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Many people today are racing after careers, success, possessions, status, or even the achievements of their children. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that Christians are running a far greater race—one that is not about personal glory, but about God's glory and the advance of the Gospel. The apostle Paul understood this race well. He was willing to go any distance, endure any hardship, and sacrifice personal comfort in order to win people to Christ. Paul knew that in the end, what matters most is what we have done for the Lord. Unlike worldly races, the Christian race is not a competition against other believers. We run against obstacles, temptations, spiritual opposition, and the enemy of our souls. God does not desire only one of His children to win—He wants every believer to run faithfully and receive the imperishable crown. Dr. Youssef explains that running well requires self-control and spiritual discipline. Like an athlete who trains his body through sacrifice, believers must discipline their desires, choices, habits, and priorities. If you feel weary, defeated, or disqualified, do not believe the enemy's lie. You can get back into the race. God wants you to be victorious in His Son. Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength, will, and focus to run after You. I know You are the one who sustains me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Stewardship Is Gospel Justice: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Run To Win - Peace of Mind by Anchor Church Palos
Part two of the "Run To Win" series. Pastor Richard continues to teach on how LIFE is a MARATHON, NOT a SPRINT. He shows that part of running is TRAINING. He continues with 2 more of the 12 Core Values as a church, SPIRITUAL GROWTH and REACHING OTHERS.
Run To Win - The Engine of Transformation by Anchor Church Palos
1 Corinthians 9:24-11:1 - Will ThomasWant to learn more about Eastwood? Visit https://eastwood.church
Run To Win - Abide In... by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
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Run To Win - Peace for your Anxious Heart by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Run To Win - Joy in Trials by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Run To Win - Are You a Joyful Person? by Anchor Church Palos
What does real commitment look like?In this message, Pastor Bill explains that commitment isn't based on convenience—it's choosing to stay faithful when no one is watching. Through Scripture and practical examples, he challenges believers to live with purpose, serve consistently, and embrace the Great Commission as the culture of the Church.Discover why daily obedience produces lasting fruit, why your private faith matters, and how God wants to use your life to help people win.
Run To Win - Race To Resolution by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Run To Win - Citizens of Heaven by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Run To Win - Having a Christ Focused Mindset and Way of Life by Anchor Church Palos
Victory in Jesus is not only about beginning the race. It is about finishing the race with faithfulness, obedience, and love for Christ. Rich Guerra shares the powerful story of his grandfather, whose encounter with Jesus in a revival tent changed the direction of his family for generations. One decision to surrender to Christ became a legacy of faith that reached his children, grandchildren, and beyond. In the same way, the decisions we make today can impact the generations that come after us. Preaching from Galatians 5:7–8 and 1 Corinthians 9:24, Rich asks a direct question: will you run to win? He reminds us that many people start well, but not everyone finishes well. The Christian life requires endurance, responsibility, perseverance, renewed love, connection to the body of Christ, and simple daily obedience. “Many start well, but they don't finish well,” Rich said. He also declared, “There are no winners and losers in God's kingdom. There's just finishers and quitters.” This message gives practical biblical lessons for anyone who wants to finish strong. Refuse to blame others for your struggles. Don't quit when life gets hard. Restore the love of your calling. Don't try to do it alone. Remain in Christ, stay connected, and keep obeying God one day at a time. The application is clear: the baton is in your hands. Others have run before you, and generations may be affected by how you run now. Keep your eyes on Jesus, refuse to give up, and run the race to finish well.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
We may wish maturity came instantly, but the truth is simple: growth takes work—and it requires patience, persistence, and sacrifice. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef compares spiritual formation to athletic training: no champion wins by coasting, and no believer grows into Christlikeness without intentional discipline. Paul described his own commitment clearly—he refused to run aimlessly or fight without purpose. Instead, he practiced self-control so he would not be disqualified from the prize (1 Corinthians 9:26–27). Dr. Youssef warns that when we stop stretching, we don't stay neutral—we stagnate. And when we choose deliberate disobedience, it reveals pride. But choosing obedience is the mark of humility, and God promises real fruit from that posture—riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). This devotional also reassures you that submission is not weakness. When you humble yourself under God's mighty hand, He will lift you up in His timing—and you can cast every anxiety on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6–7). As you trust His plan, even when it seems impossible, God will grow you to heights only He knew you could reach. Prayer: Lord, help me resist the temptation to do what looks easiest and instead always obey Your voice. Strengthen me that I may fulfill Your work. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Run To Win - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant by Anchor Church Palos
Run To Win - God Blesses the Generous by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Run To Win - Racing To Heaven by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others.
Rick and Svea reflect on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9 about running “in such a way as to get the prize,” exploring what it means to live with courage, focus, and love. They talk about how sharing faith doesn't have to be driven by pressure, guilt, or argument, but can flow naturally from love for people and a desire to share what Jesus has done in our lives.Through stories about hunting, cross-cultural mission, ordinary acts of kindness, and the impact of kids ministry, they reframe “witness” as something deeply relational: noticing people, honoring them, moving at their pace, and sharing what we've experienced. They also offer a practical path forward: pray for someone by name, prepare by growing in confidence and skill, and participate with your church family in ways that help others see the love of God. Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 – Intro03:17 – Self-awareness, introspection, and knowing your mission04:21 – Developing habits of courage and dealing with fatigue06:51 – Harvard study on love and human flourishing08:52 – Evangelism through invitation & relationship (1 Corinthians 9)13:13 – Overcoming anxiety and guilt around evangelism16:00 – What it means to be a "witness"18:14 – Story of Pastor Matthew Matai22:22 – Practical everyday evangelism — "there you are" vs. "here I am"24:17 – Pray, Prepare, Participate framework28:42 – Serving in kids ministry as a form of witness30:17 – Closing — "God's love often has human fingerprints"
Run To Win - Trade Religion for Relationship by Anchor Church Palos
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others. Pastor Allen begins this summer series focusing on why we run to win.
When we are born we are born into a race that whether we like it or not we are running. As we grow older we realize that the race is not as easy as we thought it would be. The apostle Paul encouraged us to run in such a way that we would win. Yes, we know there can only be one winner but run as if we are that winner. If we don't we will give up and coast through life and miss out on a life that God wanted us to have that would not only be amazing but life changing for others. Pastor Allen begins this summer series focusing on why we run to win.
Run To Win - Timothy's Mom and Grandma by Anchor Church Palos
Paul uses sports analogies to continue his encouragement to the church of Corinth to be Gospel focused.