Sunday, February 28, 2010

2 Timothy 4:7-8

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

I wonder sometimes if I long for his appearing.  I think I do.  But when I compare myself to Paul I see only my faults.  I'm so glad that Paul had a life that is imperfect so that I can say, without qualms, that God can take anyone and make them perfect.  He can take me and make me perfect so that through Christ I can say that I have fought the good fight and finished the race.  Whenever my race is finished, I can say, I kept the faith.  God's grace is sufficient for even me and I can long for his appearing!

Bible Reading - Proverbs 3:9-10

I don't know why I never thought of doing this before until Jeannie Phillips had started one.  I read almost daily and I'll be the first to admit I'm not perfect at it, but I do like to read daily devotionals and Bible scripture and put down my thoughts on them.  Often daily life events lead me to read and ponder on how God has made things work in our world.  So, as they say in the crafting world, I am scraplifting her idea and I'm going to try to do this at least once a week.  Maybe more. 

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.Proverbs 3:9-10

It is amazing to me how many times that I have decided to put God first in my giving that he has then blessed me abundantly.  Just try to out give God.  I have a dream that I would one day be able to support a missionary without him having to beg from church to church to get his support.  I can't do that right now, but I am trying to make it a little easier for one.  I feel blessed that God has given me so many opportunities to give and I try to give it back, but I will never give as much as He has given.  He gave his only son.  I am filled to overflowing just with that thought alone.