Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be at the center of my life and every moment of my day. …
“But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
On my journey through many places and homes in south Texas and the Hill Country last week, with old friends and new ones, in ministry and in fellowship, I had many chances to share my hope and faith, making the good confession of Your mercy, power, and love in my life. Others poured into me and I poured into them. It’s in relationships that we take hold of eternal life. And it’s in living every moment and opportunity as it comes that we realize that eternity doesn’t just begin one day when we get to heaven—we’re also living in our eternity now.
So in more ways than one, the everyday choices we make every day determine the destiny of our eternal life. We’re living it now in the everyday moments of every day. Today is the day to pursue righteousness and all the good things of God. Today is the day to fight the good fight of the faith. Today is the day to take hold of eternal life. We are to passionately pursue it. We are to passionately pursue You. It’s only as we pursue life, rather than passively taking it as it comes, that we find the fullness and fulfillment of all You have for us. “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).
But in our pursuit, there is much grace. You know before we begin each day as it comes, we will not always make the right choices we should that our pursuit of righteousness desires. And even those sins and failures, mistakes and missteps—given over to You to be cleansed by Your blood, revealing Your heart of mercy and love—become part of the experience and expression of our eternal life as well. From beginning to end and all along the way, You’re with us in the pursuit and covering us with Your grace.
So I loved the parting words of encouragement from my great friend Tammy, as I left their home to go on my way, “Pursue righteousness, but live under grace!” That’s how we “fight the good fight of the faith.” That’s how we “take hold of eternal life.” And as best as I can and all by Your grace, that’s how I will today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
Join us May 18-21, 2011 for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2. Equipping, Training, and Impartation for Healing Prayer Ministry in Lexington, Kentucky. I'll be leading our 4 Day School, along with some of our other teachers with Messiah Ministries. It's always an exciting and life-changing adventure! Those who've been to Level 1 or have watched the DVD's from Level 1 are all welcome to come. Details and On-Line Registration at www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
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