Getting the Forever Prize

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24

One thought shared in the post “Enthusiastically Going After Our Treasured Reward” was that Paul was adaptable for others so he had the opportunity to inspire others towards accepting the Gospel message. He wanted people to feel empowered and ready to be deployed to change the world.

Paul followed the Word and was disciplined like a runner in a race enthusiastically going for first place. The difference for Paul is that the reward that He was after is a crown that last forever.

Like in the song Live with Abandon by Newsboys, desire that your life matters, accept the power God gives through the Holy Spirit, and give God all you have so His purpose can be fulfilled through you.  

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Chipping Away

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

As brought out in the post “Lighten the Load”, we need to get rid of that extra baggage in order to be all that God want us to be. We need to get rid of negative qualities that weigh us down like anger, pride, fear, and dishonesty. We need to trust in the Lord and lighten the load by being disciplined in His ways.

This day with God, celebrate the truth because God has started something good in you. As in this song Unfinished by Mandisa points out, His work in you is unfinished but day by day you are chipping away producing a masterpiece for God’s glory.

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Inspired Hearts

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12

The study written about in the post “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” gave some meaningful qualities that need to be a part of our life.

Our kindness to our fellow neighbor starts with the amazing kindness God first showed to us when He sent Jesus to die on the cross. It is highlighted in today’s song Kindness By Todd Agnew and has inspired the following poem.   

God’s love opened up

the skies of mercy

for His love reigned down

to take away worry.

Keep falling down on us,

amazing grace like rains

with a cleansing stream

washing away the stains.

Better than life itself

is the kindness of the Lord

and His favor that blesses

so keep on reigning Lord.

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Tender Whisper

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14

In the post “The Power of Words”, highlighted were some thoughts of the study of Proverbs 15 that the wise speak with encouraging words that uplift at a timely moment but the foolish tear apart crushing all hopes.

This day with God, let us take this instruction to speak with a tender whisper that gives light to the Way. Take inspiration from this song Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin.

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Taking in More Spiritual Food

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. - Romans 5:3

Taking in more spiritual food and less junk food is a great idea for shedding a few pounds as brought out in the post “Ideas for Greater Discipline”.

Not only does this idea provide added physical benefits but also spiritual benefits. As pointed out in the song Stay by Jeremy Camp, remaining in the light produces perseverance, character, and hope.

This day with God my friend, never walk away but stay in the light and throw all burdens away.

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Advantage for Your Day

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

In the post “Advice for Life”, highlighted is that being on God’s side gives a tremendous advantage. The scripture above and other memorized scriptures can be very useful when faced with pressure moments in life.

I once heard about a field goal kicker in football that repeated over and over in his mind scriptures like the one above before kicking a field goal. This gave him poise as he got set to perform the winning kick in the last seconds of the game. 

One thing about sports that is related in life is how we all compete against time. We all set priorities in the use of our time. As we plan out each day, two questions must be answered: What is it that needs to be done? What is most important?

The amazing thing to me is that efficiency is thought of highly in sports but not so much these days in government, organizations, and businesses. Each sports team competes and the coach puts players in a position where they can do the best for their team. In government and in some businesses, people seem to be put out of position. They are put in a position to fail and organizations are run in such a dysfunctional way.

We all win some and loose some but the most important thing is you give it your best. If God is with you through all of it, then you’ll end up victorious. Here’s a song to inspire us toward a winning day: Through All of It by Colton Dixon.

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Freedom to Improvise

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. - Job 23:10

As the post “There is Freedom in Wisdom” points out, good things happen if you listen to those with experience, follow instructions, and prepare. If plans don’t totally work out, wisdom gives you a sense of freedom to improvise and tweak the kinks.

Some of the greatest plays ever in the game of football happened when the initial plan didn’t work out. Think of a quarterback that goes back to pass only to be blitzed by the defensive team. He decides to run the ball away from the blitz for either a first down or even a touchdown.

