To The End
Philippians 2:16, Devotional #4

Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.
Philippians 2:16

Father, sitting on the dock overlooking the ocean, sunrise, smells of earth, dear friends – what a joy! These friends of ours met Jesus and have grown up in Him so beautifully over many years.  Scott was a raw, wild, lost person when we met back in 1970. I do thank You that I knew Jesus, worked for Young Life - that there was a Young Life club in Cross Keys High School, because it was there where I met Scott and he met You. Thirty-six years later we are together. Beth and their three Godly children have touched so many lives for Your Kingdom. He's had that "hold tightly" attitude through life. The hard times have only strengthened his grip. And so it is with all of us. The hard times in life just drive us closer to You.

Scott was with me in 1972 when Chris met Jesus and Chris is here today. Father, yes, we are "jars of clay" and yes, You have chosen to work through us. Paul encouraged the folks in Ephesus because they were the result of his ministry, work, love. He yearned for them to the end, to when Christ returns, and he will "be proud that he did not lose the race and that (his) work was not useless." What a joy for Paul. I communicated with Hal this past week. He led me to You back in 1965. His work for the Kingdom has been well rewarded. Bless him, Father.

And I had fun at the beach - walking and taking pictures, playing golf, watching the Tennessee Vols get whooped (agh), eating like a king. But my real joy is seeing Scott, Chris, Darrell, Randell, Jerry, Jerry, Steve, Jamie and  Frank love You, their wives, and one another as they are being "hold tightly" kind of people. I'm proud for these men. Thank You, Lord. Come Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.
         
Love, Dad / Danny