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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Read: Acts 20:17-25
Listen:
Acts 20

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Paul’s life mission is to spread the good news of Jesus. He spends about three years doing this in Ephesus, part of modern-day Turkey. In today’s passage, Paul is down the road from Ephesus in the port city of Miletus, a stop on a trip across the Mediterranean Sea from Greece to Jerusalem. Paul calls together the church leaders in Ephesus for one last conversation. He says he knows prison and hardship are in his near future. But those things don’t matter to him as much as finishing the race well. It’s like Paul can see the finish line and wants to make the most of it.

Finishing our race well isn’t only about the end of the race or what we do in our 60’s–70’s. It’s as much about what we do in our 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Runners know it’s often the lonely middle miles that make the difference. What we decide to do during those times can determine whether we even have a shot at finishing well. Paul’s determination to finish the race well is whether we are 15, 30, 45, 60 or 75+. This week we’ll look at what it takes to finish well.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Review the February memory verse. It says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). This is great news about finishing well. It reminds us we aren’t alone. God is with us. Continue to work toward memorizing this helpful reminder.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!

PHILIPPIANS 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

Finishing the Race