I live in Sarasota, which is located on the west coast of Florida. After living here for 29 years, I have a tremendous respect for the power of nature. I’ve seen the devastation that storms can cause in our area. Sarasota has been fortunate in dodging storm after storm but, I’ve learned to take the warnings seriously. Once again we are preparing. This time for tropical storm Fay. Because I live near the water, I left my home today for the safety of higher ground at my parents’ home.

I am always amazed at the power of storms. Huge trees fall…some with trunks as much as two feet thick, are uprooted. Many times it looks like the root systems are ripped up with what looks like a carpet of sod along with them. Large sailboats are scattered on the banks of the bay looking like they are toys that are easily tossed onto shore. The raw power of creation is obvious to all. It is a reminder of how little control we really have in life. No one can harness a storm and make it subside. . .no one that is except God.

• And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. (NIV) Genesis 1:9-10

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• He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. (NIV) Job 9:8
• He spreads out the northern over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea. . .(NIV) Job 26:7-12a
• God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. (NIV) Job 28:23-27

As you go through the storms of life, look to the One who can harness the wind and the waves.

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Once the author of Hebrews tells us how to run, he turns our focus to the finish line. We are to focus on the Finisher, Jesus. Why do we fix our focus on Him? Because He is the author and perfecter of our faith. The Author - the Originator, the Founder, the Leader, the First, the Beginning. He is the initiator of our faith. And He is the Perfecter - the Finisher, the One who reached the goal. He started it all and He finished His task. Jesus endured.

Where was Christ’s focus? It was on His goal: first the cross, then the throne. The result was joy. Joy in knowing He was returning to His Father. Joy in defeating sin and death once and for all. Joy in knowing that someday we would live in eternity with Him!

We are told to consider Him, consider Jesus. Think about Him, meditate about Him, learn about Him, and seek after Him. So that when you grow weary, when you are tempted to lose heart and when you are exhausted in the middle of the race, you can focus on the finish when you meet Him face to face! The exhilaration will be greater than entering the Olympic stadium at the end of the marathon. . .the roar of the crowd will be deafening. . .there will be cheering and applause as Heaven expresses its approval.

So where is your focus? Fix your eyes on Jesus and race with long obedience in the same direction. . .until you reach the end. . .taking one step after another. . .running the race for an audience of One, Jesus!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

To win the race it takes more than just running with endurance. The author of Hebrews writes that we are to throw off everything that hinders us. We are to get rid of all encumbrances and entanglements. An encumbrance is excess weight for the runner. The Greek custom was to strip off clothes to run unencumbered. They wanted to get rid of anything that hindered their progress.

We are also instructed to throw off every entanglement, anything hindering or preventing progress toward spiritual maturity. Specifically we are to “throw off” the sin that entangles us. Notice that this is not something God does, this is what we do daily. For us, in our race of faith, encumbrances could be procrastination, lack of mental discipline, impatience, not forgiving others, indifferent attitudes, jealousy, gossip, selfish ambition, or any sin that God brings to your mind.

It is Christ’s death on the cross that enables us to come to Him, confess our sins, and claim forgiveness. A look back with acknowledgment of what Christ has done for you will motivate you in your forward progress in your own race of faith. Looking back to the Cross is the motivation to keep looking to the future…to run with endurance.

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

I love watching the Olympics. The dedication of the athletes is amazing. Few events are more demanding than the marathon, 26.2 grueling miles! Marathons take tremendous endurance. Runners need to run the race with perseverance. Endurance includes a determined effort, running a steady pace and refusing to be defeated. A runner may have great talent and energy, but each has to run the complete course before claiming victory. It is not enough to be leading the pack at the first turn. The race must be run at a steady pace all the way from start to finish.

To meet these challenges athletes have to train. To increase their cardiovascular endurance they need proper nutrition and rest. Muscles need to be strengthened to prepare for the challenge. To enter the Olympic Games during New Testament times an athlete was required to undergo 10 months of rigorous training. No exceptions were tolerated. A pampered body meant a lost race. Flabby athletes received no medals. Endurance meant that obstacles did not daunt them and discouragements did not take their hope away.

Endurance in ministry is essential. There are times when I feel exhausted in the 26.2 mile race. But, I am determined to run the race that is marked out for me! The last couple of months have been a bit of a “training” setback for me. But, I am recovering nicely from back surgery and I am back on the track!

God has been good to us. The Internet ministry stayed on pace. In July, over 200,000 people around the world heard messages from God’s Word via the Internet and email. Anchor Your Life’s ministry in Lesotho, Southern Africa picked up speed. Throughout our time in Lesotho last May, we witnessed God working in remarkable ways. Although I was laid up with severe back pain after our return, that did not stop the communication with our friends in Lesotho. The Maseru United Church consistently prayed for me…fasted for a quick and full recovery…and showered me with emails and phone calls. We are working hard now to keep up the communication with them. The Internet and cell phones have proved to be invaluable resources in our ongoing ministry in Lesotho. We are currently working on future plans for increased ministry with the people of Lesotho.

Marathon runners need to keep re-fueling and hydrating their bodies throughout the race. Ministries are no different. Your support keeps our ministry running the race. Will you prayerfully consider how you might be able to assist us with running a steady pace in God’s work?

