Category: Month 1

Mark these Key Words: Run     Victory     Crown

 

Like a thoroughly bred, trained and finely tuned Kentucky Derby racehorse standing 16.2 hands, weighing in at precisely 1,175 pounds of perfectly conditioned racing muscle running for “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” to win the coveted 36-year-old Derby crown; so the true believer is supposed to run for “The Great Prize” of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Unfolding below are road markers along God’s biblical path for that very prize promised to every sincere follower of Jesus Christ.

 

Hebrews 12: 1 & 2

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Am I laying aside every encumbrance and sin that has been entangling me that inhibits “the race set before us?”

What encumbrance do I need to lay aside today to run the race with unencumbered speed?

 

1 Corinthians 10:23

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”

What major hurdles are in my way that I need to take to God in “action prayer” for His Holy Spirit’s removal?

 

John 8:36

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed?”

How does Jesus’ death, resurrection and forgiveness set you free to “run free” today?

 

Colossians 3:1 & 2

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

What is the prize you are seeking?

Every great runner sets his focus on the goal he/she wants to achieve. How do you set your eyes on your “run free” goal for the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus?”

 

Romans 8: 16 & 17

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, in indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

How does this verse encourage you, guide you and empower you as you “run free” today?

 

2 Corinthians 10:15

“not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”

Describe three practical ways in your personal life that “bringing every thought captive” could improve your “run free” race to The Cross.

 

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness n the fear of God.”

What role does obedience and “the pursuit of holiness” make in your “run free” race for the prize?

 

 

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  What detours have you faced in recent weeks and what are you doing to stay on the “run free” road?

MEMORY VERSE: Colossians 3:1 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

 

 

My Prayers 

 

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark These Key Words: Gift     Righteous     Adoption

The Prize: God’s Extraordinary Gift

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

“He made Him who knew so no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

“Clothed in Righteousness”: What has Jesus given me by his suffering and death on The Cross?

2 Corinthians 6:18

“’And I will be father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty.”

“Adopted in Christ”: What does it mean to you to be adopted by God?

Romans 8:16 & 17

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”  “Co-Heirs with Christ”: As a follower of Jesus, what is your inheritance?

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” “New creation in Christ”: Describe how God has made you a new creation.

The Race: Our Extraordinary Response

 

1 Corinthians 9:24

“Do you not know those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” “Run to Win”: Describe your race to THE PRIZE today . What is THE PRIZE?

Hebrews 12: 1 & 2

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” “Run for the Prize”: What is the “upward call of God” you’re running for?

What are the hurdles in your life that are getting in the way of your race to win?

1 Corinthians 10:23

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” “Things not Profitable”: What things are in your life that are not “profitable” or helpful in your race?

1 Corinthians 6:12

“All things are for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”  “Not mastered by anything”: How do your hurdles tend to master you?

What can you do today with those hurdles?

John 8:36

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” “Truly free”: How can you “run free” beginning today?

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” “Every thought captive”: As you run your race with total freedom; how can you keep your mind focused on the prize?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  Are you a pace setter when it comes to your relationship with Christ? Who is running alongside you in this race?

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 9:24“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

MY PRAYERS:

 

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark These Key Words: Fellowship     Sharpens     Rejoice Proverbs 18:24

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  What top qualities, habits and practices do friends bring into a relationship where true brotherhood can develop?

Hebrews 10:24

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. “As a cowboy spurs his horse to victory in a race, how do friends “spur one another to love and good deeds?”

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Like an axe on a sharpening iron, true friends bring an edge to the sword of the spiritual battle. How do friendships truly begin to sharpen each other?

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” 2 Timothy 1:4“longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.”  What role does emotional interest and care play in developing true brotherhood?

Philippians 1: 3 & 4

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.”  Why is it so important to pray regularly and often for your friends if you want true brotherhood to develop?

2 Timothy 2:2

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” As I “become a man” in this bond of brothers, what childhood qualities do I need to leave behind?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  What is your greatest need for being personally sharp-ened today?

MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 10:24“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

MY PRAYERS

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

In what specific places will it be important to God that you represent Him in such a way that it brings Him glory?

Place 1:

Place 2:

Place 3:

Place 4:

Place 5:

Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” What does it mean to you when Jesus says, “you are My witness”?

Where is your “Jerusalem”?

Where is your “Judea”?

Where is your “Samaria”?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  Who are specific people in your life that you can be the “witness of Christ” to this week?

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…