Divine Savior Church-Sienna

When teammates train together, compete together, travel together, eat together, have fun together, they develop a deep bond. They may known each other better than anyone else, and because they know each other so well, they often are able to offer the exact encouragement needed. Jesus is our compassionate teammate and he knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows exactly what we need - every time! He knows how to meet all our needs. He does everything well. 

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Proper form makes all the difference in the race. How your feet hit the ground, the way your toes push off, the rotation of your legs, the pumping of your arms, the position of your chest, the focus of your eyes - it all matters. Runners practice proper form and technique for a purpose, but not just an external one. It is to ensure their whole body is in sync, including their lungs and heart. It all contributes to a successful race. Jesus reminds that when it comes to our spiritual race proper form in our hearts leads to proper worship in our lives and proper praise on our lips.

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As you run your race, what do you find vital and essential in your life?  What do you need - more than anything else? Can you find it here, in church, in the ashes, in the religious motions, rites, and ceremonies we employ and practice? Maybe, the better question to ask is what don’t you need?  Of what do you need to let go, give up? Guilt, shame, fear. Let Jesus take them. He is what you need. Find him and his mercy here, in worship. Let these ashes, these rites, and ceremonies refocus your heart on Jesus and his race to the cross for you.

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Glory and celebration await the victorious runners of the race, but that glory never comes easy. It only comes through the intense agony of the pain, even suffering, as every step becomes harder and harder; every breath becomes more strenuous. Only through that pain can the runner gain the glory that is to come, if they finish. Throughout his life Jesus showed glory in his miraculous power, and on the mount of transfiguration he showed incredible glory, but his race wasn’t complete. His race needed to continue; to the cross. There was no turning back. It had to go through the cross. There was glory ahead, but first the agony of the cross. 

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The coach observes his athletes, jots down his notes, compares the times, and then he speaks. He teaches. He gives important directions. Those with the humility to accept his instructions and encouragements will grow in their abilities. Those who think they know better will struggle and fail. Jesus is so much more than a coach. He is our God - our Savior! When he teaches and instructs us, it’s important we open our ears to listen to his Word and to put his words into practice. As Jesus instructs us with stories and illustrations, he asks us to listen. His Word will work. When we are patient, he brings about his own results from the words he speaks. 

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All along the course the runners find distractions. Some in the crowd cheer you on, some in the crowd cheer on your opponents. Some praise your form and skill. Some accuse you of cheating. But you can’t get distracted. You need to stay focused on what is most important. Jesus faced many distractions in his ministry, but he always stayed focused on the most important thing - drawing more and more to be closer and closer to God. He drew his disciples, he drew crowds, and he showed them how outsiders can become part of the family of God; how sinners can become saints!  

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~ Changing lives with Jesus!
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Instagram @dscsienna

Some athletes are simply incredible. When they compete, you can’t help but stare in awe and wonder at the strength they exert, the focus on their task, the abilities with which they have been blessed, and what they are able to accomplish. It tells you something about their origin, their work ethic, their determination, and you wonder what drives them so hard. You can’t help but stare in awe and wonder at Jesus’ miraculous power. It is amazing! As he is determined to use that amazing power to help people in need, he shows his determination to continue to help people with their greatest need. 

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Every race has a start. As they prepare, and step up to the line, the competitors already have their minds and hearts on the finish line. They take their mark. There’s silence. The gun cracks and muscles instantly respond with action. The race is on! The eyes of the crowd are drawn in. Every race has a start, but it all began far before that moment. As did Jesus’ race to the cross. It began in time and history as God declared he would send a Savior. The preparations had been made, and now Mark describes how Jesus began his race, pulling us into it. Drawing us to follow this race, and even to run along with Jesus. Let’s go! 

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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. As we mark the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one, there is time for reflection and expectation, for remembrance and determination, a time for confession and celebration.

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