Grains of Sand

Google Images They are familiar images to anyone who has spent time studying the Scriptures. Paul reminds Timothy, his son in the faith, that there are three examples he needs to follow, that of a:     1.    soldier (2 Timothy 2:3)     2.    athlete (2 Timothy 2:5)     3.    farmer (2 Timothy 2:6) A good soldier is focused on the task, obedient to his commanding officer. The battle is not easy—or safe. An athlete obeys the rules of the competition. He can’t expect to win if he cheats and looks for an easier road to victory. A farmer is rewarded according to how hard he works. And even then the harvest is not guaranteed, as any farmer knows. All of the three examples, as diverse as they are in life, carry a common theme. They picture people who persevere in difficulty: through war, through pain, through uncertainty. In the end Paul pushes Timothy to do the same, to endure: “ Theref...

Reading: Zephaniah Today marks the 20 th anniversary of my father’s passing into the presence of the Lord. Though there are applications of the following verses to our “hear-and-now,” I think of the eternal implications today, for my father and for all those who have died clinging to the cross and who will die with the assurance that their Saviour has opened the door to eternity with God for them. Sing, both of you; shout aloud, O redeemed! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O children of God! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will either of you fear any harm. Today they are saying in heaven, Do not be afraid, Lynda; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you as He was with your father, he is mighty to save. He is taking great delight in your father, he is quieting him with his love, he is rejoicing over him, and you, with singing. (Lynda’s version on this da...