Tag: heavenly kingdom
The Lord stood by me!
Scripture reading for July 8th: Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2nd Timothy 4
Key Scriptures: 2nd Timothy 4:14-18 “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 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 warned Timothy by naming a man who had greatly opposed him. This was not for the purpose of revenge–God must be the only one to repay! Paul also mentioned being deserted by all his friends when he stood up in court to the charges against him. He was facing death and asked that this not be held against them by the Lord. God stood by Paul and strengthened Him. Paul was fully convinced (confident) God would rescue him and bring him safely into heaven.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to always leave all revenge to You. I believe You will always stand by me and strengthen me. You are my hope of safe entry into heaven.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Rescued and safe in the heavenly kingdom!
Scripture reading for October 7th: 2nd Timothy 4, Psalm 50, Proverbs 15
Key Scriptures: 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 knew his time on earth had come to an end. He lamented the desertion of all his friends at his trial but was encouraged by the Lord’s real presence to strengthen him and enable him to fully proclaim the Gospel of God’s grace. He prayed for his friends for their forgiveness. He also proclaimed his faith in God’s ability to rescue him now and eternally. This moved Paul to worship as he ended his letter to Timothy.
Faith Confession: I believe that God will stand by me even if all earthly friends may not be able to or willing. He will strengthen me to fully preach the Gospel, and will take me safely into His heavenly kingdom when my time on earth is up! I say along with Paul: “To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen!”
Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”