December 30, 2022
Finishing 2022 Strong
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
(2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT)
My child this is My charge to you as it was to Paul – do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win! All athletes discipline themselves in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but you do it for an eternal reward. So, run with purpose in every step. Discipline your body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, after preaching to others, you don’t want to be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:23-27) Your life is worth nothing unless you use it for finishing the work assigned by the Lord. God has given you an assignment of telling others the Good News about the beautiful grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
As Paul stated, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on toward the prize to possess the crown of righteousness for which the righteous Judge Christ Jesus will give me, and you can too!” Paul was saying, no, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing, Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:12-14) Paul reminded his spiritual son Timothy to keep first things first – pursue righteousness and godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which I have called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7-8) Learn how to love while you are on this earth! Personal, intimate time with Me, the Lord your God, daily is of utmost importance for that is where you will gain the strength to endure to the end! Finish strong!
