Daily Bread 7-14-17
2 Timothy 4:7,8
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 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.
ref. - Rev 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Will we run to him or from him? Will we look forward to his appearing or hide in fear? The biggest question is this; Did we fall to the ways of the world when the going got tough, or did we stand in our faith and let God deliver us from evil? All good questions and ones that we need to ask ourselves. But, as Paul explained to Timothy, the enemy will get ahold of some of us and we will begin to think that there is no way out. Only if we persevere and keep our faith will we be waiting for him when he comes. If we fall, let us repent, and get back up. We will have to go through the proper channels, asking forgiveness of those offended in our stumble, and we will have to make right. But the main thing is that we find forgiveness in Jesus Christ and don't turn back. In the word of God, we never see an account of the Apostle Paul stumbling or falling, we only get to read the successes. But if we read how he kept himself, he was always satisfied with what God had done for him, but not satisfied with the state that he was in. He was always striving to become closer to God and to perform his calling better around every corner. Today, we must also take on the attitude that is going to get us to where we need to be. This so that we run to him and not from him when he shows up! If you are stuck in a rut, call out to him in Jesus name and then know that help is on the way! Of you are on top of the mountain, enjoy it and worship him every chance you get! Whatever state you are in, know this; that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. God will not forget you or the things that you have done to hold on to him. Let us make sure that we know who he is so that we are not surprised, but love his appearing. Have a great day!!!