My Grandfather just passed away, and as we all do, I reflect on the last words he spoke to me. The last time we visited him, which was about a week before he passed, he talked about the farming, and how everyone was doing on the farm. He talked about how terrible it was for people to get handouts because they developed a mentality of "I deserve" and they begin to complain about everything. He stated that people should work hard when they can, because hard work teaches character and how to appreciate things. He asked my husband about how the sewer project was going in the City. As always, he reminded me what a "lady" my Grandma was and how she was his "angel", and He told me that he was proud of me, because the Sheriff had stopped by to tell him that I was an asset to the County. That sums up a lot about who my Grandpa was, and it was all said the last time I spoke with him. I will remember a lot about my Grandpa and the lessons he taught me, but those last words will stick with me forever.
As I read over God's Word today, in 2 Timothy 4:3-5, I can't help to think that this must be really important to pay attention to, as this appeared to be Paul's last days. He talks about finishing the race strong, which implies he is at the end.
Paul talks about why he did what he did in life. Paul used to kill Christians until God got a hold of his heart, and from there, Paul's life changed. There was a transformation. Paul's reward in this transformation was simply this: 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.
Well now that doesn't sound like what the world thinks we are doing it for....to the world the Christians are "forcing religion down their throats". Christians want to gain power and wealth or something. Christians want to hurt people that want to do things their own way, and Christians are judgmental when we/they speak against anything the Bible does. Sound familiar?
Well those things used to bother me, they hindered my walk with Christ, because I didn't want to be disliked and I certainly didn't want anyone to think I was bad. So I didn't press forward I ran the race, but really I just walked.
Now that I'm a little more mature in Christ, (I say that with the most humble tone) I don't know what other race I'd rather run. I don't know anything more free, more loving, more forgiving, more life changing than living for Christ. Now you are free to run whatever race you wish, that's the beauty of life, but when you are tired of bondages you carry, you can hand them over at any time, and Christ will take it, no matter what you've done. Tell me anyone else that would do that for you. As for when you should hand it over, I'd say at least a day before your last day, which unless you know when that is, might be best to start today. After all, why waist all that time waiting for freedom?
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
As I read over God's Word today, in 2 Timothy 4:3-5, I can't help to think that this must be really important to pay attention to, as this appeared to be Paul's last days. He talks about finishing the race strong, which implies he is at the end.
Paul talks about why he did what he did in life. Paul used to kill Christians until God got a hold of his heart, and from there, Paul's life changed. There was a transformation. Paul's reward in this transformation was simply this: 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.
Well now that doesn't sound like what the world thinks we are doing it for....to the world the Christians are "forcing religion down their throats". Christians want to gain power and wealth or something. Christians want to hurt people that want to do things their own way, and Christians are judgmental when we/they speak against anything the Bible does. Sound familiar?
Well those things used to bother me, they hindered my walk with Christ, because I didn't want to be disliked and I certainly didn't want anyone to think I was bad. So I didn't press forward I ran the race, but really I just walked.
Now that I'm a little more mature in Christ, (I say that with the most humble tone) I don't know what other race I'd rather run. I don't know anything more free, more loving, more forgiving, more life changing than living for Christ. Now you are free to run whatever race you wish, that's the beauty of life, but when you are tired of bondages you carry, you can hand them over at any time, and Christ will take it, no matter what you've done. Tell me anyone else that would do that for you. As for when you should hand it over, I'd say at least a day before your last day, which unless you know when that is, might be best to start today. After all, why waist all that time waiting for freedom?
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
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