Along with this new word for the year I start a new discipline every year. The last few years have been work out 6 days a week, read a book a week, get up at 5:30 am, and read through the Bible in a year. Everyone of these were a struggle and were not easy to start. I am not a disciplined person naturally, ask my dad and he could talk for days about my lack of disciple growing up.
2 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
What is my prize I am trying to win? I want to walk in closer fellowship with Jesus every year. I want to die married to the woman I am married to. I want my kids to know God and serve Him with all they are. I want to fulfill my purpose I was created for. I want my character and integrity to be as strong behind closed door as in public. I want to make disciples that do the same as I do. All of these things are HUGE, and so far beyond what I can do in my own strength. JESUS IN ME IS STRONGER THAN THE WRONG DESIRES IN ME. So daily I submit to Jesus keeping my eyes on the prize to finish the race with purpose in every step.
This devotional is a little shorter so you can spend the extra time doing the following. I challenge you to get alone with God and ask Him to give you a word for this new year. I challenge you start a new discipline that will help you finish the race. GO DO IT NOW!!! God has great plans for you this new year, go and seek Him in what they are! REMEMBER GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR SACRIFICE BUT OBEDIENCE!
Helping People Live a Better Story
Brandon Sereg
