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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Interests of Others

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

Written in the post “Best Motive for Serving” is that Paul didn’t get compensated for preaching the gospel. He didn’t say it was wrong and claimed that those who preach the gospel should be able to receive their living from the gospel. He made the comparison of a farmer who makes his living from what he produces on the farm.

For Paul, the reward was not for himself but for the interests of others and serving the Lord out of love. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love.

In the same way, the path built by our generosity is the best way for it is in giving that we find true joy and meaning. Giving not only our time or money but as pointed out in the song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell, giving our testimony or life story and how we became a Christ follower.

Those that give their story to others are blessed. The story of struggles, of pain, of shame, and that Jesus came to give us a new story for the future. A story of joy, of peace, and even fame because those who follow Christ have their name written in the book of life.

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Impossible is Made Possible Because of the ONE Who is Greater Inside

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God”.  - Luke 18:27

The Cross has made you flawless and with God, you can passionately believe in what you are doing, let nothing hold you up in your work, and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible.

Within the post “The Promise”, highlighted was how Abraham maintained hope, believed in God’s power to fulfill the promise of a son. Even though he and Sarah had tried before and were beyond the childbearing years, Abraham had faith in God to fulfill the promise. Abraham’s faith was very strong and he passionately believed in God’s ability to make the impossible possible. The result was that a child was born and Abraham ultimately became the father of many nations.

As in the song Greater by MercyMe, bring your doubts and fears to God. Bring your hurts and your tears to Him because greater is the ONE living inside you. The cross has made it possible.

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The Presence of the Lord is Our Great Reward

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

Shared in the post “Immanuel” was the purpose of the tent of meeting which was to have a place where people could meet with God. The Lord’s presence back then and today is our great reward.

In present times, believers can meet with God at any time or any place because of Christ’s atonement of sins on the Cross. This day with God, rejoice in this great gift of God that has been given to us. 

The thoughts shared above can turn a bad day into a good one. Suddenly, our attitude changes because we realize that God is with us at any time or any place. We can watch videos and listen to inspiring music like this: Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli.

Each day we can build memories. We can take pictures of His Creation like an amazing rainbow stretching from one end of the sky to the next. We can use technology to take virtual vacations by using the Internet. We can share with others around the world that God is with us today. 

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Let Thanksgiving Overflow

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - Psalm 100:4

As written in the post, “Promise is Fulfilled” explained is how the law and the promise is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. We have ups and downs in life. There are times where the future seems gloomy but then in a moment, something can inspire us to keep going. It may be something you read, it may be something you see like a sunrise or sunset, or it might be a song you hear.

Christians believe the ultimate reward is salvation. The law in the Old Testament is not set aside. Instead, it is followed more clearly through the promise fulfilled in Christ. This day, know that Christ is Holy and by accepting Christ as Savior, you have what is needed to be perfect in God’s eye.  

There is no need to get uptight about things in life. Today, make a decision to let it go and trust that everything will work out. The focus for today is to enjoy each moment so as we begin, receive inspiration from this song O Praise Him by David Crowder Band.

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Accepting The Ultimate Gift

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

From the post “Joyfully Take Possession of What God has Given” written about were some lessons in seizing every opportunity to accept and use the gifts God has given. The Israelites were given land as an inheritance. We may not receive land but we are given the Holy Spirit if we accept Christ in our heart. We can then use our talents and ideas to glorify God.

If tempted to hold back, have the attitude of ownership in all that you do because God has given the ultimate gift in Christ. The scripture above and the song Proof of Your Love – For King & Country reminds us that the love that flows in us flows freely without any inhibitions.

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Greatest Reward

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. - Revelation 22:12

The greatest reward in life is Jesus in our heart. The post “Internalizing His Principles” describes how to obtain this great reward that allows us to fellowship with God throughout our day.

This day, believe that God has a great plan for you and He will set things up so everything will fall into place. It all starts with receiving a plan from Him through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video poem to start you toward an amazing day: This Day with God.

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Receive the Best by Withstanding the Test

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

In Acts 23:11, Paul was promised that he would one day testify in Rome. As shared in the post “Christ in our Heart is a Promised Treasure”, Paul went through so much but God was faithful and Paul finally arrived in Rome. He got there in chains and had survived a storm at sea, but he made it through.

