You and I are in a race. It’s not a sprint but rather a marathon. From the moment you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior until the moment you cross the finish line into His physical presence, you are in a race. Your race is designed uniquely for you. Jesus has created you and gifted you uniquely for success in your race.But the most important part of the race is where you are now. You can not change the past. The future is not yet here. So run well today!

Jesus’ admonition-Abide in Him
John 15:
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Paul’s admonition- Keep your body under subjection:
1 Corinthians 9:24
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway

Where are you today?
1) What is the last thing you read in the Bible?

2) What is the last prayer you gave to Jesus?

3) What obstacles and difficulties are in your race? Have you talked to Jesus about them?

4) Are you fully trusting Jesus for your circumstances?

5) Are you memorizing and meditating on His word?

6) Are you keeping His commands?

7) Is your joy full?
8) Are you focused on the goal?
9) Are you dressed in the armor of the Lord?
Finding it Home
When engulfed by the terror of the tempestuous sea, Unknown waves before you roll;
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity, Though fear and conflict seize your soul.

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God’s!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial! Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night, O how lonely death can be;
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light, For death is swallowed up in victory!

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God’s!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial! Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

Listen to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1glUFnLC928

Hebrews 12:
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let us run with patience the race He has set before us looking unto Jesus,
Coach Patti