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Galatians 6:9 - “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

During the 1968 Mexico City Olympic marathon race, a little-known runner from Tanzania finished in last place, yet ran one of the bravest races ever.  Having fallen several times and suffering severe injuries, he was followed by an ambulance and doctors encouraging him to drop out and accept their help and care.  He refused and slowly made his way through the streets of Mexico City and eventually back into the Olympic Stadium.

As he literally and dragged himself around the final lap of the grueling marathon, the crowd spontaneously rose in applause and cheering.  He crossed the finish line and was quickly escorted to the locker room for medical attention.

When reporters asked him the question on every one’s mind, “If you knew you were in last place, why didn’t you just quit?”  He replied with conviction, “I didn’t come 3000 miles to start this race.  I cam 3000 miles to finish this race.”

God is looking for Christian young people who have the heart of a finisher.  Every day, we can find reasons to quit and give up.  In those moments, we must lift up our eyes to the finish line and stay in the race!

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Father, I will not allow myself to grow weary in my well doing.  I am going to reap all of heaven’s prizes because I am not going to faint and drop out of my race.  I have the heart of a finisher.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 5:15-16 - “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

USA Today recently published some very interesting facts on how the average American spends time.  This is what it said.

In a lifetime, the average American will spend:

-Six months sitting at stoplights.  (It’s better than running them and breaking the law.)

-Eight months opening junk mail.  (I stopped opening it.)

-One year looking for misplaced objects.  (Guilty!)

-Two years watching television.  (Not in a row!)

-Five years waiting in line.  (McDonald’s drive-through.)

-Six years eating.  (After you finally get through the drive-through!)

This is what is commonly called the “power of accumulated time” principle.  Right now, you can make this principle work for you, rather than against you.  The best way to stop wasting time is to learn to create schedules for your free time.  When you plan our your time and stick with your plan, your productivity in every arena of life will increase like clockwork.

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Father, I pray that You will lead me in establishing the right priorities in life.  Help me to make the very best of each spare moment of my existence.  I want all that I do to be pleasing in Your sight. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Years ago a story surfaced about twin brothers whose father was known in their rather small community as the town drunk.  As these two brothers grew up to become men, their lives took two totally different courses.  One followed in the footsteps of his father, drinking and partying, eventually becoming an alcoholic.  The other son avoided every temptation that had destroyed his father, becoming an upstanding and respected businessman in the community.

When the two brothers were asked why they turned out the way they did, surprisingly they both gave the exact same reply, which was, ‘What did you expect me to do, growing up with a father like mine?”  One son used his father’s actions to justify his demise.  The other saw his father as an unforgettable motivation to make a better life for himself and his family.  One took the attitude of a victim, the other a victor.

When tough times come, choose to be a victor.

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Lord, I thank You by faith that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.  I am filled with Your resurrection power, and nothing You’ve given me to do that is impossible.  I rely on Your ability and strength each day to overcome every obstacle in the way of Your plans for my life.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Hosea 4:6 - “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Did you know that most homes valued at more than $250,000 have libraries?  That should tell us something.  I believe that everything you need for an incredible future and unbelievable success has already been written.  And guess what?  It’s all free!  Do you know what it costs to open your Bible?  Nothing!  How about this: Only 3 percent of all Americans have library cards, and those are free too!

When God says that His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, you can begin to see why.  You’re not lacking opportunity or ability.  What you’re lacking is the knowledge to uncover your opportunities and the understanding to increase your ability.

Determine to crack open your Bible and other good books that are going to help you reach the goals that God has put in your life.

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Father in heaven, I repent for times in my life when I have not been the student of Your Word that I should be.  From this point forward, I am committed to filling my mind with information and knowledge that is going to help me grow and prosper.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20 - “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

One older Disney executive recently told the story of how Walt Disney ran his board meetings.  Whenever he would present a new idea for one of the Disney theme parks or entertainment programs, he would solicit a response from each of his thirteen board members.  If the majority of his board felt his new idea was attainable, he would usually throw it out!  Walt Disney wanted to do things that most people thought would be impossible.

As Christians, we know that with God all things are possible.  God wants to do above and beyond what we could even begin to think or ask for.  And when He gives you a big dream for your life.  He will always be faithful to give you a small step each day to fulfill that dream.  If we are obedient in each natural step that He gives us, the Lord will take care of the supernatural side of our dreams, which only He can bring to pass.

Don’t settle for the average or the mediocre.  Go after God’s very best for your life!

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Father, I know that I’m capable of thinking and asking for some big things, but You said that You would do even above and beyond my thoughts and requests.  I receive everything You have for my life and pursue it with a strong attitude of faith!  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Revelation 12:10 – “And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.’”

Do you remember when you were just a little kid and how many times you would threaten to “sue” someone?  We live in an age where that is the norm.  People are quick to accuse and bring any kind of lawsuit against any person they feel they can get money from.  Maybe you remember a few years back when a woman sued McDonald’s because he coffee was too hot and she spilled it on herself!

That’s the way the devil is.  He’ll accuse you (or God) of things that are not even your fault.  Many times, after you’ve already asked the Lord to forgive you for certain sins, your enemy will come back and try to tell you that you’re still guilty.  He will accuse you of being insincere or of lacking the “feeling” of being forgiven.  Worse yet, he’ll accuse God of not keeping His Word, which promises your forgiveness.

Remember that you have an Advocate who represents you and speaks on your behalf.  His name is Jesus, and He has given you power over the accuser!

COMMITMENT PRAYER
Father, I thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for my sins and stand as my Advocate.  I refuse to listen to the devil and his accusations.  I choose to believe what you have said me in Your Word.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.