says; “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. But my favorite nugget of wisdom concerning words comes from Matthew 7:6, when Jesus said;

“Don’t give dogs what is sacred, do not throw your pearls to pigs.”

In other words people who come out swinging in their words in verbal confrontation are as noisy and destructive as a herd of pigs let loose from their pen. Words of wisdom (pearls) are wasted on them!

We’re never too old, it’s never too late to (re)consider the way we use our gift of words, never too late to turn in our knives and swords for caches coated with fragrant, healing balm.

Let’s Pray,

Jesus, thank you for your timeless words of wisdom. In an age where words are used as weapons more than for healing we need a reminder such as this. We need to be reminded that words have power and pe*****te to the very soul. I pray to be a healer, one who uses words sparingly and wisely and never to wound or destroy but only to life up and bring life. Amen

09/07/2016

Good Morning Everyone! We pray today is a wonderful day for you all! Wednesday's are dedicated to Seniors and we try to bring you not only a word of encouragement but a word to focus on from our Senior Ministry Vessels of Mercy:

I find it amazing that we are the only species that has been gifted to communicate through words.

The Bible says that the serpent was able to both, walk upright and talk (Gen. 3:1). But once he was used as an instrument of the devil to cause the downfall of the crown of God’s creation (human beings), he was cursed to crawl on his belly and lost his ability to walk and speak. Now the serpent is silent. Kind of hard to talk with a mouth full of dust!

So, only God and we have the ability to express our thoughts and emotions through speech. When we think about it, this is a really awesome and privileged position to be in. We are truly highly favored by our Creator, just as Psalm 8 says! A brain to think, a mind to process, a mouth to speak, hands to serve and feet to move! The potential of the human life is tremendous!

I am learning to count words as the precious gift they are. Becoming more and more cognizant of their power. It’s not just my background in journalism that causes me to consider their weight and impact; but I’d like to think maturity: both chronological and spiritual have played a part.

I’ve know people who used words as a ministry to comfort others, building others up. And those who have used their words as weapons. Sharp-tongued. No filters. Wounders. Harsh. Critical. While one brings a smile to my face and encourages my heart, the other makes me cringe and want to run for shelter.

It’s hard to feel safe around people who use their words to wound; hard to trust them. A simple conversation or disagreement can turn ugly and before you know it they are going for the juggler, with the intent to maim or kill.

Not long ago during a shopping trip, I overheard an elderly couple having a give and take about a set of storage containers. It seems she wanted to purchase them and he didn’t. It wasn’t an unusual conversation to be having in the store, but suddenly it turned ugly. His words became so harsh and cutting he might as well have taken up a weapon and pointed it directly at his shopping partner. I noticed that, with every harsh word she became more and more withdrawn, silent. I felt so badly for her and found myself praying that she would be healed from the wounds she incurred. And also for him. Maybe verbal lashing was all he knew to do. Maybe it’s what he had heard over time while growing up until it became part of his soul’s fiber and way of communicating.

However old we are, if we’ve used words as a weapon, it’s never too late to think or rethink how we communicate with others. We can change our habit of using words to hurt, or wound, or blast, or belittle, or crush and adopt the practice of using them as the gift they are meant to be: to bring healing and uplift. To comfort and build up. To encouraging and bring delight. Even if we come from a long line of people who have used their words negatively, we can change! Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, today help me to use my words as the gift they are intended to be. To bring comfort or soothe the distraught. To usher in healing to the hurting or encourage the discouraged. If I, in any way, have contributed to the pain of others by the words I have spoken, I pray, forgive my thoughtless, harshness, and bring healing to their wounds. Lord may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my Redeemer. Amen

08/31/2016

Laughter IS good Medicine!

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones—Proverbs 17:22

Have you noticed over the years, that laughter truly is good medicine? Laughter is healing to the mind. It is refreshing for the soul. It is a balancer of the temperament. And, it brings healing to the human body as well.

