2 Timothy 2 - 8.14.25

2 Timothy 2: 1-7

S – 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

O -  Paul knew that he would be executed soon and so he wrote his final thoughts to Timothy, a man he loved like a son. He wanted to encourage and prepare him for the things he would need to continue to do once Paul was gone. He wanted to remind him of the qualities necessary to be a faithful minister of Christ. He wanted him to remember the calling on his life and to use his gifts with boldness to prepare others to follow him in the ministry. He wanted to encourage him in his faith and let him know it would take discipline, and that he would endure suffering, but that he needed to keep his eyes and mind focused on Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  - 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

A – Our walk with God is not passive. We need to actively do our parts. We need to be disciplined people.  If the church were to consistently follow Paul’s advice, it would grow exponentially as well-taught believers would teach others and commission them, so that they would then go out and teach others. The chain reaction could be off the charts if we all followed Paul’s advice and obeyed Jesus’ command:

Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Paul talks about suffering for Christ. That word suffer naturally gives us a negative feeling because the word means to endure pain, hardship or distress. Let’s be honest, NONE of us wants to feel any of that! However, when we suffer, we share in a common experience, not just with those alive today, but with all those who have ever suffered for the sake of the gospel. All the martyrs, missionaries and pioneers of the faith had to face what we face. Let us have the same courage, commitment, and willingness to renounce worldly pleasures in order to serve God.

Paul used the comparison with soldiers, athletes, and farmers who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient.

Galatians 6:9 - 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

We must keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ and one day living eternally with him.

P –  Lord Jesus, I pray for us as you CHURCH, to not run away from suffering but endure the suffering as those endured before us. Your word says that you will give us insight to your words when we read and reflect on them. Help us to discipline ourselves to read your word, study your word, and SHARE your word so that others will come to know you as we do. Give us your boldness and courage to share with others. Thank you that our suffering here on earth does have and end for us as Christ-followers. May those who don’t know you yet, see the hope that we have in you, and open their hearts to hear what we have to share with them. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

- Crystal Flory

2 Timothy 1 - 8.13.25

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7-8

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.

Observation

I admire people like Tina and Robin and Leo, to name just a few – people who step out in boldness and pray for people and share the good news of God’s love wherever they go. I really need to grow in this area. But I can see times recently, when God is meeting me where I am, shy and timid, and providing opportunities for me. At park outreach nights I’ve had people come to me and ask questions and ask for prayer. I am so excited that the God who knows me is willing to use me, with all my weaknesses and flaws.

Application

Although I am shy and timid by nature, I cannot use that as an excuse for not sharing about God’s love. Verse 8 really stuck out to me today – I am not ashamed!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

I once read something written by an unbeliever that said (paraphrased), If you truly believe that I’m headed for hell, why aren’t you trying harder to save me?

So today I remind myself that God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power – power to walk in his word and share that with others!

Prayer

Thank you God for loving me enough to give me grace and help me grow, little by little, every day. Thank you for your patience with me. Please continue to put opportunities in my path to share your love with others.

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 1 - 8.12.25

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 1:1-3

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

OBSERVATION

I love how this scripture uses action words to describe what a blessed person does not do. The first is they do “not walk in step with the wicked.” This is not only talking about walking with the wicked, but it means you’re not walking in the exact steps or the rhythm of the wicked. You’re not a partner with them in their lifestyle. Be careful of who you choose to walk or partner with in life.

The next action is to “stand in the way that sinners take.” Imagine a sinner taking a stand on a topic, or literally standing in the path of unrighteousness. Watch when, where and who you stand with or what you take a stand on.

Next we see the action to “sit in the company of mockers.” Sitting means you’re taking rest and comfort with people who mock the Lord. You’re accepting their mockery by sitting at their table. Be mindful of those who mock the Lord. Are you being a light to them or do you sit at their table and accept their mockery?

Then we see the contrast with those whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” The picture painted here is so beautiful. This mighty tree shades an area by an active stream that continually runs all year long. The results bring forth lots of shade, fruit in the right season, strength from the storms of life – all because of taking delight – take pleasure, love, admire, and are at peace – in the Word (law of the Lord).

As a gardener, I know that consistent and deep watering causes roots to go even deeper into the soil. The amount of water, in well drained soil, will determine how deep the roots will go. If you only water for a short period of time, the roots will be shallow. If you water for a longer period of time, the roots will go deeper and deeper. Those deep roots not only protect the tree (or plant) but it creates an ability to withstand storms, excessive heat, and all that life can bring. Also, a deeply watered tree / plant will flourish, have many branches, leaves, flowers and fruit.

APPLICATION

Life is a long journey that takes us through many circumstances and situations. This Psalm shows how to be a blessed person in the process.  We can avoid actions that compromise our faith and take us down the wrong path, or we can be blessed in life when we meditate on His Word, are in prayer, seeking Him in worship, and immerse ourselves in the Lord so our roots in Him can go deep.

It’s important to understand as Christians we’re not supposed to isolate ourselves and completely avoid people who are not believers. God wants us to love all people!  The only way for us to share our faith is to do life together with non-believers. The difference here is to not partake in their lifestyle or belief, but bring them along in your life with Christ.

In Jesus’ prayer to God in John 17:16 - 19, He said “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.”

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). I delight in your Word and laws, knowing they guide me in Your ways. Help me to be a light to the non-believers around me. Protect me from partnering with anyone or anything that isn’t of you. The more I immerse myself in you, the less I want anything to do with things in this world. All I want is YOU!  Lord, help my roots to grow deeper and deeper in you to produce much fruit and able to withstand the storms in life. Praise you, Lord, for your living Word which is “active and sharper than any two edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). In Jesus name. Amen!

- Mary Oberg