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: Psalm 119:1-11
To finish strong, we need to constantly talk to God:
- When we fall short of His glory, quickly return to God: When you sin, quickly confess, repent and receive God’s cleansing, get up and keep going. We are encouraged not to sin, while at the same time assuring us of God’s grace and mercy – 1 John 1:5-9; Isaiah 59:1-2; Rom. 6:1-2; Rom. 6:10-11.
- Constantly Adore Him: In the hustle and bustle of this joyous season and in our everyday activities, we forget the one thing that should be in our everyday tradition – spending time with Jesus. For us to have intimate connection with God and finish strong, we need to invest quality time with the Lord – Ps. 119:105; Lam. 3:22-25; Matt. 6:33; 1 Thess. 5:16; Mark 1:35.
Question: How do you plan to improve your relationship and intimacy with the Lord going forward?
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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