Our Christian life is a race of hard work and we cannot stop just because we feel weary!  We are to run with endurance and aim to FINISH STRONG.
We all realise that long distance runners work hard to build endurance and strength. And to run the race set before us, we must also strip off the excess weight that slows us down and run with endurance and with the strength that the Holy Spirit can give us.

To live effectively, we must turn our eyes on to Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from Jesus.  Stop staring at ourselves or the circumstances surrounding us.  Let’s run for Christ and not for ourselves.  We must always keep Him in our sight daily.

When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture of what God has for us. It’s hard to remember that suffering is the training ground for us to mature.  It develops our patience and makes our final victory sweet.

We may even have to press on through persecution. Don’t be surprised when people misunderstand, criticize and hurt us because of what we believe and how we live. DO NOT GIVE UP! Work hard at finishing strong.
Continue to live as we should, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Always remember that God is the only One we need to please – An Audience of One!

The Bible urges us to focus on Christ to prevent weariness and discouragement in our daily living. Learn to pay more attention to Him than to our struggles. He is always with us, supporting us when we stumble, and encouraging us with His example (1 Peter 2: 21 – 24). Keeping our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith will help us stay close to the source of our strength and remain faithful to the finish.

Don’t grow weary and don’t give up until we have crossed the finishing line, finishing strong. Throw ourselves forward earnestly in an attempt to do all we can do for God while we have the time.

Are we tempted to think that we have already put in our time and that our race is over? If we are still breathing, we are still in the race, so go for it. Determine today to finish strong. We might just accomplish more for God than ever dreamed possible.
Focus on the finish line,
Run to win and
Refuse to give up.
God will make a difference through us.

So let us head together to the finishing line expecting to FINISH STRONG!

Churches are really unique places aren’t they? There are very few other places where you will find people from all sorts of backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, stages of life coming etc together regularly. I personally think the more varied a church is the more it is a wonderful picture of God’s grace and design.

However, the diversity within churches does bring a unique challenge. Jesus prayed to His Father: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23).

Reflecting on this is pretty humbling. Jesus is basically saying that the way in which we model unity speaks to the world the truth of the Gospel. And how do we become unified? Through showing love and care to one another, choosing to lay down any petty squabbles in order to see the best in one another.

I realise that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be able to enter into a deep relationship of love and care with every member of their church, as it would take more hours than there are in a week. However I do believe each one of us is called to care for others. How that works out practically in a church is down to each individual one.

Our church puts an emphasis on small groups and ‘doing life together’ in those. That doesn’t negate the other relationships we have across the church with those that are probably more like us, but our small groups are made up of a cross-section of people. I think that’s one of their strengths as it teaches us to love and care for those that perhaps we aren’t naturally drawn to in a social setting.

If we are not caring for our own community within church well, not only are we hindering the way in which Jesus said the world would recognise Him, but we have little hope of being able to show genuine care to those in our local communities. And what about when our neighbours come into our church? If they don’t see us caring for one another there won’t be much to attract them to stay.

                                                             (CLAIRE MUSTERS)

God specializes in finding and changing people we consider out of reach. It took a while for Nicodemus to come out of the dark, but God was patient with this “undercover” believer.

Afraid of being discovered, Nicodemus made an appointment to see Jesus at night. Daylight conversations between Pharisees and Jesus tended to be antagonistic, but Nicodemus really wanted to learn. He probably got a lot more than he expected – a challenge to a new life! We know very little about Nicodemus, but we know that he left that evening’s encounter a changed man. He came away with a whole new understanding of both God and himself.

Nicodemus next appears as part of the Jewish council. As the group discussed ways to eliminate Jesus, Nicodemus raised the question of justice. Although his objection was overruled, he had spoken up. He had begun to change.

Our last picture of Nicodemus shows him joining Joseph of Arimathea in asking for Jesus’ body in order to provide for its burial. Realizing what he was risking, Nicodemus was making a bold move. He was continuing to grow.

Lessons from Nicodemus’ Life

Unless we are born again, we can never be part of the kingdom of God.

God is able to change those we might consider unreachable.

God is patient, but persistent.

If we are available, God can use us.

God looks for steady growth, not instant perfection. How well does your present level of spiritual growth match up with how long you have known Jesus?                                                           (SOURCE UNKNOWN)

Poet and preacher John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself…”    This  is  especially  true  of
Christ followers and is the necessary practice of those who have been baptized together by the Spirit into one body.  In fact, we are an integral part of one another as believers.  We need each other for the sake of encouragement, mutual ministry, fulfillment of our shared mission, and personal character development.

