Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells

One plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase. We provide seeds, many of us water along the way, but God births it in the spirit of those who receive.

-Michael

The Pursuit

In our desire to follow after God, we often stumble and sometimes fall. We condemn ourselves for the slip-up, thinking about how could this happen once again. It is sometimes hard to live with our own thoughts screaming at us, much less the voice of someone else. But in our pursuit, if we would just briefly glance back to where we were, it would encourage us to see we are not that person we once were. Not only are we running from something, we are running to something. The Bible states God intended we would seek Him, reach out, and find Him. Though He is never far from us. But King David knew a secret in his seeking, that if he did, goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life. God was also there following, as He is with us today, to pick us up when we, too, stumble in the pursuit.

Faith For Life

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” “Pray for all those in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” So Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and to his son in the faith, Timothy. At the same time, the writer of Hebrews reminds us not to be sluggish in our belief. He tells us our continued belief in the promise of God for salvation will be the anchor for our soul. If we keep our eyes fixed on the prize, we will not be tossed to and fro on the world’s sea of doubt. A simple instruction but seemingly complex in its keeping.

Over time, the optimism of youth confronts the reality of routine. For many, the present has not turned out the way the future was envisioned. But what of faith? Paul said if, in this life only, do we hope we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. We live a life of faith for a promised life of peace. I have faith enough today to overcome any doubts about my tomorrow. Life is not in the shock and awe of events but in the steady and guided pursuit of faith. It is your assurance of things hoped for.

We are marathon runners in the race for life, not sprinters. Our awards may be few and far apart in this life, but in the next, the prize is assured. All we have to do is make it to the finish line. Paul said all who compete in a race run but only one receives the prize. Run in such a way that you may obtain it. No matter where you place in the race today, know that the finish line has not moved and the rules have not changed. Slow and steady wins the race and receives the prize. It does not matter those beside you who come and go or the hardship of the terrain before you. Many may fall or simply quit, but you run with eyes on the prize and the banner boldly across your chest... Faith For Life!

Great Day For A Race

Words were spoken to me at a crowded local diner by an older man who had just given up his table for our party of 3. My response to the gentleman who now sat at the next table with a stranger who had agreed to the new seating arrangement was, “What race is that?” He said, “The human race.” We laughed. He had many other jokes during our meal, but that one stayed with me. I thought to myself, yes but what is humanity racing towards?

The apostle Paul wrote we are all in a race but that we should run in such a way so as to obtain the prize and why... for our prize is eternal. The Bible states in the last days, people will be running to and fro, back and forth. Mundane repetition without meaningful purpose. Sometimes we who have eternity in mind are detoured by the tediousness of life. The inconsequential can consume good intentions and keep us spinning on a wire wheel exhausted but going nowhere.

Priorities in life are important. It’s the difference between getting by and getting on. Between survival and satisfaction. Many times in life, we need to downsize, to lighten our load, to make sure our priorities will take us across the line. Jesus asked, what would the benefit be in someone gaining the whole world but losing their soul? With that in mind, lace up your shoes, grab the map and run in such a way that you may obtain the prize because... it’s a great day for the race.

Michael Wells

Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired, and refreshed. Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, he leads an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon.com.