When the Apostle Paul's freedoms and comforts were stripped from him, what does he have to say? When he's in the final days of his life and concerned that his disciples carry on faithfully in the service of Christ, what does he remind them? This prison creed has significance not only for Timothy, it's original reader, but for us today.

Life is short, eternity is forever. We've been redeemed to do good works that God has prepared for us. How can we cultivate the sort of heart and character that will equip us to carry them out faithfully?

As we rehearse the truth it becomes the population of our mind, and a loyal defender of our soul. It becomes the filter through which we interpret every victory and failure- neither letting us swell with pride nor drown in sorrow. It becomes a rock upon which we stand when the winds blow (Matthew 7:25) and a crown which we cast down when the fight is over (Revelation 4:10).