The Apostle Paul writes in II Timothy 4:1-18….
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As I read this portion of scripture this morning there were a few key verses that stuck out to me...
- We are seeing more and more people who don't want to hear the truth. People who were once believers are allowing the enemy to pull them away from the Lord as they believe what the world is saying instead of what the pastor is saying. (vs 3)
- Even when people turn away from us we can know the Lord never will. People who don't live in a relationship with the Lord can't give us support from the Lord. They can be there in a physical way but not in a spiritual way. It is the spiritual way that we need the most. The Lord is the One to love us, encourage us, and stand by us. He does these things by bringing people into our life that will listen to Him on how to support us. (vs 16-17)
- When we live in a relationship with the Lord, we are promised eternity with Him. No matter what comes our way on this earth we can have the peace that He is with us. We can have His strength to get through anything when we live in His presence. Woo hoo! (vs 18)
These are tough days for many people. My prayer list continues to grow each and every day. The Lord keeps bringing to my mind the words He gave to Adavee for me a few weeks ago. People's hurts, burdens, illnesses, etc. are not my responsibility. My responsibility is to love on them and pray for them. I can't fix everyone's problems. That realization gives me freedom and peace.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these verses that remind me of Your strength to get me through whatever comes my way. Father, would You guide my steps today? Would you not only put opportunities before me to be You to others but would You also have me be aware of them? Lord, today I am praying for so many situations, so many hurting people…
- those going through medical testing
- marriages that are crumbling
- households going through turmoil
- those grieving over the loss of a loved one
- those dealing with disease - especially ones who are newly diagnosed
- churches with severe financial issues
- friendships that need mended
- families that need healed
Father, I especially pray today for those who don't know You. I pray someone will say or do something to make a difference in their lives. Lord, I thank You for loving me...encouraging me...leading me. I thank You for being the One I live for. Thank You for being My Strength in tough days. Thank You for standing by me and bringing people into my life who encourage me. Thank You Jesus for being My Presence. Amen.
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