Challenge yourself to recite 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 by memory as best you can.

Read Luke 6:31-35 We have the Holy Spirit at work in us, but we must participate by listening and following His direction. We must battle against the enemy and sin’s continuing influence in our life. Renewal will be a gift to help get back on course, running the race with purpose and fighting the battle of faith.

The battle of faith needs our attention, but many of the arguments we engage in keep us off track. Do you feel like you have been fighting? Do you know why you are fighting?

Sometimes we fight because we are afraid. How did the past year create fear in you?

This last twelve months put all of us under a tremendous amount of pressure. Looking back, did fear cause you to embrace an attitude that you realize now made you fight battles that were not important?

Remember, righteous anger is not born out of fear. If you are angry, do you know why are you angry?

God calls us to fight the battle of faith. Futile fights with one another do not draw us closer to God in love. These useless fights also do not attract others to follow Jesus.

In running the race with purpose, our internal motivation is God’s central concern. We seek God first. As we engage in discussion with others, we remain calm and speak the truth in love. If the conversation begins to escalate, it is best to pray and trust God rather than insisting on being right.

Over the next six weeks, our focus will be on the internal work God desires to do in us as individuals. We focus on His work in us, but His work in us also shows us how to love one another. As you look back over 2020, did you engage in a heated discussion with others over the pandemic, politics, the election, racial, and social injustices?

Do you realize you acted in a way that did not shine the light of Christ?

As we get started on the journey, is there anyone you need to offer an apology? Maybe someone treated you with disrespect, and you are holding a grudge. Who might you need to forgive? Spend time in prayer. The next six weeks will need our full attention as we wholeheartedly seek God to know Him more, learn His love, and grow in His character.

"Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. Lord God heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen."

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/ topical-studies/meaning-of-glory-to-god-in-the-highestand-peace-to-his-people-on-earth.html