Daily Devotions - Focus on the Prize

2 Timothy 3:10-4:8 (ESV)
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them, all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Preach the Word
4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.

 

Do you share Paul’s hope for the future?

 

Lord, thank You for Your Word. It lets me know of Your love, mercy, power, and glory and it gives me guidance and comfort. Your Word teaches me how to help people, it guides me on how to live and trains me to do all kinds of good deeds.  The Bible is my authority in all matters of faith and life. Equip me for each day as I study your words, ponder them, meditate on them, and listen to your Spirit. It is also in the Bible that I find out what is wrong in Your eyes and how I can live a righteous life. I want to share Your message of love with others and to cheer them up and instruct them in Your Word.  Your Word can also provide correction and point out sins and that message isn't the popular thing to do. Give me Your power as I continue to live under Your authority and give me patience and strength as I most likely will have trouble from those who oppose You. Let me continue to pursue Your truth and finish the race faithfully knowing that it is pleasing to You. I have the hope and confidence that You will reward me on the day of judgment for my perseverance, dedication, devotion, and faith in You. This hope is what keeps me going. May I continue to grow closer to You, and focus on the prize to be with You for eternity. Give me Your strength, hope, and joy as I spend time in Your presence. Amen