“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear
unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the
ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the
gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
One common characteristic of those that finished well, was their determination to do the
will of God no matter the cost. We see this in:
David: “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8.
Paul: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I
may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to
testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Jesus: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him
who sent Me.” John 6:38.
“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His
work.” John 4:34.
The other common finding in their lives was their intimacy with God and the high value
they placed on that relationship above everything else.
David: “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the
house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to
inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4
“…..As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, God. My soul
thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm
42:1-2
Paul: “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it
all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” Phil.3:8 NLT.
Jesus: “I and My Father are one.” John 10:30.
If we apply in our lives the lessons from this series we will finish our race well, strong
and with joy.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Stop looking at the years you have lost. Start looking at the years you have left.