“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

For those who have served in the military, there is no need for an explanation here.  You who have served, you know what this means.  Put it into action.  For those who have not, you are under new orders.  Your Lord, Jesus Christ, is now your commander.  There is no arguing allowed, only “Yes Sir.”  It is not like the civilian world where everyone argues.  Come then and learn what this means.

Lord, whether I have this worldly experience or not, it is still hard for me because I want to do things the way I want to do them.  Help me to learn that You alone must be in charge; I need to follow and You must lead.  This is good, right and salutary.  Help me see the good and give me strength to quell the rebellious voice in me that wants it another way.  You are the Lord and there is no other.  Lead me, Lord Jesus.

My Lord and Savior, You know all that is needed.  Guide me Lord in the way of life such that I may now and always be directed by You.  Keep me from those temptations that would lead me into any other way.  Help me see when I am tempted to disobey orders that I may be kept from it by You and learn from You obedience.  Guide me, Lord, so that it is You alone whom I follow.  Guide me now and forever in the way of obedience.  Amen.

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

We are not called to figure everything out or teach something that is new.  We are called in the grace of Christ to live into the reality of the grace which is ours through Christ.  Come then and live the call you have been given in your baptism and know that the grace of Christ is all that is needed to walk this life of faith you have been given.  Join the cloud of witnesses and live in faith.

Lord, I have often made life more difficult than it needs to be.  Guide me in the way of the Christ-life such that I might now and always live by Your provision.  Let me not listen to the world, but to Your Word which endures forever.  Guide me in the way of truth and help me to never err by chasing after the false things which tempt me that are of this world.  Strengthen me in Your grace and hold me close to the truth You have revealed.

Lord Jesus, You have the words of everlasting life.  Guide me in the way of truth so that I might now and for the rest of my life be guided by You and You alone.  Help me join my voice with those who have gone before and be a witness of the amazing grace which is mine through faith in You.  You have entrusted me with these things.  Help me to be faithful in living out the hope and promise You give me through grace.  Amen.

“[B]ut when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me – may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus” (1 Timothy 1:17-18).

There have always been the faithful who serve the Lord diligently.  Although not heralded in this world, the Lord will reward as He wills for faithfulness.  Live life such that you live out the Gospel seeking to be faithful in what the Lord commands you.  Be one who serves the Lord faithfully wherever He places you.  We are all called to learn how to live faithfully for the Lord.

The world tempts me to go in many directions.  You call me to follow You.  The world would have me be distracted.  You call me to be focused.  The world would have me chase fame.  You call me to be content in every circumstance.  Lead me, Lord, in the better and more faithful way of truth and life.  Guide me in Your goodness to see the better portion and act according to Your will.

Lord Jesus, You know the struggle of this world.  You know what it is to have people press You to get off track and not do the Father’s will.  Lead me through all of these distractions so that I may be guided by Your Spirit to do what is right and fitting in all circumstances.  Lead me so that it does not matter whether anyone sees what I am doing,.  Help me to desire to do what is right simply because it is right.  Amen.

“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.  May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

The idea that the fellowship of the church is always good is a fable.  The wicked one wants contention and will do all he can to stir the pot; but the Lord will use all circumstances to do what He wills for the sake of those who love Him.  Through all things and in all circumstances, keep your eyes upon the Lord.  Know that in Him is life and that in this world there will be trouble.

Lord, let me not be a troublemaker, nor listen to those who would hinder the way of the Gospel.  Guide me in Your goodness to look to You and live according to Your Word.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of true life and lead me in Your goodness to hold fast to the truth You have delivered once for all.  Through all that comes, help me see through the wiles of the wicked one and stand firm for all in the truth of the Gospel.

Lord Jesus, You have given me the words of truth and life.  In You is all hope.  Yet, there are those who, for their own reasons, fight against the church and bring disharmony.  Lead me, Lord, as one of Yours to hold fast and protect the fellowship by standing up to those who would harm Your little ones.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life and grow in me Your likeness.  Amen.

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).

We each have been given what we have in Christ.  Do you cherish the words of everlasting life?  Do you guard them as from the Lord Himself?  Why would you not want to guard a treasure when it is yours?  The thief will come along and steal it away, but do not let Him.  Cherish what the Lord has given You and He will grow in You a wellspring of life for yourself and those around you.

Lord, You know that sometimes I am so ambivalent about these things.  I go through the motions and sometimes do not care as I should.  Kindle in me the fire of Your love and lead me in the way of everlasting life such that I cherish every word You have spoken.  You have given me the gift of the Gospel, help me to live it such that I do not despise Your word, but cherish it.

Come, Lord Jesus, and lead me in the way of true life.  Help me to see through the wiles of the wicked one and not give up my inheritance for a bowl of pottage as Esau did.  Guide me this day, Lord, to hold fast to the truth You have revealed once for all.  In the faith You have given me, lead me according to Your word to be bold, humble, loving, and faithful.  I can do all things through You who strengthens me.  Amen.

