Guests:  Wade Jackson

Family Dynamic Institute – www.familydynamics.net  

FYI: The Cleavers’ weren’t real. Whether you are taking proactive steps to keeping your marriage and family healthy or are in need of revival for a relationship in distress, you’ll want to tune in today to learn more about this comprehensive ministry. As is often said, “As goes the family, so goes the nation.”  Equip yourselves with the tools you need to be a strong, healthy family!

TUESDAY, February 14, 2012

Monica Teaching

No Fear, Part 2

Join Monica today as she speaks on “No Fear in Christ.” We all know that from time to time we can become fearful. If we let fear take full reign, we find ourselves making one mistake after another. This teaching will help us learn the tools to overcome fear and walk in faith in Jesus Christ. Part of His Good News is that we don’t have to be afraid anymore. Are you ready to take a step into Freedom?

WEDNESDAY, February 15, 2012

Cassie and George/Joyce Oglesby

Surviving Infidelity

Today’s show will tackle the difficult subject of infidelity in the light of God’s Word and Grace. With honesty and hope, anyone who has walked through the pain of infidelity will gain insight and a perspective that only Love could give. Don’t miss this transforming show.

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

Guests: Becky Sumrall, Tiffany Williamson, Dawn Ferguson

Christian Womens’ Job Corp – www.cwjcmiddletn.org

In 1997 CWJC of Middle TN was formed to provide a faith-based educational program and life
changing community to individuals living on salaries below living wage. Their vision was to provide individuals educational classes, community resources, and a mentor to journey with them to a brighter future. Their holistic program, at no cost to the student, provides an individual the support and knowledge to change their circumstances and their lives.

FRIDAY, February 17, 2012

Finishing Well, Part 5 – www.monicaspeaks.com

Monica continues this exciting new series called Finishing Well.  “It’s Not How You Start but How You Finish!” is part 5 of this this online bible study series Even when we start off on the wrong foot, we CAN regroup by simply changing our focus and getting on the right track. If you’d like to sign up for this online bible study, please go to www.monicaspeaks.com

Bridges is hosted by Monica Schmelter and airs on WHTN M-F
at 9:30 AM and again at 6 PM CST. You can also watch Bridges online at www.ctntv.org

If you’ve gotten off to a shaky start and aren’t sure where to go from there…. check out this amazing series by Monica on Finishing Well. It’s all about changing perspective, regrouping and walking out the rest of your journey with a renewed mind that only God can give. Sign up to be part of this dynamic teaching on Finishing Well. Check it out at www.monicaspeaks.com.

MONDAY, February 6, 2012

Guests: Paul and Lisa Wright and Anne Frease

Revolution Worship LIVE – Collaboration of Revolution Music, Joy Church International Worship Team and EMI Records

Monica interviews the music team of Paul and Lisa Wright as they join forces with the Joy Church International Music Ministry to create an eclectic blend of worship music to minister to both believers and nonbelievers.

TUESDAY, February 7, 2012

Monica Teaching – No Fear!

If you’re ready to step outside of fear-filled life, then today’s show is for you. God desires us to be led by Faith and not by Fear.  Today’s teaching will speak to that place in us all that desires to be ruled by the Power, Love and Sound Mind of a life centered on Faith and NOT Fear! Break free with this life-changing teaching.

WEDNESDAY, February 8, 2012

Monica Teaching – Shame-Free Living, Part 2

Today Monica continues to share the essential tools for living a Shame-Free Life, part 2. Using the Bible as our foundation and its simple life-changing truths, we can step into a purposeful life with Christ at the center of our thinking and our doing. Tune in today and learn the power of surrendering our old ways of thinking to the One Who wishes to renew us from the inside out.

THURSDAY, February 9, 2012

Guests:  Tami Heim and Toni Birdsong

Sticky Jesus – www.stickyjesus.com

Explore the importance of being a light online. @stickyJesus.com exists to inspire and equip believers for such a time as this! They are committed to providing inspiration, tools and resources that demystify
social media and enable believers to connect, influence, and live their faith—in real time—online.