It’s the same in the game of life. Take inspiration from today’s song Unfinished by Mandisa. Life is not easy as negatives blitz us from all sides and we all can get down or discouraged but God’s Work in us may not be done. If He started something good, just keep believing it and keep working it until He completes it.

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United in Spirit for Good Works

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others – Romans 12:5

As explained in the post “Finding My Place in this World”, Paul’s appeal in Romans 12:1-8 relates to the status we have in Christ. As Christians, we are a diverse group forming one body.

To show today that we are a member of the body of Christ and to one another, let us use our individual God given strengths to fulfill His purposes.

Be inspired by the song Place in this World by Michael W. Smith to affirm the strength God has blessed you with in order to fulfill His purposes.

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Our Glorious Destination

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

The post, “Obedience and Achievement” has some thoughts about the benefits of knowing and applying God’s Word. If we take on challenges along the journey of life one day at a time using God’s Word, we will find our glorious destination.

Let us know the plan and carry it out on a daily basis. Let us pray for direction each day as we daily work to fine tune and improve. Then every challenge will become possible.

There is freedom in obeying God’s way because He cares for us more than we care for ourselves. Let’s start our day with this inspiring song called One Day at a Time by Jeremy Camp. God understands our needs more than we do so let’s accept His guidance as we journey through life one day at a time.

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His Words Remaining in You

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:7-8

One of the main lessons gained from reading in Hosea 7-8 and writing in the post “Hitting the Target” is the warning of guarding our hearts against blindness to sin. The way to hit the target is to repent of our own sin, give up our pride, and work to improve our own character by developing ways to look for and store up lessons from the Bible.

I’ve found that having a dog is great for anyone that needs to wake up early and study God’s Word. My Dog gets hungry very early and wakes me up. Once up, I’m more inclined and have more time to read the Bible and other devotionals before I start my day.

As was the case with Israel during Hosea’s time, sometimes we have to be brought down to our knees. We may think we know what’s best but it is our Father in Heaven who really knows. Getting into His Word and working to make them stick in our hearts so they remain in us is what we should strive for.

So the aim is to get into God’s Word on a daily basis so this action rids us of our way and leads us to the best Way. Enjoy today’s inspiring video: Lead Me to the Cross - Hillsong.

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Disciplined Listening

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3

As shared in the post Unlimited Potential with God, Israel was not faithful to God and their future was not going to be easy. The lesson for us is to reach out and grab the upper hand of God by setting aside time to study the Word and spending time in prayer.

Here is an idea for today. Instead of taking breaks today, have a praise the Lord prayer time asking for direction for the rest of the day. First, watch this video poem and take every opportunity during pauses throughout the day to watch this video poem; to pray and ask for guidance: This Day with God.

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Accepting God’s Grace and Finishing this Race Called Life

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24

As described in the post “Being a Good Example”, Paul gives us a vivid picture of his service for Jesus Christ. We should strive to follow the principles he demonstrates like overcoming difficulty, applying our faith, having a definite purpose, and going the extra mile so that we finish this race called life victoriously.

The Word of God emphasizes how we apply our faith; giving hope and having compassion for others. How we live speaks volumes to others because they see the example of victory that can become their own victory through Jesus Christ. Enjoy today’s video that puts fourth some of these same thoughts: SpeakLife – Toby Mac.

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Seek More Patience and Make Christ More Than an Acquaintance

Many may think following God’s way is boring and there is no liberty or the ability for amazing success but in reality, there is freedom and great success in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. He understands our needs more than we do.

We should strive to be prepared daily through His Word in order to receive His divine power. The first priority is seeking more patience in making Christ more than an acquaintance which is one thought from today’s video: Lead me to the Cross - Hillsongs.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

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The Need to Be Freed

The Pharaoh of Egypt continued to repent and ask that God take away the plagues but each time, he didn’t follow through with his end of the agreement. He wanted a compromise but as written about in the post No Compromises with God, we don’t make deals with God. He doesn’t need anything from us but we need something from Him.

