The Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp Blog: Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column for August 2013

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column for August 2013

The following column from Dragoons Chaplain Tom Snowden was published in the August edition of the Camp 1524 Dispatch newsletter.

Chaplain’s Column: Live Life Intentionally - 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

As we look at the Bible, Paul was a man who lived life to the fullest. The goals he set were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering, and preach the gospel (Phil. 3:10; 1 Cor. 1:17). In doing so, he aligned his aspirations with the Lord's, diligently worked to fulfill his calling, and persevered through opposition, persecution, and suffering. When he reached the end of his life he could face it with confidence since he'd "fought the good fight," "finished the course," and "kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

I think most of us would like to be able to say the same at the end of our lives, but that means we would have to follow Paul's example. One may ask this question: How are we doing at setting goals for our lives? Have you thought beyond the immediate and set some long-term objectives? Our culture is so fast-paced that few of us take the time to actually consider where we're going. But we don't want to finish this life and find out that the course we set was outside God’s will, resulting in us having fought the wrong fight and struggling to keep the faith.

May I suggest you set aside some time this week to get alone with God. Then ask Him for help in setting goals that will take you where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life--personal, relational, financial, and vocational--but make spiritual goals your primary emphasis. Then write them down.

If we keep doing what we are doing, then we will keep getting what we are getting. Maybe it's time to get out of our rut in life and find a new path. God will help us change direction and accomplish new goals that align with His will. Don't settle for the mediocrity of an unplanned life. Start living intentionally a life that is in sync with God’s will.

Waiting upon the Lord is one of the wisest, most important decisions we make in life. And contrary to popular assumptions, it is an active endeavor that requires faith, humility, patience, and courage. When you rely upon God and wait for His timing, the various facets of life fall into place.

We have many on our prayer list. Let’s take the time to pray for each of them.