FRIDAY, February 10, 2012

Finishing Well, Part 4 – www.monicaspeaks.com

Monica continues this exciting new series called Finishing Well.  “It’s Not How You Start but How You Finish!” is part two of this this online bible study series Even when we start off on the wrong foot, we CAN regroup by simply changing our focus and getting on the right track. If you’d like to sign up for this online bible study, please go to www.monicaspeaks.com

Bridges is hosted by Monica Schmelter and airs on WHTN M-F
at 9:30 AM and again at 6 PM CST. You can also watch Bridges online at www.ctntv.org

Are there any obstacles in your way?

Chances are there are MANY obstacles in your way and they vary in shape, size, and severity.  Today’s study is on overcoming these obstacles/hurdles through our Faith in Jesus Christ.  Today, we will look at:

1)                 Keeping our Eyes Fixed on Jesus

2)                 Overcoming the “obstacle” of the comparison trap

3)                 Overcoming the “it’s not Fair” Obstacles/Hurdle

Our Weeks Memory Verse

Hebrews 12: 1 – 2 NLT

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.* He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.  (Week’s Memory Verse)

1) Overcome the “it’s not fair” obstacle by Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance we identify and remove the obstacles that would keep us from finishing well.

There are many situations in life in general, at work or even in ministry where things are just not fair.  It was no different with Martha (Mary’s sister) in the bible.  Please read below.

 “It’s Not Fair”

Ex.  Our dear friend Martha

Luke 10: 40- 42

40 But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! 42 There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it–and I won’t take it away from her.”

 How many times (you don’t really have to count) have you gotten caught up and distracted by how unfair things are?  Has the reality of the inequities caused you to lose peace, and/or valuable time?  Think about it have you ever left a job – or quit a position at church because you were saddled down with responsibilities and felt like it just wasn’t fair?

Could there have been another way to handle the situation?  Perhaps resigning that job or position what the best decision at that time.  Perhaps it was worth a conversation with the boss.  Perhaps it was that you took on more than what you really needed to be responsible for.

Things should be as fair as they can.  Sometimes the fairness is out of our control.  In these situations we can still finish well by following the Holy Spirit and thinking the best in all situations.  We can also trust God when things aren’t fair.  He is the ultimate judge.  He will reward each of us according to what we have done.  Keep this in mind when things are not fair and there is nothing you can do the change that.  Your labor in the Lord is NEVER in vain.

 2) Overcome the comparison Trap Hurdle by Keeping our Eyes on Jesus

 What about him/her?

John 21: 18 – 22

18 The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” 20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them–the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who among us will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” 22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.”

The comparison trap can be such a large obstacle.  Have you ever wondered why me?  Have you ever said, “how come they get a free pass?”.  Have you ever found yourself reciting (even mentally) how you should have had that job/position or how so and so seems to be the “golden boy or girl”?”  etc etc

Take some time to pray right now.  Ask God to show you by His Holy Spirit any areas of your life where you might be caught up in the comparison trap.  It may be a spiritual comparison – a job comparison.  Just take some quiet time and examine your heart.  We all want to Finish Well and in order to do so we must with God’s help identify any obstacles in our way.  Otherwise, we’ll be armed with excuses but no real forward progress.

 
3)         Run the race His way (even with the real or perceived inequities in life).  If you want to Finish Well you have to run the race His way.

Keep our Eyes on Jesus as we run the Race !

Hebrews 12: 1 – 2 NLT

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.* He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.  (Week’s Memory Verse)

Each day set aside some time to focus on Jesus.  Look at Him as Your Elder Brother, your advocate, your vindicator, your Savior, your Redeemer (and the list goes on and on and on).   Don’t let a day go by without making an adjustment in your race.  Look at Him.  Recognize His goodness in your life.  Remember He is Lord over all.  He is Lord over those that might neglect/or mistreat you.  He is able to work in your life despite what others think, say or do.  He is able to give you fuel to run this race when there is no other fuel source around.

