HOPE
Gary Field
DC# M05398
Century C.I.
Century,FL 32535
EI-103

The 5 Crowns

In most of man's endeavors,
There are treasures, awards and prizes.
Steps, ladders, goal and levers,
By which he measures how he rises.

There are Oscars for the movies,
And Tony's for the stage.
Grammys in the music world,
They all serve as a gauge.

There are Pulitzers for writers
And Nobels for scientists.
Peace awards for those who rise
By being "Humanists"

There are Honory Doctorates-
Fellowships and Grants,
Coronets and Baronets,
In England and in France.

World Cups and Olympic Gold
Pennants, Banners and Flags-
All prizes you can hold.
and get your picture in the "Mags"

But a warehouse full of trophiesen
And a truckload of awards
Statues and Biographies
And other such rewards-

One day will lose their luster
Begin to tarnish and rust.
One day, even their "duster"
Will simply return to dust.

What I'm about to say may surprise.
And to some, a bit abrupt-
But there is another kind of prize,
And a crown that won't corrupt.

Heroes and Heads of State
Might not even make this list.
Wealthy folks with vast estates
May also just be dismissed.

Although works cannot earn our Salvation,
Once "saved", they can earn our rewards,
As we overcome Tribulation-
It's the mark that we're pressing towards.

An incorruptible crown for temperance,
And for exhibiting self-control-
Bringing the flesh into obedience
Of the Spirit-and cleansing the soul.

The crown of Life is for bearing your cross,
With faith-It's a daily sacrifice.
Learning to rejoice in the face of loss,
And knowing God's grace will suffice.

A crown of rejoicing for winning souls,
For personal evangelism-
For taking part in the great commission,
Showing God's love, as if through a prism.

The crown of glory for feeding the flock,
With the nourishing Word of the Lord.
Helping them plant their feet upon the Rock,
And teaching them about His "Sword."

The crown of righteousness will belong,
To all those who love His appearing.
And I'll tell you friend-It won't be long-
It's so clear that the time is nearing.

Decked out in white robes and gowns
As the Heavenly angels sing.
The saints of God will lay those crowns
At the foot of the throne of our King.

We race not for some corruptible crown,
And not for the praises of men.
And once won, we'll gladly lay them down-
To hear-"Well done, my good and faithful friend"

See-our hopes are not like other men's.
Once "saved"-our priorities shift.
We look at life through another Lens,
And salvation's our greatest gift.

In all of our endeavors
What we seek as the highest prize,
Is to Always do whatever's-
Seen as best in the Master's eyes.

Our crowns are incorruptible,
And the glory is not our own.
Our treasures are not bankruptible,
For the riches we have known...

All begin and end at the glory of the Master's Throne

----- Glory be to God

Incorruptible Crown (1st Corinthians 9:25)
The Crown of Life(James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)
Crown of Rejoicing (1st Thessalonians 2:19)
Crown of Glory (1st Peter 5:4)
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, That no man take your crown." Rev. 3:10

(I pray that, though for many, it will be a "thief in the night"- for you it is an "inside job") :-D
Gary