[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"reading-1212":3},"DECEMBER 12\r\nThe last drops of my sacrifice are failing,, my time to go has  come. I have fought in the good fight; I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:6, 7).\r\nAs soldiers show their scars and talk of battles when they come at\r\nlast to spend their old age in the country at home, so shall we in\r\nthe dear land to which we are hastening, speak of the goodness and faithfulness of God who brought us through am the trials of the\r\nway. I would not like to stand in the white-robed host and hear it said, \"These are they that came out of great tribulation, all\r\nexcept one.\"\r\nWould you like to be there and see yourself pointed at as the one   saint who never knew sorrow? Oh, no! for you would be an alien in the midst of the sacred brotherhood. We will be content to share\r\nthe battle, for we shall soon wear the crown and wave the palm. --C. H. Spurgeon.\r\n\"Where were you wounded?\" asked the surgeon of a soldier on Lookout Mountain. \"Almost at the top,\" he answered. He forgot even his\r\ngaping wound-he only remembered that he had won the heights. So let\r\nus go forth to higher endeavors for Christ and never rest till we can shout from the very top, \"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.\"\r\nFinish thy work, then rest, Till then rest never;\r\nThe rest for thee by God Is rest forever.\r\n\"God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars.\"\r\nOf an old hero the minstrel sang-\r\n\r\nWith his Yemen sword for aid; Ornament it carried none,\r\nBut the notches on the blade.\r\nWhat nobler decoration of honor can any godly man seek after than his scars of service, his losses for the crown, his reproaches for\r\nChrist's sake, his being worn out in his Master's service!",1783499794114]