II Timothy 4  Paul came to his last letter and knew that time was running out for him.  He longed for Timothy to come to him but more importantly he wanted Timothy to succeed in the work that God had called him to do... "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is the judge of the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word.. "  It is because Jesus is coming.. because we all will stand before Him one day.. that we need to be at work.. doing whatever it is that God has called us to do.  For Timothy, that was preaching. 

Paul tells Timothy to  ..."Be ready".. ready to rightly divide the Word of God.. to "reprove, rebuke, exhort... " To patiently instruct others in the truth.. to correct wrong thinking; to expose sinful actions; to bring to  light wrong behavior; to come alongside those struggling with sin.. to plead with them.. pray for them.. encourage them. And to  "Be sober"..  calm; watchful; temperate; 

Paul testifies that he is "already being poured out as a drink offering.. "  He had "fought the good fight" .. even as he had encouraged Timothy to do.  He knew that he was facing death.. but he was looking ahead to the "crown of righteousness" that was "laid up" in heaven for him.  He was ready to stand before the Righteous Judge, the Lord he loved.  Paul was at peace.. "The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring be safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." 

Father, help us to be ready and able to do the work that You have given us to do.. in Your Presence.  Let us be alert and ready for Your appearing, Jesus.  May we be confident of our own fight.. our own walk with You, so that we can also say.. " I have fought the good fight" and have "kept the faith".  May we lay up those treasures in heaven.. and receive the crown of righteousness that You have prepared for each of us.. Oh how unworthy I feel.. Lord Jesus.. Help me to be all that You desire me to be.. to do all that You call me to do.. Deliver me from every evil and bring me safely to Your heavenly kingdom, I pray... in Jesus' name. Amen.