Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way 

Read 2 Timothy 1

Head

The Book of 2 Timothy is the Apostle Paul’s last written letter. He was in prison and knew his time on Earth would be coming to an end soon. Paul was specifically writing to express concern for the church and to encourage Timothy, who he considered to be like a son, to persevere in the faith and to continue proclaiming the Gospel. Paul is very passionate about spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He urges Timothy, and all of us who are reading, to remember the gifts God has given us and then use them to share God’s plan of salvation with others.

In verse 7 he tells us, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and self-control.” I have to remind myself of this verse often. I’ve been known to be a worrier and worrying tends to make me anxious and afraid. But God has already given you and me everything we need. He has given us a spirit of power and love and the self-control to squash the fear!

Heart

As is common for Paul, even though he is in prison, his letter is full of love - love for God, love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, love for Timothy and his family, and even love for the people who persecute believers of the Gospel. When we have God in our hearts, He can’t help but overflow! We tell others about Jesus with the things we don’t say or don’t do sometimes just as much as the things we say and do. It’s up to us to make sure we’re telling the Good News of Jesus!

Hands

Paul says in verse 3, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” Make a list of people who, as a family, you will intentionally remember night and day in your prayers. Check-in with one another to see how you’re doing. Or better yet, pray together for them both night and day.

Prayer: Father God, thank You! Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the gifts of power, love, and self-control You have given us. Help us to persevere in the faith and proclaim Your goodness in all we do. We love You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.