Paul Looks Ahead (2 Tim. 4:8)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9-16-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus: Paul looked ahead

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 4:8

 

            Message of the verse:  “8 in the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.”

            As I look into what different people say about this verse there is some disagreement as to what the crown of righteousness is speaking of.  I believe that it is one of the crowns that believers can receive for things done while in the body upon this earth in their service for God.  Paul would soon meet the Lord Jesus Christ at his home going and he says that he will receive from Him a crown of righteousness, and he is not the only one who will receive it, for all believers who will love His appearing will receive it too.  Believers are to look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, so they cannot be caught up in the things of this world or they will not be looking forward to His return.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I remember when Pastor Burns spoke about this and he said that this crown would not be given to those who knew the events that would lead up to the return of Christ, but to those who were looking forward to His return.  I need to look at my life and examine it to be sure that have not been doing things to be pleasing to myself, and to be too friendly with the world.

 

The Word of God was convicting to me today, and it was enlightening to me also.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  As I look at the continued problem with IBS and its effects on me, I would like to have the faith to believe that this too is something that God will work together for good for me.

 

Memory verse for the week:  2Timothy 4:7

 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.