Sunday, August 26th - 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Good Sunday morning!

Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, praise the Lord!  Hallelujah!  This is my song this morning as I have listened to the rain fall ever so gently, as I watched the sun begin to rise, and as I prepare for the day ahead.  I will praise God for all His bountiful blessings upon us and for His grace!  We serve an almighty, awesome and powerful God!  Praise be to His name!

Lisa's tweet: LMRMinistries: 2 Timothy 4:9-22 ~ Even as Paul is dealing with bad stuff, he thinks fondly of Priscilla and Aquila.  Are you the kind of friend who lifts others up?

Paul was really having a hard time and gets really personal in this passage.  He asks for Timothy to come quickly as he needs a friend and co-worker to encourage him.  He wants Mark to come too, as both are helpful in his ministry.  In verse 13 we find Paul asking for Timothy to bring his coat and books (scrolls/parchments).  Doesn't that sound like us when we call or email a friend that we left something behind and can they please bring it to us.  He talks about being on guard of those that oppose the Message.  We need to listen to this warning as well!
Verse 17 is very important in that Paul explains how the Lord stood beside him and provided the strength he needed to preach the Word to all the Gentiles.  God was with him and delivered him from harm.  He goes on to say that the Lord will rescue him from every evil and take him safely Home to His Heavenly Kingdom!  All glory to God forever and ever!
Even in the midst of his troubles, he remembers his friends and sends them greetings.  Priscilla and Aquila are first on the list.

There are a lot of practical things we can take from this passage and begin to practice in our own lives.  Communication - talk with your co-workers, your friends and express your feelings to them and with them.  Teamwork - work together to accomplish the tasks at hand and to share the Good News!  Don't try to do it all yourself! Be an encouragement to each other!  Listen - hear the warnings of your mentors and coaches and close friends to be aware of those that oppose you.  Lean on each other and encourage one another.  Dependency - know that God will be with you all the way and that He will provide the strength you need for any situation.  He will rescue you and take you safely HOME to His Heavenly Kingdom where you will live eternally with Him.  Maranatha!!!

What is your answer to the question Lisa asks - Are you the kind of friend who lifts others up?  I hope after reading this passage and with the daily devotions provided here, that if you can't answer with a yes now, that you will soon be able to shout - YES!

Have a super Sunday and a great beginning to your week!