The Christian life has been likened to a marathon. A glorious start leads to a long journey to the finish. When running gets hard, remember:

- Jesus chose us and is 100% committed to us

- Our grip on him may fail, but his grip on us will not fail

- Our commitment keeps us in the race

- Commitment abides, obeys and endures

- Fellowship is essential for mutual encouragement

2 Timothy 4:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 24:13, John 15:16, John 10:28, John 15:4, Luke 9:23, Hebrews 10:23-25 & 36

Because God has extended such wonderful grace to us, we extend the same kind of grace to others:

- We bless or forgive even though it's undeserved

- We pay a price that's rightfully due to them even though it can feel unjust & unnatural

- We extend compassion, kindness, gentleness & patience

- We bear with weaknesses & different ways

- We forgive without counting or recording offenses

- We serve with the gifts that God has given us

- We choose words that build up & don't break down

Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 18:21-35, Hebrews 12:15, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29-31

God sees everything that we are going through. He knows our struggles and pains. In our worst circumstances, God offers us hope - so we should persevere in our hard places, not give up.

Difficult seasons will not last forever. And God will not forsake us - even when people do.

Genesis 16:1-16, 1 Corinthians 1:26, Psalm 121:1-2, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:28

The grace of God is foundational to the Christian faith and should shape how we live - gratefully, humbly and confidently!

We are saved by the grace of God - so we live in humble gratitude!

We are called by the grace of God - our call has everything to do with him, not us!

We are empowered by the grace of God - WE can't do what he asks - but HE can!

We are sustained by the grace of God - through every weakness and hardship!

Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 20:13-15, Ephesians 3:7-8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Acts 4:33, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Galatians 4:13-15

Our sense of identity affects how we think and live - but it can be badly formed by many factors. The Bible gives a clear view of who we are once we belong to Jesus - so we should let this re-form our sense of identity:

- We are no longer who we were (or who we thought we were).

- We are not just accepted - we are chosen - by God!

- As vulnerable as we may feel, we are secure in God's grip!

- We are significant - God custom-made us to play our part in his plan!

- We belong to Jesus - so we live for him, not ourselves.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:9, John 10:27-28, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Revelation 19:6-9, Ephesians 5:31-32

The Bible teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and personal habits. We should therefore stop blame-shifting, making excuses and practicing avoidance.

We must take responsibility for our thoughts and attitudes, taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.

We must take responsibility for our spoken words.

We must be responsible in taking care of others (our own household, relatives and the family of God)

Ezekiel 18:1-4, Jeremiah 31:29-30, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 4:31-32, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:36-37, Matthew 15:18-20, James 3:6-8, Colossians 3:8, 1 Timothy 5:8

To receive Gifts of the Spirit we have to position ourselves to receive from the Holy Spirit. Practical Steps to receive the Gift of Tongues

1. Be Filled First
2. Ask in Faith
3. Yield Yor Voice
4. Don't Analyse
5. Practice

Practical Steps to receive and operate spiritual gifts

1. Desire Them
2. Stay Filled & Sensitive
3. Step Out in Faith
4. Serve People
5. Be Teachable & Accountable

1 Corinthians 12:7, John 14:16, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:2, Ephesians 5:18, Luke 11:13, James 1:5, Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:14, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 14:29.

God loves us enough to have prepared for us in advance. Only God has a better plan for our lives.

God communicates His plan through speaking to us.

- We hear God through his word (scriptures).

- He speaks to us in prayer.

- God can also speak to us through discomfort.

We need to develop a listening heart, praying with faith and expectation, and not being afraid of what God might tell us to do.

Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 32:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark 4:3&9, Jeremiah 33:3, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27, Psalm 119:71

The apostle Paul likened the disciple's life to a marathon that should be trained for and run well. Using this analogy, here are some things we can do to run a good race:

HAVE A SPIRITUAL "TRAINING KIT"

- a Bible in language I can understand

- a tool to help me understand the hard parts

- a friend to ask questions

- a notebook to help me to listen & act

HAVE A SPIRITUAL "TRAINING PLAN":

- a Bible reading plan

- a prayer plan

- a fellowship plan

OTHER HELPS ARE:

- get a "training buddy"

- stretch your capacity regularly!

Luke 6:46-49, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

It is God's will that we be people of consistent prayer. Jesus expects his disciples to pray, and he teaches us how to pray.

Prayer is a child speaking with their Heavenly Father, not a religious performance.

We should pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we do, prayer leads to supernatural intervention.

We should pray in the name of Jesus - truly representing him, not saying his name as "magic words"! When we are truly under Jesus' authority, we can pray with his authority!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Mark 11:24, Mark 14:36, 1 John 5:14, Matthew 6:5-13, Matthew 26:41, John 14:13-14, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 6:18-20, Romans 8:26