I have learned that accountability is not a “system” but an approach to life and relationships that values transparency, consistency, and mutual submission.  Because I know my own weakness and pride, but want to live an authentic life, I must pursue accountability regularly – and for a lifetime.

By way of application, consider these questions that might help us all move toward a more genuine accountability for the sake of our authenticity:

1. Am I willing to submit my personality, approach, accomplishments, and plans to other godly believers without reacting in pride and defensiveness? If not, why not?

2. Am I willing to get into a regular covenant relationship with other believers who will care for me, be honest with me, and help me in my spiritual journey? If not, why not? If so, when will I start and what will it look like?

3. Who do I know that could become a source of honest feedback without fear of reprisal or reaction on my part? Can I contact them this week? Can I get into a routine of honest, transparent communication about my life, my struggles, my attitudes, my relationships, and my plans for the future?

4. If I do not do this, what consequences might occur? If I do take this step, what blessings might I expect?

Proverbs 18:1-2 says, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.  A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” We have all felt the temptation to withdraw from those who tell us things we need to hear but do not like to hear.  Yet, staying the course and pursuing truth-telling relationships is the key to understanding – and ultimately, an authentic life.          (DANIEL HENDERSON)

In our current crisis here, it is impossible to foresee all of the details of what’s coming.     However,     three very important principles emerge out of the book of Habakkuk that are as relevant to us today as they were to Habakkuk in his day.

1.   GIVE REVERENT SUBMISSION TO A SOVEREIGN GOD
“But the LORD is in His holy temple.  Let all the earth be silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20).  No matter how bad the times may become, we must always remember that God is in control.  Thus, ours is not to complain or argue with God, but reverently submit to His wise providence, regardless of what form it takes.

2.  OFFER EARNEST PRAYER FOR REVIVAL IN JUDGMENT
“LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear.  O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).  We may initially react to bad economic and political news with fear.  But there is another option, . . . revival. Habakkuk prays that God would breathe new spiritual life into His nation “in the midst of the years”—in other words, during this undefined period of judgment that lay just ahead.  There is always hope that God will awaken His sleeping people, purify them, and invest them with new spiritual power.  And this should be our prayer at the present time.

3.  MAINTAIN CONFIDENT JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
Habakkuk closes his prophecy by admitting that he was shaking on the inside, his lips were quivering, and he felt weak because of the coming “day of distress” at the hands of the Chaldeans (Habakkuk 3:16).  But he gathers his resolve and declares that in the face of adverse economic conditions, he will rejoice in the Lord. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

So if our economy disintegrates in the coming months, we won’t need to join the chorus of desperation and despair.  We must not seek our refuge in gold or foreign currency or government sponsored bailouts.  Our hope is in the Lord.  That’s how we will survive a collapsing economy!

1. You will understand the Bible better in a small group: Preaching and teaching is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It´s fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.

2. You will begin to really feel like part of God´s family: Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You´ll discover that your needs and problems are not unique ~ we´re all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.

3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you: Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you´ll be able to pray and be drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.

4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better: Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You´ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter – these are practical needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small group.

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends and relatives: It may be that some of your friends who don´t know the Lord wouldn´t be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a small group gathering in a home. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling “put on the spot”. When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good News.

6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had: The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or “gifts” to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily “sit and listen” situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you´ll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.
(RICK WARREN)

Take a minute and think about these questions:
-Where is your cell phone?
-How many times have you looked at it today?
-How much time did you spend on it?

Now, think about this:
-Where is your Bible?
-How many times have you read it today?
-How much time did you spend reading it?

In our world today, life is full of distractions, like our phones. I would go so far to say that technology is an obsession. What would happen if Christians today were just as obsessed with the Bible and their relationship with the Lord? I find that many people who are not Christians are more well-read in the Bible than a lot of Christians. How are we supposed to be effective and educated disciples without knowing the Bible? The Bible is our own personal armor and arsenal in weapons of truth, faith, hope, and love. We cannot put God’s gift to us to good use without knowing what it says.

The world is obsessed with technology and other distractions. I am going to challenge you today to become focused. Become just as obsessed with the Bible and with God. Wouldn’t it be awesome if Christians were as familiar with the Bible as the world is with their phones? What kind of boldness in ministering would that produce?

What obsessions are taking up your time today?
(KATIE TAGGART)