2 Timothy 1-6.21.22
Scripture
2 Timothy 1:7-14
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Observation-What does it say?
While imprisoned for his faith, Paul continues to mentor Timothy through his letters. He encourages him in his purpose, the Gospel and gives him an example of loyalty vs. disloyalty.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Proclaim Jesus boldly, with help from the Holy Spirit.
Paul was telling Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although Paul was imprisoned for his faith, he encouraged Timothy to guard the message, live it out and share it with those he was called to serve.
Life Application
It doesn’t matter where we are in life. We can share the Gospel in a format as simple as A, B, C.
One of the goals at DSC is to make sharing the Gospel a lifestyle as a Christ follower. We don’t have to be in a church setting or a special church event. We can be at work, school, jury duty, at the grocery store, home improvement store, mall, park, gym, family get together, coffee shop, laundromat, beach, etc. We actually encourage everyone to get a 3rd place outside of church and ITC group, in order to share the love of Jesus.
We cannot be ashamed of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or of our testimony. Where does this boldness come from? From faith, love and help from the Holy Spirit. It is as easy as A, B, C. If you are not part of an ITC group, I encourage you to join one, as we are training our groups in it OR contact me for the ABC document.
Dear Holy Spirit,
Please help us to guard, live out and proclaim the Gospel with love and boldness wherever you have placed us. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 10-6.20.22
Scripture
Psalms 10:13-14 NLT
“Why do the wicked get away with despising God? They think, “God will never call us to account.” But you see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them. The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this psalm, David writes about all the evil and sinfulness that is going on all around him. These evil people prey on the innocent. Their sinful actions seems to have no consequences, but David knows God is watching. David cries out to God so that justice can be served!
Understanding-What does it mean?
Do not fall into the traps of other people’s sinful choices…no matter how enticing it looks.
Do you ever see people moving up the corporate or social ladders in life and they seem to be the most corrupt people you’ve met or known? You ever ask God, “Why am I the one struggling here in life, trying to do the right thing; when these people who turn their backs to You get blessed and get away with everything?” As much as I hate to admit it, I know I’ve asked that question before. It seems David is asking that same question in this psalm as well, but David and I have come to realize that God is watching. He sees all and knows all. Let me share with you a line in one of the Marvel Movies I watched. “The bill always comes due.” Basically, you reap what you sow. It’s a biblical principle.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”-Galatians 6:7-8
So don’t be jealous or envious over those who seem like they’re being rewarded over their sinful actions. The bill comes due. God’s justice in the end will prevail!
“Don’t let those who are evil upset you, and don’t be jealous of them. They have no hope. Their light will burn out.” -Proverbs 24:19-20
Life Application
Live a holy life for God one day at a time.
The more I think of it, David’s surroundings that he wrote about in this chapter, really doesn’t seem that much different than the world we live in today. I mean, all the evil and wickedness around us that seems to go unchecked and all these people of prominence living ungodly lives; when will it stop? All I know is that God is watching. All I can do is live my life for Jesus one day at a time and not worry about what others around me are doing or are getting away with. My hope is in Jesus. His grace is all I need. I will be content with Him. 😊
“Look around and be distressed; look within and be depressed; look to Jesus and be at rest.”- Corrie Ten Boom
-Moses Gaddi
Psalm 9 - 6.17.22
Scripture
Psalm 9:18
But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
Observation – What does it say?
David pours out his heart to God in worship and praise, giving God thanks for all he has done. He had learned that this great God who reigns forever and rules the entire world, also pays special attention to all who trust in him and need him. At the time of writing this prayer, David had many enemies around him who persecuted him, yet he holds onto his hope in God.
Understanding – What does it mean?
We always have reason to hope!
God will never forget the needy. He is with us. He is for us. Even under the most severe affliction and suffering we aren’t alone.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Colossians 3:3 Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
God is with us, and we are filled with hope that he will see us through. An important distinction though: The hope we have isn’t a wishy-washy, shoulder-shrugging, “I’m hoping this ends well, but who knows.” Not at all! Our hope in God - to intervene, to work things for our good and his glory - is a confident, faith-filled hope that never leads to disappointment.
Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Life Application
Praise God and put my hope in him.
God, you have proven yourself over and over again to be faithful. You always turn tests into testimonies, the impossible into miracles, and suffering into stories of your goodness and love. I’m confident that the same God who has shown up again and again in my past, will show up again today and tomorrow at my points of need. I trust you, God. I put my hope in you. Thank you in advance for the testimonies and miracles to come. Amen.
-Levi Thompson