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

One of the many good things about walking or running outdoors is that you can’t quit before you make it all the way home. But, alas … I walk on a treadmill. That pretty much says it all for me. Yes, I have trouble finishing what I start. I get really excited about the idea of exercising. I like thinking about it and imagining how great it will be when I am able to jog for miles without breaking a sweat. But when I am actually huffing and puffing through the easiest program on my treadmill, I find many creative excuses to justify stopping rather than sticking with it to the end. Can I get a witness?

When I look at the examples I see in the scriptures, I can find many who failed to keep to the prescribed course. Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife. Moses struck the rock. David turned to Bathsheba. Peter denied knowing Jesus. I think just about everyone has turned the treadmill off early at one time or another. But wait … don’t give up yet. If you stop now, you’ll be left sitting in the middle of the road in your running shoes waiting for the next speeding car to turn you into road kill. Get up and get moving again. God is ever faithful!

In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” What was the good work that God had begun in the Philippian believers? It was the work of salvation. It was begun by His grace, and it would be completed in the same way. However, that didn’t mean that the Philippians had no part to play in it. Paul told them to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). That sounds to me as though it was a work that took some perseverance and determination on those believers’ part. The same is true in the lives of believers today. God has started a good work in our lives, but we need to put it into practice in our daily living. Paul continued, “For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose” (Phil 2:13). It is in His strength that we can finish the race and keep the faith to the very end.

Paul said, “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I receive from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). What course are you on? What ministry have you received from the Lord? Are you as excited about it today as you were when you first received it? How can you fan the flame of your desire to finish well? Remember. God is enabling you by giving you the will and the ability to bring Him glory. See you at the finish line!

Father, thank you for beginning Your good work in me. Help me to persevere and to finish my course and ministry in a way that will bring You the most honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

… the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. Psalm 118:5

Those who know me will be expecting this week’s devotional to be about change. Or maybe loss. Or maybe even a stirring tribute to my two oldest children who left this week for college. Guess I won’t completely disappoint you, as this is about change and the kids’ moving. But instead of memorializing the two older ones (who I do think are great, by the way), I want to focus this thought on the son who is still at home and the important lesson I learned from him last night when we returned from our daughter’s campus and the “BIG MOVE.” You see, Nick had been home all day and had texted me several times complaining about being “bored” and “hungry.” So I was expecting to return to a surly, sad, and lonely 16-year-old. Instead, he couldn’t wait for us to unload our car of empty boxes, and before we could shower the grime of the day away, he called for us to come upstairs to see and hear what he had done. Dutifully, we pulled our weary, sad selves up the stairs to check it out.

What awaited us just cracked me up! Instead of moping around and feeling sorry for himself for being left behind, the kid had really made the most of the situation. Being the youngest, he has always had the smallest bedroom of the three, even though at over six feet, he is no longer the “little brother.” Also, he is an avid musician with a voracious appetite for instruments and all the gadgets that go along with them. (Bet you can see where this is heading.) His room has always looked like someone’s overstuffed garage or a crowded flea market booth. Yes, you got it. While we were gone all day, Nick had moved an old desk, an amp, a huge pedal board, guitars and stands, and all manner of stuff into the bonus room that the three kids had shared for school work and socializing. He sheepishly said, “Listen to the new song I wrote today,” and proceeded to play it for us. After receiving appropriate praise, he asked, “I moved in. Whaddaya think?” I think he thought we might be a little upset, but we both smiled and said, “Good thinking, Nick!” And we chuckled our way back downstairs to clean up and get some much needed rest.

What did this amusing experience teach me? Well, several things. Change can be a great catalyst for growth. As my husband likes to say quite often, you can choose to be “bitter or better.” You can’t always control what goes on in your life, but you can choose to make the most of it. Secondly, the end of one season is also the beginning of another. Nick took the opportunity of a day spent all alone to write a new song. I can do the same thing in this new season of my life. No, we may not have as much time to sing our old songs together, but new songs can be exciting, too, and just as stirring to sing. Finally, whether you are doing the sending or are the one who is heading out into the world, God isn’t finished with you yet. There are new spaces to explore and new territories to claim for yourself and, more importantly, for His kingdom. Make the most of this new day He has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!

Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 118:19

My father once posed a troubling question, “Daniel, think it’s time to get a part-time job?” Shrugging lazily I responded, “I think I’ll just skip the menial work and head straight to upper management.” However, a previous childhood experience should have reminded me how unlikely that would be.

