Finish

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 trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. -Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

Finish!

This directive is both a verb and a noun. As a verb - an action word - it is defined as bringing an activity to an end; to complete; to reach the end of a race. As a noun - identifying a person, place, or thing - it is defined as the final stage of something; the manner in which the manufacture of an article is completed in detail.

Jesus finished His mission and gave up His Spirit (John 19:28-30), providing the only way for us to be saved. Though this Living Water freely flows, it comes at a tremendous price. We provide a return on this investment by choosing to receive it, watering the seeds that have been planted in each of us.

Staying connected to the True Vine nurtures us in our mission. There will be a breaking process to allow what God has planted in us to grow. Jesus provides for us to do all that God wants to do in and through us. 

As the Living Water flows in and through us, we are able to remain fruitful, replenishing each other as the body of Christ and overflowing into the world to create more disciples. Jesus has commanded us to “…go and make disciples of all the nations…teach these new disciples to obey the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT).

By pouring out our lives as an offering to God, we finish our race and remain faithful. For this, the Lord will give us our prize on the day of His return - a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

If we believe Jesus’ proclamation that “…It is finished!…” (John 19:30 NLT), we demonstrate our belief that He has saved us by coming into alignment with Him! We take action - we finish! “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

Through our action of finishing, we become finished. We serve as representatives of Christ as God designed us to be, boldly reflect the light of the “Son” in our own way! We live our Authentic Existence®️!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:8-11 NLT). 

Authentic Existence®️ Affirmation: I will finish!

Heavenly Father, I believe Jesus when He said “It is finished!” Please help me to put into action my belief so I may come into alignment with Him, reflecting what I believe, allowing my light to shine brightly as a Bold Full Moon™️! I pray that when others see my light and I have opportunities to be fruitful - by being a disciple and creating more disciples - I confidently, willingly and genuinely accept this work, so I may live my Authentic Existence®️, pointing others to Jesus and glorifying You in the unique way You designed me to! I ask these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen!