DAILY BRE AD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: 2 Timothy 1 (Focus vs. 1-3 & 6-10
MEMORY VERSE
“[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life . . . because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9
BACKGROUND
In a letter dated September 13, 1943—five months after his imprisonment for opposing the Nazi regime—Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote his parents. He asked for books and paper.
He thanked them for the ways they’d helped him, and said, “It’s a strange feeling to be so completely dependent on other people; but at least it teaches one to be grateful, and I hope I shall never forget that.
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
In 2 Timothy, writing while “being chained like a criminal” (2:9), the apostle Paul too expressed his deep gratitude to those who’d loved and cared for him (1:3-4, 16). He asked for Timothy to bring his “scrolls, especially the parchments” (4:13).
And he lifted up the greatest gift God has given — “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we’ve done but because of his own purpose and grace” (1:9). The grace revealed through Christ—who “destroyed death” and “brought life and immortality to light” (v. 10)—brought Paul peace and purpose even in his suffering.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was never freed from Nazi imprisonment. He was executed on April 9, 1945. It’s believed Paul was executed not long after writing 2 Timothy. Yet both could testify to the goodness of a God who always gives immeasurably more than we could ever give in return.
Monica La-Rose
INSIGHT
Paul’s invitation to Timothy to “join with [him] in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8) is one that most would rather take a pass on. When we experience suffering and discomfort because of our faith in Jesus, we often resist it rather than welcome it.
The consolation and hope that strengthens us, however, is found in the words in the remainder of the verse: “by the power of God.” Believers in Christ have resources that more than match the challenges they encounter.
Those assets include God’s “power” (v. 7)—His might and strength. Furthermore, God’s Spirit resides in us: “Guard the good deposit . . . with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (v. 14; see v. 7).
Finally, in our suffering, God’s grace strengthens us: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1).
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
In what ways have you experienced others’ care? How has gratitude changed you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“(Believers, in spite of their circumstances, can) testify to the goodness of a God who always gives immeasurably more than we could ever give in return.” Monica La Rose – Adapted
PR’s TAKE
“…In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer.”
The most miserable people on earth are ungrateful people especially to God. Adapted – Dr. Gus Roman
PRAYER
“Gracious God, thank You for all You are.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
MY TRIBUTE Andrae Crouch
How can I say thanks
For all the things You’ve done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love to me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am
And ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee
To God…
Be the glory
To God…
Be the glory
To God…
Be the glory
For the things He has done
With His Blood
(We’re saved) He has saved me
(And with His Power) with His power
(He reached out and raised me) He has raised me
(Oh to God) to God
(Be the glory) be the glory
For the things He has done
Just let me live my life
And let it (be) pleasing, Lord to Thee
And should I gain any praise
Let it go to Calvary
Calvary
With His Blood
(He has saved me) He has saved me
(And with His Power) with His power
(He has raised me) He has raised me
To God
(Be the glory) glory
For the things He has done
