Running Hard for the Prize

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Theme: Our life’s run must be focused, deliberate and determined. Key verses: “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. Everyone who competes goes into strict training…” (v. 24-25) “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (v. 26-27) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is very straight-forward and simple. And it is timely for you to meditate on this passage on this day, the first day of 2009. As you look to the year ahead of you, be sure you decide now to set your face like a flint and run hard after me. There is a certain way you should run if you are to win the prize I have awaiting you, the prize of the high calling of me in my Son. First, you must go into strict training. Think about that for a moment. Training is intense and it is daily. Boot camp means working harder than you ever have before, getting up earlier than you want, and pushing yourself beyond anything you have done before. Spiritual boot camp means making more time with me daily. It means guarding your mind and your actions, and investing more time listening to me and reading and studying my Word. In 2009, you will need to be more disciplined than ever before in your daily routine. Push yourself to reach new goals and acheive new heights in your spiritual growth, in your witnessing and mentoring toward others, and in your ministries. Secondly, you need to be more determined to win than ever before. You must be more careful to make the most of every opportunity that I send your way. Dwayne, sometimes you waste time and get bogged down in details that you have no business dealing with. Seek me everyday and ask what I want you to do. Then do it with all your might. Don’t be haphazard and non-chalant. And don’t sit around and wait for life to happen to you. Waiting on me includes working and serving and knocking and seeking. Continue to claim Matthew 7:7 and watch me open up bigger and more exciting doors for you in 2009 than you can imagine. Third, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of the life I have for you. Dwayne, you tread dangerously close to the line and the edge sometimes. You play around with thoughts and intents that are rebellious and ungodly. You must rid yourself of all such activities and motives. There is no time to waste. Your enemy, the devil, wants to destroy you and all that I have built up in and through you. Be very careful in 2009 for traps, for there will be several. I am your Shepherd, and if you let me, I will lead you around those ditches that could shipwreck your faith, your ministries, your family, and your life. Paul was so determined to live for me and win his prize that he “beat his body.” Die to your flesh in 2009. And keep it dead. What I said to God: Holy Father, I confess that I have been aimless and careless several times this past year. I confess my rebellion and my desire to satisfy my own flesh rather than honor You. Please cleanse me and forgive me. Help me listen and follow every whisper from Your Holy Spirit. I know much lies ahead. And unto whom much is given, much will be required. Help me live up to the calling wherewith You have called me. What a privilege to know and serve You!