Hello ,

Training for a marathon is one of the most physically demanding activities you can willingly put yourself through. And when race day finally comes—after months of training and hours spent pounding the pavement—you want to finish the race strong. But sometimes, that just doesn’t happen.

A runner at the 2023 London Marathon experienced this as he worked his way towards the end of the race. In a short video shared on Reddit, a man in a black cap begins to double over and is on the verge of collapsing as other participants whizz by. But before he falls to the ground, another runner comes from behind him and grabs his arm. He’s able to hold the runner steady enough to keep going. Shortly after, another person appears on the man’s other side. Together, the three runners make their way to the finish line.

It’s unclear if the men knew each prior to the race. But when it comes to marathons, finishing with a fast time is only one component. The camaraderie—knowing thousands of other people are doing the same thing as you—is part of what makes the experience so special. And helping someone in need? Even better. 

Though the three guys didn’t finish first, they won that day.

 "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

Most of my subscribers know that it has been a challenging summer for me and my family. Between having a massive "widow-maker" heart attack in May, and subsequently receiving a heart transplant in June, let's just say that 2023 has been a year of the "new normal," and hasn't gone as we had previously planned it. 

I have had more pain that I thought was possible to bear, and more blessings than I believed could ever be poured out on me. Through it all, I had a support system that prayed for me, stayed with me, served me, and encouraged me with cards, letters, calls, texts, gifts, and abundant prayers. I honestly believe that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the prayers of people just like you on my behalf.

What would our world be like if everyone actually LIVED the mandate found in Matthew 7:12? Although we certainly can't change the entire world by ourselves, there are a number of kind and loving deeds that we CAN bestow on others to bring a little sunshine into their days.

My daughter, Taylor has officially handed the Open Word "baton" back to me (beginning today), and with God's help (and some help from some of my friends) I will continue sending out these daily devotionals into the foreseeable future. 

If you have any prayer requests that I can lift up on your behalf, please send them my way. Physically, I am still struggling...but I AM gaining strength each and every day. None of my physical pain and challenges have stopped me from reaching out to our Great God, and I would be privileged to do that on your behalf. 

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word