Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

2 Timothy 2:20-21, “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

How does God want to use you in your role in life? “God wants to use His people for every good work, including those at the workplace, the school, in the home, in the community. This happens as one will cleanse himself and set yourself aside to God as a vessel for honor.” David Guzik, Commentary. Paul had admonished Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11, “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things (the love of money). Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.” We are to be a contrast to those that have wandered away from the faith, false teachers, and unbelievers, by the reality of God’s Word, renewing our minds (Romans 12:1-2), giving us discernment and understanding of God’s will. We are accountable to God, first and foremost to anyone else, making us “a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful” for our heavenly father.

We all have weaknesses as well as strengths. Our flaws are not fatal but essential in perfecting us as clay pots and vessels intended to be used through God’s transforming power. As Paul confessed in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

So as I handle challenges and disappointments in various areas of life, I have two choices. I can keep pleasing God as my primary focus and seek to be used as His “vessel” like a gold platter, displaying the fruits of the Spirit, which are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), or be a garbage can. David Guzik calls it being a gold platter in the house of God or being an ashtray or a garbage can in God’s house – a vessel for honor or dishonor. A garbage can must be periodically cleaned to serve its needed and functioning purpose.

Lisa Terkeurst said in her book, It’s Not Supposed to be This Way: “There’s someone else in the world who would drown in their own tears if not seeing yours . . . Your whys have made you wise . . . Ask yourself, Am I willing to believe He is protecting me and preparing me for all that is ahead?” Handling disappointments and putting a bow on one’s words in the midst of it is challenging. We must keep moving forward as a gold and silver platter rather than a garbage can. Ephesians 4:29 admonishes us to keep building others up, as fits the occasion, and to give grace where needed.

Our conduct is always on display. We can choose to act holy or unholy – to act with love or not to respond with love. To maintain self-control and have gentleness engaged or not. To please God or not to please Him. When we are obedient to God, He will then be able to use us to touch others’ lives. My question to myself is, how can I better become an approved vessel for honorable use to better bless others I encounter today? I want to be like a gold platter, displaying the fruits of the Spirit, rather than a garbage can.

The Message states 2 Timothy 2:20-21 this way, “In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets – some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.”

Listen to Casting Crowns – Nobody (Official Music Video) ft. Matthew West. July 2019.

2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

In my Bible, I have a note written next to this verse that says, “8/12/11, From my dad about himself.” This verse represented his goal in life. It was a conversation we had together that day, about when his life would end and specific verses from Scripture and hymns that had been important to him. Ten years later, he entered Christ’s kingdom. How he loved studying God’s Word and loved to share it with others.

The previous verses, in 2 Timothy 2:11-13, was a Christian hymn that was known during the time of Paul and Timothy. Paul tells Timothy, “The saying is trustworthy, for:

• If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
• If we endure, we will also reign with him;
• If we deny him, he will also deny us;
• If we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.

The truth that “God is faithful and He is in control” has been coming up repeatedly in discussions within our Small Group, in verses in Scripture I have been reading these past several weeks, and right here in 2 Timothy 2:13. Even though Paul was in chains in prison, he had comfort knowing that God never fails to accomplish His plan because it says, “And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. Then Matthew 28:20 declares, “. . . And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Paul knew he was facing death, yet he trusted in God’s faithfulness, which gave him perseverance.

Another word for the phrase “do your best” is the word “zealous.” The Greek word spoudazo  (spoo-dad-zoe) means zealously pursuing God’s approval. “It signifies to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence.” W.E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Paul admonishes Timothy to keep focused on his calling and purpose in life and ministry. “Be diligent: Paul often had to encourage Timothy to courage and action. Earlier in the chapter (2 Timothy 2:3-5), Paul encouraged him to hard work and endurance for the service of the Lord.” David Guzik, Commentary.

Keeping God’s Word in our hearts and minds helps us get through trials as we are tested. As we apply it, we will discover God’s will and seek His approval. Any trial that we go through forces us to study and seek the Word to find God’s will.

Warren Wiersbe has said, “What does it mean to be ashamed? Certainly, it means that such a workman’s work is below standard and cannot be accepted. It means loss of reward. In fact, in Paul’s day, a builder was fined if he failed to follow the specification. When the Lord judges our works, it will be revealed whether we as workmen have handled the Word of God honestly and carefully.”

The Bible warns us in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he had done in the body, whether good or evil.” That is where our intentions need to be centered. This is what we should zealously pursue – God’s approval above anyone else’s.

