A PURE HEART
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
A modern day Roman soldier stands guard at the Palazzo del Quirinale – the President’s residence in Rome.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 Timothy 2:15, 22b
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Today’s reading continues the military manual for spiritual warfare. “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2:3). “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life” (2:4). Our weapon of choice is “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17b). “The Word of God is not chained” (2:9b). We are “not to strive about words to no profit.” Let us keep to God’s Word and not become caught up in conspiracy theories, etc. “Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2:23). Finally, God approves of those who “rightly divide the Word of Truth” (2:15b). In division in mathematics, there are several factors. Remember the divisor, etc.? Even so, comparing Scripture with Scripture will help us learn “TRUTH”…rightly divided.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray, as I often heard my Father pray as we would kneel after breakfast around the kitchen table, “Father God, may the smile of Your approval be on my life this new day.” In Jesus’ Name I ask this mercy, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My Dad in his prayer would often quote the couplet, “Heaven came down our souls to greet, and glory crowns the mercy seat.” God is seated in mercy toward all who have confessed their sin, repented with godly sorrow, and turned away from sin. What great assurance!!!
For some reason as I read today’s Scriptures, I thought of the time when Norma-Jean and I, along with our four children, were in a tough place financially. I was offered a job selling pots and pans from door to door in order to supplement our $25.00 per week salary from the church. The Scripture about not “entangling” myself came to mind. I determined to spend even more time visiting from door to door with the message of Jesus than I would have spent trying to sell pots and pans. The result was that more people began attending services and the offerings grew to more than I could have ever made in sales. When we brought in a new Pastor we were able to pay him $60.00 per week!
Yours for being “diligent” in the reading of God’s Word,
David
Palazzo del Quirinale – the President’s residence in Rome. Someone said, “Let us make Jesus, not just resident in our lives, but PRESIDENT, in charge of our lives.”
The words,’ Finally, God approves of those who “rightly divide the Word of Truth.”(2:15b) are so meaningful to me. Blessings Pastor David and fellow bloggers. Thank you Luisa for posting the song yesterday, “I Know Whom I Have Believed” and for your comment Eleanor and Irene.
Father God, please forgive us of all our sins and shortcomings. Help us to follow your plans for us. Please help us to say & do what is pleasing to You, & give us the grace to not be so caught up in our worldly affairs, but to be caught up by You in things that matter forever. In Jesus’s wonderful name, amen
Amen Rob!
Lord God help me to trust You with my whole heart and not to lean on my own understanding. In all my ways to acknowledge You and You will direct my path. This world is not my home…Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of my life.
Singing: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him you heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!!”, Amen! and Anen!!
oops should read and “Amen”
let us sing praises of thanksgiving to our Lord God Almighty! friends Les & wife have found a place to live! THANK YOU LORD, it is 1st floor but has an elevator!
Now Lord please bring wife a new wheel chair and a new van! Chair is being fixed, van is very old and broken down in many areas! This couple have a strong faith and they know Lord Jesus as their Saviour! Their positive attitude has been a role model for many! Thank you Lord we rejoice that they have a place to live! we offer prayers of thanksgiving dear Lord; we also come to You Lord God and ask that You would send rain to the fires in British Columbia!
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever AMEN
Amen , Sah !
Amen Sah…we sing praises to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness!!!
Agreeing in prayer with you!
For 30 yrs I have been on my own: Praise God my children have done well, have their own families and live out of province.
I am writing asking for prayer: Up until now I’ve been able to not trouble my sons when making decisions, trusting in the Lord’s guidance; and He has been faithful.
Recently, however, a difficult financial situation has developed, please pray that I have peace about the decision I make, and truly hear what the Holy Spirit is saying in this regard. I’m finding it hard to find peace of mind; to let go and let God.
Yes, Lord God, we do pray for and with Irene. You are always faithful, Father, and your kingdom is the one that is unshakeable forever. Please stir up Irene’s faith and fill her with your Holy Spirit. We ask You for wisdom for the decisions Irene is making. Be glorified in her life and in all her family. Thank You, Lord God. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Thank you Rob, I receive that prayer!
Irene I know it is hard, but just run it by your sons what you are thinking of doing. Listen to what they have to say and you will find out how easy it will become to let go and let God.
You are in my prayers.
Thank you Thelma!
and I also receive your prayer,, Thelma…thank you again!