Today we read: Amos 1-3, Psalm 80, 2 Timothy 4
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:5 - But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Observation: Paul was encouraging Timothy to keep doing the things he was called to do, namely to keep speaking the truth regardless of what others were doing (see also verse 4).
Application: I need to stay in the Word, listen for God's voice, pray continually, and keep in fellowship with other Christians whose doctrine is sound. I think that this is what Paul meant by "keeping your head". I can endure hardship by focusing on Jesus and all He has done for me and all who would believe in Him and choose to follow Him; His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul also urges Timothy to do the "work of an evangelist". All Christians are called to be evangelists: "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20). I need to be conscious of opportunities to tell others about Jesus and make disciples, starting with my own family. Lastly, Paul urges Timothy to "discharge all the duties of your ministry". I need to focus on joyfully serving those I am called to serve, starting with my own family.
Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for your great love and for showing me how amazing your grace truly is. Please help me to keep my head, listen for your voice, and do the things you are calling me to do, for your yoke is easy and your burden is light. I give you my family, my church, my agenda, and my life. Have your way in and through us today.
