When the woman comes to give a gift to Jesus and wash His feet, Jesus doesn’t turn her away. The Pharisee believes that because Jesus accepts her, He must not know who she is and what she has done. However, Jesus knows exactly who she is, and He still shows her love.


Questions for further thought:
1. Are we showing love to those who others tend to look down upon?

2. Are we showing love to them even when we know their downfalls and mistakes? Do we sometimes get caught up in the comparison game of our sins vs. the sins of others?


​Challenge: Think of ways you can show love to others today—especially to those who might not be getting very much love in other areas of their lives. 

Evangelist and former professional baseball player Billy Sunday stated it this way: "Stopping at third adds no more to the score than striking out. It doesn't matter how well you start if you fail to finish.” That view may be a little extreme…as we noted yesterday, a good start can definitely contribute to a strong finish. But Paul was clear that maintaining a focus on what was truly important – eternity – was the key to running a great race and finishing strong.


Questions for further thought:
1. Is your personal relationship with Jesus growing so that He is more real to you than ever?

2. Do hardships and losses reveal that Jesus truly is your great treasure?

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Challenge: What is one thing you can do to keep the main thing (Jesus) the main thing? Put that one thing into practice today. 

While Solomon was the wisest man in the world, he failed to heed his own advice and finished poorly. I think you can hear that wisdom, mixed with regret, in this passage. Honoring the Lord when young is the best way to develop habits of devotion that last throughout your lifetime. But don’t forget…it’s also never too late to start, or to start over.


Questions for further thought:
1. Which healthy habits of the Christian life have you developed over the years? Which have proven to be a struggle?

2. Who do you have in your life to help you stay the course, overcome obstacles, provide accountability and share victories? If the answers is “no one,” who might you ask to run the race with you?


​Challenge: Many long-time Christians can become discouraged by areas of their lives that seem resistant to change. It can be tempting to give up. Don’t. Pick one area of struggle and ask the Lord to help you make progress. Enlist the help of trusted friends for accountability and encouragement.

Jesus was clear: what we treasure reveals the focus of our life. It isn’t wrong to work hard, to appreciate our family, and to enjoy leisure time activities. It’s when these things take the place of God and consume both our time and our heart that we have a problem. As Solomon’s life demonstrates, even the wisest of us can fall into the trap of misplaced treasure.

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Questions for further thought:
1. Solomon was drawn off the racecourse by his obsession with foreign wives. What snares tend to sidetrack you in your race?

2. Do you have a plan for addressing those pitfalls? Have you put it into action, or do you need to come up with one?


​Challenge: Does your life look like the life of someone who treasures Jesus? Take a look at your daily activities this week to see what they say about what you treasure. Act to rearrange your priorities if necessary.

The Lord described Caleb as having “…a different attitude.” When the rest of the spies saw only obstacles, Caleb (and Joshua) trusted in the power and promises of God. Their loyalty was rewarded as they entered the promised land. We are only able to run our race when we put our faith in the One who provides life in Christ and power through the Holy Spirit. 


Questions for further thought:
1. In what area or areas of your life do you find your trust in God tested most regularly?

2. In what areas is your faith the strongest? Why?


​Challenge: Take a look at the areas where your faith is strongest. Consider the answers to the “why” question above and apply them to your areas of weakness.

In this passage, Paul puts forth the now-familiar comparisons of the Christian life to a race and a fight. As believers, we’re all running that race and we’ve experienced the battle. Paul’s race is nearing an end, and he’s confident that he will finish well. Wherever we are in our race, it’s a good idea to regularly check our form to ensure we’re positioned for a strong finish. 


Questions for further thought:
1. How would you describe the race you’ve run to this point? 

2. What does finishing the race of life well look like to you?


​Challenge: Do you know a mature Christian you would say has run a good race? Ask for a few minutes of their time (coffee or lunch) and ask them what they’ve learned that has helped them in their journey.

In order to be a blessing, we need to be centered around God and His love.  Without Him, it is difficult to put others before yourself or even have a desire to serve another.  So, to be a blessing, we need to be in relationship with Him and spending time with Him regularly. 


Questions for further thought:
1. What happens when you try to be a blessing, but are not spending time with God regularly?

2. What happens when you are a blessing and are spending time with God regularly?


​Challenge: Spend time with God today connecting to His Love and asking for opportunities to be a true blessing to others.

Jesus commands that we be blessings to others but do it in such a way as not to seek recognition or anything for doing it.  The correct attitude for giving should be to give with the intent of glorifying God and meeting the need of the individual.

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Questions for further thought:
1. Think back to a time when you were a blessing to someone.  What was your attitude or intent by being a blessing? 

2. What are some things you can do to keep the act of being a blessing from becoming a way to be recognized or praised? 


​Challenge: Pray for the correct attitude and mindset when being a blessing to others

In this passage, Rahab is technically the enemy of the Israelites.  However, she shows kindness and hides the spies of the Israelite army that were preparing to attack.  It is easy to be kind and meet needs for our friends but the commandment is to love others.  Others does not just include your immediate circle.


Questions for further thought:
1. Who might God be asking you to be a blessing to? (in particular someone who is not a friend or family)

2. What might be holding you back from taking that step?


​Challenge: Ask God to show you who you should be a blessing to and then, take steps to be that blessing.

In the story of Ruth, Ruth leaves her family and travels with Naomi back to her home.  Then, while she is there, Ruth works hard to provide for Naomi.  Ruth blesses Naomi. The story does not end there though. In the story, Boaz steps in and becomes the protector for Naomi but also the husband for Ruth. Again, the story does not end there either—the marriage between Boaz and Ruth would lead to a family line that includes King David and Jesus.  


Questions for further thought:
1. Think about a time when you were in need.  What blessings did others provide during that time?

2. Now think about a time when you knew someone else was in need.  What blessings did you or others provide?


​Challenge: Ask God to show you one person that you can be a blessing to and take action on that need.