Allow His goodness and unlimited opportunities fill your heart.  Don’t let your heart get filled with thoughts of inequities and comparisons.

Each day empty your heart of what is not from God.  Fill your heart with Jesus.  Let him help you navigate through this race.  Let Him give you strength to Run, Finish, and Finish well.

Don’t forget this weeks memory verse

Our Weeks Memory Verse

Hebrews 12: 1 – 2 NLT

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.* He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.  (Week’s Memory Verse)

I’m looking forward to hearing from each of you.  Share with me some examples of unfair situations or comparisons and how you’ve learned to overcome those.  We all have obstacles in our way.  What are you doing in your life to ensure that you will Finish Well?

Shalom,

Monica

Ever heard “Nice Guys” Finish Last? Don’t spend another minute even thinking about that. Today on Monica Speaks Part III of the Finishing Well series is all about how Nice Guys (and girls too) Finish Well. Sign up today for this online bible study at www.monicaspeaks.com

Nice Guys Don’t Finish Last !

Well hello again the Finishing Well Bible study group !!

I’d love to hear how your week is going.  Please find this week’s memory verse.  Whether you write it on an index card or tape it to your bathroom mirror – put it somewhere in plain sight and read it aloud for several days in a row.  This will help you memorize the verse and I’ll give you a gold star J.

(This Week’s Memory Verse)

I Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT

 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.

1)      We’re running a Different Race than the world

Have you ever heard or been tempted to think that nice guy/girls finish last?  Sometimes that might even seem to be true.  When those thoughts come to mind please consider that “We’re running a different race than the world”.

Sure, the world applauds the carnal, self seeking, win at all costs mentality – but God doesn’t.   Whatever “wins” it looks like the world has won will soon be lost.  The world will be disqualified from the eternal heavenly prize.

Have you ever though or heard someone say “Nice Guys Finish last”?

Has this race of life ever seemed unfair?

Will it help to re frame those thoughts in context with the race that we are running is different and judged differently than the world’s races and wins?

Daily Assignment:

Consider your Eternal Prize every single day.  This is especially helpful when you feel “overlooked” – left out – or just plain mistreated.

Run to win – in everything single relationship, task, assignment, season give 100% knowing that you will be rewarded in eternity (and in this life too)

2)      Our race is an individual race and God sets the rules

The Message Bible

2 Timothy

A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.

Ever tried to keep up with the “Jones”?  List below some examples of how you’ve tried to live up to what someone else has done.  Have you ever been compared unfairly to someone else?   List some situations in your life where this has happened.  What has been the result of that type of thinking?

This scripture out of 2 Timothy (Message Bible) talks about how the diligent farmer gets the produce.  Are you a diligent farmer?  In what ways are you diligent (list below)?  In what ways could you be more diligent?

Recount some instances where getting caught in the “comparison trap” or trying to get up with others (even in church) got you off course?

This verse says to “Think it over.  God will make it plain”.  Let’s heed this verse.  Take some time right now to think it over.  Give God an opportunity to speak to your heart and make things plain to you.

Are there any areas in your life where you are caught up in the world’s system?  Have the things of this world distracted you from Finishing Well?  What do you need to bring into the obedience of Christ?

Take some quiet time right now and think it over.

Take some time to reflect on how you are running an individual race.  God sets the rules in this race.  Let this bring peace and comfort to your heart.  You don’t have to compete in this world’s system anymore.  You are free to obey God and run the race that He has set for you.  He sets the rules and He gives the awards.  Nice guys/gals don’t finish last.

God is NOT mocked.  Whatever we sow – we reap.  Don’t let the enemy or people lie to you anymore.  Our race is an individual race and God sets the rules.

