November 25, 2019
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)
Not all last words are famous.   Some write a letter to their loved ones.  Others gather family in a circle of love.  Still others put their final message on a tombstone.  One had inscribed on their tombstone, “I told you I was sick.” 

We are not guaranteed an opportunity to speak a last time to the world.  If you could articulate your thoughts clearly as a last word, what would you say? 

Paul knew his time was short.  He sensed that his time drew near.  His words are victorious:  “I have fought the good fight.”  We may fight a fight, but is it worth fighting?  Paul fought to win for the Kingdom. 

“I have finished the race.”  We sometimes see marathon runners with a single word on their t-shirt, “Finisher.”  I have never seen a marathon t-shirt with the words, “Starter.”  Everyone starts.  Paul was a finisher. 

“I have kept the faith.”  Paul did not let go of the Lord.  Have you noticed that those who keep the faith are also kept by their faith?  The Lord did not let go of him, leave him or forsake him. 

“Now there is in store . . .”  Paul expected to receiving a crown of righteousness from the Lord.  He also expected that others who longed for the Lord would also receive crowns.  I like the last words of singer Bessie Smith, “I am going, but I am going in the name of the Lord.”  You, too?  We are all going to go.  Let’s go with God!
Pray with me:      
Father, we thank you for the gift of words.  Help us not to be careless with them.  Let us not waste them because we will give an account.  Thank you for being a “Finisher”.  Please finish the good work you have started in us.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
About Duane Archives
 Copyright 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
555 Tallowood Road
Houston, TX | 77024 US
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
Subscribe to our email list.