Various Crowns

The crown of gold (Rev. 4:4).

The incorruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:25).

The crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19) [KJV in English].

The crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8).

The crown of life (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).

The crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4).

The crown of the overcomer (Rev. 3:11).

Mr. Hayhoe used to tell us that the way we live our lives is an expression of what we really think of the Lord and His claims on us. He used to say that our lives are like a gift we are preparing for Him, and at the judgment seat we will give that gift to Him. I imagine that one day my name will be called and I will stand up to hand over my life as a gift to Him. I will say, "Here Lord, this is what I think of You." And I will see the look on His face when He opens it. What will He find there? Will it be nothing but wood, hay, and straw because I lived my life for myself? Or will there be some gold, silver, and precious stones because I tried to live to please Him? I know that all of us will receive His "Well done, good and faithful servant," because He will find something in each of our lives to reward (Matt. 25:21-23; 1 Cor. 4:5). But, for me, it is very touching to think of it that way. It is very serious too, because what I do now in my life will have an effect on what will be presented to Him on that day. This stirs me to want to live "the time that [I] remain" for His glory (1 Pet. 4:2).

It Could Have Been

"When I stand at the judgment seat of Christ, And He shows me His plans, The plan of my life as it could have been Had He had His way, I will see"

How I opposed Him here, And agreed with Him there, My will I was surrendering, Will there be sorrow in my Savior's eyes, Despite still loving me?

He could have made me rich, but there I am poor, Robbed of everything but His grace; While my memory runs like a hunt Through paths that no one can retrace.

Lord, the years that remain to me, I give them into Your hand; Take me, break me, mold me, According to Your plans.

The greatest reward or "prize" of all will be to be with and like Christ, both physically and morally in a glorified state (Phil. 3:14).

He and I, in radiant glory, Will deep joy enjoy; My joy will be to be forever with Him, And His, to have me in His home.

1. Anstey (Adapted)

Translator's notes:

Note 1: when not specified, the Bible translation of quotations is JFA Revista e Corrigida [ARC].

Note 2: Wishbone (from English 'wishbone' which literally means bone of desire) is a V-shaped bone, located between the neck and breast of a cooked bird, which is traditionally removed from the bird and pulled by two people, allowing the one who gets the larger piece to make a wish in secret. Backbone or spinal column (from English 'backbone' which literally means bone of the back) is the set of articulated bones that form the supporting axis of the body.