At times we may all be tempted to say/think/or feel that Nice Guys/gals Finish Last.  In this race of life and quest to Finish Well it is imperative that we always remember :

3)         God has the Final Say

Even while still on this earth…..promotion comes from God.  God still has the final say in our lives despite this faulty, broken, sin riddled world.

As you reflect on your life, and plans to finish well do not discount God’s ability to intervene in your life.  Do not judge how well you are doing by worldly wins, or worldly gains.  God is true and just and will not allow Nice Guys/Girls to finish last in His race.

A part of Finishing Well is acknowledging our creator as ruler over all things and people.  Even on your current job, in your business, at your church, school or wherever – promotion ultimately comes from God.  There are times all of us feel overlooked or actually are overlooked.  That does not go unnoticed with God.  Do not look to this world for your “wins” look to God for affirmation in Him.  Perhaps the boss does not say “Well Done”.  That is disappointment – but that is not a reason to have a bad attitude or not Finish Well.  When we recognize God as having the final say in all things in our lives – it give us the motivation to serve 100% for 100% of our lives and trust the outcome to Him.  Finish everything well.  Believe wholeheartedly that God has the final say.

2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. ⁸ And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Do you want this scripture to be what you can say today and at the end of your life?

Let’s pray together today.

Dear Father,

Thank you for this opportunity to study your word.  Father give me the insight and understanding to see that I am running a different race than this world.  Help me to trust you Father that I will be rewarded for everything I’ve done in faith by you.  Thank you for being an honorable and just God.  Thank you Father that with you there is no favoritism.   Thank you Father that in you Nice Guy/Girls do not finish last.  Thank you Father that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  You have made me uniquely and in your image and you have set a course just for me.  I am in Christ running my own race and you set the rules.  Thank you for that Father.  This sets me free.  Thank you so much.  Thank you Father that everything I experience is Father filtered.  I may not like it all.  I may not understand but you Holy God have the final say in my life.  I rest in that you have the final say.  Father I ask in Jesus Name that your good plan for my life will be fulfilled.  Grant me strength to run this race in such a way as to win.  I long Father for your appearing.  I thank you that you are my soon coming King and reward.  Amen.

Don’t forget this week’s Memory Verse

I Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT

 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.

How is your race different than the worlds?  I look forward to hearing from each of you.

Shalom,

Monica

It’s not how you start but how you finish that really matters in life. Today on part II of Finishing Well we will learn how to focus on finishing well despite what may be perceived to be a “poor or small start”. If you haven’t already signed up for the 6 week online bible study, please sign up and get plugged in at www.monicaspeaks.com!

Finishing Well Bible Study – Week 2

“Starting and Finishing”

Hello to all the “Finishing Well” Bible study participants.  I hope that you’re all doing very well this week.  Here is our memory verse for Week #2

Zechariah 4:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (Week’s Memory Verse)

1)                 It’s not how we Start…..but how we Finish.

This week’s memory verse underscores that we are not to “depise” small beginnings.  Instead we are admonished to move forward – to begin the work because the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.  God is all about the beginning, the start (even if it’s considered a small or broken start)

What did you think about today as we covered some of the lives of Ruth, Peter and the Samaritan Woman.  What about their “starts”.  Did you get a new perspective of anything – did you see parallels that encouraged you?   How did each of these finish well despite their “small” or less than desirable “starts”?

Ruth

Peter

Samaritan Woman

Write down your thoughts, new perspective, parallels or anything that you might have heard in a new way in today’s teaching.

Are you willing to go ahead and start today with the purpose of finishing well?  Are you willing to step out in faith despite your seemingly “small” start?  Does it help you to know that God rejoices to see a work BEGIN ! ?  You can please the heard of God today by starting now.  God wants to rejoicing in seeing His work begin anew and afresh in you today !

