Life has many unexpected highs and lows. In one season it is full of bliss and other times it can be full of gruesome trials. Because life is not always an easy ride, but rather a process of endurance, the quote “life is a marathon, not a sprint” proves true. All runners win the race in completing it. However, in this week’s sermon, Pastor David Turner discusses that only one wins the prize through proper preparation and a mind fixed on Christ.

As life can be related to a marathon, we must be mindful of what it means to run this race that God has called us to. When we understand the ultimate prize we are chasing is Jesus, we are filled with a sense of urgency to prepare well. In the preparation we train with the end in mind, as we know the eternal glory far outweighs temporary pleasures. This creates a sense of perseverance to keep on the straight and narrow path and to run with intention and by example. Our lives are not our own and we must not quit when the going gets tough because many are depending on us to run the race faithfully.

In life when the prize we are pursuing is Jesus, we win the ultimate trophy. A mind set on Jesus changes the way we approach life and leads us to run with purpose. When we understand our God given purpose, we understand the importance of taking part in the kingdom of God and preparing for what is to come through time in His presence. As a result, this perspective changes the way we approach life and creates a sense of strength to endure to the end because we know the value of Jesus- our rich reward.

In life we’re all running one of two races. The race God has given us, or, the race the world has offered us. Either way they both end with a prize. We have to ask ourselves, which prize do we want to receive at the end? And that’s determined by, if we’ve been running the race of faith or the race of our flesh. Just as we can’t serve two masters, we can’t run both races. Below are  5 ways to run our race to win the prize God has for us at the end.Run to win the prize
We have to understand that the race the Lord has for us, doesn’t end with Him just giving us a participation award. There is a prize waiting for us, and that prize is Eternal life. Our faith will be tested, but through those tests our perseverance will grow to reach its maturity. We need to keep our eyes fixed on the prize, and not on the things that will distract us from Him.Train for your race, not someone else’s
God has called us to run different races, at different speeds. Training for a marathon is completely different from training for a sprint race. We’re all running our own race, which means that we have to train for the race marked before us. If we’re not careful, our focus can be diverted to fulfilling the race that others have for us, instead of the race God has given us to run. We have to make sure we stay in the lane God has for us, and not jump into someone else’s. Remember, It’s not only about starting strong, it’s about finishing strong.Run for eternity not temporary
When we choose what we do in our daily lives, do we have eternity in our minds? It’s easy to get entangled in the things of this world that we feel the need to put time into. When we let the things of this world drive us, rather than our obedience in God, those things will keep us from finishing our race. Time is the most valuable resource we have, so what we prioritize needs to lead others to a place of encountering Jesus.Run with intention
If the enemy can’t destroy us, he will create a distraction. Maybe our past strongholds are not enough to distract us anymore, but what the enemy will try to do is deceive us with things that are good in our lives. Whatever we don’t forget, we will repeat, wherever we put our attention on, we will progress. When we lose our focus, we get distracted from running in our lane. By saying yes to God, we’re automatically saying no to everything else that may look good but is not the lane God has us running in.Run By Example
Because our lives are not our own, you never know who is watching that is being directly influenced by how you  live your life. As believers, let’s not just follow our feelings, but instead trust wholeheartedly the race God has placed us on. We know that the race we’re running, God has planned to prosper us, and bring us hope and a future. Knowing this, let’s run this race by being an example of His goodness and love.Application:
How are you running your race today? Are you in competition with everyone around you, and  running someone else’s race? Do you have your eyes fixed on the things of God? Let’s re-evaluate how we are living this life so that we can finish this race strong.Prayer:
Father, help me run this race. I ask that where I have taken any detours, you may reset my feet firmly back on your path. I quit running anyone else’s race and I fix my eyes on the prize of my life. I thank you for your mercy that allows me to endure all things, but I pray that the perseverance that you are refining in me will allow me to finish this race strong.

In this week’s message, Pastor Josue Flores discusses how the Bible explains the most unlikely creatures, such as ants, are some of the wisest on earth. These creatures are known to accomplish mighty things with the right focus in mind. While referring to the complexities and functions of these small creatures, as believers we should remember that when we feel the most unqualified to live out God’s purpose, He often uses us in our most unqualified situations to do His work.

When examining the abilities of these creatures, it can be seen that their primary focus is to build their future. Rather than dwelling on the pitfalls of the past or trying to control the present, they are a perfect example of what it is to purposefully invest in the hope of the future. Like the ant, as sons and daughters of God, we don’t need to dwell on our weaknesses caused by our past or present. When we surrender our release of control to God, He is able to use us in our highly unlikely situations to partner with Him in His work.

Rather than counting ourselves out by our past mistakes and current situations, with God as our Rock, we can receive God’s gifts and live out His plan for our lives. God has much in store for His people. When we begin to understand that God delights in our surrender, we will see that He often uses highly unlikely people to do His most amazing works. In this, His glory is made known all the more.

This week, Pastor Jared Ellis takes us on an incredible expedition through God's word. In House of Worship, he touches on the deep chords worship has within the church and within our hearts. The impact of this message will be exponential in your life.
What does it mean to be a House of God? What does it mean to be in the House of God? God wants to change what His church is known for. He wants you to be a major part of that change. What can you do today to initiate that change?
God wants us to ascribe worth and value unto Him. He wants us to live a life that brings Him glory. It starts here today! It is time to tap into His new mercies He has afforded us. Find out how your life can unleash the vital shift the world is waiting for.

The tactics of the enemy have always been to steal, kill, and destroy. In the moments when we feel we are being tested and tried by the enemy, we often face battles that are beyond our own strength. As life contains seasons of bliss and seasons of difficulty, as believers we must not let the storms of life overtake us. To take heart and remain steady through the storm, our anchor must be Jesus as He provides perfect peace in the midst of chaos.

Throughout Jesus’ life, He consistently modeled the deepest rest through the storms as He kept a posture of peace through discomfort. Jesus’ unwavering peace, despite the conditions He faced, reveals that peace is not merely the absence of problems, but finding rest in God. Although the struggles of life do not automatically end when we seek the Lord, we are strengthened in the struggle to be prepared for the next season. Because of Jesus’ love for us He allows us to endure the storm so we can be matured and learn through the process.

Struggles are inevitable in life, but we must remember to not focus on the current circumstances or we will miss what God is wanting to do within us. If we believe that God works out all things for our good, we can look to Him every step of the way through hardship to receive the unconditional peace He promises. It is in the storms that we should be aware of how we are praying so we can be equipped and prepared for the unexpectancies of life. When we are spiritually prepared for the storm, we can have peace in the toughest fights because we know God promises to never leave us.

This week, we had the honor of having Pastor Chris Estrada share a powerful word for our church. In Finish the Job, he tells us how his journey has changed the world so you can do the same. Get ready to be equipped for your God-given mission!

God has a plan. He doesn't forget what He promised you. He has special instructions to make you impactful. He wants you to be effective and able to complete every task He assigns to you. How do you begin to work at full capacity and maximize your potential?

God is shifting your season. He wants you to be all in on His plan for your life. Can you get on board with the changes He has for your life? What does He want you to do now? How can you get into sync with God's heart for your life. Join us as Pastor Chris Estrada breaks down incredible truth from God's word.