Lesson from the Super Bowl

The Atlanta Falcons play inspirational football for 2 1/2 quarters and then New England Patriots played inspirational for 1 1/2 & overtime which yielded a victory.  This historic comeback may never happen again.  The lesson is real simple.  The importance of finishing strong in sports has been emphasized by all coaches regardless of the sport.  Spiritually speaking one has to start in order to finish and our starting line is accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  The question for today is not how many start but how many are finishing strong.  Toward the end of his life the apostle Paul penned these words in II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I  the finished 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."  The big difference in sports and our spiritual journey is that each year only one team comes out on top but spiritually speaking everyone who enters the race can come out on top but unfortunately that is not the case.  Through the years I have witnessed many people who start well but do not finish well.  I have seen many start but then do not enter any training phrase in order to grow stronger as a believer in Jesus.  Our call is not just to start but to finish strong and healthy.  The lesson from the Super Bowl is to finish strong even if there were trials along the way.  Here are three things in my opinion that will help you to finish strong.  First, make a commitment to make Jesus Lord of your life everyday.  This means I must be willing to do life the way Jesus encouraged us and to follow His teachings.  Second, set aside some time everyday to have communication with Jesus, this is called prayer.  This includes listening to God by reading His Word and being quiet before Him to hear His voice.  This also includes talking to Jesus as if He was your friend, helper, healer and provider.  Third, make time on a consistent basis to develop genuine fellowship with other believers.  We need one another to help us to face all that life may throw our way.  There are times we are to encourage others and times that we need encouragement.  This is one of the great values of consistently being in church with your spiritual family.  God designed the church to help us to finish strong.  May the love of God, the power of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you so you can finish your spiritual journey strong and live forever in the presence of God.