Because of God blessing Paul, many people have been supported over the years because of the work of Paul. The lesson we have discovered is to never give up and focus on the reward God has for each of us as we stay the course.

As with Paul, Christ in your heart as the Holy Spirit is a treasure that will take care of you in your time of need. This day, welcome in this treasure as you enjoy today’s video: Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli.

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He Blesses Those Who Seek His Advice

example of their boldness as they stood up to the rulers, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They went through trying times but they were bold, they knew the power in Christ, and they prayed for their needs.

Let us also be bold today, pay attention to our dreams, and take action to create better situations for our future and the future of our loved ones. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through with His guidance. Let us look forward to better times ahead and take inspiration from this video: Blessings – Laura Story.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. - Romans 8:26-27

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Much More to Give

Written about in the post Victory Over Enemies, David experienced God’s greatness and when he did, he gave God praise. Let us also recall the blessings we have received and give Him praise.

If going through difficulty, receive the hope only God can give, and believe He is big enough to provide victory today. He has much more to give.

At the end of the day, be assured by this clear picture of joy. Look up at the sky on a clear night. Realize that He is the one who made all those stars; more stars than we can count and He can bless us with joys more numerous than the stars.

Here is today’s inspirational video to help spur us on to victory: Today is the Day – Lincoln Brewster.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Higher, Deeper, and Wider

God is big enough to produce something for everyone. He’s not limited and doesn’t have to divvy up small amounts. Let Him take you with Him today a little higher, deeper, and wider. When He does, share with others about your experience; the amazing feeling and how excited you are about your future with Him. 

Many things can give you a lift today. Great memories you build throughout life will give you a lift, a sunny day can give you a lift, but the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

Enjoy today’s video: Take Me Higher – Lincoln Brewster.

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

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Adding Quality to Faith

Jesus talks about adding quality to faith and the power of faith when he says in Luke 17:6, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea, ‘and it will obey you.”

A mustard seed is very small but grows into a large plant. Faith is the same. Sharing about faith gives a great purpose because what we share today may pull someone through to meet the challenges of tomorrow and step ahead throughout the week.

God knows what He is doing and we can trust Him just like this video highlights: He is With US – Love & The Outcome.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

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Sing for the Glory of the Risen King

Written about in the post Celebrate When the Lost are Found are three parables told by Jesus in Luke 15. In each parable, there is a celebration when the lost are found. There is a difference between daily victories and new victories. Celebrate outwardly when there have been those who have been saved which are the new victories. For those that have already been saved, the reward is a daily inner celebration of the soul.

When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

Today’s video for worship and praise is Mighty to Save by Hillsong. Have a wonderful day with God!

In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. – Revelation 5:12

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Love is Unstoppable

Written about in the post Love Beyond Measure, a deal was made by Jacob with Laban (Rachel’s father) to work for him for seven years and in return Jacob could have his daughter in marriage. We are told in Genesis 29:20 that the seven years only seemed like a few days because of Jacob’s love for Rachel.

When love takes us over, the days fly by. Just like with Jacob, years of hard work seem like only a few days. Like this video, love can be an emotion that becomes unstoppable. What we think is impossible becomes possible: Unstoppable – Rascal Flatts.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:7

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Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

What God gives in a plan for life is a treasure and the more we surrender to His plan, the more passion we have. In the post Listen and Follow Directions, God would eventually bless Abraham with more descendants than stars in the sky or sands on all the beaches (v.17).

Here is a video I produced a while back about a person who settled in the city in which I currently live. He set out to fulfill his dreams many years ago; becoming a successful businessman in a new land. Eventually his family would leave a tract of land to the city. Today that land is a city park and zoo named in his honor. Enjoy this video: Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul, If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.  - Proverbs 24:13-14

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Seek the Prize and Arise

Believe God will give you what you need and keep working to paint a picture of future victory. Here’s a video to inspire this action: Revelation Song – Kari Jobe.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Discover the Love of God and Reveal it to Others

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Anyone that reads, hears, and applies His Word to their daily lives will benefit. Discover the love of God and reveal this love to others so that they may receive the reward God wants for them. Here is a link to a poem written with these thoughts in mind: King of Kings.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.