The Message states 2 Timothy 2:15 this way, “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.”

Listen to Matt Maher’s Lord I Need You – Lyric Video

2 Timothy 2:6-7, “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

Have you worked diligently and hard at something that did not meet your anticipated successful outcome? You analyzed, maybe did research, and then worked long hours to accomplish the assignment or task, and you are not sure it was received with gratitude for your efforts as you intended? Your patience has been challenged. Paul is telling Timothy to persevere like a hard-working farmer. You don’t hear about awards given to farmers compared to soldiers, golfers, and other athletes known for their charm and appear to have a magical power to attract followers and receive medals and notoriety for their efforts. Those are the ones that are in the limelight. However, a farmer’s work is not as glamorous. He gets his fingernails dirty with preparing the soil for planting. He gets up early and goes to bed late during the Spring planting season, during the growing season, and then harvest time which occurs in the Fall. Farmers live on faith for the right weather conditions suitable for high crop yields. A farmer is not considered a celebrity, yet he must have strong endurance and cannot be lazy.

Paul stated another agricultural metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:10, “Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing the crop.” Then Hebrews 6:7 declares, “For the land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.” Do you long to excel in something that is on your heart? Maybe your routine has been interrupted. Don’t underestimate what is right in front of you. Pray that God will be blessed and seek His approval in your efforts in doing it well. Plant those spiritual seeds. Pray Psalm 90:17, “God establish the work of my hands. Please show me your approval. Enable me to excel in everything I do to be a blessing to others in the 1440 minutes/day You have given me.”

“Jehovah Malakh, thank you for bringing hope to those in need . . . giving me a message from my King . . . Some things are out of my control – situations in my family, at work, or with my health. Whatever it is, you know all about it. Only you have the power to break through that which surrounds me and to comfort me when I’m in distress . . . I need to hear the message my God has for me.” Praying Through The Names of God by Tony Evans. Jehovah Malakh – the Angel of the Lord, page 174. “Now the angel of the Lord [Jehovah Malakh] found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.” Genesis 16:7-page 173.

The Message says 2 Timothy 2:6-7 this way, “When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.”

Listen to Lauren Daigle, Lyric Video, Trust In You. June 7, 2020.

2 Timothy 1:12-14, “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”

Knowing whose you are should get us through every day because of whom we have believed and put our faith and trust in is the key. We need to remind ourselves, as we intimately know, as Paul did, that “whom I have believed” will get us through any dark, gloomy dungeons of life. God’s provision, His protection, His power, His glory, His healing of broken relationships, ever-present, giver of peace, battle fighter, and our good Shepherd gives one boldness in being a light for the gospel and gives us joy. I underlined the word “whom” in this verse in my Bible to help me remember that when my faith falls short and doubts creep in, I need to refocus on the Who. We have an enemy that wants us to forget that we are God’s child, we belong to Him, and when we feel we don’t know who we are, those thoughts are not from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of what Christ did on the Cross for us, how could we not trust Him? That is what Paul lived out and was teaching in 2 Timothy.

Paul knew and loved God so well that any amount of faith, even weak faith, gave him confidence in the sufficiency of God’s protection. I ask myself, am I edging God out (EGO) in any way in my thoughts and emotions attached to my circumstances? Paul taught much about giving grace, forgiveness, and encouragement to others, as God has shown us because of His love for us. We all will have problems and setbacks, but we have Romans 8:38-39 to keep close: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

My questions to God and conversations are:

1. What do you want to show me today about You?
2. What do you want me to understand that I didn’t know before because of who You are?
3. How can I better faithfully guard the light You have inside of me that needs to be better shown no matter my circumstances?
4. Show me your approval is my prayer from Psalm 90:17.

Jesus is the only audience we need approval from in making any life decision. I recently saw a man with a t-shirt on that said, “I am famous enough. I seek only God’s applause.” That is something to pause and reflect. My question to myself is, where am I today versus where God would have me be, in my relationship with Him?

The Message says 2 Timothy 1:12-14 this way: “This is the Message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground – the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end. So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.”

Listen to Chris Tomlin’s Lyric Video I See You. April 5, 2022.

2 Timothy 1:6-7, “For this reason I remind you to fan into the flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

We all have a sphere of influence. God has given us spiritual gifts to be used in power, love, and self-discipline every day. He equips us to accomplish His will as the Holy Spirit leads. God has told us to be a light on a hill. We all need God’s help in not feeling anxious at times.