Web MD says that laughter puts oxygen in the blood stream, increases the pulse and blood pressure in a positive way. Stretches muscles in the face, and is further reported that the benefits of a good laugh can be likened to a good workout.

Recently, one of the children attending our churches preschool, noticed a picture of Jesus laughing, on the wall. He asked who the man was. When I told him it was Jesus. He seemed confused. With wrinkled brow he said,

“Oh, I didn’t know Jesus laughed! I thought he just got mad at you for being bad.”

Even I had to laugh at that!

Yes, we can see as we read our Bible that Jesus grieved over and was sadden by the condition of the human heart and the world, but he was not without laughter. He found much to laugh and smile about. Not all of his earthly life was spent crying or dressing down his enemies! He enjoyed the world He helped create and the beautiful people that inhabited it.

Laughter is a normal, human reaction to the funny, the hilarious. Merriam-Webster defines laughter as

“Showing emotion (as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound”

Sometimes a good laugh will break a bad, or sour mood and help put things in their proper perspective.

This makes me think of the time my husband and I were taking an early morning walk. While it had rained pretty hard the night before, it was shaping up to be a nice spring day. We had walked several miles and were getting tired as we ended our walk and turned around to go back home. At my husband’s suggestion we decided to go through the park for a shortcut. No problem!

There was, however one challenge: we had to make our way down a pretty steep hill. He went first, and walking somewhat sideways managed to make his way to the bottom without incident. He stood there smiling up at me, coaching me to follow. I should have known when that little feeling in my gut; said “don’t do it, go around the long way” but, what did my gut know!

I began my slow decent, just as he had. However, somewhere along the way I must have lost my firm footing, and before I knew it, I went tumbling head first down the long hill. Over and over I went. Nothing to grab hold of to break my fall. Just the earth and me! Oh, did I mention it had rained pretty hard the night before? Well, by the time I made it to the bottom of the hill and managed to stand on my feet, I was covered in mud from head to toe! I looked over at my husband, who was frantic and desperately trying to make sure I was ok.

While this could have been an entry point for explosive anger or hostility, (at whom I’m not sure) we both looked at one another and simultaneously bent over in uncontrollable laughter. Needless to say, the rest of the walk home was an interesting one. Especially as cars passed us on the street, slowing down when they saw me covered in mud. My husband kept pointing to me and saying to passersby; “I didn‘t do it!”

We’ve both had many good laughs with friends and family since. Especially because my version of the story puts him at the top of the hill, pushing me down!

Can you recall the times laughter has turned a tense situation around for you, and others? Even if the joke was on you? In fact, can you remember the last time you had a good laugh? If you can’t remember, it’s been way too long! Laughter is not only good medicine; it is godly medicine for the soul!

I am grateful to God for knitting this mysterious gene and emotion into the human soul and spirit. Much can be said for having the ability to have a good chuckle, even a full belly laugh.

I don’t know if it’s been scientifically proven, but it’s been said that it takes more effort to frown, than smile. I wonder if the same is true for taking more effort to be grumpy than laugh.

If you’re not a person of laughter maybe that’s a good, doable goal: to learn to laugh more. And if you do laugh easily and regularly; then just keep it up. I’ve heard it said, and believe it’s true, that laughter is contagious. In that case it’s a disease I’ll gladly have!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we’ve often said you must have a sense of humor. Thank you for passing it on to the human race! Thank you for the gift of laughter, and for those who laugh easily; they make our days and rough times so much easier to get through. Thank you for the many things we can find to laugh at—even at the worst of times. And that laughter has the ability to ease tensions and shift moods into a more pleasant atmosphere. But beyond that, help us to better able and more willing to laugh at ourselves; surely we make you laugh, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen

08/17/2016

Today is Wednesday and today is dedicated to our Seniors! Here is today's Vessels of Mercy Senior Ministry Devotion:

Watch Your Step! Don’t Trip and Fall!

