“As I have said many times,” Stan began, “I think the apostle Paul was a master at saying a whole lot in very few words. I saw another instance of that this morning.”
“What’s that?” I responded.
“In Paul’s second letter to Timothy,” Stan replied, “in just three words, what he wrote has a profound impact on me. If I will only focus.”
“What three words?” I asked.
“Remember Jesus Christ,” Stan responded.
“To me,” he continued, “those three words have profound importance. They raise in me the question of how could I possibly forget Jesus and all that He done and continues to do for me. His finished work on the cross has given me the assurance of spending eternity in the presence of God when it is time.”
“Additionally,” Stan continued, “Jesus’ presence in me through the Holy Spirit, helps, leads, guides, and counsels me on this side of eternity. The Holy Spirit makes clear to me how my life on this side of eternity is to make a difference because of where I am going when I step into eternity.”
“Working out the salvation that has been worked in,” I replied.
“Exactly,” Stan said.
“So, Stan,” I asked, “do you ever forget Jesus?”
“You ask tough questions,” Stan replied with a smile. “I hate to admit it, but, yes, sometimes I forget Jesus and all He has done, all He is doing, and all He wants to do in and through me.”
“Any idea why you might forget?” I asked.
“We could spend a long time talking about that,” Stan responded, “and we will touch on it from time to time, but the bottom-line is my preference for doing what I want to do apart from God, rather than having a continual focus on where I would be without Jesus.”
“If,” Stan concluded, “I will not forget about Jesus, but remember Him in every aspect of my being, I am assured of an ever-deepening walk with Him. Satan wants me to forget, but God does not, and I choose to go with God.”
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Remember Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:8.
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for all you have done in providing salvation and redemption through Jesus so that I am assured of life with you in eternity when the time comes. Thank you, too, for the resurrection of Jesus that gave and gives me a new life in and through Him. Thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in me to guide, guard, help, and counsel me in the way you intend me to live the life I have remaining on this side of eternity. I confess that too often I do not remember all you have done. I fail to remember Jesus and His presence in me. I do that because I choose to focus on what I want to focus on apart from you. Please forgive me. And please help me in following your lead in never forgetting Jesus in any aspect of my being, but only always remember Him. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in His name. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 