Timothy tended to be timid and didn’t like to confront people. He was feeling intimidated because he was young and was functioning in the absence of the most courageous and spiritual leader of all time, which was Paul. Timothy would be considered, much like myself, one who wants to keep the peace at all costs. We don’t like conflict. No doubt Timothy had charm and tremendous capacity to love others, but the downside was wrong and harmful motives or actions of others, Timothy might have excused, so no one’s offended, or feelings are hurt.

Paul had compassion for people yet never shied away from confronting error. One example is in Galatians 2:11-21, where he rebuked Peter for hypocrisy. Peter was an influential leader but led Barnabas and the rest of the Jewish Christians astray by forcing the Gentiles to observe Jewish table regulations if they wanted to eat with them. Paul called him out on their conduct for not being in step with the gospel. This shows us there is a time and place for stepping in and speaking up for what is correct and Biblical. Leaders must have boldness in challenging and supporting in order to liberate those under them.

“In 1 Timothy 1 and 2 there are no less than 25 different places where Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold, to not shy away from confrontation, to stand up when he needs to stand up and be strong. This was something that Timothy, being the kind of person he was, needed to hear.” David Guzik Commentary.

Humbleness is always required in leadership, much like David did in response to his oldest brother Eliab, who falsely accused David of being haughty and seeking attention (1 Sam. 17) due to his own jealousy, which festered his anger towards David in belittling him. David simply repeated his question once and then turned his back on Eliab. David then continued in the power of God to do what God called him to do and was not threatened or manipulated by Eliab.

The Message states 2 Timothy 1:6-7 this way, “And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed – keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” Don’t let your age or lack of expertise intimidate you from what God has purposed you to do. Be bold and stand firm for the gospel of Christ. You have been given something to do that shows who God is.

Listen to Mercy Me Lyric Video – Flawless. 10/21/2017.

2 Timothy 1:3-4, “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.”

My last visit with my mother, who is ninety-five and lives in Iowa, is still very precious. I spent time with her, listening to things she remembered from my childhood that I was not aware of or did not remember. It was an insightful two days of listening to my mother’s wisdom as she reflected upon life and how she said God had taken away the sting of my dad passing away, although it was a hard adjustment, due to the prayers of people praying for her. That word “sting” is now such a meaningful word to me in that context. Do you have a heritage of faith?

Paul knew his death was imminent. He was writing his farewell last words of wisdom and insight to Timothy, in a letter, while sitting in a dungeon. Letters at that time were regarded like a recorded speech and this letter was a substitute for the personal presence for Paul. They both had tears when they last saw each other, probably when Paul was arrested for the second time, and taken to Rome. When one reads 2 Timothy, everything falls into its proper place if the reader keeps this in mind. It is the most intimate and personal of Paul’s letters and was his last. It is what Paul wants Timothy to pay attention to for the rest of his life and ministry.

Paul lived out 1 Thessalonians 5:17, when he stated, “Pray without ceasing,” as he said in 2 Timothy 1:3, “. . . as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” Timothy was on Paul’s mind continually, his friend who he led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, mentored in the faith, and passed on the baton of leadership. Paul’s circumstances were not favorable. He was in a cold and damp prison, a dungeon, yet he spent his time praying instead of grumbling and complaining.

Are you trying to figure out how to maneuver around hurdles and barriers in your current job or a relationship? Maybe God is teaching you something or giving you a new opportunity in this dungeon that you would not have learned any other way. Keep pushing forward. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” You, meanwhile, can pray night and day too. Remember, Jesus is interceding for you, praying for you and me (Hebrews 7:25), at the right hand of His Father. Psalm 121:3 declares, “He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber.” Eternity will be a place of receiving rewards for obedience, faithfulness, and endurance. Take His hand. He sees, He hears, and thank Him for the profit that will come from enduring this hardship while suffering in this dungeon. Find reasons to be grateful in the midst of it all and don’t allow the enemy to have a seat at your table.

Joni Eareckson Tada has said: “God is more concerned with conforming me to the likeness of His Son than leaving me in my comfort zones. God is more interested in inward qualities than outward circumstances – things like refining my faith, humbling my heart, cleaning up my thought life and strengthening my character.”

Listen to Mercy Me – Blessed (Lyrics) – You Tube. 4/30/2021.

1 Timothy 6:10-12, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

I admit I sometimes focus more on the blessings than the one who blesses. What glorifies God is more important than whatever benefits of “things” come my way. Having contentment cannot be bought. Paul is a prime example of a man that had acquired contentment as he testified in Philippians 4:11-13, “. . . for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . .” He could keep it all in perspective because his heart was fixed on keeping eternity’s values in view.

