The purpose of Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy is to encourage as well as to give instructions to Timothy who is the young pastor of the church at Ephesus. And Paul’s letter to Titus in Crete is to promote sound teaching that emphasises holy living and encourages to live worthy of gospel.
On Monday, we learn from 2Tim 1 that God Keeps the Committed. On Tuesday, we learn from 2Tim 2 that God Remains Faithful to us. On Wed, we learn from 2Tim 3 that God Gives us Word of Life. On Thur, we learn from 2Tim 4 that God Stands By the Faithful. On Friday, we learn from Titus 2 that God Desires Holy Living. On Sat, we learn from Titus 3 that God Desires Good Works.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Adore You: For You are worthy of our Thanks as God Keeps the Committed and Gives us the Word of Life. For You are worthy of our Praise as God Remains Faithful to us as well as Stands By the Faithful. For You Desire Holy Living from us and that we’ll do Good Works. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Titus lived on Crete, and worked among a people who had one of the worst reputations in the world. Paul had left Titus to oversee the church & now writes to encourage him in that difficult task.To promote sound teaching and offset false doctrines, Titus is told to appoint & train spiritual leaders as elders. Paul’s short letter is a summary of Christian doctrine that emphasises holy living and encourages all to live worthy of the gospel.
Lord, we’ll Do Good Works: Remind them to be subject to authorities… to be ready for every good work; to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men (Titus 3:1-2). This is a faithful saying… that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men (v8). Avoid foolish questions, contentions and striving about the law. Such things are unprofitable and useless… And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful (v9-14).
Lord, we purpose to be submissive to the governing authorities and be obedient to the laws of the land. Help us Lord to be prepared to do whatever is good and honourable. Remind us to be peace-loving people and to speak evil of no one. And help us to be who are kind and considerate as well as display humility towards everyone. Amen.
Lord, You saved me not because of any works of righteousness that I’ve done, but because You love me so much and grants me Your mercy. And having been justified by Your grace, I have been become an heir with the assurance of eternal life. In gratitude, I will give my all to Him and devote myself to doing that which is good and profitable. Amen.
Lord, I purpose to avoid foolish controversies, arguments and quarrels about the law; for such things are unprofitable & useless. And Lord, I purpose to live my life productively, working hard to do what is good and to meet needs so that You God have the avenue to bless through me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Titus lived on Crete, and worked among a people who had one of the worst reputations in the world. Paul had left Titus to oversee the church and now writes to encourage him in that difficult task. To promote sound teaching and offset false doctrines, Titus is told to appoint and train spiritual leaders as elders. Paul’s short letter is a summary of Christian doctrine that emphasises holy living as well as encourages all to live worthy of the gospel.
Lord, we aspire Godly Lifestyle: Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely…and be filled with Love and patience… Teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking evil of others (Tit2:2-5). The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to Say “No” to Ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (v11-12).
Lord, I want to be a person who lives wisely with love & patience; & helping others to live godly lives. Since I can do nothing apart from You Lord, I ask for the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to be a shining example. Help me Lord to mentor others in living a life that truly honours and glorifies Your name. Amen.
Lord, thank You for reminding us to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. Help us Lord to avoid speaking evil, control our speech & live peacefully with others, so that we can be living examples of our faith in You. Help us lead a godly lifestyle; help us to avoid ungodliness; and help us live worthily of You. Amen.
Lord, thank You for teaching us to be self-disciplined and orderly. Help me Lord to Say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Help me know the right thing to do and give me the courage to do it; for I want to honour You in my choices. Help me grow spiritually, serve You, and to build Your kingdom so that I’ll be ready for Your return. Amen.
Paul writes his 2nd letter to Timothy from prison with imminent death. Yet the focus of Paul is not his own needs but the needs of Timothy who is pastor of church at Ephesus. Paul, who has stood Faithfully for the Lord through his life, passes on that same challenge to Timothy. There is no need to fear when You serve the Lord of the universe and endure hardship for His sake.
Lord, we’ll Share Your Good News: A time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching. They will follow their own desires & reject the truth… Don’t Be Afraid of suffering for the Lord (2Tim 4:3-5) I have Fought the good fight, I have Finished the race, and I have Remained FAITHFUL. And now the prize awaits me, which the Lord..the Righteous Judge will give me on… His return (v7-8). The Lord STOOD with me and gave me Strength so that I might preach the Good News for all to hear. And the Lord will Deliver me (v17-18).
Lord, we are living in the end times as we see more pestinences, earth quakes & climatic disasters as well as lawlessness around the world. Living for Jesus and sharing the good news can be challenging. Cause us Lord to remember Your commission; not slack in our responsibility and the grace to share Your love. In Jesus’ name.