12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!—1 Corinthians 10:12

I’ve taken some spills in my life time! I remember once, falling down a steep hill while out taking a walk. Luckily, I suffered no broken bones; but what a muddy mess! And another time, during my first pregnancy, I tripped over a board and falling pretty hard. I used my hands and elbow to help break the fall, (later I learned that was the worst thing I could do!) During the last two months of pregnancy I was anxious and concerned about the baby, even though my doctor said the baby was fine. Still, I was always nervous that something was wrong if the baby didn’t move around or kick for an extended time. In my mind I just knew the worst had happened as a result of my falling. Of course, today, an Ultra Sound would have put my mind at ease, but as we know back then there was no such thing!

Now, in my senior years I try to be careful of falling since a fall may impact my wellbeing, or cause broken bones or fractures that don’t heal as quickly as they would have when I was younger. Tripping could have consequences that have a domino effect for my life.

The Apostle Paul warned against falling as well. Not the falls that come from stumbling over an object or being tripped up, but a different kind of falling: a spiritual falling away from faith. He wrote to the church in Corinth; “Be careful that you think you’re standing in such a firm place that you can’t fall away.” In other words; don’t flirt with fire that leads to faithlessness!

We’re all in danger of falling away. As long as we are in the flesh and until we are at home in heaven with Jesus where there is the absence of evil and temptation, we are vulnerable.

Even John the Baptist—when he was imprisoned—began to doubt. Remember when he sent word to Jesus, asking him if he were (truly) the One they were looking for; or if he should look for another (Matthew 11:3ff).

Jesus sent a word to John, saying that John should be careful he didn’t start doubting Jesus. Not then! Jesus cautioned John to remember who it was he had prepared the way for; the One without spot or blemish, the one who would take away the sin of the world…

Isolation, imprisonment, and suffering can do that for you. Questioning, wondering, rethinking what you’ve always known for sure about Jesus. John the Baptist was a stalwart for sure, but in his hour of suffering we caught himself wondering, what if…

If it could happen to John then it could happen to anyone! You and I are not so different from John! When life starts pressing in on us we are susceptible to those pebbles of doubt that come to trip us up. We’re not untouchable by our own thoughts, or even the devil’s sly tactics. All that is needed is:

A prolonged illness
Living with constant, unrelenting pain
Loss of people or things that are precious to us
Exposure to false teaching
Nagging whispers from Satan which plant the tiniest seeds causing us to doubt or question God’s love, care, compassion…

No. Falling away from faith in Jesus is not impossible to experience.

One thing is certain, though. Just as Jesus sent word back to John cautioning him to stop and think. To pump his mental breaks and think about what he was asking, think about whom he was doubting, he speaks to us through His Spirit and Word also. “Think about what I’ve done in your life, how I’ve helped and healed you. How I’ve sustained you. How I’ve forgiven you…It’s me! I’m the same one who has helped you through your rough and tough times. The same one who has rescued you from enemies. The same one who has traveled with you through peak and valley! The same One who has protected you and guided you… The One who has promised never to leave nor forsake you. And I won’t! Just keep the faith! Don’t trip and fall away!”

What can we do when we feel ourselves slipping into faithlessness and doubt? 1) Don’t flirt with the devil’s counsel. Stop listening to his voice. Remember he is a liar and the father of lies! He will never tell you anything that will encourage you, only that which would defeat and discourage you! 2) Turn off the sources of false teaching and preaching! 3)Cry out to God; talk to him about your nagging fears or doubts, He’ll listen and understand. He’ll turn to you, not away and help you! 3)Turn to His Word! Seek His face in His truth! 3) stay connected to the body where there is sound counsel, prayer of the saints, fellowship and loving support! Jesus said, trust Him to get you home. He promised he would not lose one whom was given to Him and he won’t! Just remember to abide in Him and He will abide in you.

Let’s Pray,

Lord Jesus, I will not abandon my faith—not at this late date! But I will remain steadfast. Steadfast in your word, steadfast in worship, steadfast in for love and forgiveness; steadfast in faith. Lord I believe you will get me home to heaven as promised; help me in my moments of weakness and unbelief. Amen

08/10/2016

Happy Wednesday! Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it amazing? Thank you Lord for another Day!!!!! Today is Senior Wednesday....meaning another post from our Vessels of Mercy Ministry Enjoy!

