Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
 PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ASH WEDNESDAY
MARCH 1, 2006
(Daily readings: Ps 32,95,102,120,143; Amos 5:6-15; Heb 12:1-14; Luke 18:9-14)

RUNNING THE RACE
by: Georgeanne Falstrom

Scripture: "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross..." Heb 12:1-2

Marathon runners have a goal, crossing the finish line. Olympians aim for gold. Their achievement is directly related to their perseverance, training, discipline, attitude and beliefs. And so it is with our race to the Cross. We must set aside all that hinders us.

As we begin the Lenten season, preparing for the joyous celebration of our Savior’s glorious resurrection, our passage from Hebrews 12 reminds us of the price Jesus paid to free us from sin and our subsequent responsibility in honoring his sacrifice. As we consider our preparation for Easter and choose our Lenten disciplines, this passage offers us excellent encouragement.

As we consider what Christ endured for us, we can gather strength in following through. When we understand that discipline is a measure of love, we can place our hope in knowing that it will produce in us a greater measure of peace and righteousness. In submitting our all to our heavenly father, we share in Christ’s holiness and living more effective lives.

Our gold is at the cross.


Prayer: We thank you, God, for sending us your son to die for our sins. Strengthen us through our Lenten discipline so we can continue to fix our eyes on Jesus and keep our goal for the cross, it’s promises and fulfillment. Help us to run the race you have marked for us with perseverance.