Warren Wiersbe stated in 2007, that “The economic and energy crisis that the world faces will probably be used by God to encourage people to simplify their lives. Too many of us know the “price of everything and the value of nothing.” The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 1 Timothy 6:10, page 768. I find that statement interesting and fitting for 2022. Wouldn’t you agree?

We will always want more. Possessions will never give complete satisfaction. Instead, Paul taught that we all need to pursue and value righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These are lasting and give eternal satisfaction. They do not have a price tag and require action on our part. It takes discipline, patience, endurance, and being obedient. As a Christian, we need to be engaged in striving earnestly in increasing the following:

• Righteousness – Conformity to the will of God.
• Godliness – “Reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one’s conduct. Godliness depends on knowing God’s revealed truth.” www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary.
• Faith – Requires trust in believing God will do what He says. Jesus teaches and gives a tender rebuke for worry, for anxiety, “Oh you, of little faith!” in Matt. 6:30 and Luke 12:28.
• Love – Seeking the welfare of all and looking for opportunities in doing good to all unselfishly and ready to serve. Kindness.
• Endurance – Being steadfast, patient, internal fortitude, withstanding and enduring a difficult process or situation without giving up. Having persistence, tenacity, and staying power to withstand stress and hardships.
• Gentleness – Requires kindness, the goodness of heart, gracious, not acting or sounding harsh, and showing empathy. Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” God teaches and corrects us with gentleness, and is a fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Pursuing these six areas takes work, training, maybe sacrificing on our part, and continuing to do what we know is right despite circumstances. 1 Timothy 6:12 concludes this instruction from Paul to Timothy, as he stated, (The Haweis New Testament version): “Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life . . .” Then The Message version states it this way, 1 Tim. 6:10-12, “Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” The lesson here is to be content. Does your ambition have anything to do with covetousness? Pursuing success can be an idol. Don’t let the enemy cloud your thinking. Keep focused on the fact that God sees you, He knows your name, and Jesus Christ could come back today!

Listen to King & Country – For God Is With Us (Official Music Video 9/24/2021).

1 Timothy 4:8, “For while bodily training is of some value in every way, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

I enjoy walking and taking in God’s creation, seeing the green leaves on the trees, squirrels, and birds along my walking path, the sunshine and blue sky, and our mountains along the horizon. I have a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day. But it takes consistent effort in helping me be physically fit. Similarly, one’s spiritual development, producing spiritual health, godliness, takes constant effort. It takes input of our time with the Lord, yet it has long-lasting benefits for today and forever – eternal, transforming benefits.

Paul’s parallel verse to 1 Timothy 4:8 is found in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.” A good self-examining question to ask oneself is, am I always content with what God has given me? What gives me great satisfaction? How often don’t I complain about irritations I encounter and difficult people that don’t share the same values that I hold dear to me? But faith in God’s presence, protection, and provision will sustain and lead us through circumstances that are out of our control. He has promised that (Psalm 23, Psalm 25:9).

The definition of godliness in the Bible, according to www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary, is the “reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one’s conduct. Godliness depends on knowing God’s revealed truth. Paul speaks of “the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” Titus 1:1.” That is my desire. To read the truth in God’s Word, know it, hide it in my heart and mind, and apply it in honoring God in my conduct. It says in Hebrews 3:2, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” I want to be a better display of the Lord’s presence since he is my rock, my redeemer, my fortress, my shield, my refuge, carrying me on to victory by spending time with Jesus Christ.

Being physically fit is important to our health. But the condition of our heart is a deeper need. The Message states 1 Timothy 4:8 this way, “Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.”

Listen to One of Those Days, Lord I’m lonely, I want to spend time with Jesus. From Joseph Cheetham-Wilkenson.

1 Timothy 2:3-4, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of our God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Paul had just instructed Timothy to make it a priority to pray for all people and those in authority. In other words, put it on your To-Do List if you must remind yourself that you have a responsibility to pray for one another and those in leadership and governing positions to rule well. The Amplified Bible states it this way, “This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer.” This was what Paul’s purpose and goal of his ministry were set on as he says in 1 Timothy 4:10, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” How did Paul instruct Timothy to do this? He explains it in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” If you are in a planting seeds of the gospel, one-on-one situation, or in a teaching situation, listen intently to people’s questions and never fall into foolish debates.

