I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
—2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
I am so thankful for Paul's confidence as he faced his death. He is all but abandoned while he is in prison (2 Timothy 4:10-13). He is worried about the future of the Church (Acts 20:25, 28-31; 2 Timothy 4:3-10), yet he is also confident in two truths: (1) He has served the LORD faithfully (2 Timothy 4:6-8), and (2) the LORD will receive him when he dies (Philippians 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Shouldn't those two truths be our most important goals in life? Since they are our goals, let's encourage each other to live each day for Jesus as we anticipate them coming true in us!
Faithful and loving God, you have richly blessed me with salvation by your grace. Please strengthen me out of the riches of that grace. I am sometimes weak and falter in my faithfulness. I know your grace is lavish, but I don't want to presume on it or abuse it. So please give me strength and courage to live faithfully and passionately for you until I see you face to face and share with you in your glorious victory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
I am so thankful for Paul's confidence as he faced his death. He is all but abandoned while he is in prison (2 Timothy 4:10-13). He is worried about the future of the Church (Acts 20:25, 28-31; 2 Timothy 4:3-10), yet he is also confident in two truths: (1) He has served the LORD faithfully (2 Timothy 4:6-8), and (2) the LORD will receive him when he dies (Philippians 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Shouldn't those two truths be our most important goals in life? Since they are our goals, let's encourage each other to live each day for Jesus as we anticipate them coming true in us!
My Prayer...
Faithful and loving God, you have richly blessed me with salvation by your grace. Please strengthen me out of the riches of that grace. I am sometimes weak and falter in my faithfulness. I know your grace is lavish, but I don't want to presume on it or abuse it. So please give me strength and courage to live faithfully and passionately for you until I see you face to face and share with you in your glorious victory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
