Daily Devotionals

John Gossner's Treasury

Devotional: August 13th

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:8.; 2 Timothy 4:18.

What a beautiful outlook! As dark as it often is beneath the clouds, so clear and beautiful it is beyond them. He who stands upon a high mountain has the storm and the clouds beneath his feet and sees the clear sky above him. He who raises himself in faith above the sorrows and afflictions of this world and clings to the Word of God and His promises, sees before him the clear heaven, sees with undimmed eye that crown and glory which his Savior presents to him in His Word and reserves for him in His kingdom. He thinks, it is in safe hands; from Him none shall take it away. Who can take from me that which He has laid up for me? He who possesses this living hope cannot but long for its fulfillment and console himself therewith. He cannot keep his heart here; it escapes and tarries beyond, where is his eternal home and glory. For this strengthens the old and weary pilgrim. It eases his feet and is a refreshing beverage, a healing salve for the feet of the wanderer. What St. Paul says with such certainty is a matter of joy, ’The Lord shall give to me the crown of righteousness, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing ’ He who waits for Him from one morning-watch to the other; who can hardly wait till He comes; who would rather see Him today than have to wait till to-morrow; who lives thus in ardent longing for Christ, shall receive the crown and the glory from His hand as surely as St. Paul received it.

Thou our only Hope and Guide!

Never leave us or forsake:

In Thy light may we abide

Till the endless morning break;

Moving on to Zion’s hill,

Onward, upward, homeward still!