It was mid-August as I exited the plane onto Texas soil. My pre-deodorant-wearing four-year-old self quickly erupting into a mini waterfall of sweat. To make matters even more miserable, my family headed straight for my uncle’s marathon wedding rehearsal where I was plopped into a stuffy (but cute!) suit and tie. Whining and complaining the entire two-hour rehearsal, every ounce of fluid in my body gushed through my pores; my poor unfortunate Canadian body ill prepared to handle the furnace of a Texas summer. Stuffed into a tiny car with a broken AC afterwards, I asked myself, Will the misery ever end!?

Then I saw it! Arriving at the reception, a ray of hope at last! Like a heavenly oasis, was an icy cold pool! Giving my parents the slip by the refreshment table, I beelined straight for it.

There I stood, upon the threshold of happiness; the doorway to joy. Excitement overwhelmed me; This will feel sooo good!

Looking left I saw bored kids lazily splashing around with lame toys in the shallow end. Their faces looked miserable as they cried for their mommies.

Looking right I saw, The Deep End! “Big kids” laughing while playing exciting water-games and sipping cool drinks by the poolside.

Angel on Left Shoulder: “Stay in the shallow end…safety is special! Devil on Right Shoulder: “Cool kids swim in deep ends…”

With a running start I leapt… into the deep end! Only then did I wonder if it would possibly be problematic that my closest previous experience to swimming had been in my mother’s womb. Splash!

Hitting the water, I immediately took a six-foot plummet of death. Flailing my body around helplessly, I couldn’t distinguish up from down, or left from right. After only four glorious years, it was all over!

My lungs began to burn; then I felt two hands grab me and yank me from the water. Opening my eyes, I stared into the face of my soon-to-be aunt (HUGE brownie points with her new in-laws!), who had jumped in to save me, fancy clothes and all.

As Christians, it’s so easy to get ahead of ourselves. We dream of doing great things for God and impacting our entire schools or towns. These are noble ambitions and, if we are faithful, God can lead us down those paths. However, we cannot neglect the divine assignments that seem less glamorous or important. God always matches His assignments with our faithfulness (Matt. 25:21).

In the Bible, Joseph was faithful in every assignment God gave him, whether it was watching someone’s household as their slave, or doing chores in a prison. Because of his faithfulness, God ultimately raised him to the right hand of Pharaoh where he saved the lives of many people. What has God been asking you to do lately? Are there any smaller assignments that perhaps you have put off or forgotten?

A few weeks ago while reminiscing with two college friends, I was informed that there are two types of women in the world—those who are “steady Eddie’s” and those who are not. I fall into the latter category. While “steady Eddie” was a new term for me, I’m quite familiar with labels such as hypersensitive, high maintenance, and moody. Now, I prefer descriptors such as emotionally attuned, responsive, and tender- hearted. However, in my heart, I know these adjectives all mean the same thing—I wear my feelings on my sleeve.

When I look at Scripture, I’m drawn to melancholy characters like me. I can relate to Moses striking a rock, Elijah hiding in fear, and Jonah sulking about a plant.
Of late, I’ve been challenged by the story of Cain. Cain was a man who knew strong emotions, particularly jealousy and anger when God accepted his brother’s sacrifice and rejected his own. In Genesis 4:6, God confronts Cain about his emotional state. “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?’” Then, in verse 7, God offers both a remedy and warning to the emotionally afflicted man. “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

When my emotions flare up, God’s words to Cain remind me:

1. Right actions lead to more positive emotions. In spite of how I feel, I have a choice about how I respond. I might need time to think about the situation at hand. However, in the moment, I can choose to “do well.” For me, “doing well” can mean reciting a memory verse (Ps. 119:50), going for a walk (I Tim. 4:8a), listing what I’m thankful for (I Thess. 5:18), or simply going to bed (Ps. 127:2b). All these responses are God honoring and countenance lifting.

2. Initial sinful reactions can lead to mastery by stronger sins. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to follow the momentum of my emotions, a catapult that often leads me straight into sin. God’s challenge is to put on the brakes. If I don’t, God warns that sinful strongholds await. Ever had your feelings hurt, chosen not to forgive, and then wondered how your heart became so hardened and bitter? Such is the nature of sin—a single indulgence can lead to a stronghold. Master sin quickly, and it will be easier to conquer. Let it linger, and it will master you.

God, today, I thank you that “…You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3). Give me the courage to do what is right even when it doesn’t feel right.

