Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

“Everyone who competes for a prize is composed in all things, they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown”, praise the Lord. “Therefore, I run thus, not with uncertainty, thus I fight, not as one who beats air, but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”  Lord, I am running the race, I am fighting the good fight, I am your messenger carrying the gospel without charge, help me not to run this race in vain, let me not convince others and fail in my conviction, let me not admonish others, yet feel that I am beyond reproach, for you know us intimately, and you will reward all who have run the race and fought the fight, according to your instructions with the imperishable crown. Oh, glory be to God!