Christian, do not fear - keep the faith! For there is laid up for us who finish the course a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). Looking forward to receiving this should strengthen us in our daily walk.

We must never give up. We must fight the good fight. We all eventually will lay aside this earthly tent, and what is mortal will be replaced with what is immortal (2 Cor. 5:4).

Yes, for now we groan. We wait eagerly for the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23). We look forward in hope to our adoption as sons. We have not yet received the fulness of God’s promises, but not having seen it, we wait eagerly for it (Rom. 8:24-25).

In the meantime, strive to show yourself a faithful worker, approved by God, rightly handling His word (2 Tim. 2:15). Live as a slave not of sin, but of righteousness (Rom. 6:16-20). Present your bodies a living sacrifice to God, which is true worship (Rom. 12:1). Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2).

Because blessed are you when you persevere; for once you are approved you will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those of us who love Him (Jam. 1:12). Amen.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, January 10

"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." 2 Timothy 4:8

Doubting one! thou hast often said, "I fear I shall never enter heaven." Fear not! all the people of God shall enter there. I love the quaint saying of a dying man, who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home; I have sent all before me; God's finger is on the latch of my door, and I am ready for Him to enter." "But," said one, "are you not afraid lest you should miss your inheritance?" "Nay," said he, "nay; there is one crown in heaven which the angel Gabriel could not wear, it will fit no head but mine. There is one throne in heaven which Paul the apostle could not fill; it was made for me, and I shall have it." O Christian, what a joyous thought! thy portion is secure; "there remaineth a rest." "But cannot I forfeit it?" No, it is entailed. If I be a child of God I shall not lose it. It is mine as securely as if I were there. Come with me, believer, and let us sit upon the top of Nebo, and view the goodly land, even Canaan. Seest thou that little river of death glistening in the sunlight, and across it dost thou see the pinnacles of the eternal city? Dost thou mark the pleasant country, and all its joyous inhabitants? Know, then, that if thou couldst fly across thou wouldst see written upon one of its many mansions, "This remaineth for such a one; preserved for him only. He shall be caught up to dwell for ever with God." Poor doubting one, see the fair inheritance; it is thine. If thou believest in the Lord Jesus, if thou hast repented of sin, if thou hast been renewed in heart, thou art one of the Lord's people, and there is a place reserved for thee, a crown laid up for thee, a harp specially provided for thee. No one else shall have thy portion, it is reserved in heaven for thee, and thou shalt have it ere long, for there shall be no vacant thrones in glory when all the chosen are gathered in.