Words of Encouragement July - 27 - 2003
Let us be thankful for Paul's confidence as he faced his death. He was all but abandoned and worried only about the future of the Church. Because he knew two things: he had served the Lord faithfully and the Lord would receive him when he died! Shouldn't these two things be our most important goals in life? So if they are our goals, how do we live each day to fulfill them?
Paul's letter to Timothy should be our guide:
2 Timothy 4:7-8I 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.
Let us go to our Father in prayer.
Faithful and loving God, you have so richly blessed us with salvation by your grace. Please strengthen us out of the riches of that grace. We are sometimes weak and falter in our faithfulness. We know your grace is lavish, but we don't want to presume on it or abuse it. Please give us strength and courage to live faithfully and passionately for you until the day we see you face to face and share with you in your glory and victory.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.