Here we have instructions from Paul to help us know how to pray for the salvation of our loved ones, those in authority in government and other leadership positions, and all we encounter within our sphere of influence. Pray that they will come to know and understand the knowledge of the truth of the gospel. We need to not only be an expert, like a professor, in our position of employment, but recommend our Redeemer because we are an example of the gospel. It takes gentleness and patience which I often fall short of having. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and we need to mirror Christ and Christ’s image in order to be salt and light continually. The enemy will use conflict, fear, and frustrations to take our eyes off Christ. Don’t give him a seat at your table. Instead use weapons of Scripture to combat doubts, conflicts and what ifs, because you are a representative, an ambassador, a child of the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yes, we are paying outrageous prices to fill up our cars with gas. Covid seems to be lessening somewhat, in the headlines in the news. There are new updates every minute on the Russia-Ukraine situation while the price of a barrel of oil is $107 today. Inflation rose 7.9% in February, a new 40-year high. Matthew 24:6-7 states, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed., for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

Continue to pray for the knowledge of the truth of the gospel to be realized and accepted, for the salvation of souls in government, those in authority, and all in your sphere of influence. Put the name of the person(s) you are praying to repent from their sin and to believe and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, in 2 Timothy 2:26: “And they –  _______________ may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil . . . ” Remember, we that have Christ, have an eternal escape plan.

Listen to God So Loved Lyric Video by We The Kingdom.

1 Timothy 2:1-2, “First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

What is your first most critical need right now? Something more substantial than simply a “desire.”  Jeremiah 33:3 states, “Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” What don’t you know about this intense need?

A supplication is a request that becomes a prayer, recognizing the limits of yourself in contrast to the power of God, where you simply ask for something. As Paul taught Timothy, prayer should be a priority, and never stop praying for those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. We must never stop asking God to meet that need “of all people.”

Our insane unsettling political times are continually on our minds. I have a customer who is originally from Ukraine. His in-laws are in Kiev. He lost contact with them earlier this week as they went into their bomb shelter, and his heart is heavy in concern for them. I told him I would be praying for his wife’s family, as he shared his heartache. When I see pictures of current events happening in Ukraine, I pray for their safety and that they will hear and know what Jesus Christ did on the cross for them to have eternal life.

It is noteworthy that Paul says to pray for kings, in 1 Timothy 2, because, during this time, Nero was the most sinful and corrupt ruler, especially against Christians, who he had tortured. Paul was confined to house arrest in Rome during Nero’s reign. Nero commanded his own mother to be killed. She was assassinated after an unsuccessful attempt to drown her in a boat that was constructed to fall apart into pieces and failed to do so. He also had his brothers and his wife killed. Nero announced himself as the first among God’s chief enemies. Yet Paul taught to pray for kings and those in authority. Nero committed suicide at the age of 30 just as he was about to be captured due to his own government replacing him in power. Christians were found blameless, despite his persecutions against them, and the people realized Nero used them to cover his crimes. Compassion for the followers of Jesus, who had innocent conduct, led to a new wave of conversions. Could this be possible in our time as well? Something to pray about.

Paul also urged that gratitude, “thanksgiving,” be expressed to God when you are in prayer to Him. That helps to refocus our heart and mind onto God and off of the circumstance. No matter what, God is in control. Pray out loud verses glorifying God and His power. “God, you are my refuge and strength! Your presence never leaves me. You are my only help in trouble. Therefore, I am secure in You, my fortress.” Psalm 46:1, is one example. A calm attitude will result due to God’s provision of peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Paul taught Timothy to pray for kings and all in high positions. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament says it well: “What if we looked at politics today believing that it is God who is truly on the throne? Wouldn’t that be a radical concept for Christians? Yes, we have a responsibility to pray and to make supplications. But we are also to give thanks for all men no matter what side of the political spectrum they represent, for all rulers are used by God to fulfill prophecy and to accomplish His will ultimately.” That statement is something to digest. All leaders are subject to the God to whom we pray. For them to come under the hearing of the gospel should be our (my) continual prayer (Romans 13:6), all the while continuing to live a holy behavior, with integrity, before all people. Isaiah 57:21 declares, “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

The Message states 1 Timothy 2:1-3 this way, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” So, learning from Paul’s encouragement and instruction to Timothy, what is the first thing we need to do today? Pray, make it your priority to pray for the saved, the unsaved, for enemies as well as friends, and those in authority. Draw near, speak intimately, asking God to meet needs. One day soon, Christ is returning. Matthew 24:36, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Be ready.

Listen to Natlie Grant’s Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video) 6/16/2020.