~~~~~~~~~
Run to Win
~~~~~~~~~
Temptation loves to dangle
like a fuchsia flower in fun
Enticing and inviting
until an evil deed is done
Remember Joseph lost his cloak
But he did not lose his way
Better a meal in prison
than with a wayward wife at play
For sin has hidden hooks
that snare and tear at your soul
leaving gaping gashes that bleed
when you could have escaped whole
Rewards are for the winners
who may stumble but rebound
They run the race simply to win
refusing to wallow on the ground.
Wendy/2013
She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:12
Joseph is one of my favorite Old Testament men. His siblings sold him into slavery because they were jealous. His boss had a wife who falsely accused him and landed Joseph in prison. His prison stay was long, but he rose up in position even there. His upright behavior and God’s power in his life brought him into the second highest position of command in all of Egypt. His trust in God helped save many lives during a severe famine.
I respect Joseph: He was a winner! What do you think? I realize that God can use anyone who has surrendered to Him (regardless of their past) – it’s all about Him!
Who is your favorite Old Testament person and why?
For my friends who are not familiar with the Bible, but are curious, I’d recommend reading the New Testament first – starting in John.
Winner Blessings ~ Wendy
PS – These flowers are from last year’s garden. I’m waiting to see growth on my fuchsia – but it’s still in winter’s prison.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 b
Lovely pictures, Wendy! When I was a child, I got a children’s bible (with nice pictures). Joseph was my favourite! I read it over and over.
Calee, we almost named our first son Joseph; however, we found an old English name we liked even more.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
I love all the characters in the Bible most importantly the Trinity and Mother Mary.
Thank you for your comment, Perpetua! I have always admired Mary’s great example of treasuring and pondering things that were said to her.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
This makes me think of Joseph’s cloak of many colors . A symbol to the meaning we are all our fathers (Gods) favorites .
Indeed! He loves the world and eagerly awaits, with open arms, the return of any prodigals.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy 🙂
Great poem–you know I love the imagery of running!
I’m going through figures in the Old Testament in my head…Joseph is certainly one that my son always asked me to read about; Esther and her being in the right place at the right time; Ruth and the faith-filled friendship she showed to her mother-in-law Naomi; Abraham’s faith in going to unknown lands; Jonah’s disobedience and God’s mercy and pursuit of him. There are too many!! Thanks for reminding me of these rich accounts of faith and grace!!
Have a restful and fruitful weekend, friend! A realtor is coming to photograph our home this week–making the move feel more real! Many blog posts are swirling in my head about moving, cleaning, de-cluttering, perfection, trust, faith, and more! –Alison
Alison, I hope that the realtor takes pictures as well as I’ve seen you do. I hope for you the same peace and joy we experienced in our move three years ago. Hugs!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Thank you! I was feeling pretty good about things but am getting a little overwhelmed at the moment! So many Legos and toys and books! I know we can and must still *live* in our home, but we are trying to de-clutter as much as possible. I am amazed and embarrassed at the amount of stuff to toss out, and encouraged by the number of baby items with which we can bless others!
Love your poem! Also, Philippians 3:13-14 is one of my favorite scriptures, and it was my Mom’s as well! We both enjoyed the message of “forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead”. We both lived by this daily, though she is in her heavenly home, I continue to keep this great message in the forefront of my mind : ) Thank you for your post.
Teresa, what a wonderful legacy your mother left for you! I hope to leave a worthy one for my daughter too… Thank you for your encouraging words.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Joseph is one of my favourites, too – not a word is spoken of his prison angst, his years learning to speak a new language in chains – but much is said of his moments of triumph! I love that MY triumph will trump my years in prison, too, one day…
Melody, I suspect that his tendency to “boast” ( ie.about his dreams) would have been sanded off in a prison atmosphere…he came out polished and ready for real service. Even in jail the Lord showed favor on him. How gracious our Father is!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
I have thought about that, too – that prison was his training ground, preparation for servant leadership. The training ground may be difficult – will we trust that our God knows which lessons we need to learn??
The pilgrim’s path is indeed a humbling one…but He is a gentle Master.
Indeed! 🙂
My favorite is the woman who was bleeding (Mark 5:25-34). She is also mentioned in Luke and Matthew.
She had been bleeding for 12 years, which made her unclean and most likely an outcast. People avoided her. When she touched Christ’s cloak (or fringe of His cloak) she was healed, instantly. Doctors had no answers for her and now had left her not only in the same condition but also poor. I think she was low to the ground when she touched Him (two of the versions say she touched the fringe of His cloak) … She bowed before the Son of God and was healed, He was her answer! Christ was her cure! Her faith was all she needed and after 12 years of looking for a cure in the world she found it in Jesus.
Oh, I resonate with her so much. I often picture myself at His feet, touching the fringe of His robe…just being close, like that woman… there at His feet … knowing He can heal … knowing He calls me daughter … knowing He sees my faith …
I will have to look her up, when I get to heaven… I just love that woman!
Thank you, Wendy… I have my Bible open and was reading again about her … Thanks for pointing us to the Word 🙂 Blessings
oops… forgot to tell you … wonderful poem and devotion… got carried away 🙂
🙂 xo
Heidi, your comment has deeply blessed me. I can relate to the twelve years of waiting for healing as that was how long I endured infertility. It was a lonely wait with glib advice, as sharp as slivers, that added to the pain. You’ve inspired me to write a poem about this…soon I hope. 🙂
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
I can’t wait to read it … I know it will be a treasure! 🙂
Esther 🙂 Lots of reasons but she was so bold and courageous and was willing to even die for God if necessary 🙂
Ann, have you seen the study by Beth Moore about Esther? I think you’d love it – I did.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Thanks for the suggestion. I love Beth’s teachings. I will definitely put it on my wish list 🙂 Blessings!
