I miss my dog. He was an overall good companion. (If you can relate hit reply and send me a shoutout.)

He lived for the chase.

When I opened the door on the farm to let him out, it was on and there was no stopping him.

The energy was contagious.

Whether a duck, goose, rabbit, squirrel, bumblebee, or deer across the field – whatever he saw first began the chase.

He gave it all he had and found great pleasure in the pursuit.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:14-20, Paul mentioned both – the companionship he misses and the chase that gave him pleasure.

He also reminds us that Satan seeks to keep us alone (1 Th. 2:17-18) and to keep us from pursuing the things that bring eternal reward (1 Th 2:19-20).

We miss something significant when we choose to live out our Christianity in isolation. God intends for us to be and be among others excited about pursuing Christ.

We also miss out when we choose to chase the ducks, geese, rabbits and all the other stuff in front of us instead of compelling community and what will bring eternal reward.

God’s word calls them “crowns”. There’s five to choose from and even if you catch one, you’ll be rewarded for the pursuit:

The crown of rejoicing. God rewards those who chase souls by virtue of pleading and seeding. When we value souls like Jesus does; we’ll pursue them with passion (1 Th. 2:19-20).

The crown of life. Some believers will receive their reward by bleeding for the cause of Christ (martyrs): By how they live for Jesus (James 1:12) or die for Him (Rev. 2:10).

The crown of glory. A reward for those who spend their lives feeding the flock whether by virtue of shepherding or teaching (1 Pet. 5:1-4).

The crown of righteousness. Leading a faithful life in the conscious presence of Jesus is well worth whatever you’ll give up to do so (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

The crown incorruptible. For heeding the call to a disciplined life in Christ and choosing the discomfort to gain it (1 Cor. 9:25).

There’s something life-giving and energizing when we get around others with an eye on
the prize and in passionate pursuit.

You’ll miss them when they’re not around.

Someone wisely said, “many will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ with a saved soul but a lost life.” They spend their days chasing the wrong things.

When you stand before Jesus when this race is done, you’ll want to give Him something in return for what He’s given you.

Choosing one or more of these crowns is a good place to start.

The door’s open.

You’ll just have to get your eye on the prize – and pursue it with passion. The energy is contagious and your companions in Christ will thank you for it.

📫 PS. Who do you know who might benefit from this newsletter? Can you forward it to them and encourage them to subscribe? It just takes a minute or two. Thanks!

💬 If you’d rather text it, cut, copy and paste this: Hey! Check out BibleViews2Use. It's a quick bi-weekly email building up thousands of believers — Subscribe.

Steve is married to Lorie and together have four grown children and three grandchildren. Now in their forty-fourth year together you’ll find them busy with family, church, ministry or taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Retired from pastoral ministry Steve authored his first book that will help those who quietly struggle because they don’t get more from their personal Bible reading.

His mission is to make a significant impact by helping as many believers as he can fall in love with God’s word and have a faith they can truly call their own.

He also teaches the live online cohort that is companion to his book, teaches in the Bible Institute at his local church and writes this twice-weekly newsletter.

🛐 How can we pray for you? Please let us know here.

🤝🏻Jump into our new free community. Share prayer, catch upcoming events, talk about the Newsletter, read excerpts from the Book and let us know your thoughts.

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

💬💡Feedback? What would make BV2U better for you? How did today’s read impact you? I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]. I read every email.