Daily Archives: September 26, 2012
Again, this morning, I’m pulling from the wonderful In Touch Daily Devotional from Charles Stanley. Some years back when I was in my forties, I read a book that was very impact full entitled “Half Time’. It was aimed at men in their mid life, and it was spiritual teaching about how to change our perspective and life style in the last half of our lives. It was a great guidance for me to consider what changes i needed to make. This morning the title hit me at the next stage of my life, approaching the end. No I’m not dying, well actually we are all dying, but I’m a lot closer to that part of life than the middle age part!
2 Timothy 4:6-8
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Why fight the fight? Jesus said, John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
How can we give ourselves for our friends, and family? Of course those that die in service to their country, policemen, firemen, and members of the military certainly do that, but how can you remain alive and still fulfill that command?
When we reach out to others in words and deeds, in an attempt to lead them to Him, we are serving others int he most impact full way possible. So to live well, we need to live for Him, to serve others in His name, and love others with His love. What caused people to follow Jesus, giving up all they knew and had owned? He loved them with a love so deep it went beyond anything they had ever experienced, we can love with that same love, His love!
God doesn’t require our lives to be perfect in order to finish strong. We can live life fully and be ready to meet our Maker by surrendering, walking victoriously with Christ, and serving others. If Jesus called you home today, would you–like Paul–be confident that you lived well until the end?
In His love,
the pilgrim
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 at 11:30 am
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