Lord Jesus, Thank You for all that You have done for us all. In gratitude of Your sacrificial love and in obedience to Your command, we purpose to further Your kingdom. Help me influence others toward You & steer them to Your direction. Help me speak words of edification as well as utter prayers for others. Help me Remain Faithful running the race to receive Your crown. Amen.
Lord, Thank You for Your promise to bring us to Your heavenly Kingdom. You will bring us through difficulties in a way that allows us to triumph. We know You Lord are watching as You use us to impact the world. Stand by us, give us strength and grant us deliverances that boost our confidence to persevere and Share Your Good News. Amen.
I’m Paul writes his 2nd letter to Timothy from prison with imminent death. 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 through his life, passes on that same challenge to Timothy. There’s no need to fear when You serve the Lord of the universe and endure hardship for His sake.
Lord, we Receive Your Word of Life: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do (2nd Timothy 3:16-17).
Father God, You have shown us in the Old Testament the need of Man for redemption. Through the gospels, You reveal the way to salvation thro faith in Your Son. And You have given us letters that reveal Your heart & guide our lives. Thank You for Your inspired Word which is more precious than silver or gold. In His name, Amen.
Lord, thank You for not leaving us to walk in darkness & for giving us the light of Your Word to guide us. Help us to cherish the wonderful gift in Your holy Scriptures and also to receive its teaching and instructions for our lives. Spur us Lord to desire to lead godly lives and be prepared to withstand testing of our faith in Christ. Amen.
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself through the Bible. Your Word is our invaluable guide; for it teaches & corrects us as well as prepare us spiritually for whatever the future holds. And we claim Your Word as our resource when in trouble. Thank You Lord for giving us Your Wonderful Word of Life.Amen
God Remains Faithful to Us; Inspiring hymn: “Pass It On”
Kurt Kaiser was born in 1934 in Chicago. While known for his youth musicals, Kaiser composed more than 60 hymn texts & tunes, the most famous is “Pass It On.” In 1969, Kaiser collaborated on a musical: “Tell It Like It Is” written to get young people involved in church. On a Sunday night I was sitting by the fireplace, and it occurred to me it only takes a spark to get a fire going & the rest came very quickly. My wife suggested I should say something about shouting it from mountain tops, and that ended up in the third verse. The song also drew inspiration from 2Timothy 2:2.
Lord, we will Pass On Your Truths: Therefore… Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus… You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to Pass Them On to others (2 Tim 2:1-2). 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 enjoy the fruit of their labour (v3-6) If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him… If we are unfaithful, He Remains Faithful, for He cannot deny who He is (v12-13).
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, 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 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.
Loving Lord, we praise You that Your Faithfulness to us is eternal. Thank You for Your promise that You’re devoted & faithful to us all. Help me Lord to endure hardship even when I can’t sense You at work in challenging circumstances. Help me to remember that You’re in control, that You love me and that You will never let me go. And let me experience Your faithfulness and love so that I’ll pass it on. Amen
Lord, It only takes a spark To get a fire going. And soon all those around Can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love Once you’ve experienced it. You spread His love to ev’ryone You want to pass it on… I wish for you my friend This happiness that I’ve found. You can depend on Him It matters not where you’re bound. I’ll shout it from the mountain top I want my world to know. The Lord of love has come to me I want to pass it on. Amen.
God Keeps the Committed; I Know Whom I Have Believed
As a POW during the American Civil War, Daniel Whittle read the Bible his mother had given him and committed his life to Christ. After the war, in which he lost his arm in battle, Whittle was promoted to major and became a successful businessman. In 1873 he began preaching in evangelistic services and for a quarter century he led revivals throughout the United States. Whittle penned the hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed” in 1883; inspired by 2Tim 1 & the questions he asked during his imprisonment. There were many things he didn’t know but he certainly know Jesus.
Lord, we will Hold On to You: I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience… as I constantly remember you in prayers… greatly desiring to see you…that I may be filled with joy (2Tim 1:3-4) Stir up the gift of God which is in u.. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (v6-7). Therefore do not be ashamed (to testify) for our Lord… but take your share of the suffering… of the Gospel in the power of God; who has saved us and called us… For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (v8-12).
Lord, help us to not forget anyone in prayers, especially those who are lonely and feel forgotten. Bring specific people to our mind who need deliverance and joy. Show us Lord who needs to hear Your voice guiding them. And enable the people we pray to sense Your love in their lives. Amen.
Lord, grateful that we need not be timid or fearful of challenges for You promise us empowerment. Grant us grace when we turn to You, we find the motivation of Your love, the needed strength of Your power and the discipline to do Your will. And we do so in a way that draws people to You Lord; and also brings You all the glory. In Jesus’ name.
