A Good Name and a Good Man

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
   to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1 NIV

I want to remember a friend of mine who passed away a week ago. His memorial service was this morning, honoring a good man who served others willing and with joy. Gary was a great guy and a skilled leader. I thank God that I had a chance to know him and serve with him in some small way.

BOY SCOUTS AND GODLINESS / Titus 2:13-14

"While we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14

My youngest son is in Scouting and he just transitioned from a Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He had to learn the Scout Oath and Law. We had a Court of Honor meeting last night and our troop does a potluck. As we were getting in the car my son held the door open for his sister to get in first. That does not always happen. But, going to the scout meeting reminded him to act like a scout. I think that is kind of like us and the second coming of Christ. Realizing that Christ is coming should give us extra motivation to good. 

I think I should be eager to do what is good naturally. Unfortunately we do have a sinful nature that seeks self gratification without thought of the consequences.  It is worse than eating something that you know will give you heartburn later. It is worse because sin sometimes leaves a scar or a hook. But, doing what is godly, living a life of love in faith, never leaves a scar and doesn't hook you but frees you. When we do what is good, which is love as Christ loved us, we will reap the fruit of righteousness. 

Here's the to do: Be good to other people. How will you be good to your spouse today? Your kids? Your fellow workers or employees? Love as Christ has loved you...

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your love toward us. Thank you for your forgiveness, patience, grace and mercy. Your faithfulness is amazing! Help us to love as you have loved us! Praise be to you in us today!

YOU ARE AWARDED THE...: II Timothy 4:8

"Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing." 
II Timothy 4:8

My youngest son has been in Scouts since first grade. He just bridged over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He received the Arrow of Light award, which is the only patch that you can carry over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. So, now he starts his quest for Eagle Scout. One of the cool things about scouts is that along the way they earn patches and belt loops (Cubs) and then merit badges (Scouts). There are rewards. Paul knew there was a reward, the crown of righteousness awaiting him. There is one awaiting you and me too. 

Have you ever wished that Jesus could just be there at that moment? Have you ever just wished he would come today? I don't know how you could possibly come to Christ in any meaningful way and not wish to see him face to face. The Spirit of God just calls you. When you are church, singing, worshiping, listening to the teaching and serving, isn't that simply the manifestation of your desire to know Christ? It should be.

Hopefully you understand that when Paul says, "and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" he means you and I! We have a crown of righteousness awaiting us! Don't give up! Keep pressing on! God is faithful. He will accomplish though you what he wants to do. 

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace to not only save me but us me by any measure. Praise be to you in us today!