Daily Devotions
July 23rd, 2024 by Pastor Solley2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
KJV
By all accounts Saul of Tarsus had a very good life before he met Jesus on that dusty road. He was a Pharisee, he was educated, he had power and influence with both the Jews and Rome, he was a free man. Saul of Tarsus was living a good life, but also a life leading him to an eternal hell. That all changed when he met Jesus Christ face to face, was convicted of sin, repented and was born again. In an instant everything changed for him and he turned in the old life for a new life in Christ. Was it a good exchange? (Phil 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,) Paul lost everything he had in exchange for a cross. Was it a good exchange? For those who were lost in sin the answer was an obvious no. For the cause of Christ Paul was stoned, persecuted, lost everything he had before. But for Paul it was more than a good exchange as he was waiting for a crown of gold that Jesus had waiting for him in heaven. The trials of this life often seem overwhelming, the burdens too hard to bear. When that is true in our lives we need to look up, look up to Jesus, look up to heaven, look up to what will be yours one day. This world and the trials of this life are only for a short time so look up dear one and be faithful to your savior.