DAILY VIDEO DEVOTIONAL
There’s a secret truth about life that enables a person to live as a champion. Yet, it’s not so secret to those who have already become champions. Winners have experienced the reality of this law. It separates those who do well in life from those who live in a mediocre manner. It paints the big picture of what God desires for all His followers. It can be summarized in one word: balance.
In Hebrews chapter twelve, the Bible describes the Christian life as a race. We are told to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Following that opening exhortation, the author makes it very clear that discipline will be needed to become a champion. Then, the Scripture speaks of the ultimate pursuit: peace with all people and holiness. But what is holiness?
The word holy means that a person or thing is in a category all its own. It’s set apart. There’s only one person who has ever lived in such a manner. His name is Jesus. He is in a class all His own. He’s absolute perfection. He can only be described as total purity. Therefore, when we pursue holiness, we pursue the likeness of Jesus. We have but one goal in this race –– becoming like Jesus.
When we look to Jesus, we see the most balanced human being who has ever lived. He’s not only full of grace but also truth. He stood for justice when He chased the moneychangers out of the temple, but displayed forgiveness when He encountered the woman caught in adultery. He’s the strong One who identified with the weak.
If we are to develop Christ-like character, then we must become balanced, which can be one of the most difficult challenges in the Christian life. A person with an abundance of truth may be in debt when it comes to grace. Someone who can be characterized by kindness often loses sight of the need for justice. Each of us possesses strengths and weaknesses. We often build our lives around our strengths. God uses them. It’s the place where we’re most comfortable. However, our greatest potential to become a champion often lies in our weaknesses.
If we’re to become like Jesus, we must develop balance. The author of Hebrews gives us the secret. However, I’ve heard very few people speak about this simple but profound verse of Scripture. “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble” (Hebrews 12:12 NASB). We must identify our weaknesses in order to strengthen them. Yet, none of us like to admit that we have weaknesses and need help to overcome them.
God will often place a person in our lives who exposes our weaknesses. For me, that person has been my wife. As I’ve observed other couples, I’ve discovered that my experience isn’t unique. It’s part of what marriage is all about. God wants us to become more like Jesus. Therefore, He often gives a mate that is strong where we are weak and weak where we are strong. We bring balance into each other’s life. We become more like Jesus and learn to run as champions.
We often fight and argue over those differences. However, when we embrace them, we are on a highway toward holiness, which is the ultimate goal of the race. We’re running on the course that He’s set for us. Embrace the differences between you and your spouse, and you will begin to strengthen “the hands that are weak and knees that are feeble.” Your spouse may be God’s gift that will enable you to run like a champion.
Ecclesiastes : Chapter 4
7) Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8) There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! 9) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10) If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Advancement Is Meaningless
Book of the Month
Sammy Tippit told his fiancée, “I can’t promise we’ll be rich, but life won’t be boring.”
Sammy had no idea what an understatement that would become. Beginning in the bars of Baton Rouge and the nightclubs of Chicago, Tippit has shared the news of life-changing faith in Christ all over the world – including in the middle of a revolution in Romania, the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda, and war in Burundi and the Congo.
Sammy’s lifelong adventure has come at a great price. He’s been cursed, threatened, arrested, deported, and blacklisted. He’s also been personally broken, ravaged with illness, and devastated by grief.
Yet he continues to preach to in stadiums, in open fields, and via satellite technology to hundreds of thousands around the globe. For all other books…
About Sammy Tippit Ministries
STM has been providing inspiration and help around the world for nearly 50 years. Sammy Tippit, founder and president, is a world renowned counselor, teacher and evangelist with experience serving and helping people in over 80 countries. Sammy provides materials that help people tackle a broad array of social, societal, psychological and spiritual issues. He is particularly passionate about making materials accessible to other countries around the world. Sammy is married to Debara “Tex” Tippit, and they have two children and five grandchildren.
Sammy Tippit Ministries is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
Contact: info@sammytippit.org
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