Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Friday, JUNE 29 You will finish strong Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV)

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Friday, JUNE 29

You will finish strong

Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV)
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

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In Ecclesiastes 7:8 the Bible says better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. How you finish is more important than how you start. God does not just want you to finish whatever you are engaged in, He wants you to finish well and finish strong. Among other things, one major thing that will help you finish strong is deciding that you will not lose your joy throughout the journey no matter what you face. In our text above, Apostle Paul made that decision for himself. He had a joy that made him not moved by the great trials and difficulties he faced. It must be this same joy that made him and Silas pray and sing praises to God at midnight even in the prison, Acts 16:25.

Many unexpected things will happen and will attempt to steal your joy, but you must not allow them. Your joy is your strength. See problems and challenges as opportunities for new dimensions of God's power and glory to be revealed in your life and opportunities for you to grow and increase. Always have a different and victorious perspective of circumstances because God has promised to always cause you to triumph in Christ, 2Cor.2:14. Keep rejoicing in the Lord, Phil.4:4. Keep refilling your joy in God's presence. Instead of worrying about anything pray about everything with thanksgiving, Phil.4:6. As you pray (John 16:24) and meditate on God's Word (John 15:11) your joy will remain full.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray over everything that you are engaged in. Receive the joy of the Lord and the grace never to be discouraged or distracted.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: JOB 14-16; ACTS 9:22-43

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