Memory Verse: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT).
Spiritual Emphasis: What race are you running? Have you ever watched the summer or winter Olympics? Almost every event has a course laid out for them. Each course or field has boundaries, lanes, obstacles and rules. Athletes are expected to stay on course and follow the rules else they will be disqualified. God lays out His plans for us – Jer. 29:11. His will for us – through the Word, He sets boundaries, guidelines and rules – Rom. 12:2. He also shares His wisdom and gives us power to fulfill them. He gave us the Holy Spirit to discern His active will for our lives – John 14:15-18.
Text: Psalms 136: 1-26
Finishing Strong Start by giving Thanks to God For…
- Who He is: He is the “God of gods” and “Lord of lords”, and He is a good God – Psalms 136: 1-3; Exo. 3:14; Psalms 23:1.
- What He has made: He does great wonders. He made the heavens and spread out the earth; He made the sun, the moon, and the stars – Psalms 136: 4-9; Gen. 1:1-3.
- What He has done for you and what He will do in future: His hand is strong, and His arm is outstretched towards you – Psalms 136: 10-15; Eph. 3:20-21; Matt. 19:26.
- Standing by you in times of trials: In your times of difficulties, challenges, disappointments, failures, and battles of life, He is always there by you – Psalms 136:16-26; Psalms 23:4; Daniel 3:16-18; Isaiah 43:1-4.
Questions/Activities: 2024 has been a memorable year. What are you thankful for?
Conclusion
We all must strive individually and collectively to continue to mature in Christ. The Christian life is not a solo sport or a passive one. It is an active one. Here are some steps that will help you stay on course and run an amazing race: Make church a priority; Be an active member of a small group in your church; Find a place to serve; Take the gospel to your Jerusalem, Judea, and the outer parts of the World; and do everything in prayer and with thanksgiving to the Lord.
Shalom!
Self-Study: Ps. 107:1; Ps. 7:17; 2 Cor. 4:15; 1 Chron. 16:34; Eph. 5:19-20; Ps. 95: 2-3; Ps. 107:8-9; Col. 3:17; Ps. 100:4; Phil. 4:6-7; Ps. 9:1; Ps. 7:17; Ps. 28:7; Col. 3:15-17; 1 Chron. 29:13; Col. 4:2; Heb. 13:15; Jer. 30:19; Lam. 3:22-23; 1 Cor. 1:4-5.
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