In our journey to finish well (especially when we didn’t have a great “start”) it can be helpful to see:

2) Jesus as our Advocate

Luke 22:31-33

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ³¹ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But, I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Would it be helpful for you today in the middle of your “start” to see Jesus as your advocate?  Write down some of your tasks today or this week.  Are you having a tough time at work?  Do you have an employer that overlooks you?  Do you have church members that seem to “nit pick” you?  Do you children and family life seem to be too much to handle much less finish well?

If that’s the case (or something similar).  Write down the situation.  Then see Jesus as your advocate.  See Him as pleading for you in prayer to be strong to be vigilant to “Finish Well”.

Next to each situation that you record – write down what He might be praying for you before the Father.  He desires that we all Finish well.  He has appointed us to dominion and power in Himself.  In this race of life learn to see Him as  your advocate.  This will help you in any start and give you the power to finish well.

How does seeing Jesus as your advocate help you?  Is this different than you might have imagined?  How so?

As you start or start again make if your daily practice to:

3)     Get to know Him

Serving Christ is not about a to do list or a list of regulations.  We can get so “task oriented” – even about “Finishing Well” that everything becomes about “doing” and succeeding.  In the middle of all of that we can just get to know Him.  It is in this relationship that we receive the living water that will fill us with power, strength and free us from the bondage of sin.

^{John 4:10 NLT}

¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Why do you think the main concerns on the Samaritan woman’s mind were on the day she met Jesus at the well?  What are some of your concerns as you go through the daily “to do’s”?  Isn’t it easy sometimes to forget about the one who can give us living water when we’re concerned about getting some water to drink?

Can any of us really Finish Well apart from a relationship in Christ?  How can you recognize Him more readily in your life?  How can you “Get to know Him” in a richer way today?

How did the Samaritan Woman’s life change when she recognized Jesus as not just “another man at the well?  How did her life change when she got to know Him?  How could your life be different if you knew Him better?

Are you at the place that you have really left your past behind?  Do you have the power through Jesus to face people, things places from your past and boldly speak about Him?

Write down some thoughts today on how your life would improve if you knew Jesus better?

Now let’s pray this prayer together.

Dear Jesus,

I ask that you would open my eyes that I can see you more fully for who you are.  Jesus help me to see you rejoicing in my small start.  Father give me the grace not to despise my small start but instead that I by faith can see you rejoicing to see your work begin in me.  I ask you Father also to help me see your Son Jesus as my Advocate.  Father let me see by faith how you gave Your only Son for me and how He is at your right hand right now praying for me.  Father by your Holy Spirit give me the desire and hunger to know you more.  You have said that those that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.  I want to be filled with your Spirit afresh and anew today.  Amen

This week work on memorizing your bible verse:

Zechariah 4:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (Week’s Memory Verse)

Also, pray this prayer and meditate on how God rejoicing in your start.  As you see the Father rejoice – as you see Jesus as your advocate you will long to know Him better.  This relationship with Jesus will fill your life with goodness and will give you power and strength to Finish Well in all things.

Start Today – By Faith see God rejoicing at your Start

See Jesus as your Advocate – By Faith see Jesus at the right hand of the Father calling your name in prayer

Get to Know Him Better – pray for spiritual hunger

How determined are you to start today?  Let me know.

Shalom,

Monica

Guests: Bruce and Jean Hammond

“Living a Selfless Life” – www.destinymanifest.net

Counselors Bruce and Jean Hammond join Monica on Bridges today to discuss the myth of the “selfless life.” Rather than trying to live a “selfless” life, we are to live an authentic life in Christ which includes dying to our sinful nature. Check out their web site to learn more about this dynamic duo.

TUESDAY, January 24, 2012

“Phil Keaggy Live from Kegworth” – www.philkeaggy.com

Phil shares his latest project “Phil Keaggy Live from Kegworth.” Take a virtual front row seat as Phil plays the songs you know and love directly from his home studio.

WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012

Monica Teaching – Letting It Go – www.monicaspeaks.com

Monica will share the importance of not holding on to those things in our lives that weigh us down and keep us from moving forward in God’s Plan for us. An important message that can transform each of our lives in amazing ways when applied and will help us take steps into being the men and women He created us to be.

THURSDAY, January 26, 2012

Guests:  John and Dorla Schlitt

“The Grafting” – www.johnwschlitt.com

Recording artist John Schlitt and his wife Dorla join Monica today to share their latest project, “The Grafting.” A once drug-addicted rocker and his wife’s newfound faith transform their lives and his music into a ministry, performing and living for God’s glory.

FRIDAY, January 27, 2012

Finishing Well – www.monicaspeaks.com

Monica continues this exciting new series called Finishing Well.  “It’s Not How You Start but How You Finish!” is part two of this this online bible study series Even when we start off on the wrong foot, we CAN regroup by simply changing our focus and getting on the right track. If you’d like to sign up for this online bible study, please go to www.monicaspeaks.com

Bridges is hosted by Monica Schmelter and airs on WHTN M-F
at 9:30 AM and again at 6 PM CST. You can also watch Bridges online at www.ctntv.org

Finishing Well and the  “Unexpected”

Sometimes the unexpected can make us stop short of finishing well.  As I think over the years there is more than one time I quit something without notice – and gave something less than my best effort due to an “unexpected event”.

There were many years (even as a Christian) that I did not recognize God’s power in my life personally to help me deal with the unexpected in His strength.  Many times I stopped short – I isolated myself – I focused totally on the unexpected and how to fix it.  In doing these things I let many people down – including myself and eventually learned that I really wasn’t trusting God to be my source and strength.

In this fallen world the unexpected will happen – but God through Christ gives us power and dominion to remain in His will and finish all things well to His Glory.

Today’s lesson via video is on Finishing Well despite the unexpected.

As you watch the video we will cover these three points:

1. Finishing His Work (that’s where are nourishment comes from)
2. Focusing all your energies on what lies ahead (forget the past)
3. Draw your Strength from Christ

“Finishing His Work” – that’s where are nourishment comes from

John 4:34 (Week One’s Memory Verse) NLT

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”

Read and recite each day this week until you have it memorized.  I can’t pass out gold stars like in the old days in Vacation Bible School or Sunday school – but making this verse yours will give you power and understanding and help you Finish Well.

What does the true story of John Stephen Akhwari (1968 Olympic Marathon runner) who finished last say to you about “Finishing Well”?

Has “Finishing Well” been a “constant” in your life?  Are there times you “Finish” hasn’t been as great as you might have liked?

List a couple “Great Finishes” and a couple “not so great” finishes below:

What are some of the “unexpecteds” in your life?  Have they – or have they not kept you from making forward progress and Finishing Well?

Focus all your energies on what lies ahead (Forget the past)

Philippians 3: 12 –14 NLT

 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

How can (or could you) do a more consistent job of focusing all your energies on what lies ahead?  Do you get caught up in the here and now – in the urgency of the “unexpected”.  With Christ’s help can you see this changing?  Do you want it to change?

What can you do to facilitate changing the way you think and respond to the “unexpected” in life?

Draw Your Strength from Christ

Romans 8:10-12

¹⁰ And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life ^] because you have been made right with God. ¹¹ The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

 ¹² Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,^] you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do

What can you do to draw more of your strength from Christ? 

(Post this above scripture in a prominent place – like your bathroom mirror or dashboard of your car).  Let this scripture be a reminder to you this week that Jesus Christ has made you dead to sin and alive in Him.  You have the power of God working in your life every single day to give you strength and energy that is larger than the “unexpected”.

Are you going to memorize our memory verse this week?  Do you have a “Finishing Well story that you could share with the group?

Do you have any prayer requests?  We will be glad to pray with you.

Shalom,

Monica