October 22

Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2

Pray: Dear Lord, Prepare my heart for what I am about to read in Your Holy Word. I pray that You would enlighten my mind to understand everything I read. I want to know You more, Father. Show me Your will in this time as I grow closer to You through Scripture. I praise Your Holy Name, Father! I love You! Amen.

Read: 2 Timothy begins with a much more somber tone than did 1 Timothy. Paul is writing this letter from prison and he knows that his days on this earth are numbered at this point. His words to Timothy are those of continued affirmation and adoration for the man of God that Timothy has become. Paul encourages Timothy by writing, “⁸ So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. ⁹ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus."

Those words are just as true for you and me today… we should never fear nor be ashamed to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We must also remember that the name of Jesus is offensive to many and that there may be suffering that accompanies our sharing the Gospel… it may not be imprisonment but there may be suffering none the less. Nevertheless we must stand ready and willing to share the Gospel with any and all who will listen.

Edify: Psalms 90 is a powerful reminder that God is so much greater than we are. He is not limited by things of this world. Moses (the writer of Psalm 90) reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. It’s easy to get discouraged when time passes and the world doesn’t seem to get any better. We may sometimes wonder if God is able to see the future, but don’t assume that God has the same limitations that we do. God is completely unrestricted by time. It is in His eternal nature that we can find hope and comfort and dependence upon Him.

Practice: What is your story? When did you first hear the name of Jesus and how did it impact you? The Gospel is transformative and must be shared. Take time today to work on your 60-second story. What would you tell someone about the love of Jesus if you only had 60 seconds to change his or her life? It's tougher than you think.