A Spiritual Litmus Test - Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - September 24, 2020
Thursday, September 24, 2020
A Spiritual Litmus Test
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 nkjv).
Are you looking forward to the day when Christ returns? Does the thought of Jesus coming back at any moment cause your heart to leap with excitement? Or does it sink with dread? I think your response is a good litmus test of your spiritual character.
If your life is right with God, then I think you’ll welcome it when you hear that Christ could come back at any moment. You will rejoice in it. Like the apostle John, you will say as he did, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20 nkjv)
Writing to Timothy, the apostle Paul described those who were looking forward with great anticipation to the return of Jesus Christ. He was speaking of believers who are leading lives that are right before God, believers who are living lives that are honoring to God—believers who are ready for the return of Christ.
If that describes you, then the promise that was given to Paul is for you as well: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 nkjv).
Do you love His appearing? By that I mean, are you truly ready for the Lord’s return? If so, it will impact the way you live. We’re told in 1 John 3:3, “And everyone who has this hope in Him [the hope of Christ’s return] purifies himself, just as He is pure” (nlt). This simply means that you’re living a life that is right. You’re prepared. You’re looking forward with anticipation to the return of Jesus Christ.
If you’re living that way, then God promises you a crown of righteousness in that final day.
Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
The book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood books in the Bible. In The Revelation Answer Book, respected prophecy teacher Mark Hitchcock walks through key questions about Revelation in a clear and engaging Q&A format. You’ll explore topics like the mark of the beast, the identity of the 144,000, the Antichrist, the Tribulation, and the return of Jesus, all with solid biblical insight and a focus on hope. Request your copy this month with your gift to Harvest Ministries.
