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The Lord stood by me!

Scripture reading for September 22nd: 2nd Timothy 4, Psalm 40, Proverbs 4

2nd Timothy 4: 16-18 “At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Paul was writing what was to be his last letter to his son in the faith, Timothy. He was facing execution in prison in Rome. He told how at his trial, no one stood there with him. All others had deserted him and he felt alone. But he was not alone! The Lord stood with him and strengthened him once again in his loneliness and weakness to preach the Gospel. He declared the saving message of faith in Jesus to those who were present. He was rescued from the lion’s mouth. Paul knew that it was not flesh and blood that opposed him. Satan was the lion trying to devour him. Paul confessed his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ Who would rescue him from every evil deed and bring him safely into his eternal reward! Worship ended his letter! He was executed, but still speaks to us today through this ‘God-breathed’ Word!

Psalm 40:16-17 “But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my Help and my Deliverer; do not delay, O my God!”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing man of God, Paul the Apostle. Thank You for Your faithfulness to stand by him in a difficult time. Like Your Son, all his disciples deserted him. From the cross, He even felt like You had forsaken Him. But Your faithfulness and Christ’s resurrection testify of Your greatness and saving power! To God and Jesus Christ be all praise, honor and glory forever! Amen!

Proverbs 4:20-22 “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. for they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.”