Has God created you to feel deeply? Can you think of a time you’ve responded biblically in spite of strong emotions? I’d like to hear your story.

Well, this evening finds me sitting in a familiar leather chair sitting next to a familiar large window watching the sun sink down beneath a familiar line of trees. For the past six and a half years, I have named Clemson, South Carolina, home. Both my boys were born here. My wife Miska and I bought our first house here. Here, in this little college town, serving as a pastor amid this community, I have discovered more of my voice. I have made deep friends. I have become aware of more of my foibles and my idiosyncrasies. Here, I have wrestled a few more of my demons. I have prayed and laughed and cried and hoped and doubted and believed. A lot of life has been lived in this place, with these people.

But now I must go.

And this fact is closer to the truth of where I am – I am a mess of wrenching emotions because in a matter of hours, we will be pulling out of town, moving to Charlottesville, Virginia. We are excited, but we are also sad. We are eager for what new season lies before us, and we feel deep sorrow for this violent severing about to occur. Soon, we will disconnect from the community and people we have known, from the people and the place that have been our home. Yet we go to a city that has called our name. Such a strange paradox, this leaving and going. We surrender one good so we can embrace another good.

A couple days ago, my youngest son Seth (4) explained to me what he was feeling. “Daddy, I don’t mind going. I just don’t want to leave.” That sounds about right to me. If only we could enjoy all the good that comes from going without having to endure all the pain that comes from leaving. But, of course, we can’t. One requires the other.

Abraham had to leave his home without knowing what was in store. Paul had to leave position and power. Peter had to surrender control. Thomas had to surrender doubt. Moses had to surrender fear. Mary had to surrender reputation. The widow with the mite surrendered her last coin. Jesus surrendered His full self, His very life.

It seems that in the way of the Cross, there is no arrival without a departure. There is no freedom without surrender and repentance. There is no Resurrection hope without Dark Friday. There is no joyful greeting without a sad goodbye.

I pray I see God’s hand at work in all of it. I pray the same for you.

When you’re like me, lazy and terminally useless, there are few things in life as humbling as filling out a job application:

Name: Daniel R. Blackaby

Previous Work Experience: Every journey starts with a first small step…

Talents/abilities: N/A

Understanding that most businesses were now using my applications as scrap paper and coasters, I almost fainted when I received a call from Eleanor, owner of the local video store, informing me I started on Monday!

I was determined to prove that, though her only choices were hiring me or remaining short-staffed, I’d be a valuable employee. Monday morning I arrived forty-five minutes early…on the dot, looking sharp.

When Eleanor peeled up in her rusty pickup truck, I gave a slight bow, “Greetings my lady.”

She snarled, “You’re in customer parking, move.” In that precise moment I understood I wasn’t exactly going to be working side-by-side with Mother Theresa. In her deep, scratchy voice she barked out my orders for the day. The Open sign was lit, customers poured in, and with her eyes peering through me, I shot into action.

It started great! The customers adored me! I did an extra thorough job cleaning shelves, and demonstrated complete mastery over the till. I was charming, funny, and devoured any task put in front of me. Eleanor must have been pleased!

However, the tide turned with one simple demand, “Dan, return these videos now.” I glanced in horror towards the counter to see a mammoth stack of returns. People have set up base camps under smaller things than this!

I gulped, I knew my moment had arrived; it was now-or-never-time to prove myself to Eleanor. Today boys would become men. This was my Apollo Creed match; this was my David and Goliath tale. Like Edison and his light bulb before me, the next few moments would define me.

As I started separating the pile, I sensed Eleanor hovering behind me, taking in my every action. This is not to say I have some uncanny sixth sense, but rather that I could smell the conflicting smells of Zesty Doritos and carrots on her breath as her face rested inches from mine.

Organizing them alphabetically to increase efficiency, I quickly had a discouraging realization, I couldn’t remember the alphabet. The first video was “King Arthur,” “Now K comes after…um…W?…no…before S!… arg…sigh…abcdefghij…K! Yay! One down…fifty-three to go.” This became my routine for each movie.

I had organized four more videos when I felt a strong hand grasp my shoulder, “Please–for the love of Tom Cruise, stop singing that song!” I spent the rest of my shift re-washing clean windows. Scratch that one down as a failure.

Christians can suffer from the same downfall. We seek to please God or peers with actions or head knowledge, but the basic foundation of our faith is ignored or forgotten. If we are merely participating in Christian activity and memorizing Scripture, we are no different than the Pharisees. Our relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone and foundation of our faith; if we neglect it, all else inevitably tumbles down.

