Monday, 06 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

To Timothy my true son in the faith. To Timothy, my dear son.

These are the opening words of two letters sent to Timothy from an older Christian named Paul. Paul not only invested lots of time in Timothy to help him grow as a Christian, he also loved Timothy as a dad might feel towards a son. Is there an older Christian in your own life who could mentor you with a similar love that Paul showed to Timothy?

Tuesday, 07 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

Timothy had grown up in a home where he was introduced to God. It is easy to overlook how great a privilege this is even today as many grow up in families where they learn nothing about God’s love for them. Timothy, however, needed to make sure that he didn’t just rely on his family’s faith but that he knew God intimately for himself. How intimate is your own relationship with God?

Wednesday, 08 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

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. 2 Timothy 1:6

At some point, Paul and maybe others had prayed for Timothy, laid their hands upon him and identified gifts which God had given to him. Paul is now encouraging Timothy to make sure that he uses these gifts as he serves God. God gives gifts to every Christian. Do you know the gifts God has given you? Why don’t you ask some Christian friends about your gifts?

Thursday, 09 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Timothy was shy and lacking confidence; maybe you can relate to him? Paul reminds Timothy that his fear does not come from God. Power, love and self-discipline come from God, not fear or timidity. God’s gives us a spirit of power to give us courage; of love to drive out our fears and bring healing; and of self-discipline to listen to his voice rather than the voices of fear.

Friday, 10 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

Don’t be embarrassed to speak up for Jesus, our master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God… 2 Timothy 1:8-9

Sometimes we face situations where we are scared or embarrassed to say anything about Jesus. Paul encourages Timothy that the strength to speak up for Jesus comes from God. What’s more, Paul says, “the rest of us” know what it’s like, so even when it feels like it, you’re not really on your own.

Is there a situation this week where you need to ask God for courage to speak up?

Saturday, 11 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted… As for you continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… 2 Timothy 3:12 & 14

Paul tells Timothy to expect conflict; persecution was simply inevitable when the leader of the Roman Empire demanded allegiance as people's, “Lord and Saviour.” Living for Jesus is always going to cause us to clash with some aspect of our culture, so what does Paul say? He tells Timothy to “continue.” Just keep going in the way of Christ as this is the best way to live.

Sunday, 12 October 2008 00:00  |  Written by Jackie Ringan and posted in Timothy

But you, Timothy belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to make sure that he stayed away from anything that could damage his relationship with God. Not only this, Timothy was also told to actively choose a godly life. We all need to take responsibility for our own pursuit of God; after all, no-one else can do it for us!

Why not give yourself a spiritual check-up? What are you currently choosing to pursue?