A Daily Devotion for Monday, January 5
- ontrakk
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
2 Timothy 4:5-8
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Today’s readings are about perseverance and faith. When life becomes difficult, do we take time off from our faith in order to rest? Do we set God aside until we feel better? Paul was extraordinary in his faith. I don’t believe we are meant to compare ourselves to Paul. But his life is a wonderful example for us. Paul was called by Jesus to follow Him, and he never wavered. He was persecuted, jailed, and finally killed due to his faith. Certainly I can withstand some discomfort to live out my faith. What kind of an example am I setting for others who observe my walk as a follower of Christ?
Holy Lord, I am so thankful that you are with me today and every day. Help me to set a good example for others who might wonder about becoming a follower of Jesus. Grant me courage and perseverance, and help me to stay in the race. I love you, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
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2 Timothy 4:5-8/James 1:12
Although I am certainly not under the same persecution that the apostles went through, I think Paul sets the example and his charge to Timothy should mean something to all believers. I think of the people in my life who have influenced me and are now in heaven,
they “have fought the good, finished the race, and kept the faith”, not exactly as Paul did but certainly they made a difference on this earth. I pray that in some small way I can make a difference for someone in their spiritual journey inspired by Paul’s walk and his charge to Timothy.
Heavenly Father, please help me and guide me to be an influence in others’ lives,…
2 Timothy 4:5-9. James 1:12.
From the Message, James 1:12. Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such a persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
I remember a story my daughter told me when she was just starting AA. She had had a hard day at work and needed a drink. On her way home there was a liquor store. She couldn't wait to get there , but when she did it was closed. Mad, she continued home to where she knew she could find something she had hidden. But she discovered her husband had found all she had hidden and dispos…
Monday, January 5th, 2025
Finish well
(Focus: those who encourage and support me
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
As we struggle through hardships, it is difficult but if we remember that blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. God is working in us, improving strength, character, endurance, and divine graces as He leads us toward the ultimate blessing of the crown of life in our eternal home with Him. we should,never let difficult circumstances pull us away from God. We will also learn that trials reveal genuine faith, and God knows…
2 Timothy 4:5-8/James 1:12
I am having lunch today with a friend of many years who is now in failing health. He was raised in a hard-scrabble Boston Italian neighborhood. He was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition but over the years became a devoted evangelical Christian. Like all of us, his life has been a series of highs and lows. His often repeated mantra recently has been to “finish strong.” He has slowed down dramatically in recent months, but his primary focus on living for Jesus has not wavered. I hope my visit with him today will encourage us both to do our best to advance the kingdom.
Prayer - Loving God, please be with John and with me…