Pastor Bob DuPar
October 25, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12

Observation

“Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For the time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
2 Timothy 4:2-4

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots at random.” Proverbs 26:10

Application

God’s Word is appropriate and helpful in any situation, at any time. We live in a time where people flock to hear “health, wealth & prosperity” messages – not what they need, but what they want to hear. The challenge is to continue to faithfully preach the Word (in its entirety), whether it’s received or not.
I long to finish the race, to come to the end of my life, and be able to say, “I have remained faithful.” I don’t live “longing for His appearing” like I should either. I get too caught-up in my day to day routine. I need to remind myself what really matters – what’s eternal and what’s temporary.

Hiring an employee or team member should be a purposeful, intentional choice, and not a random selection.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to anticipate Your coming with excitement and longing the same way I look forward to petty activities and events of this life. Help me to remember that Your coming will far surpass anything I have ever experienced, anything I can even imagine.”