“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Listen to this little word of advice, “Pay attention.”  Yes, you have those whom you trust, but there is only one truth and that is Jesus.  Do you hear your teachers teaching Jesus, or is it anything else?  This is important.  Jesus is the center of our faith because He is God and He has made Himself known.  Come through Him alone and be fed by those who teach the same.

Lord, there are lots of befuddled teachers out there who love you (I truly believe), but do not point to You always.  Let me not be amongst their ranks, but instead help me strive to always hold fast to Your Word of Truth.  You have given the Word of Truth; where else can I go?  Lead me, Lord, always and help me learn how to persevere.  Guide me, O Lord, to look to You and to no other for truth.

Lord Jesus, my Lord and God in the flesh, help me to see through all of the obfuscation in this world to hold fast to the truth You have given.  You are Truth and any truth that may be known comes from You.  Lead me in the way of truth so that I would now and always be guided by Your purpose, power, and presence.  Help me to see that in You is all hope and the only future worth living.  Amen.

“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.  Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:14-15).

What is it that the Lord has given you?  How has He equipped you to work in the body of Christ?  Where is the role He has given you to be lived out?  These are things we fit into naturally (or so we think), but the Lord was at work before the foundation of the world.  You already have what the Lord intends to be used in His kingdom and it needs to be unleashed.  You are you and not someone else.  Be whom the Lord is making you to be.

Lord, in this competitive world, I think I need to be like someone else, or else think that I do not have the right stuff.  Lead me to see that I have all that I need.  You have created me to be the unique person in the Body of Christ that I am becoming.  Guide me to continue along the path You have set and to ignore any constant temptations around me to do otherwise.

Lord Jesus, in You there is hope and a future.  You have come to set us free from sin and death in order to be lifted up with You and into You.  Continue to make clear the steps I need to take as You guide me along the path of salvation.  Lead me and help me through all the obstacles that will come my way this day, I pray.  I need the abundance of grace that You have given me to accomplish what You are doing in and through me.  Amen.

“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13).

The “I” here is Paul, but it could just as well be Jesus because this is a good thing for all of us to do at all times and in all places.  Personally too.  Read Scripture, be a diligent learner, and seek understanding.  These things are so simple and yet so many neglect them.  Do not be someone who neglects the spiritual food that you need.  Be guided by the truth of the Lord and grow into the life He offers.

Lord, You know where I have my weaknesses.  Guide me Lord in order that I may grow in the heavenly wisdom You grant through grace.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You is all hope and the eternal future You promise.  Help me to see these things and to value them.  Guide me in Your goodness Lord to pursue what is needed and to be willing to openly receive as You give.

Lord Jesus, You gave Your life so that all who believe might not be left living in the darkness of sinfulness.  Let me not stand on the brink but walk on in Your strength and to where You will lead me.  You know what I need.  Thank You for providing it this day.  In all that is good, help me learn and grow into the life You have set before me.  Take me where I need to go so that every day I would become more like You.  Amen. 

“Prescribe and teach these things.  Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:11-12).

No matter the time in history, arrogance is such that the older think the younger have nothing to contribute.  If the Lord is leading, it doesn’t matter if even a donkey does the speaking.  Do not let your assurance be of what people think, whether they be young or old, but look to the Lord, who is Lord of all.  Be guided by His purpose and power and let the words of your mouth be His words.

Lord, I do worry about what others think without looking to You.  Guide me, Lord, so that I am led by You in the way of everlasting life.  My hope is set upon You, so help me to hold fast to the truth You have revealed once for all in order that I may grow in the likeness of Christ.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to so express myself such that others know that I am Your follower.

Lord Jesus, You are the perfect example of how to conduct oneself.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of good conduct.  Teach me how to be an example by living out what is good, right and salutary.  Show me how to do this so that I do not have to stop to think about it, but just do it.  Lead me to see that in You I can do these things as You grow me into Your likeness.  Let me look to You and to those who believe for any affirmation You may deem appropriate.  Amen.