MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2019 – THE CHRISTIAN ATHLETE

MFM PRAYERS AGAINST EMBER MONTH TRAGEDY – (2019)

MFM DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

The Christian race is a unique one. Today’s Fire Scripture clearly states the difference between this kind of race and earthly race. While earthly athletes run to win a crown which is corruptible, a gift that perishes no matter the value, the beauty and the cost. It cannot endure beyond this world. On the contrary, the crown for a Christian athlete is the incorruptible crown. The crown that never perishes. It is worth more than gold. It endures till eternity in heaven. This explains why this race must be run with caution.

Therefore in this Christian race, you are called to be temperate, that is a man or woman that is given to watchfulness and self-control, has a good mastery of Himself and of good and godly conduct. He must run with patience and focus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Patience is essential because there are many spectators who are watching as to how well you are running the race, without falling headlong into the enemies’ ambushes. Be focussed. Keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. That is our goal and finish line, at His feet!

Any attempt to look away from this finish line can make the athlete to lose focus, get derailed or diverted and, at the end miss the mark. This shall not be our portion, in Jesus’ name. Paul was very careful to express what we should do and how to run this heavenly race effectively and to finish well and strong. He ran by “putting his body under”. This means, humbling himself. God resists the proud but embraces the humble and the lowly.

Are you running with a wrong motive, to be seen and applauded by men? Or are you labouring for the kingdom to be applauded and rewarded by God? He sees the heart of man. But you can still ask for mercy and a changed heart, so that you will not run in vain. Some are doing this, because he said, “I don’t run with uncertainty, as one that beats the air.” Are you confident of your race? Where is your destination and finish line?

Paul concluded, “Lest after I have preached to others, I become a castaway”. What loss! Efforts wasted! It then means that one can run this race and yet end up in futility. It is a tragedy to become a spiritual tout who preach to others but is unknown to heaven. God is waiting to see Christians who will run this race with all humility, focus and vision, tenaciously holding on to Jesus till the end, and able to declare like Paul, “….I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” Our Lord and Master Jesus, also said at the end of His work on earth, “I have glorified the on thee earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…” (John 17:4 ). You should be able to do the same.