The Finish Line

It's the goal of all marathon runners, isn't it?  Crossing that finish line.

Whatever it takes!

Taking a step or so further, the truly impassioned marathoner crosses that line with such determination as to leave others running the same race dust-covered.

The runner's distinctive steps? 

They're measureless.  They're limitless.  They're timeless.

• Run with a prize in mind.  - 1 Corinthians 9:24
• Don't hold back.  - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
• Physical training.  - 1 Timothy 4:8
• Follow the rules.  - 2 Timothy 2:5
• Finish the race.  Have faith.  - 2 Timothy 4:7
• Run with perseverence. - Hebrews 12:1
• Discipline and strengthen yourself. - Hebrews 12:11-13
• Depend on Christ for strength in everything.  - Philippians 4:13
• Place your hope in the Lord to renew your strength. - Isaiah 40:31
• Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.'  - Revelations 3:11

What type of crowns? 

1. The crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS.  2 Timothy 4:8 - 'Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.'
2. The crown of REJOICING.  1 Thessalonians 2:19 - 'For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes?'
3. The crown of LIFE.  James 1:12 - 'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.'
4. The crown of GLORY.  1 Peter 5:2-4 - 'Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.'
5. The ETERNAL crown.  1 Corinthians 9:25 - 'Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.'

What will we do with our crowns?  Lay them at Jesus' feet. - Revelations 4:10

Oswald Chambers said, 'Begin to know Him now, and finish never.'

Well said! 

Don't just start the race.  Don't stop!