Author: Pastor Dan Nickerson

Have you ever been ashamed of Jesus?  His gospel? Suffering in the name of Christ? This is what Timothy was facing in his life, while seeing the toll and cost that it takes to be a Christian in the midst of trials. Paul, being imprisoned and facing death for the preaching and teaching of the Gospel encourages Timothy (who was in some danger of shrinking back from his calling) not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Just what is involved in the testimony of our Lord that Timothy …

Remember from last week, at the time this epistle was written to Timothy to encourage him. Paul was in prison awaiting the sentence of death for preaching the gospel, so he writes to Timothy reminding Timothy that he was constantly in prayer for him. Where did the desire to see Timothy come from in Paul?

• Yes – it can be said it was because of his love for him – which is indicated in – (1 Timothy 1:2)
• Notice – as we read this passage – Paul’s love and longing was

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How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103)

This book seeks to help us to worship God. Of the sixty-six books in the Bible, the book of Psalms is given us especially for this purpose. The other books are historical, or doctrinal, or practical. But the Psalms take us into the inner sanctuary of God’s holy presence, to enjoy the blessedness of fellowship with Him. It is a book of devotions inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Would you each morning truly meet God truly …

As we continue through (2 Timothy) we come to the second point. That is, that Grace comes from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. So what is grace? Many people have different ways of defining such a word.

• It is the Greek word charis – contains the idea of kindness which is bestowed on one that he has not deserved it – unmerited favor (Romans 5:1-2) 

In the Scriptures – God’s grace is described as…..

1. All-abundant – (Romans 5:19-20)
2. Glorious – (Ephesians 1:6)

God does not owe us …

I thought today we could start an adventure through (2 Timothy) in our Daily Devotions. I hope it will be encouraging for each of you as we work our way through this great epistle. Ok let’s get started. In Paul’s opening words to Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy who his epistle is really from. Notice, just who Paul gives credit to, (1:2)….Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in these words where Timothy (and us) are reminded that we share in the same …

“OH, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

This Psalm is wholly devoted to the praise of God’s mercy. In each of the twenty-six verses of (Psalm 107), we have the expression: “His mercy endures forever.” The Psalmist was full of this glad thought. Our hearts too should be filled with the blessed assurance. The everlasting, unchangeable mercy of God is cause for unceasing praise and thanksgiving. Let us read what is said about God’s mercy in the well known Psalm, (Psalm …

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! No matter how bad things are around you, you can always rejoice in the Lord. Why? Because God is always good even when things seem bad. We can look beyond the temporary problems of life and focus on the Eternal God and His goodness. We can rejoice that God loves us and that we are redeemed by His blood. If you only rejoice when you feel good and circumstances warrant it, you may never rejoice much. But you will miss …

Is the cost of discipleship worth it? I believe so. Consider…….

1. Present blessings

• Jesus offers peace the world cannot give – to calm the troubled heart – (John 14:27)
• He offers to those who follow Him the abiding love of God – which casts out fear
• Read: (John 15:9) (1 John 4:18)

2.   Future blessings

• We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is to come – (Acts 17:31) (Romans 5:9)
• We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with God

• Now that we understand the nature of

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Continuing with the topic of Disciple making from last week, when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus Christ…….

1. Jesus must come first

• Made strikingly clear by Jesus Himself – (Luke 14:25-26)
• Before anyone else – (Matthew 10:34-37)
• Even before one’s own self – (Luke 9:23-25)
• They left their business and family – (Matthew 4:20-22)
• As Peter would say later – “we have left all and followed You” – (Matthew 19:27)
• Jesus requires the same for us today – (Matthew 6:33)

2. Willing to suffer for Christ

• Taking up our own

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June 9th, 2023

The marks of a disciple of Christ are seen in one who……

1. Abides in Jesus’ words

• Note what Jesus said to those who believed in Him – (John 8:31)
• This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of Christ
• It also requires one to be a “doer” of the Word – (Matthew 7:21-27) (James 1:21-25)

2. Loves the brethren

• Consider what Jesus said to His followers – (John 13:34-35)
• With a love patterned after the love of Jesus – “as I have loved you”
• With a love that is visible

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