(by Pastor Norman)

As Christians who believe in Christ and have made Him Lord and master of our lives (Rom 10:9-10) God has an amazing, abundant, blessed life for us (John 10:10b), shining as a light for Christ (Phil 2:15), His ambassadors on this earth (2 Cor 5:20). The Holy Spirit can transform us to be more like our Saviour (2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:22-23) and at the end of our life or race on earth, we will receive the crown of life, eternal life in heaven with Christ (James 1:12). In the gospel of John 17:6-8 Jesus, at the end of His ministry on earth said, “I have glorified You on earth, I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4; NKJV). Paul the apostle wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7; NKJV). I trust we will all be able to say the same. However, satan comes to, “steal, and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10; NKJV), to prevent us from finishing our race for Christ. To be victorious over satan’s attacks we need to stand fast on God’s word (Phil 2:16), do things God’s way (Matt 11:28), press into Him (Phil 3:12), keep our focus on Christ and resist the devil so he runs from us (James 4:7). “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ” (Phil 1:6; NKJV). God enables us to run and finish the race, look to Him, trust Him and cooperate. He will not fail you but meet you at life’s end with, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt 25:23; NKJV).