A work in progress

I ran 7 miles today. I tell my students that and they freak out. Except for my cross country runners who are quite used to distances (at a much quicker pace I might add). The thing that surprises me the most is how much of a "head game" I have to play to make the longer distances. My body is able to do 7 miles and more. My mind really wants me to quit after 2. During each run, there are two voices arguing over the music. One tells me that I can do this and will succeed. The other tells me that I have no business attempting this and will fail. I choose which voice wins. As a member of Christ's flock, I hear His voice. I know His voice. And yet I allow a dissenting voice to weasel it's way into my heart and make its argument. Sometimes, I choose the wrong voice. When I choose poorly, I'm grateful that my Shepherd forgives me and will come find me. When I choose correctly, I'm thankful for the faithfulness and sovereignty of the One who knows what is best.  ...

My friends and family who possess a more refined grasp of the English language will have to excuse this math-minded teacher's attempt at a "response paper". It's been a long time since I wrote one.  But, I'm compelled to respond to a theme that has been reaching my heart through the book I've been reading, sermons I've been hearing, and conversations I've been having. This morning, my pastor continued a series on being Commissioned, focusing on the message I need to share as I "go and make disciples". (Matt. 28:20) In Luke 24, Christ reminds His disciples that He has fulfilled the prophesies of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms, and then proceeds to state the Gospel, the message I am to share with the world: "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." (Lk. 24...