Finishing Strong   #finishstrong #runtherace #Bible

2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

As our pastor was preaching through 2 Timothy, one verse and sermon has stayed with me. That was the sermon on “finishing strong.” I want that for my life, don’t you? I want to write, to minister, to serve—all those things.  But more than any other thing I could pray for, I want it said of me when I’m gone, “She didn’t give up, she didn’t quit, she didn’t turn back. She finished strong.”

If you and I want to finish strong, it won’t happen by accident. It will have to be intentional. And I’m convinced it won’t happen without three specific things. The first is choosing to be in the Word of God. Spending time in the Scriptures has been defined as “God speaking to you.” And living a strong, effective Christian life today and finishing strong won’t happen without it.

Where and when you read your Bible aren’t as important as setting aside a time that works for you and doing it. I’m at my best in the morning. By 7:00 p.m., my brain has turned to slush. So mornings are the best time for me to have devotions. Separating myself from distractions like phone, email, tv, radio, (FB?), I’m able to focus on God’s word. And I begin by asking God to speak to me through His word. Four questions you might want to ask yourself as you read:

What does this teach me about God/Jesus?

What does this teach me about people in general?

Is there a sin for me to confess?

Is there a promise for me to claim?

If you’re not sure where to start and would like some suggestions, comment or message me, and I’ll suggest some options. As for when to start, how about today? You’ll be amazed at the gemstones you find in the Word.

Thought for Today: What might happen if we set aside a time to spend in God’s Word?