Day 40

Well, I guess you can say I technically cheated, but I finished my reading at 11:58 and I picked up an hour on my way back to Arizona today, but nonetheless I was able to complete my devotion today amidst all the travel and excitement of being back home and seeing my parents.  I know that my few days spent here will reap some great benefits and that things will not only change in my life here, but the lives of those around me. The new house is quite nice although I do not have a normal room, I have a den that has no doors and my futon is in here. But it is very humbling and actually makes me feel like I am in my dorm room in some ways. I can see how God has blessed my family and for that I am very grateful.

My reading came from 2nd Timothy today and it is Chapter 2:1--7 and it states, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved with civilian affairs --- he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." In short, we are told once again to pass the buck to others so they can pass it on again, we are to not get caught up in the world, but to please our master. There are no shortcuts to the throne, anything that seems like a shortcut is more than likely deceiving and a lie. Then, heed what is being said because we will gain full understanding as we continue to listen to Christ.

I feel that being called to be a youth pastor will ultimately lead to me accomplishing the first thought in the verse. Then trying to live for God and not take part in the world is something that I struggle with and I imagine we all struggle with everyday, no matter what we do. The point is to what extent do we get involved with the world and what type of effort do we put in to try and avoid being a part of the world. Being an athlete, I understand what it is like to follow the rules of a game in order to perform well and to not get kicked out called out or get a penalty (to each sport its own examples). In the same way is my walk with God, there are certain rules that need to be followed in order to build a strong relationship with him and continue to stay on that path. We can please him by accomplishing these rules and abiding by them. When this verse talks about the farmer, I believe it is referring to you get out what you put in. If we seek God with an ernest heart, he will answer and provide for our needs.  We will be able to reap the first parts of the crop for ourselves and then we will distribute to him what is his and then pass on the rest to others. The last part of the verse implies that as long as I hold to what I am doing and continue to think about the things that I read, I will eventually have all my questions answered and I will continually grow in him.

Well, it is almost here, what do you have to be thankful for this thanksgiving? Feel free to post what you are thankful for and see if maybe someone is blessed by having you around? It is more than just a holiday to spend time with family, it has more meaning and maybe we will just see if we can find out what scripture says in the next few days? Hold on for the ride because it is just getting good!

I hope you all have a wonderful night and that you continue to seek God. Do not ever give up, do not ever lose hope. 

Joseph Robinson