Father God, You are my provider; Lord Jesus, You are my saviour; Holy Spirit, You are my sanctifier. And I dedicate and yield my whole self to You God freely and forever. At the cross Lord, You saved me; and in the future, You will lead me. I believe whatever I entrust to You, You’re Able to keep what You have Committed against that day. Amen!!
I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me He hath made known, Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own… But I know whom I have believed And am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I’ve committed Unto Him against that day!!! I know not how this saving faith To me He did impart, Nor how believing in His Word Wrought peace within my heart…
God Desires Eternal Mindset; Inspiring “Fight the Good Fight”
Too many of us spiritually flabby, we often avoid spiritual conflict instead of facing it. That was not the apostle Paul’s style, nor was it John Monell’s (1811-1875). Morsell was a gifted Anglican clergyman who could hold his congregation spell-bound as he spoke and who advocated “more fervent and joyous singing In his church. He once said: We sing but not as we should, to Him who is the chief among ten thousand, the altogether lovely. The hymn “Fight the Good Fight” was largely inspired by Eph 4 as well as 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
Lord, we’ll Fight the Good Fight: Godliness with Contentment is great gain…We can take nothing out of (this world). If we have food, we’ll be content (1 Tim 6:6-8). Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the Good Fight of Faith… I urge you…keep this commandment until our Lord’s appearing (v11-14). Command those who are rich… to do good… to be generous and willing to share. By doing this they will be storing up treasure for the future so that they may experience true life (v17-19).
Lord, You want Contentment to be the virtue and goal for Your people. Forgive me Lord for the times when I get discontented with life. Teach me to focus on all I have, rather than on the things that I seem to lack when comparing with others. Teach me Lord to make connected relationship with You and others be priority over material things. Amen.
Lord, Thank You for Your promise of eternal life in Your presence. I realise that the road ahead may not be easy; but I purpose to be steadfast & stay the course. Help me not grow weary in battles; but pursue love and righteousness as well as to Fight the good fight. And grant me faithfulness and perseverance. In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, thank You for all You have given including material provision. Keep me from being covetous, greedy or being selfish minded. Help me Lord find balance in the stewardship of the resources that You have put in my care. Show me practical ways to use the resources to do good, bless others and further Your kingdom. Amen.
Fight the good fight with all thy might! Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right. Lay hold on life and it shall be Thy joy and crown eternally… Run the straight race through God’s good grace; Lift up thine eyes & seek His face. Life with its way before us lies; Christ is the path & Christ the prize.. Faint not nor fear, His arms are near; He changeth not, and thou art dear. Only believe and Thou shall see That Christ is all in all to Thee.
The purpose of Paul’s first letter to Timothy is to give encouragement as well as instructions to Timothy, a young pastor; whilst that of Philemon is to convince him to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus, and to accept him as a brother in the faith.
On Monday, we learn from 1 Tim 1 that God Is Patient towards Us. On Tuesday, we learn from 1Tim 2 that God desires Peace & Unity. On Wed, we learn from 1Timothy 4 that God desires us to be Godly. On Thu, we learn from 2Timothy 5 that God desires Respectfulness. On Friday, we learn fr 1Timothy 6 that God desires Eternal Mindset. On Sat, we learn fr Philemon that God desires Graciousness in family.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Adore You: For You are worthy of our Thanks as You God Is Patient towards us. For You desire us to be Godly, Gracious as well as Respectful. For You desire there be Peace and that we have Eternal Mindset. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
On the run after committing wrong against his master; Onesimus the slave sought refuge in Rome. There he meets Paul and converts to faith in Christ. Though he shows his gratitude by serving Paul, he still must reconcile with his master. Paul writes to Philemon asking him to forgive Onesimus and to accept him as a brother in Christ.
Lord, we’ll be Gracious & Forgiving: I pray you may be active in Sharing Your Faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ (Philem5-6) Consider this as a Request from me – Paul an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ. I Appeal to you to show kindness to my child Onesimus (Ph 9-10). He is more than a slave, for he is now a brother in the Lord. Welcome him as you would welcome me (Philem 16-17).
Lord, help me to get over any inhibitions about sharing my faith. For there is no greater gift than to share someone Your love & the good news of salvation in Christ. Help me Lord to be sensitive to Your leading so that I don’t come off as insensitive to others. Help me have good sense of timing and the right words to say. Amen.
Lord, help me to show respect and be gracious to people; rather than throwing weight around, telling them straight what they should do. Help me Lord to show kindness and to give people opportunities to put things right for themselves. And not to quickly take matters into my own hands. Amen.
Lord, help me not to be engross with my rights; but rather pay attention to the main principle for Christians, the law of love. Help me to be forgiving & always look to reconciling & welcoming. Help me do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Amen.
