“I am working really hard to make sure that I am worthy of God. I keep failing, but I’m determined to try harder so that all the things I desire will be granted.” It’s human for us to want to achieve things in our own ability and strength. And it’s equally human to want our… Continue reading 2Th 1v11 – His power
Have you ever put so much effort into something you almost fainted? I have had this experience running ultramarathons. These races are a big stretch for me as a rather average runner. Often the last few hours push me way beyond my limit resulting in me sometimes feeling light-headed and close to fainting from exhaustion.… Continue reading Psa 84:2 – Fainting
It was our first Comrades marathon, a huge 90km (56 mi) race, and the fear was palpable. When the gun boom shattered the darkness, runners surged forward, intent on keeping their goal pace even on the first hill. We ran slowly and even walked the hill. I recall the looks and mumbled comments, “they will… Continue reading Rom 3v28 – Setting the pace
“May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalms 20:4). Wow. That’s a great bumper sticker verse. There’s lots I desire. New car. New house. New clothes. But these are not the “desires of your heart” that God is talking about. The Psalm begins with, “May the LORD… Continue reading Psa 20:4 – Your heart’s desires
830 meters. 160 stories. It’s the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Since the beginning of time, we have been obsessed with reaching heaven. In Genesis 11 we read; “Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for… Continue reading Gen 28:15 – Towers or Ladders?
One thing that constantly astounds me, wherever I travel, is the number of beautiful homes in stunning places standing empty. At one level, this speaks of excess wealth and wastage, but it also tells another story. A story of empty lives. The owners have built these homes in beautiful places – places of peace and… Continue reading Joh 14:23 – Empty homes
The wind is howling directly against us as we struggle to canoe up the river. It is day 4 of a slackpacking hike, but this challenge seems impossible. Soon the rain is slashing down at us and we were considering giving up. However, we push on. Several hours later we arrive at our destination –… Continue reading Jam 5:11 – Headwinds
Netflix, MacDonalds, WhatsApp. We live in an instant world. Movies on demand. Food in minutes. Instant messages. While this is amazing, it has resulted in us losing a vital characteristic, persistence. We start things and give up before we reach the end. How are your New Year’s resolutions going? However, there is one thing we… Continue reading Rom 2:7 – Persistence
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) – If you entered to run your first marathon you can’t just arrive on the day and run the race. It requires preparation, the right diet, and regular training. You… Continue reading 1Ti 4:8 – Physical Training
“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:29) I have had the pleasure (many might say displeasure) of running multiple 90km Comrades marathons. It required strenuous physical and mental effort to complete the race. I am sure you too have experienced the strenuous effort required… Continue reading Col 1:29 – Strenuously contend