Right now, I’m loving the wisdom shared by Solomon in Proverbs.
BTW, your site looks great!
I never tire of Proverbs – and its words are easy to understand. Thank you for noticing and commenting about my blog renovation! 🙂
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Loved the poem. Joseph is actually one of my favorite Old Testament characters. So cool the way God turned around and used him to save his family…after they’d sold him off as slave…forgiveness, obedience, God’s purposes fulfilled…it’s all in there! Blessings to you!
Patty, I agree that it is awesome how the very one who was persecuted was also the savior of the perpetrators. I guess Joseph is another foreshadowing of the Savior/Messiah/Jesus!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Hi Wendy! Since I’ve currently been traveling along with Moses, he’s my fave for now! I’m just captivated by His faith-journey. Hope all is well with you and the family–God bless you BIG–much love, sis Caddo
Caddo, I’ve been hanging out with Moses, lately, too! 🙂
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
I have always been amazed with Josephs story. His grace and mercy toward his brothers after they sold him into slavery…just amazing.
I agree, Laurie, that it was “amazing grace”. It is so encouraging that God can use something meant for bad – for good!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Your word picture of temptation fascinates me. Apt and insightful.
I most identify with Jeremiah for reasons far too many to condense.
I suspect that the reformer, Martin Luther, could relate well to Jeremiah too! People who think outside the box, but within Scripture, intrigue me. I love how unpredictable Jesus was and is!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy 🙂
Beautiful red!!!
Thank you, and blessings ~ Wendy 🙂
Your words are really meaningful. Very thoughtful and inspiring.
Thank you, and nice to meet you!
Blessings dear new friend ~ Wendy 🙂
Name: jesusmyjoy
Email: jesusismyjoy1@gmail.com
Website: https://jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/
Comment: Since 2011 i have been sick..it started with flu. then chest soreness which they said was costochondritis. Meaning inflamation of the chest wall. I have had blood work done over and over..my meds are working for the thyroid. My liver came out good..my colestroil is excellant..I stay weak and teary. Tired and so many more things. They have done catscans which i’m having done again next week..their doing these tests of the chests and sinus..i’ve been on three antibiotics since july of last year where i was rushed to the hospital with severe vomitting and headache. Please pray I don’t know what to do no more..
Gentle hugs to you, Betty. I am so sorry that you are going through so much sickness and anguish. It must be even harder because you don’t know what the diagnosis is yet. I will write your name down on my morning prayer list. Apparently it is more common than people realize for illness to go undiagnosed for this long. I hope you get answers and appropriate treatment soon.
Blessings & prayers dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Wendy thank you so much for praying for me.
I love Fuschia’s. They remind me of my Grandfather. Lovely words Wendy, all the best, Ian
I’m glad I brought you a happy thought, Ian. Thank you for your kind comment.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy 🙂
How beautiful your fuschia was… and as I looked at it, I could see how you started thinking of Joseph and his cloak… possibly even his coat of many colors? Beautiful words and beautiful pics too!
Much love to you,
Cheryl
Thank you, Cheryl! Hugs. When I look at them I feel like a child and want to pluck one off and examine it in my hand. They do dangle in a rather tempting manner. I had a toddler pluck off every flower from my porch planter years ago… 🙂
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
LOL – I can understand the toddler’s temptation. Fuschias are so pretty!
Your poem was magnificent, Wendy .. so perfectly it pulled us along and away from temptation. 🙂 So many favorites! I am thinking of David, since I’m in the Psalms, and his heart for God. Thank you and God bless you!
Debbie, I love the Psalms… poetry inspired by the Highest!
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
wonderful combination of colour and words…you certainly have a way with both!
Thank you for your sweet words, Heather! Welcome back home. 🙂
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Joseph always comes to mind first as a favorite, but after writing Twelve Smooth Stones, I must admit, it gave me a new appreciation for Esther! Both were so young when thrown into situations that demanded a right reaction when their actions were literally bound! Both chose to believe that God is always good! Beautiful poem!
Thank you, Wanda! Life does not always deal us a good hand; but we are always in the good hands of God. It’s up to us to choose to believe this. Esther chose well.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Wendy, I love your new look/format on your blog!! I’ve missed reading your posts since I’ve been in the moving process. I’m hoping to have internet soon. Great poem and insights. Have a blessed week, my friend!
Thank you, Daisy, I’m hooked on green! Pace yourself and enjoy setting up your new place. 🙂 I look forward to hearing more about your move etc.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Hey I really enjoy your blog & I nominated you for the Sunshine Award 🙂 http://mysecretphdlife.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/the-vernal-equinox-first-day-of-spring-some-happy-thoughts/
Thank you for thinking of my blog. Congratulations on your award! I don’t participate in awards any longer, but I do a thank you post for nominations, once in awhile. I have made note of your blog since I follow yours too.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy 🙂
Joseph is one of my Bible heroes also. I enjoyed reading your poem very much.
Thank you, Mollie! I enjoyed your very touching poem.
Blessings dear new friend ~ Wendy 🙂
David was my all time favourite! Lovely poems!
🙂
David sure could write awesome “poetry” in his Psalms.
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
Hello!!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a very nice blog here it brings me joy.
I love Joseph and Daniel a whole lot and my blog’s name show it 🙂
Thank you, Daniella! I like your blog too, and I will follow your posts.
Blessings dear new friend ~ Wendy xo
Mmm… good words. I have always been drawn to Jonathan, because he was in a tough position as heir to his father’s throne, but required to step aside for David, all according to God’s plan. He’s my unsung hero. That kind of humility is really, really hard.
Kerry, I love your choice! Jonathan was really humble and definitely an “unsung hero”.
Blessings dear new friend ~ Wendy 🙂