The Dash Between The Dates

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

THE FORMULA: Focus FIGHT FINISH

• FOCUS: Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air
• FIGHT: No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave
• FINISH: so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

FOCUS

Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your HEART will be also.

(Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.)
Luke 12:29-34

...But seek HIS KINGDOM, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the KINGDOM. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a TREASURE IN HEAVEN that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

MAKE SURE YOU'RE RUNNING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

John 18:36
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.''

hebrews 12:1

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me HEAVENWARD in Christ Jesus.

fight

Ephesians 6:10-17


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Timothy 6:6-12

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

FINISH

Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Matthew 24:13
but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.