For am I now seeking the favour of men, or of God, Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls ….Psalm 42:7

A friend recently thanked me for sharing Psalm 42 with him during a particularly difficult time in his life. He told me that, although he wasn’t sure of the exact theological meaning of the psalm’s seventh verse, he had come to believe that no matter how deep his personal abyss of pain or need that God’s presence could and would entirely fill it. That sounded pretty profound, and it got me thinking about how shallow my grasp of God really is. How many areas of my life have I closed off to His influence and to a deeper filling of His Holy Spirit? How much, or how little, room have I made for God in my life?

In Jeremiah 23:24, the Lord declares, “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” and in Ephesians 1:23, Paul writes about “the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.” It is the picture of total satisfaction. No matter the size, shape, or depth of the container, God fills it in every way. Feeling lonely? Our God will never leave us nor forsake us. Afraid? God’s perfect love cast out all fear. Weak? When we are weak, then God is strong. No matter the size of the hole in your heart or the need you are experiencing, God is more than able to fill it and overflow it. The deeper the need, the deeper the response from God.

One of the great benefits of experiencing trials and tests is that they provide an ever deepening well from which to draw the assurance of both my need for and the rescuing power of my Lord. Now when challenges surface, I can draw from the past and know with full assurance that God is in “all things in every way.” He truly is in control, and His grace is sufficient to meet every need. My desire echoes that of Paul’s message to the church in Ephesus. May we mature spiritually as we age physically “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness” (Eph. 4:13). Imagine the depth of that!

With today’s price of gas, “Fill ‘er up” is a seldom-used phrase from the past. But may it not be so in our walk with the Lord. May we continue to make room for more of Him and to open our lives completely to the One who fills all things—even the deepest longings of our hearts.

O fill me up, Lord, and overflow my boundaries with Your hope in the power of Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

I’m not exactly renowned for being someone who makes “health-conscious” choices. This character flaw traces back to my childhood. As babies, my brother and sister crawled—I rolled. Perhaps this was due to my cheeks, which served as constant anchors, dragging two or three feet along the floor behind me. This globular physique carried into teenage-years due to a growing addiction. When I was cut, I bled McDonald’s grease. After surpassing yet another ‘milestone’ in weight, I knew it was time for change. It was time for Running Club Inc.

As club president and founder, I vowed the evil forces of calories would no longer run rampant throughout my body unchecked. My club’s motto was simple: Calories don’t take days of—and neither should we.

I designed the official Web site and commenced recruiting. I quickly drafted my sister Carrie and offered her the lucrative position of vice-president and special events coordinator. With my executive team in place, we invited the masses to apply for available spots on the club.

With our ambitious publicity campaign leaping into action, we intended for Running Club Inc. to be as popular a conversation topic as Britney Spear’s wardrobe (as I said, ambitious). Upon the closure of our marketing blitz, we conducted a roll call. Including Carrie and I, our prestigious Club’s membership now boasted a total of…well two.

Realizing that perhaps people were hesitant to join a club whose posterboy looked like Jabba the Hutt, I made an executive decision. The show must go on!

We made the trek to a running store, where they fit us with scientifically-designed, state-of-the-art running shoes that could make Donavan Bailey (Canadian Olympic Champion) envious, high quality running socks featuring advanced breathing technology, along with custom-fit headbands, and indestructible water bottles. With such cutting edge equipment, I began to seriously consider making a bid for the summer Olympic team.

To celebrate our progress we planned the club’s kick-off party. We’d open with ice-breaker activities, transitioning into a meet-and-greet, and end by planning an itinerary, while enjoying some low-carb snacks.

A few weeks later during dinner, my dad inquired about our club’s progress. Being the respected and esteemed president of the club, I stood and gave a detailed report, putting emphasis on the great success of our kick-off party, perfect attendance! Obviously impressed, he posed a troubling question, “That’s great. How’s the running coming along?”

“Dad, do you have any idea how much work goes into administering a club like this!? With all this paperwork, press conferences and executive duties to perform, how can you expect me to find time in to run? Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a long range planning meeting in five…”

Do Christians ever treat their relationship with God like Running Club Inc.? With so many fellowships to attend, Bible studies to organize, choir and praise band practices to attend, we can end up pretty busy with church. But merely spending time in a church building or engaging in church activities is not a substitute for a relationship with God.

