July 5, 2026
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Winners and Losers
I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.
Matthew 11:25

An acquaintance of mine was running in a marathon, and I was interested in the finish, so I clicked on the visual feed of racers crossing the line. As I watched, I felt inspired. Not by the big winners, though, the pros obviously in shape and position to grab the glory. No, it was the stragglers, dogged and exhausted, who got my attention. They barely jogged, walked and limped across the finish line. But they weren’t sad about their placement; rather, they were jubilant. They’d accomplished their goals. They had not given up!

Our culture emphasizes the winners.  I think, as Jesus points out, I might have a lot to learn from the supposed losers—the little ones—myself.

Lord, may I learn from you in my own weakness.

- Amy Welborn

Zechariah 9:9-10 ✚ Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 ✚ Romans 8:9, 11-13 ✚ Matthew 11:25-30
Happy girl winning race competition in park. Image by Rober Knescheke | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

freeter
July 5, 2026 at 12:13 PM

Amen. :)

CBR
July 5, 2026 at 08:56 AM

I sit here today feeling weak like I'm sick or something and I thank to myself do I really want to go to church or not but this scripture right here help me to realize I have to have God give me strengths to do the thing I need to do Thank you so much Amen Amen Amen

Gary
July 5, 2026 at 08:39 AM

"Lord may I learn from you in my own weakness." Thank you for your words today Amy. Amen!

Salina (not in control)
July 5, 2026 at 08:17 AM

Is there a difference between winners and losers? Not between winners and losers, but between the Spirit and the flesh!!! *** Who rules in you? Flesh or Spirit in Romans 8:9, “But you are not ruled by the power of sin (flesh). Instead, the Holy Spirit rules over you. This is true if the Spirit of God lives in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ!“ *** The key is if Christ lives in you in Romans 8:10-11, “If Christ lives in you, you will live. Though your body will die because...
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Salina (not in control)
July 5, 2026 at 03:30 PM

As I wam watching a sermon regarding king Josiah in the Old Testament, I realize who are the losers and winners! *** The losers are the ones who believe they have to do as much good in order to please their god(s) so they have a chance to earn their salvation and go to heaven :-( *** The winners are the ones who believe they have surrendered their lives to Jesus, the One true God, Who will do His good works through them because they are secured in their Salvation only in what Jesus has done! *** Losers depend on...
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Salina (not in control)
July 5, 2026 at 08:31 AM

Faith (Spirit) over fear (flesh) ✝️ *** 1 Timothy 1:7, “God gave us His Spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves.” *** 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives away fear. That’s because fear has to do with being punished. The one who fears does not have perfect love.” *** Proverbs 29:25, “If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the Lord, He will keep you safe.” ******* Fear Is A Liar...
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Scott
July 5, 2026 at 06:05 AM

I have been watching some of the world cup soccer games. The losers are so sad, crying some are even expressing to themselves, "How did we lose?" The winners are so excited, smiling, patting each other on the back, hugging and celebrating. Then in other sports, the winners are thanking God and I always say, "God is on both sides." The losers will be first mainly because of the humility they express. The humbleness and giving thanks to God for the opportunity to use their God given gifts to play the game. I always have felt this way because as...
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Patrick
July 5, 2026 at 02:25 AM

Amen -—— Matthew 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last“ —-— Philippians 3:14 “I push myself forward toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself” —- The order or manner in which we complete our journey is of no concern. We are all equal in the sight of God. —— It’s our choice to commit and persist ‘til the end. Gods love is abundant, there’s enough for everyone. We can all be winners.

Mike
July 5, 2026 at 07:59 AM

Amen

Scott
July 5, 2026 at 06:08 AM

Amen Patrick, I also like, "I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, and I have kept the faith." (2nd Timothy 4:7) stay faithful and be blessed always in the name of the One who loves us always.

Happy girl winning race competition in park. Image by Rober Knescheke | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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