Be Steadfast in Ministry (July 17)
Paul writes his second letter to
Timothy from a Roman prison
and death is imminent (4:6).
And yet the focus of Paul’s letter
is not on his own problems and
needs but on the problems and
needs of young Timothy who is
pastor of the church at Ephesus.
Paul, who has stood faithfully for
the Lord throughout his life, now
passes the same challenge to Tim.
There is no need to fear persecution, when u serve the Lord of the universe and endure hardship for His sake.
Paul gives helpful advice to Timothy
to remain solidly grounded in
Christian service and to endure
suffering in difficult days to come.
Dear Lord, we realise all believers
need a strong foundation for
Christian service does not get
easier as we grow older; and it
will become no easier as the time
of Christ’s return grows closer.
Lord, prompt us to Pray for others,
lead us to Pass On Your Truths &
help us to Endure Suffering. Amen
Lord, we will Pray For Others:
I thank God whom I serve, as
my forefathers did, with a clear
conscience, as night and day
I constantly remember you
in my prayers (2Timothy 1:3).
Gracious Lord, Help me to not
forget anyone in my prayers.
Show me especially people who
are lonely and feel forgotten so that
I can remember them in intercession.
Bring specific people to mind who
need healing or help or deliverance.
Reveal to me Lord who needs
to hear Your voice guiding them.
And enable the people I pray to
sense Your love in their lives. Amen.
Lord, we will Pass On Your Truths:
Timothy, my dear son, be strong
with the special favour God gives
you in Christ. You have heard me teach many things that have been
confirmed by many… witnesses.
Teach these great truths to trust-
worthy people who are able to pass them on to others (2 Tim 2:1-2).
Lord, thank you for the blessed
privilege of being used by your
Holy Spirit in the lives of others.
Prepare the hearts of those
to whom you are calling me to
witness or to encourage or edify.
Give me boldness mingled with
love; and let me not miss or shy
away from any opportunity to
pass on to others the great truths
that have changed my life. Amen.
Lord, we will Endure Suffering:
Endure Suffering along with me.
And as Christ’s soldiers, do not
let yourself become tied up in
the affairs of this life… Follow the
Lord’s rules for doing His work,
just as an athlete either follows
the rules or is disqualified and
wins no prize. Hardworking farmers
are the first to enjoy the fruit
of their labour (2Tim 2:3-6).
Lord, we realise living a life of
faith requires much endurance.
Help us to endure the hardship
and restrictions of a soldier.
Help us to be like a good athlete
who follows the rules of the sport.
Help us be like a farmer who is
hardworking to taste the fruit
of his labour. Grant us the grace
of perseverance, discipline and
hardwork for Your glory. Amen.