Paula Wiseman

Faith and life meet in a story

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Posts that reference the book of Hebrews

Running the Race

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Asics running shoesI've had a very frustrating few weeks running lately. For starters, it's nearly 80 degrees at 5 a.m. And the humidity has been on par with the deep South. That makes it tough to breathe, and it really saps what little stamina I have. The worst thing, though, has been the saga of the shoes. I put 500+ miles on my shoes, and switched to a new pair. A really cool pair. However, the support in the new shoes was just enough different that running in them led to shin splints. Trying to squeeze a few more weeks out of my old shoes made them worse. So… Of course, all this has an application, (or two).

A bad solution can be worse than the problem – I chose what I thought were good, quality running shoes, and they were. They were just wrong for me. Had I done more research, been better informed, depended on someone more knowledgeable than I was, I would have been saved some pain, and several days of missed running. We face all sorts of challenges as we run the race God sets before us. Depending on our own knowledge and opinions can make our situation worse. However, if we do some (Scriptural) research, talk to more experienced runners (mature believers) consult with the expert (the Holy Spirit), we can hit on a solution that benefits us rather than costing us time and causing more pain.

The right support matters – The new shoes felt great when I tried them on in the store, and during the days I walked in them. But, when I ran, my cool new shoes had no support construction to stop my ankle from rolling when my foot hit. That forced my calf muscles to try and hold my foot in place and that job was way too big for them. Sometimes, we need cushiony "poor baby" kind of support when we're having hard times. Other times, we need firmer "stability control" support to keep us on course when we feel like giving up, or when the job gets too big. It helps to know ourselves, the issues we have trouble with, and the support available. (My husband is stability control, but I have friends who are more cushiony.)

Now that I've identified the problem, and determined what support I need, after a few more days rest, I'll be back in the race!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT)

 

 

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Friday Update: It’s Raining

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water dropsEarlier this week, I noticed that things seemed to be clicking along well. I was working on a query letter. My income taxes were filed. I got a great report from a doctor’s visit. I thought to myself, “This can’t last.” I’m not especially pessimistic, but I know things run in cycles.

Sure enough- My mom is in the hospital with what may be another heart attack. The doctors are still evaluating what type pf damage was done and how much. We were supposed to head out to visit today, but Jon was up sick all night. He thinks he can still make the 8 hour trip. We’ll see.

No matter what happens in life, it comes along because God has determined He can use that situation for my good and His glory. He’s never surprised and He’s beside me, not waiting on the other side.

Hebrews is my favorite book in the Bible. I’ll close out this quick post with some verses from chapter 13. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

He himself said… I will NEVER leave you… Never…

Have a great weekend- I’ll be back Tuesday.

Study Tip: Now What?

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In the last few tips, we’ve examined Scripture to see what it reveals about God, and what it tells us about ourselves. What do we do with all that information? If it doesn’t affect our daily lives and make us more Christ-like, then it’s no better than knowing our state capitals.

By way of review, last week we considered Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

And we came away with some observations about ourselves.

1. I am made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. I have hidden motives

3. I am not able to hide myself or my motives from God.

4. I must give account to God.

Here’s the part I call the ‘Now What?’ How does this information change my life when I leave my desk? How will it make me more Christ-like?

Knowing that I will give an account encourages me to life according to His standards, to be transparent and diligent in His service. Understanding that I will deceive myself about my motives (I have hidden ones that God sees through), I need to constantly ask God to show me where I’m fooling myself. One of the most significant things I’ve learned is that I cannot trust my perceptions and I need God to sort those things out for me.

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Study Tip: Revealing Ourselves

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Last week’s study tip encouraged us to consider what a verse or passage teaches us about God. This week, we’ll look at the flip side and look at what Scripture teaches us about ourselves. I’ve heard it said that God’s word is a mirror that reveals our true selves. In Hebrews 4:12, it says that God’s word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts.

Let’s just use those verses in Hebrews 4:12-13 for our examples.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Here are some of the things we can learn-

1. We are made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. We have hidden motives

3. No one is able to hide himself or his motives from God.

4. We must give account to God.

Take it a step further and make it personal rather than general-

1. I am made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. I have hidden motives

3. I am not able to hide myself or my motives from God.

4. I must give account to God.

Next week we’ll consider what we do in light of those things.