Scripture Reading For Today – 1Corinthians 9:24-27
I’d like to start today’s devotional with a statement that I made in yesterday’s blog:
“Hard times, challenges, unforeseen forks in the road, the rough and the tough, the bunkers and missed shots are all par for the course. But you know what? The Master is already waiting at the Clubhouse to give you your prize and refresh you – You just need to finish the course….”
You can’t win the prize if you don’t finish the course… Finish the race that you started to run
Hear what Apostle Paul says in 1Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV):
“24 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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
The Father’s challenge to you – Finish the course, finish the course, finish the course, FINISH THE COURSE…!
If anyone draws back…
“38 Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Hebrews 10:38 (NKJV)
I really like the transliteration of this scripture by the Message Bible:
Hebrews 10:38-39 The Message (MSG)
“Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion.*
It won’t be long now, he’s on the way;
he’ll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy.
But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.”
Don’t give up the good fight of faith; stay the course…finish the race!
If you have run with the footmen and they have wearied you, how can you compete with the horsemen?
I remember what the Holy Spirit ministered to me some time ago; He said:
The enemy does not have unlimited resources; if he is spending so much time, effort and resources to fight your destiny, it can only be because your destiny is of great value and your life is worth something!
Think about that for a moment and let this sink in –
That life that Satan has tried to mess up, the marriage he has tried to destroy, the business and career he has tried to bankrupt, that son or daughter
that he is working overtime to derail, the dream he has tried to kill, the ministry that he has tried to shut down – all these things that he tries
to make you believe are useless and are not worth fighting for; they are worth a lot more than you think. God put so much value on your life, that
He gave up His most precious gift – the life of His Son Jesus Christ, in exchange for it.
that he is working overtime to derail, the dream he has tried to kill, the ministry that he has tried to shut down – all these things that he tries
to make you believe are useless and are not worth fighting for; they are worth a lot more than you think. God put so much value on your life, that
He gave up His most precious gift – the life of His Son Jesus Christ, in exchange for it.
Your life is worth something to God – Contend for your destiny; don’t give up the fight!
I pray that you will be able to say confidently at the end of your race like Paul said in 2Timothy 4:7 NKJV:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
LIFE APPLICATION:
1. What is God saying to me in today’s message?
2. What was ministered to me in the bible verses that I read today?
3. What are the changes or adjustments I need to make in my life to align with the word of God?
4. What is my commitment to the word for today?
5. What practical steps can I take to benefit from the word I have read today?
PRAYER FOCUS:
Declare the word of God into every battle you are in and every contention that you are facing right now:
Declare the word of God: I am more than a conqueror – I have complete victory in Christ Jesus.
I will not be discouraged; I will not be depressed; I will not be dismayed. I receive the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding, as the anchor
for my soul today in Jesus Name.
for my soul today in Jesus Name.
I am a finisher; I will finish my course. I will posses my mountains and walk upon my high places.
I receive the grace, the courage and the unction to complete the tasks that God has set before me to fulfil my destiny.
I am running to win. I will obtain the prize of my victory in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
God bless you as you stand strong in Him.
Pastor Wale Oladimeji
I pray that that today’s song – Mercy Tree, will bring great encouragement to you. (I have posted two of my favourite versions of the song for you to listen to. The first video is by Anthony Evans and the second video is the version of the song by Lacey Sturm with lyrics included. Enjoy).