Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 14, 2016
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Revelation 14:13
God is not looking for perfection, but He does desire passion for Himself and obedience to His word. People—who have decided to take control themselves, do not finish well. They act as if they have a better plan than God. This type of decision-making process will have limited, if any, success in the Lord’s eyes. So, does it mean we will have no regrets when we finish well? No.
It’s like a lifelong race—a marathon. Jesus is at the finish line, and as you run an eternal entourage of people who have been faithful before you—surrounds you. Your Savior and His saints are praying for you and encouraging you to finish well—this is His will. Don’t lose heart or become proud of heart. Keep your focus on the ultimate destination: the prize of Christ’s commendation that awaits you. Die in the Lord and you will live eternally with the Lord.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him.
Finishing well means you live like you are dying—because we are all terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, friends and future saints. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say:
“Well done thou good and faithful servant” (Luke 19:17, KJV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I humble myself before you and those who can lovingly hold me accountable.Application
What does it mean for me to finish well? Am I finishing well today?Related Reading
Proverbs 20:28; Isaiah 26:2; Acts 27:25; 2 Timothy 4:6-8Post/Tweet today
Don’t lose heart or become proud of heart. Keep your eyes on the prize: Jesus Christ! #WisdomHunters #finishwellWorship Resource
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Check your scripture reference for “Well done thou good and faithful servant. I believe you will find it to be Matthew 25:21, not Luke 19:17.