Isn’t it ironic, that sometimes I’m so busy with Christian activities that I can’t find time for Christ? Has your Christianity become merely a string of activities? Are you merely a member of the Christian club, or are you a follower of Christ?

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to live in a cozy neighborhood with lots of kids, a nearby sledding hill, and a pond a few feet from my house. When I was in the first grade, I received my first fishing pole – a pink Power Rangers pole with an emblem of the pink Power Ranger. While I hated pink, I loved Power Rangers. Although I wasn’t able to watch the program very much, I found myself sneaking in Power Rangers episodes at my cousins’ house. Needless to say, I was super excited about fishing with the skill of a Power Ranger, even if she was pink.

I have heard that most children learn to fish using worms but I learned to fish with corn. That’s right – frozen corn did the trick. We caught bluegill by the dozen in our little pond with the Green Giant special – fresh from the freezer. Then we’d throw the fish back and catch them again. (So if ever you are having a bad bit of luck with the fish, try some frozen corn for a change.)

Somewhere along the lines, my Sunday School material began to correlate with my Saturday afternoon activities. We started learning about what it meant to be fishers of men. We also learned a catchy tune about Jesus making His disciples fishers of men. I confess I must have had a hard time imagining hooks in the mouths of all these men someone apparently caught for Christ. In fact, it was somewhat of a gruesome image, especially when I imagined someone like my granddaddy using pliers when the hook wouldn’t come out of their mouths. I was relieved when my overactive imagination was put to rest with the realization that being “fishers of men” was a figurative illustration of ministering to people and spreading the Gospel of Christ.

As I grew mentally and spiritually, I was able to see that becoming “fishers of men” is not so much a nice addition to the lives of some Christians, but the responsibility of all Christians. I am called to witness and minister to others and by “fishing for men” I am called to make a sincere effort to recruit and train people to live for Christ. However, sometimes I find myself getting so caught up on the responsibility/ritualistic aspect of Christianity that I forget the purpose of my endeavors is to glorify Christ! I should want to tell others about Christ because I am so excited about what He has done for me. He DIED and suffered so that I can be eternally free! He bought me and loves me and that is the point of my sharing with others.

Too often I catch myself keeping to myself and not ministering to those around me. I get caught up in my reality and daily tasks and fail to realize the power and priority of spiritual hope not only for me but for all those around me. Our God is big and great and mighty to save, and I must remember His glory as I go out and minister making others fishers of men.

Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men. Mark 1:17

Gas prices have now officially gotten too high for me. I am riding my bike around my hometown, and I have to tell you, it isn’t the best way to get around. It is hot outside, and I work up a sweat without the sun burning into the back of my neck giving me a very unusual tan. I have gotten in biker shape though! Now that I think about it, my rides aren’t as bad as they use to be; actually, I love to ride my bike! When I first started out, my thighs and calves felt like they were going to fall off; they were SORE! They don’t hurt though anymore. You know what? I could ride all day and not get sore!

It is funny to think about how I get better at things. I remember the first time I rode up Chickamauga Drive. Geographically, I don’t have to ride up it; but I knew if I rode up this hill, it would benefit me in the long run. The thing that makes this hill different from other hills is that this hill should be considered a small mountain. It is about a fourth of a mile and, not even kidding, just short of being completely vertical. I knew if I could ride up this hill, I could ride up any hill. This would be my benchmark to overcoming any sized hill I would ever encounter. I rode my bike to where the hill began and began to peddle towards certain pain and discomfort. As the front tires of my bike began to rise in elevation, my legs were working to their full potential. After what seemed to be an eternity of enduring pain, I reached the top!!! I looked down and saw the ground I had just ridden up. I had accomplished a hill bigger than any I had ever seen! I was ready to collapse; but I had done it!

I rode up a mountain so that a hill would be seen as just a bump.

In Romans chapter 8, verse 18 Paul writes, “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be reveled to us.” Oh man! Just how I rode up Chickamauga Drive, though it was painful, the result of my “suffering” brought me strength and made all other obstacles look puny! What I have learned is that the times I have difficulties, Christ uses them to bring Him glory! Not only to show His strength in my weakness, but to draw me closer to Him and prepare me for even harder times!!

Just like my mountain, I don’t have to do things that are hard. I don’t have to follow Christ, but I have chosen to. Since I have chosen to, I AM going to do things that will bring glory to God, and I AM going to grow stronger in Christ. I have made that decision; will you make it with me? Will you join me to stop being lazy and begin to do things that require us to grow?