Finish well.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?  Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4

It can be very difficult to serve our Triune God while you are following the delights that this broken world has to offer; you know that and satan is really happy with those moments when your most precious time is spent giving full attention to the world instead of Christ.

If you follow Christ, all the ‘friendly dogs’ of this world will be nipping at your heels.  If you are living in worldly ways and have decided that you will turn to Christ in that moment just before you take your last breath; my friend, you are taking quite a chance; you are foolishly hoping for a PowerBall moment.  If you spend most of your time in His word and walk in His ways then the eyes, minds and tongues of this world will not speak well of you; you will be under attack daily.

Put forth the extra effort to do what is right, finish well, and don’t be afraid of what the tongues of this fallen world will say about you or what sharp stone they may hurl at you.  Be strong, be courageous; finish well.  Remain in His word and pray without ceasing.  I close today’s devotion with the words from verse 7 of the hymn ‘If Thou but suffer God to guide Thee’ which was written by Georg Nuemark in 1640.

“Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving, perform thy duties faithfully, and trust His Word, though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee.  God never yet forsook in need the soul that trusted Him indeed.” 

Now, may God go before you to guide you...may His hands be beneath you to support you, around you to protect you and above you to bless you.  And may the blessings of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you today and every moment along your journey until you reach Paradise.  Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay