The Good Fight

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

Paul is a good role model for me because of all he overcame. Right now, these words from his letter to Timothy about how he fought the good fight and finished the race mean a lot to me. Over the few days I was sick I let my faith get sick as well. I was so tired that I hardly prayed thinking that I'll go back to my schedule when I was better. But our faith, I've learned, is so fragile. One day we can be on fire and the next day, if we don't take care of our faith, it can be a little flame about to die. I'm not saying my faith is dead right now, but I am saying that I can't hear God as loudly. I feel disconnected and that is my fault. When we let this happen, desire to pray fades as well, making it a very tough situation. This is where Paul comes in for me… he fought the good fight… he finished the race. I can imagine that along the way Paul grew tired like me and his spiritual life might gave dried up a bit, but he kept on going, and so will I. I'm struck by the fact that he didn't say he won the race. He said he finished it… so I guess it doesn't matter if I limp along for a while as long as I get there. I will be tired and maybe I won't feel like going on some days but I'll remember the fight Paul had in him and I will keep fighting too. All of these days - the ups and the downs - are part of the race and I know what the prize is… and I will finish the race. I will keep the faith.

Today's Prayer:
Lord God, I'm sorry for not taking care of the faith and gifts You have given me. Help me get up when I fall, much stronger than before. Like Paul, help me fight the good fight and finish the race. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.

Only One Truth

"For the time is coming when people will no longer endure sound doctrine but will be so eager to hear what is new, that they will never have enough teachers after their own liking. And they will abandon the truth to hear fables." - 2nd Timothy 4:3-4

This verse from Paul's letter to Timothy describes so many people today. They don't want to give up certain things in their lives, things that lead to sin, so they search for new beliefs, mantras, and religions that suit what they want to believe and justify their sinful actions. They search for psychics and read horoscopes when it's a complete lack of trust in the Lord Almighty. Your life is not your own, you should never ever conform it to what you think works out best for you, especially when you know deep down that Jesus Christ is Lord and you know what you should believe and how you should live your life. The people Paul describes are confused and only long to fulfill their own desires, they waver about from new idea to new idea.But you, recognize that there is only one God and that His son Jesus Christ paid for the freedom of your soul with His own blood. He died so that you may know truth and love in Him. Stand firm in your hope and your faith so that you can be preserved through out your life and not waver.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, help me to stay firm in You and not waver about with the excitement of new doctrines and people promising to offer me what only You can. I recognize You as the way, the truth, and the life…Yours is the only path I want to follow. In Your Name we pray, Amen.