14 day plan

Stormy Waters (Part 2)

Day 8 of 14

CEV

2 Timothy 1:12

12This is why I am suffering now. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with.

Reflection:  There is sometimes a dark evil that sits on my shoulder whispering the vilest obscenities into my mind. I am not greatly bothered by it, but it intrudes occasionally, particularly at times when I feel my spiritual defences are down––and when evil claims I have given it permission to speak.

I’ve learned not to get uptight about this phenomenon. I simply lean back into Christ and wrap myself in all that he has won for me. I know I am just hearing the death-cries of a defeated enemy. It is also comforting to know that Jesus was tempted in every way as I am; and so understands (Hebrews 4:15).

God’s ultimate victory (already achieved) is very sweet, and God’s promise to hold me safe until the end is wonderful (2 Timothy 1:12).

Prayer:  You have said that your sheep hear your voice, and that nothing will ever be able to snatch them from your hand. Your hold on me will always be stronger than the forces of evil trying to pull me away. I rest in that promise…. and treasure it.  Amen.

2 Timothy 1:1-18

1From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus.

God himself chose me to be an apostle, and he gave me the promised life that Jesus Christ makes possible.

2 Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace!

Do Not Be Ashamed of the Lord

3Night and day I mention you in my prayers. I am always grateful for you, as I pray to the God my ancestors and I have served with a clear conscience. 4I remember how you cried, and I want to see you, because this would make me truly happy. 5 I also remember the genuine faith of your mother Eunice. Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure you have it as well. 6So I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. 7God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.

8Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.

9God saved us and chose us

to be his holy people.

We did nothing

to deserve this,

but God planned it

because he is so kind.

Even before time began

God planned for Christ Jesus

to show kindness to us.

10Now Christ Jesus has come

to offer us God's gift

of undeserved grace.

Christ our Savior defeated death

and brought us

the good news.

It shines like a light

and offers life

that never ends.

11 My work is to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. 12This is why I am suffering now. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with. 13Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model. 14You have been trusted with a wonderful treasure. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us.

15You know that everyone in Asia has turned against me, especially Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16I pray that the Lord will be kind to the family of Onesiphorus. He often cheered me up and wasn't ashamed of me when I was put in jail. 17Then after he arrived in Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18I pray that the Lord Jesus will ask God to show mercy to Onesiphorus on the day of judgment. You know how much he helped me in Ephesus.