Open Door - Go for It!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:9, 13-14
For a wide door for effective service has opened to me and there are many adversaries.  
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. 
Let all that you do be done in love.

Observation
When I read these verses early this morning, my first thoughts were that it was referring to an open door or opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, but in doing so, there would be some opposition.  So be strong in the Lord and be sure that whatever you do - do it in love.  But after short ride in the car, I realized we don't have to be in conversation with someone about God to be used by God in a meaningful way.  
  
This morning I followed Louie in his car to drop off my car for repair at an auto service.  He took another route than what I was expecting - sort of a back way to the place.  On the way, we passed what appeared to be an accident.  About 7-10 construction workers were gathered around a man lying on the sidewalk; two were kneeling, and one was touching the injured man.  I could hear that emergency vehicles were fast approaching the scene.  Not knowing what had happened, but seeing the desperate situation, I prayed for the helpless man lying there.
God gave me a 'favored moment'  to be able to minister His love and grace - even though I was only driving by - I prayed.  
  
The Bible says 'our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.'  We are to be on the alert, keeping watch, standing steadfastly in the faith, and do all things in love.  There's not much else I could've done to assist the man - but I could pray. Sometimes we think praying isn't enough - but it is.  Praying for others in times of need is a very effectual service to the Lord and to the person we are praying for.

Application
Through what happened this morning and thinking about these verses I feel encouraged by the Lord.  To 'go for it!'   
With those 7-10 construction workers around that man, only 2 were kneeling down to really try to help; like loosening his collar, speaking comfort, encouraging the man - they actually were 'hands on' to help him.  The other guys appeared to be talking to each other, looking at what was happening, and waiting for the emergency vehicles.  But then there was me; just a 'drive by' a 'looky loo.'  For sure there was nothing for me to do -  I would only be in the way!  But God said, 'Pray'.  So I prayed as I drove on by.  God reminded me that an 'opened door for effective service' can come in any number of ways.  Just listen, be open, and be ready.  When I see a 'favorable moment' or chance to be used by God, go for it.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I won't be afraid or timid, for You are with me.  I will trust in You and not turn away from those divine appointments and life lessons You have prepared for me.  Though the enemy may whisper in my ear and remind me or accuse me of all my shortcomings and failures - I choose to be bold, to be strong in faith believing You have called me to effective service - not to be a spectator.  With the help of Your Holy Spirit power in my life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Run to Win the Prize!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:24-27  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 someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

Observation
Paul compares our 'walk' with Jesus to training and running in a race.  Discipline yourself in such a way that you finish the race and win the prize.  Persevere and bring your physical body into subjection so that you won't give into fleshly desires.  It's not enough to begin a race . . . but the goal is to run the race and complete it!  Finish well!

Application
This reminds me of my granddaughter Alyse who is a cross country runner in track events at her high school.   She trains in all weather - when the sun is shining or when it's cold, windy, blustery, and overcast!  She's out there with the other runners, running sprints, warming up, stretching, preparing for the race.  She competes against her own times, setting herself for the long haul.  She paces herself.  She familiarizes herself as much as she can with the terrain, the running course.  Endurance, strengthening, and focus are a part of her every day schedule.  She watches her diet, gets rest, and keeps a positive attitude.  She looks to her instructors for ways to improve and is open to necessary corrections.  She runs and trains with teammates who push her to the limit and encourage her to keep going.  Quitting is not an option.  

I can learn something here.  Spiritual disciplines are God's training program for me!  They will help develop character and endurance, faith, and positive attitude!  By practicing some daily devotional habits everyday, I can run the race to win and not get side lined because of a lack of self - discipline.  Setting aside a morning time at the feet of Jesus is essential, as well as getting necessary rest, eating right, prayer, worship, Bible reading, quiet, journaling, serving, fellowship - these are all a part of my daily 'training' program for the race.  I will stay the course!  Take a day at a time!  And so I will run this race to win the prize of Your high calling in Jesus Christ my Lord!

Prayer
Father, thank You for this reminder.  It's timely.  I give You praise for helping me refocus and to keep moving forward - and for encouraging me through the life of my beloved granddaughter.  She inspires me!  May I continue to run the race to win, with the thought of doing 'today well' in such a way to bring glory and honor to Your Name!  In Jesus Name I pray. A-men.