Color Beyond Grey Skies

Good morning!
Today is another lovely day, and even though the sky is grey, it is not a reason to be glum. The clouds provide the perfect atmosphere for the colors of the world to shine vividly. (It is some of the best weather to take pictures in too, if you were wondering..)

Church this morning was really insightful and I thought I'd share what my pastor taught on today.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 "Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct and encouage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing."

Paul knew that life was meant to really be lived; not just to exist in. Time doesn't wait for you to come to a decision; it keeps moving, so don't waste it. You have been given so many talents and abilities that are to be used for pouring into and influencing lots of people's lives. When we wait till we think that the timing is "just perfect", we may miss out on lots of opportunities that God was wanting to use us in. The best time to start is now. We are given a certain amount of days, breaths and heartbeats. Are you using them to fulfil the purpose God has given to you?

The world can only become a better place when you choose to start living life according to God's plan; don't put it off.

Here's a few tips from my Pastor, Dr. Michael Landry, that correlate with what Paul wrote to Timothy while living out his last days in prison.
  • Patiently mentor others by teaching the timeless truths of God's word.                       (see 2 Tim 4:2-4)
  • Constantly evaluate your motives, goals, and relationships (see 2 Tim 4:5)
  • Be willing to make personal sacrifices. (see 2 Tim 4:5)
  • Determine to finish strong. (see 2 Tim 4:5)
You know, living is more than just existing and breathing in oxygen, it is doing things with a purpose and living with vigor and vitality and trying to squeeze every drop of life out of every moment. I've been reading the book by Erwin McManus called Chasing Daylight and it is based on this very idea of living now and having a sense of urgency. I encourage you to read it if you haven't. I found that it is a "can't put it down", captivating type read.


 The saying "carpe diem" that has become so popularly cliche is really what Paul was trying to convey to Timothy. We need to "seize the day" and not just today, Sunday, when we are at church, but everyday no matter where we are. Life was meant to be lived; what are you waiting for? Don't put things off.

Carpe Diem!

Blessing and Life,

Candice

1 comment

a girl with a smile said...

I wanted to comment on this poct since I first read it, a couple of days ago. I want to seize the day with urgency and yet fulfill His will in my life, everyday!

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