What Matters Most (The Book of 2 Timothy)预览

REFLECT

Dark clouds rolled across the sky and streaks of rain could be viewed in the distance. Our family quickly packed up our beachside relaxation station and headed indoors. Glancing out the balcony windows, I noticed the storm passing quickly. Within minutes, the rain stopped, and the skies were blue once again. The brightest, most beautiful rainbow I’ve ever witnessed spanned the sky like a welcoming banner. What a contrast! How striking to see the sky move from clear blue to charcoal and then back to clear blue in a matter of minutes.

Today’s reading contains the same type of contrast our family viewed that day on the beach. After describing the demise of men in the last two days of reading, in today’s reading, Paul firmly declares the difference between untrustworthy teachers and himself: God’s loving faithfulness. He continues to emphasize that Christ followers cannot expect to be exempt from persecution or suffering.

While non-believers will go from bad to worse, with more evil permeating the world, true Christians should grow more like Jesus every day, even in the face of persecution and suffering.

PRAY

Dear God, turn my eyes to focus on the good you are bringing from bad things that happen. Please help me continue to nurture a growing faith in you. Amen.

CHAT

Have you ever noticed a contrasting scenario that grabbed your attention? What kind of opposite thoughts have you encountered from before you knew Christ versus after accepting Jesus as your Savior?