“[F]or which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:11-12).

God appoints all people to the position to which He appoints them.  Make nothing of that; but know that it is God who is directing you and all who are willing to submit to Christ.  I too am convinced that nothing can get in the way of His providence, will, and way.  He who created you is more than able to guide you and guard you all the days of your life.  Continue to walk faithfully with Him.

Lord, You know that when suffering comes I want to flee.  You know that I am weak, but You are strong.  In Your strength, guide me this day to trust in Your provision and way.  Help me to see through the momentary afflictions of this age in order that I may learn how to be faithful.  Thank You, Lord, for suffering for us all so that we might stand firm through this age of suffering to join You in eternity.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly.  You promised that when we follow You, adversity would come and we would be blessed by that adversity.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life so that I will now and always walk humbly with You in the grace You give.  Let me never be ashamed of this Gospel You have revealed to me, but help me continue to be bold in faith.

“[God,] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)      

It is not because of our works.  It is because of God’s unmerited favor.  This simple truth does make all the difference.  But we are not to look at our transgressions and then think that we can do nothing.  God frees us from the rat-race of sin so that we can live life as He has always intended that it be lived.  Come then and live into the life God has given you in grace that you may now and always be free.

The Lord has come to you with the promise which gives hope so that you may live into the image for which you have been created.  What shall be has been revealed so that those who believe may know the purpose for which they have been created.  Come then and live into the life which is already yours through grace in the hope of Jesus Christ.  Be led by the Holy Spirit and not by the spirit of this age.

Lord Jesus, You have given the words of eternal life.  In You is all hope and an eternal future.  Come, Lord, and lead me so that, in You, I may be guided in the hope You have given me through grace.  Let Your grace so fill my heart that the spirit of this age would have no hold on me.  Guide me, Lord, in all goodness in order that I may live the Gospel throughout this life You have given me.  Amen. 

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8)

The wicked one loves to put us to shame.  Things are the way they are and you need never make excuses for your circumstances.  The Lord knows.  Live in the promise of the Lord and never be ashamed of the Gospel.  The Gospel may be foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God revealed through Christ our Savior.  Come then and live into the life which has been given you.

Thank You, Lord, for the provision You give.  Whether in a worldly prison or free to move about, I am Yours.  You have told us that living in You would bring persecution.  Help me see clearly when things come along to know that all things are in Your hands and that You will fulfill Your eternal purpose as promised.  Your power is what holds everything together.  Help me be transformed by You and live in Your power.

Power of God made visible, Jesus, my Savior, lead me this day no matter what may come my way.  Help me to see that in You alone there is all hope and an eternal future.  Lead me, O Lord, according to Your goodness and mercy so that I may walk humbly with You.  Guide me, Lord, to live into the life You give in the power which even holds all things together.  Let me be bold and unashamed of the truth of Your revelation.  Amen.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2Timothy 1:6-7).

When you find yourself losing control, feeling weak, and hating, you know that this comes from the wickedness of this age.  God’s power and love grant self-control which will overcome these things.  Do not fall into the trap of living the way the world does, but let your heart be transformed by being renewed by the Spirit of God.  Live in His power as He prepares you for eternity.

Lord, You know how often I follow the path of the world rather than live in the power You give me by grace.  Each time the struggle comes, help me learn to trust You a little more.  Guide me, Lord, in order that I may humbly walk in Your power and with Your purpose guiding me.  Lead me to know that in You there is hope and the eternal future which grace promises.  Fan the flame of this gift You have given me so that my heart may be on fire for You.

Lord Jesus, all power and authority belong to You.  Guide me this day, Lord, in the fire of Your love so that I may live in the self-control You give.  Help me to learn how to have Your way as my default reaction and I ask You to overcome the worldliness that is in me.  Jesus, You have provided all that is needed and You have given me what I need for today.  Lead me in Your provision so that I may grow to be more like You today.  Amen.

“As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:4-5).

We each have a lineage.  Some have been blessed with parents and grandparents who believe.  Although in this case, it may well be that Timothy had a father and grandfather who did not.  Whatever the case may be, our forebears are also used by the Lord so that we may be conformed to the image of Christ.  He will use all things to accomplish faith in us.  Give thanks and praise that the Lord is able to do this.

Lord, in the great mystery of this age, You are able to take all things and work them together for good for those who love You.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life so that I would hold fast to the gift of faith which You have given me.  Lead me to understand that in You is all hope and an eternal future.  Guide me always to give thanks for those who have helped to shape this faith which You have given me.

Lord Jesus, in You is all hope.  You have taken away the sin of the world and You have taught us to pray without ceasing.  You are the true God of all who believe.  Guide my prayers, thoughts, and deeds this day in order that I would now and always hold fast to Your goodness and mercy.  In You is all hope and the glorious future for all who believe.  Lead me, Lord, to be in You now and always.  Amen.