2Timothy4:6-8

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.

Wow this is a very encouraging passage! Paul is being poured out like a drink offering, a sacrifice to the Lord. His ministry is nearly fulfilled and he sees the light at the end of the tunnel. He knows he will lay down his life soon. Paul talks about the race, the fight, and keeping the faith. His entire life was devoted to the Lord, by the Lords Spirit of course. All glory to God who enabled him to do that and to persevere (keep the faith). If we persevere in the Spirit, and love his appearing the same crown will be give to us as well. We don't have to be a Billy Graham or a Spurgeon to get it. We don't have to be a Paul or a James or even a John. We must keep the faith and love his appearing. If we are relying on him truely he will be faithful to enable us to do this. Soon we shall have our crowns. He wore the crown of thorns that we might have a crown of righteousness. To steal a quote from Jack Kelly," I can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah." The Lord God bless your day and help us to be holy even as He is holy.