Learn the Message of the Cross Daily Devotions

FRIDAY, 27 JANUARY 2023

TEXT: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

1. Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ,

2. to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,

4. and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

5. I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.

6. That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire-the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

7. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

(Amplified Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: THE BLESSING OF A GODLY LEGACY

Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy. Again, he prayed for the three desperate needs of every believer and the entire people of the world today: the grace, mercy and peace of God.

But these are the exclusive privileges of believers in Christ Jesus. He began by thanking God for the godly heritage from forefathers and that of Timothy passed to him right from his grandmother, Lois, through his mother, Eunice.

Both of them had godly heritages for which they were thankful to God. Gifts of the Holy Spirit can be conferred by God through many means as the Lord pleases – including the laying on of hands during ordination, as it happened to Timothy.

We have a duty to fan the gifts into flames by prayers, faith and action. The gifts should not be displayed publicly for fame but should be bold witnesses for the Lord Jesus.

QUESTION: Do you have a godly legacy for which you are grateful?

PRAYER: I thank You, oh God, for the godly legacy I inherited through Your overflowing grace, in Jesus name, Amen.