The Good Fight

Daily Reading:  2 Timothy 4

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 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. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Devotional Thought: In this last chapter of Paul’s writings, 2 Timothy 4, Paul is saying his goodbyes.  What a great way to close out a life lived for God!  What will be your testimony at the end?

What fight are you fighting?  Is it the good fight?  We strive for many things, but what is really needed?  We must focus our best efforts on that which matters most.

Will you finish the race?  There are many who start out on the course, but never finish.  The race is not over until we enter the next life.  We must remain faithful to the end.

Will you keep the faith?  As we fight the fight and run the race, we encounter enemies and hurdles.  Those things will deter us if we allow them to.  Let us determine that no weapon forged against us will prevail!  We must keep on moving forward!

When we fight the good fight, when we finish the race, and when we keep the faith, then we know that there is awaiting us a crown of righteousness.  You see, God honors those who honor him.  He will not forget your love and faithfulness shown to him and to others around you.

May God bless you as you long for his appearing!

Prayer: Jesus, you have overcome the world, and you give me the grace to overcome the world.  I long for your appearing.  Until then, help me to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:49-56

49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.

52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.

53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.

55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.

56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.