Live a Little

Do you remember life before? Before we took the sugar and fat out and weighed each stalk of broccoli? Before we stressed over how we looked in skinny jeans and sculpted or see through leggings? Before, when church didn’t have to be an entertaining experience to hold our attention? Before you suffered your losses and experienced your disappointments? Before innocence was lost and eyes were opened? Before…when we just lived at least a little and enjoyed the life God shaped for us?

The Israelites—at least some of them—had returned to the city after a difficult period of captivity. The walls had been repaired in record time (52 days!) and the people had been called into the Square before the Water Gate while Ezra read to them from the book of the law of Moses.

Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. (Nehemiah 8:9-12)

Eat the fat and drink the sweet wine…

What were Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest saying to the Levites? You’ve experienced the sorrows of captivity; it’s time to live! No, not with reckless abandonment, but with fullness! Celebrating God’s deliverance!

We’ve been distressed by trials and suffered under temptation. The genuineness of our faith has been tested. We’ve ached and longed and forgotten what joy tastes like. Life has kicked us around and bullied up on us. We’ve been victimized and mistreated, been bound by and chained to past mistakes (that can’t be undone); experienced many types of captivity; But God has delivered us and healed us and saved us and redeemed us and restored us and forgiven us! it’s time to live again. It’s time to rejoice in the Lord, to live in the soul satisfying sweetness of his love and forgiveness and restoration.

Let’s Pray

Father, all the sweetness of life has been stripped away by the trials and testings of this life! As you know, it’s no picnic! And we struggle along, just trying to make it through. And honestly some of us don’t! Some of us can’t! Some of us are just doing the best we can and even that is not good enough! The sweetness is gone and we don’t know how to get it back! Lord, restore the joy of your people! Pour out your sweet Spirit so we can live again just as the Israelites were instructed to do so long ago. Do not let the drudgeries of this life overshadow the joys you have planned far in advance! Help us, O Lord, to live again! In Jesus’ Name. Amen

07/27/2016

Good Afternoon here is the Senior Ministry Devotion for this beautiful Wednesday afternoon:

Finish Strong

I have been watching the preliminaries as athletes compete for a spot in the biggest races of all; the Summer Olympics, beginning August 5 through the 21st .

While I enjoy the Winter Olympics, I truly love watching the summer events. I’m on my feet cheering with the crowds as swimmers make their laps with breakneck speed going through the water like smooth porpoises, and teammates manage to maneuver both the volleyball and hot sand with amazing skill and runners from every country imaginable jump hurdles, sprint, or run the track with gazelle-like speed and agility.

At the start of every event I am reminded this is what these athletes have trained for, for years, some even decades. And so much is on the line; career and life changing moments. Most investing everything they have into this moment. Each with a goal of performing his or her personal best, but greater than that, one common goal: to get the gold, to finish strong.

Whether you realize it or not you and I are running a race also. No, it may not be the Olympics. It may not be for a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s another kind of race. It’s the race home to heaven. It too requires skill and practice. Investment of time and effort. Here are four portions of Scripture that best describe our race:

11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

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.(I Corinthians 9:24)

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

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, (Hebrews 12:1)

I especially like those last two references, don’t you? They kind of sum it all up: our need to throw off everything that hinders us, including the sin that so easily traps us in Hebrews 12; and the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy as he said; “I’ve fought the good fight; I’ve finished the race…” but more than that “I have kept the faith.” In other words, “I have finished strong!”

Are you a participant? Are you working on your personal best? Are you a good teammate? Are you going for the gold? What are you expecting to hear once you cross the finish line? Most importantly; have you kept the faith?

Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus you set the perfect example and standard as to how we should run the race. Your word says the reward is not given to the swift or the strong, but to those who endure. Help us endure. Help us reach for the golden gate of heaven. Help us finish strong, help us keep the faith from beginning to end! Amen

Tabernacle of Praise

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