11.23.2021

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize?

Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

I have also spoken by the prophets, And have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.

Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard.”

I went in response to a revelation, and in a private meeting with the reputed leaders, I explained to them the gospel that I’m proclaiming to the gentiles. I did this because I was afraid that I was running or had run my life’s race for nothing.

I turned and I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift , neither to a mighty man the battle, neither to the wise bread and not to the learned riches, and not to the intelligent glory, because time and mishap happens to them all.

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king?

even that which hath been already done.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Above all, fear the LORD and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.

And He said to man,

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'”

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!