We have a need to be freed and the only way to get it is to surrender all because we need His grace made available through Jesus. Here’s a song with this thought in mind: I Surrender - Hillsong.

But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time. – 1 Kings 8:61

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The Humble Never Crumble When God Is With Them

As shared in the post He Answers Man’s Despairing Pleas with Plans, Moses knew his limits and was humble but Pharaoh would not take to heart the greatness of God. His stubbornness resulted in Egypt being cursed with plagues.

Even though Moses lacked confidence, there were aspects of his personality that God could use for a tremendous purpose. He humbly listened to God’s instructions and carried them out.

God can use you too and thinks you’re awesome! Just use the strengths He has given you, listen to His direction, be happy with who you are, and He will do the amazing part through you. Take encouragement from today’s video: Word of God Speak – MercyMe.

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. – Proverbs 12:20

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Spiritual Living

The main thought brought out in the post New Life with Christ was that the believers approached spiritual living as a discipline. They responded by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship.

In life, sometimes we forget that God is the main reason for the good things in life. We focus on putting in all the time at work to climb the ladder of success or stay busy with friends trying to be all they want us to be. But God’s plan is for us is to grow spiritually and to share with others about our faith. Here is a video that brings our focus more on the things of God: Every Good Thing - The Afters

“...let us know His secret purpose.  This was what God wanted, and He planned to do it through Christ.  His goal was to carry out His plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be joined together in Christ as the head. - Ephesians 1:9-11

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Seal the Deal by Obeying His Way

There is a cost to being a Disciple as I explained in the post Being Disciplined to Follow. The key is to determine if you’re willing to pay the price. Remember, there is freedom in obeying God’s way because He cares for us and understands our needs.

Stay focused on the ultimate victory. Taking action will seal the deal by using the high quality principles of faith, hope, and love.  Ultimately, our life will be lost unless we surrender all to Jesus which brings the ultimate victory of eternal life. Here’s a video that highlights this plan God has for us: I Surrender All – Oslo Gospel Choir.

 

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

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Feeding the Soul with Thoughts of a Believer

In the post Ready for His Return at all Times I wrote about the need to pay attention to our spiritual health; getting ready for each day by feeding our souls with healthy thoughts and using our abilities to glorify God. At the end of each day, we should reflect on the good or bad things of the day to draw lessons from which to share with others.

We should pay attention to get things in order, get pride out of the way, admit our faults, and accept Jesus as Savior. Like predicting the weather, use discernment to see what God is doing. Get ready, get settled with the Lord, and prepared for the battle ahead. Here is a video to feed our soul with thoughts of a believer: Fix My Eyes on You – King and Country.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8

Commitment to Spiritual Growth

The actions of today can have long-term, far-reaching implications in our living for the future. Below are a few actions we can take that effect our future in a positive way:

·         Be decisive and accept Christ as Savior

·         Stay focused on His ways

·         Write out plans or a road map for spiritual growth

·         Take the steps needed to get to where you want to go

·         Take a look at the roadmap of your journey to measure how you are doing and where you are at

·         Involve others who will hold you accountable and help you maintain integrity

·         Learn from mistakes that get you off track

·         Take corrective action that will get you back on track when needed

·         Make it interesting, fun, and rewarding as you reach the destination

Here is an inspirational video as we seek to be committed to spiritual growth: Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsongs.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3

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Priorities for Success

Written about in the post Our Priorities are Bible characters who are good examples to follow and those that provide bad examples. Abraham was a man who took his relationship with God serious and in turn was blessed. His grandson Esau on the other hand traded his inheritance for a dish of stew. He only looked at what he wanted in the short term.

The lesson for us is to make decisions based on long term success rather than short term desires and to follow God’s plan for our life; being a part of His team. Today I have a video to give some motivation with A Pep Talk from Kid President to You.

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. – Proverbs 12:20

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