I am reminded as I watch the Olympics that we all need consistency in our spiritual training to produce endurance, to be faithful in our own race of faith. It takes daily discipline spending time with God in prayer and Bible study. It takes a balanced diet of spiritual food, the Word of God. And it takes self control - setting our priorities based upon God’s standards and expectations from His Word. Training for a Christian is judging everything by the standard: Will it help me finish the race? And, when we finish the race, my prayer for all of us is that we each hear: “Well done My good and faithful servant,” from our loving Father. God bless you!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

I love watching the Olympics. The games appeal to my competitive nature…and they bring out my national pride. But, what I enjoy the most are those come from behind, against all odds victories. Sometimes it’s the bigger than life favorites who are dethroned. Other times it’s little known winners in obscure sports. It is the moment when the crowd stands in unison and cheers the winner. Family, friends, fellow teammates, dignitaries and strangers stand to applaud.

What an incredible moment for those athletes! But, it pales compared to the celebration in Heaven when someone comes to Christ. “Count on it - that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God” (The Message). Count on it. It’s a done deal. Although athletes are never 100% assured victory, there is assured victory for every new Christian. What about you…will you be a part of the celebration in Heaven?

P.S. Yes, I stayed up until midnight to watch Michael Phelps win his second gold medal.

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

How does your behavior change when you’re not with Christian friends? How do your words change in the workplace? How do you treat your family when you’re behind closed doors? What thoughts do you think that if revealed, you’d be terribly embarrassed? What habit would you most want to hide from the public eye?

Many times we think that we are “getting away” with something, because we’re not aware that anyone is watching. . . but, all of us are accountable for every thought and action to the One who sees and knows all!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

In the Old Testament, God graciously offered reconciliation between the Jews and Himself through the covenant Law. The levitical system of sacrifice was the provision God made to maintain fellowship with His people. The primary obligations for Israel under the old covenant, were to be loyal and obedient to God. These two responsibilities were to be expressed by exclusively worshiping God and Him alone.

The old covenant was broken almost as soon as it was established (Exodus 32) and continued to be broken throughout the history of the people of Israel. God honored His obligations to the people despite the fact that Israel persisted in rebelling against Him (Isaiah 1:5). Ignoring the prophets’ pleas and threats of judgment, the people persisted in their disobedience. The old covenant needed to be replaced with a new covenant, one that man could not ruin.

God’s new covenant was unveiled. It was not an agreement based upon merit or works, like the old plan, but one that was independent of external laws and human interpretations. Obedience no longer resulted from fear of God’s wrath. Instead, obedience was a natural response to the incomprehensible love shown by God.

God sent Christ to earth to become the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:9, 9:14). It was God’s will that Jesus suffered and died on the cross. In Christ’s death, He made the atonement for sin. The author of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34 in writing that God said, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Christ specifically came to earth so that He could die for mankind and thus provide a means of offering salvation.

How has the New Covenant impacted your life and faith?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Chances are that you have at least one appointment or one deadline to meet today. . . maybe you have more than your day will allow! Martha had a deadline: preparing a dinner for God. But, was it an “assignment” that God had given her? Mary was doing what Jesus felt was most important, listening to Him!

Do you get bogged down in what you think you ought to accomplish during a day? Do you get frustrated when a deadline is approaching and you know you’re crunched for time? I know I do!

How often do you go to God and ask Him what He wants you to do today? God never gives us more to do in a day than we can handle. . . it’s when we pile our agenda on top of His plans that we get pushed for time. I’m an expert with piling on my own agenda. But, I’m trying to change…to listen for His agenda instead of mine.

When do you take the time to ask God what He has planned for your day? And when you know what He wants you to do, do you follow through with His plans? Or do you do what you think is most important? Why not try checking with God right now about His plans for your day? And then watch for how good you are at meeting all the appointments, all the deadlines of your day. . . God’s way!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

The Scene: Jesus is by the Sea of Galilee, people are crowding around him and listening to the Word of God. After He finishes speaking, Jesus tells Peter and his fishing partners to let down the nets one more time. It’s an unusual request because they had fished all night and this isn’t the time of the day to catch fish. Nevertheless, Peter obeys and is overwhelmed with the catch that is so big that as the boats are filled, they begin to sink. When Peter sees what has happened he’s overcome with his encounter with the Divine. . . so much so, that he instinctively realizes his own sinfulness and says: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). When someone encounters the Holy One, it’s a natural reaction to see your own deficiencies, your own utter depravity before God.

What’s your reaction to meeting the Holy One? And what is the result of your encounter with God? What emotions are evoked in your quiet times with God? How do you express your emotions to God in worship? How do you express your love for Him?

Ask God to reveal Himself to you as the Holy One. . . and you will never look at sin the same!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

The Scene:
Peter is overcome with his encounter with the Divine Jesus. . . so much so that he acknowledges his own sinfulness (Luke 5:8). Jesus tells him not to be afraid and that “from now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10). Peter’s response: he left everything and followed Jesus. Peter encountered the Divine, acknowledged his sinfulness, and then was reassured that he could be a disciple (a follower) of Jesus. His reaction was one of commitment.

When did Jesus call you to be a follower of His? What has been your response? At first, did you wholeheartedly seek to follow Him? And now has that commitment worn off a bit? What do you need to do today to renew your passion in following Christ?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger