Are We Living—READY?
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
(2 Timothy 1: 8-11 NASB)
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.”
Did we catch what the apostle Paul was writing to a young preacher named Timothy?
- Do we know what we believe?
- Do we believe that we believe that we believe THAT GOD’S WORD—IS—THE WORD FROM GOD written to us, to humanity?
- Do we believe that the Bible is reliable, relatable, and true?
- Do we know what It (the Holy Word from Almighty God) says to us?
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,”
(2 Timothy 1: 8 NASB)
Think about what we just read.
I read a story about a man who suddenly died one night while he slept next to his wife, and this story reminded me of a beautiful lady I met during my flight home in July. As I sat next to her, we did not really chat because she slept on & off while I watched three movies. It was a transcontinental flight, so there was plenty of time for a good sleep or three movies.
- Are our beliefs founded on the Word of Truth?
- Whenever we face a mountain, a problem, or a struggle, where do we turn—First?
- Are we reading God’s Word daily?
- Are we reaching for our Bible every opportunity we receive, getting away with God throughout our day?
Are We Living—Ready—to meet our Creator—Almighty God?
“who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,”
(2 Timothy 1: 9 NASB)
He saved us!
He called us!
We have a holy calling!
We are not saved by what we do or do not do to buy our way into Heaven!
Jesus Christ called us to do the purpose for which He came to earth because we know Jesus came to seek the lost & to save the lost for all eternity.
During my long flight (the three-movie one), I did not talk much. Crazy! I know, but quiet I remained as my seat-partner rested. Then we slowly approached our time of landing, the end of our journey, and then, we began to talk, to chat, to meet one another. She spoke how her husband passed away suddenly while she slept next to him one night. They said, “Good night,” but did they really say, “Goodbye?” I kept that question in my mouth.
“but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”
(2 Timothy 1: 10 NASB)
- Are We Living—Ready—to meet our Savior & Redeemer—Jesus Christ?
- Are We Living—Ready—to meet—the Holy Spirit of God?
Our Father Remains Ever-Constant & Ever-Faithful residing within those who believe!
There is a melody, an older one, and when we listen to these sweet lyrics, we may find ourselves singing along, caught up in the beauty of the words, enjoying the tempo.
Sing with me:
“Living—He loved me.
Dying—He saved me.
Buried—He carried my sins far away.
Rising—He justified me, freely forever.
One day, He’s coming!
Oh Glorious Day!
Oh Glorious Day!”
“Glorious Day (Living He Love Me)” by Casting Crowns
Our plane landed as we finished our conversation, and thankfully, I had the presence of mind to ask for her WhatsApp number. I learned before we parted ways that she needed assistance walking; that’s why she drank little during our 8+ hour flight. I also learned how her precious husband was a believer, how she too was one who believed, even though her homeland was not known for its Christian population.
She was a beacon of light living among the dark.
“for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.”
(2 Timothy 1: 11 NASB)
Since that day, we have shared text messages and chatted through video. This woman who was a stranger to me when we first met will share eternity with me one day when we are both transported from here to there.
Somebody shout, “Glory!”
- Are We Living—Ready—to meet our Savior & Redeemer—Jesus Christ?
- Are We Living—Ready—to meet—the Holy Spirit of God?
Truly, our Father Does Remain Ever-Constant & Ever-Faithful!
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
(Ephesians 5: 1-2 NASB)
and walk in love,
just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”