II Timothy 1:7; I Timothy 6:12 - "Almost Home"

The Lord woke me with the song Almost Home going through my mind. Bart from Mercy Me wrote this song after having a conversation with a lead pastor who was worn down from ministry. Millard wrote...

"'Almost Home' is kind of a rallying cry to just remind us to keep running the race... to keep going. Heaven is just around the bend," he continued. "We're almost home and now is not the time to give up or tap out. Whether you're in ministry or not - parents, moms, dads, whatever - if you just feel like you don't know if you can go any further, hopefully this song will bring you comfort and help you realize that you're not alone and that the race is worth running."

Right now the days we are going through are tough for everyone but especially for those living a life for God. Some are getting pulled into saying and doing things that are not Christ-like. I'm sure that God is not surprised because He gives us free choice but as a parent He has got to be hurting how some of His children are responding. Life is not easy with all of the unknown of the coronavirus. It is not easy with everyone having an opinion on what should or shouldn't be done, voicing the opinion no matter who it hurts, etc. It is not easy emotionally, mentally, or financially in so many ways. But we all have the choice to make on giving up and allowing the enemy to have his way or staying the course with God. Paul's words to Timothy in I Timothy 6:12 are ones we all need to remember to keep our faith strong. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Yes! We cannot give up but instead need to continue pressing on toward our goal of spending eternity with the Lord. These ten things encourage us on this journey.

1. Continue to walk toward God; do not look back.
2. Live for God not the world.
3. Allow God to live in and through you.
4. Allow trials of life to strengthen you.
5. Keep active in your spiritual life through reading His word, study, praying, etc.
6. Live a life where you can hear His voice and walk in obedience to Him.
7. Live out your testimony.
8. Be bold in your witness.
9. Never quit learning more about Him.
10. Don't quit saying 'yes' to God.

As we strive to live a life for Him, we will be blessed in knowing we are living as He desires. When we live as He desires on this earth, we will live with Him for eternity. The only way I can get through each day is to live out II Timothy 1:7. I do not have to fear anything that comes my way but instead can live out His love and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. That is the greatest way to live. I know there are so many who are struggling with everything involved with COVID19. Will life ever be back to 'normal' is a question I hear often. I personally don't want to go back to some of the 'normal' aspects of life but one I would love to go back to is less division among people. It hurts me deeply to hear or read the nastiness that is coming out of some responses to people sometimes even to their friends or family. But I must remember I am not responsible to anyone but myself. I cannot judge people but instead need to pray for them to realize what God desires of all of us is to love one another. I know the words to this song God gave me this morning are what I desire and I know the only way to spend eternity with Him is to live for Him while on this earth.

Well this road will be hard
But we win in the end
Simply because of Jesus in us
It's not if but when
So take joy in the journey
Even when it feels long
Oh find strength in each step
Knowing heaven is cheering you on

We are almost home
Brother it won't be long
Soon all your burdens will be gone
With all your strength
Sister run wild run free
Hold up your head
Keep pressing on
We are almost home
Almost home
Almost home

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the encouragement from this song and Scripture this morning! Father, these are tough days for everyone with all that is going on in our world but they are not too tough when we allow You to live in and through us. I pray for those struggling to lean into You more. I pray for pastors, leaders, etc. who have to make decisions to lean into Your wisdom. I also pray for people on the front-line, grocery store workers, etc. to lean into You for protection. Father, I pray for You to return soon but I know there is still work to be done on this earth before You can. Lord, help all of us to be the people You have called us to be. May Your love flow in and through all of Your children in a new, different way. Lord, cleanse me so You can flow in and through me more. May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today and shine brightly through me to all I meet. Father, I pray for continued healing in Doc's body. I pray today he will feel stronger and be up more. I also pray for Martha's niece Brandy who is having a defibrillator put in today. Father, I pray she leans into You for Your strength. Thank You for the answer to prayer for Valerie and David with him being able to stay longer at the hospital! I pray for Your wisdom on where he will move. Thank You for the house refinance process progressing! I pray for Your wisdom for the HVAC people who are coming this morning to take care of our leak. Father, it seems like there is always something going on. I praise Your Holy Name for the peace You give in all situations even when having to deal with people who are not so easy to deal with. Thank You Jesus for being My Forever Home! Amen.