email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

September 10, 2018

2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

New International Version (NIV)

                Do not despair. As life moves along, we may wonder, “What is the point?” Paul certainly endured a great deal because of his transformational commitment to Christ. Shipwrecked, snake-bitten, stoned nearly to death, he preached on.

                At the end of his journey, in what we believe is his last letter chronologically, he looked back and said, “I have fought, finished and kept the faith.” A good friend went home to be with the Lord recently. If I were in charge of the world, I would have scripted a better ending for him. But Paul reminds me that our life for Christ is not in vain.

                Today is the first anniversary of my mother’s death. Nancy Brooks fought the good fight, raising four boys overseas with my dad. She finished the race God gave her to run. Best of all she kept the faith. We don’t choose the end of the journey. But let us so live today that when that time comes, we will be able to say with Paul and my mom, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith". Then we will be able to say: look, there is the crown of righteousness which God promised.

Pray with me:

Lord, let us so love your appearing that we are ready to receive the crown of righteousness reserved for us. Help us to live this day with the finish line in view. Let us fight only the fights worth fighting. Let us finish our race without comparing it to others. Let us never lose our faith in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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