Tuesday, June 29, 2010

2 Tim 4:7-8 (finish the race!)


Welcome God today with this LIFE Group devotion (archive, Facebook). Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance. 2 Tim 4:7-8 (full readings)

Pat's nuggets:
* On this Feast Day of St. Paul, we read about Paul using the victor's crown as a symbol for entering heaven. In our longing for Christ's appearance, we draft in Him (lightening our yoke), learn His stride (His ways), and follow Him to the finish line (the Kingdom). Spiritually, we are all part of the LIFE Runners team, striving to draft in Christ, as we defend the defenseless Unborn.
* Today's verse reminds me of a wonderfully mystical song that my brother Steve wrote about longing to see the face of Christ. On Sunday, a friend asked who I believe will enter the Kingdom of God. According to St. Paul, we believe that at least "all those who have longed for His appearance."
* "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb 12:1-2
* This is a great music video...enjoy! Resurrection Sunday Dance.

Faith Challenge: How will you "long for His appearance" today?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God. Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).

Feast Day: St. Peter (first Pope) and St. Paul (converted from Judaism).

Faith Quote: "The Christian’s race is not a competitive event but an endurance run."

In Christ, Pat
Phil 4:13

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