Home
>
Spirituality
>
Enough Warm-ups, Already!

Enough Warm-ups, Already!

Among those arriving to the stadium early were two old timers: a husband and wife who always attended these events, and who were former runners themselves. In fact, they were world-class champions whose races were the stuff of legends. They could recount, if they chose to do so, tales of close races, humiliating defeats, and former glory.

Their conversation, however, centered around the newest runners, a brother and sister. This was to be their big day, the opportunity of a lifetime.

"There they are, warming up," the old man told his wife. "They look healthy enough. Do you remember how anxious I was when I was out there?" She nodded and patted him on the arm. "Their turn now," she said, giving him a warm smile.

As the stadium filled up, the runners made their way onto the track. They were stretching, jogging, or taking off their sweats. Officials were busy checking schedules or inspecting starting blocks.

"What's happening?" the old champ asked. "Why isn't she lining up with the other women?"

"I don't know," said his wife. "Maybe it's not her heat." She looked again at the program, which listed only one race for women, one for men. The center of their attention continued to stretch and to exercise on the sidelines, even as the other women poised for the race to begin.

"BANG!" The rest exploded from the blocks, but the young athlete took no notice, continuing her stretches, losing by default. Minutes later the old couple saw their hero male runner do exactly the same thing. It was frustrating and bewildering for Abraham and Sarah to watch, as well as for the other hall-of-famers: David and Deborah, Gideon and Moses, and Rahab. Why didn't they run? You can't win if you don't run.

The biblical book of Hebrews, chapter 11, lists for us runners some of the Olympians in the audience, every one of them rooting for us. It's time we got out on the track, the race is about to begin. It's time to shed our warm-up suits and take our places at the blocks.

It's our race now, and our coach assures us of victory. But we actually have to run the race. You can warm up only so long. Then you must run! "Let us run with patience the race marked out before us, looking to Jesus?" (Heb. 12:1-2).

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his deeperstudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Fueled by artificial intelligence, CyberDog the robotic dog is designed specifically locate fire ant nests, which are endangering ecosystems.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.

Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.

Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.

Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.

China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries

Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.

The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.

ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.

Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.

The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.

You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.

Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.

Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.

Enough Warm-ups, Already!

Spirituality