2 Timothy 2 - 5.29.23

Scripture

2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT

“And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.”

Observation

I love what Paul tells Timothy here, “the word of God cannot be chained.” Paul did not let his circumstances stop him from accomplishing his mission that God gave him. Although he was imprisoned for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, Paul still found opportunities to share the Good News with his prison guards and political leaders who brought him in for questioning. To top that off, Paul would send letters to the early churches and it’s leaders to remind them of God’s Word, to encourage them, to pray for them to continue to fight the good fight, and to stay strong in their faith.

Application

The Word of God cannot be chained.

I am sure when Paul said yes to Jesus, that he probably imagined preaching to the masses, filling up colosseums of people, eagerly waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus. But, instead he was met with people who wanted nothing to do with it. They threatened Paul with physical beatings and imprisonment if he continued doing what he was doing. But did that discourage Paul? Absolutely not!!! It actually made Paul preach more boldly! Wherever he was, and whoever would listen, Paul shared about Jesus with people. Paul knew he was going to be obedient to God’s calling. He was going to go wherever the Holy Spirit led him, and say whatever the Holy Spirit told him to say. At the end of the day, Paul knew it wasn’t his job to change people’s hearts towards Jesus, (only God can do that), but rather his job was to plant the seed of the gospel of Christ in people’s hearts wherever he went.

And so I look at my life and see where God has placed me. What is my excuse? What am I waiting for? I need to be more like Paul and share with others boldly. I need to remember that God’s Word cannot be chained and that it does not come back void. I just need to be obedient and go out there and plant the seeds of God’s Word, then allow God to take it from there! 😊

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me void, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”-Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‬‬

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, may I be bold and courageous today to share the gospel of Jesus with those around me. May Your Word pierce and saturate people’s hearts. May they develop a hunger for more of You. May they want to know You as Lord and Savior. In Your Holy and precious name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

2 Timothy 1 - 5.26.23

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

2 Timothy 1:5

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

The apostle Paul in this letter to Timothy reminds him how much he loves him. He then points out Timothy’s heritage of faith:  grandmother Lois, your mother Eunice, and now you(Timothy). This is Paul’s encouragement that the gift of God, His spirit, now lives in Timothy.

I was also encouraged this morning, Lord, to listen to Paul’s very succinct explanation of Your Spirit. Power. Love. Self-discipline.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

Lord, today I will reach out to my grandmother and my mom. I will thank them for showing me their own paths to you. For making that visible for me. I am not ashamed of Your testimony. And I will rejoice today!

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Lord, thank you for reminding me of my own spiritual heritage in You this morning: my grandmother, my mom, my dad, and…me. Help me to fan the flame that lives inside me, Your Flame, Your Gift, Your Spirit.  I choose to walk in Your power, love, and self-discipline.

In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee

1 Timothy 6 - 5.25.23

Scripture

1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT

“But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

Observation

Paul is writing Timothy to encourage him to keep teaching the people there to live godly lives, by following the instructions that Jesus has given them. He warns Timothy about false teachers who may try to contradict the things that they are teaching. These false teachers will cause divisions amongst the church, and that is something that they simply can’t have. Paul also warns Timothy about the dangers of loving money, and the sinfulness and destruction it can cause in someone’s life. Instead, Paul implores Timothy and the church to be content with what God has given them. After all, we came into this world with nothing, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it-(verse 7).

Application

It’s the LOVE of money that is the root of evil.

Often times, people will misquote this verse from the Bible. They will say that “money is the root of all evil.” When in fact it really says:

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”-1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬a

You see, money isn’t evil. It’s an inanimate object. In actuality, money can be used for good. It can provide a meal for someone. It can give clothing, and even help provide shelter. But it is when we desire that money more than we desire God…that is when we start running into problems. Look what it says in the book of Matthew:

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”-Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭

So before we go any further, we need to ask ourselves, “what master do I serve?” Do I truly desire more of God’s presence? Or simply just desire His presents? 🤔

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” -‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬

Prayer

Father God, I pray and ask for Your forgiveness of the times when I chase after material things, (like money), over chasing after You. I pray for a heart that wholeheartedly chases after You. May I have a heart that desires to please and honor You. May I be content with the things You have given me. May I be a good steward with the resources You have blessed me with. May I use those resources to bless others. May You get all the glory and honor from it Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi