When our daughters were young they played softball. Sort of.  At times these cute little girls with  oversized baseball gloves seemed more interested in the clouds, or cars driving by the field, but that was fine with us.  By the time they were in middle school and high school though, they were certainly active contenders in basketball and track.  Looking back, I realize that because it meant a lot to them, it was important for us to be at these activities.  It was not because  we could make the girls better, but we could love and encourage them, win or lose.

That reminds me of how God loves His children.  His love for you is so indescribable and incomparable that it is meant to compel you to be spiritually disciplined and run the spiritual race in your everyday life.  The simple disciplines of prayer, reading your Bible, and worship leads to a life of victory over the temporary endeavors or challenges of this temporal life. You have more than an imperfect parent; you have a completely perfect Heavenly Father that will encourage you at every turn of His will. As I write this, my prayer is that you will live every moment for Him, and win the prize of the high calling of God in His strength.

Pastor Terry Bartlett