Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:21:25 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 31); BP: II Tim. 4:6-8; RBTTY: Rev. 22; Malachi
December 31 “When It’s All Said and Done”
“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. 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.”
II Timothy 4:6-8
It doesn’t matter how well we start; it does matter how we finish.
An Olympic-caliber sprinter is an amazing sight to behold. He bolts out of the starting blocks like a thoroughbred racehorse and accelerates to unbelievable speeds as he runs the 100-, 200- or 400-meters. Truly, his is a burst—yea, a “blaze and moment of glory.”
But, today’s Manna reminds us our Pilgrim’s Progress more resembles a marathon race than it does a sprint. That’s why Jesus said “He that endures unto the end shall be saved” (Mt. 10:22b). That doesn’t mean our salvation is based upon our perseverance—for salvation “is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). But, it does mean that those who are truly saved will not “fall away” (Heb. 6:1-8) when difficulties come; instead, they will continue “fighting the good fight, running the good race and keeping the faith.”
Like a heavyweight champion boxer who’s been dazed by an unexpected blow to the head, we give it our all and “go the distance.” Although repeatedly knocked down, by God’s Grace we get up and continue to fight. We may not win every round—but we will win the crown. Hallelujah!!
Likewise, no two persons run the same race in life nor carry the same load. . .for ours is “a race that is SET before us” (Heb. 12:1b). Although the Heavenly Father doesn’t CAUSE everything that happens to us, He does ALLOW it. And, that’s why we must keep our eyes on the Finish Line, “looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2a).
And, let us not forget the importance of “keeping the faith.” Too often the first thing to “go down for the count” or “wave the white flag” when the going gets rough is our faith. Devilish doubts, disappointments, disillusionment, despair, etc., fill our hearts and minds, causing us to more resemble an abandoned orphan or practicing atheist than we do a child of the King.
This ought not to be, Pilgrim.
Not when Jesus, the Risen Lord, resides in our hearts.
On every tombstone there is a birth date and a death date. And, in between those two is a dash/hyphen. As someone said, “What’s in your dash?” Simply put, if that dash could speak, what would it say about you and your time here on earth? Did you make a difference? Did you make it easier for others to see Jesus? Or, would they have been surprised to learn that you professed to be a Christian?
Life’s too short to squander it on “riotous living” (Lk. 15:11-13; James 4:14); neither should we allow “strongholds of sin” or “bitter roots” to reside within us (II Cor. 10:3-5; Heb. 12:15)—for we are called unto lives of holiness (Rom. 11:16; 12:1-2; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; I Pet. 1:15). Therefore, let us commit ourselves to Christ anew this last day of the year that the coming year will truly be a “New Year” in Him (II Cor. 5:17). To Him be the glory!!
No comments:
Post a Comment