Psalms 119:97-104; II Timothy 3:14-17 In both of these passages the importance of scripture is noted. The Old Testament law and precepts are told about in Psalm 119. The Psalmist here tells of his love of the law and how he meditates on it throughout the day. He tells how God’s commandments have made him wise, these decrees being his meditation. Not only does he study and reflect on the law – he applies it to his life –he acts on it. To keep God’s word, he holds back his feet from evil ways. The Psalmist rejoices in this understanding he receives which causes him to hate the false ways of the world. II Timothy talks about the Old Testament scriptures along with the Gospels. He talks about the sacred writings that have been known since one’s childhood. These scriptures instruct one for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. This is where Paul declares that all scripture is inspired by God. Due to this it is a useful teaching tool bringing reproof for those who need it and co...

  Psalms 66:1-12; II Timothy 2:8-15   Psalms 66 is a song of praise, asking one to see what the Lord has done. It tells about God’s parting of the Red Sea helping the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. During the trip God kept them alive, providing food and shoes that never wore out. These shoes helped their feet not to slip over the rough terrain they encountered. However, it wasn’t a pleasure trip to the Promised Land. They were tested like silver, brought into nets, burdens like the pyramids they were forced to build, the bricks on their backs and letting people, cruel masters ride or rule over their heads. Though they went through fire – like refining silver and through water – the Red Sea crossing, yet they endured. God has brought them to a spacious place – the Promised Land, broad and secure. The Promised Land can be used as a metaphor for salvation. Paul in Timothy is suffering hardship. He is enduring being chained as a criminal – yet he proclaims that the...

  I Timothy 6: 6-19, Psalm 91: 1-6, 14-16 Paul talks to Timothy about where real contentment lies, being content with food and clothing. He talks about the trap of wanting to be rich in material things and how the love of money is the root of all evil. For some what they have is never enough and they spend their time acquiring more and more to the neglect of family and relationships and their most important relationship with the Lord and not doing good works. So, Paul tells them to shun this love of money. What is it we are to pursue then? We are to seek righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness. We are to fight the good fight of faith. This is faith in eternal life, in God who gives life to all things. We are not to set our hope on riches which are uncertain – just take a look at the stock market. People who have claimed great gains now have great losses. But we need to put our hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. We should no...

  II Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17: 1-6   In II Timothy Paul talks about Timothy’s faith, one handed down to him from his mother and grandmother. I love Paul’s mention of the women in Timothy’s life who taught and nurtured his faith. Paul tells him to rekindle this gift – this gift of faith. The definition of rekindle is to revive – cause to be active again. He is encouraging Timothy to have an active faith reminding him that God didn’t give him a spirit of cowardice but of power, love, and self-discipline. Many cults were appearing at this time influencing those around Timothy, but Paul shares his confidence in the grace of God. Do not be ashamed of it – Paul states twice. First, he talks about being ashamed of his testimony. Second of Paul being in prison, which Paul himself says he is not ashamed. Why isn’t he ashamed? He knows whom he’s put his trust and has the confidence that God is able to guard what he has entrusted to God. He calls this grace – the good treasure entru...