By: Ed Algreen

DATE POSTED: Saturday, July 22, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Orlando, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all devotionals that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE The Voice (VOICE) IS FOUND IN 2 Timothy 2:15

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: …. do everything you can to present yourself to God as a man who is fully genuine, a worker unashamed of your mission, a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: In a world filled with wickedness and evil, it doesn’t come natural for us to live a saintly life that might always be pleasing to God. Paul knew that his ambassador, Timothy, would face challenging times as he tried to fulfill his missionary efforts, so he offered words such as found in this Scripture today to coach him into practicing life each day in a way pleasing to God. But God did better than that, for He knew that His followers who would follow after Paul’s death would need these words of coaching and encouragement also. Let’s pursue this today!

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: First of all, let me say how badly I wish that we had more ‘Pauls’ in today’s churches. Imagine, Paul sitting in prison seeking every opportunity to share Christ with prison guards and prisoners alike, yet his mind is still wrapped around all that his co-laborers/trainees/fellow ministers might come across while continuing the work of Christ on their own. Doesn’t it seem like church leaders today are more after filling positions in their church, rather than equipping, praying for, and encouraging those who try to apply themselves in ministry under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit? God got my attention in this Scripture when one version of the Bible started this verse off by commanding that we work hard to present ourselves to God in a pleasing manner. Many evangelicals will quickly jump all over the words ‘work hard’ in any sentence that involves our relationship with God. And while I could understand and appreciate their efforts to never lose sight of the grace of God in saving us, yet I discovered more meaning into what Paul may have been saying to us. Generally, if a man is raise in a wealthy home, they have no issue in wanting to be wealthy themselves. In the world of Christianity, we leave the sacred and safe doors of our churches to enter a world where we rub shoulders with sinners, criminals and ungodly people with not desire for knowing Christ. I am convinced that what goes into our minds will saturate our hearts and it will impact what we say and do. This makes it tough to live like Jesus while living each day around such pressure where Satan tries desperately to attract our attention and drive us toward sinning. With this in mind, I believe Paul was coaching Timothy, and us, into being conscious of this evil pull by the enemy, so that we might work hard at being dependent on God every minute, of every hour, of every day, so that we might be unashamed of messing up, but determined to live a holy life that would be pleasing to God. But notice how Paul also emphasized like importance in passing along what we learn from God, His Word, and through His messengers. When at work, we are required to train our employees in the beliefs and principles of our employer, not our personal feelings that might seem easier for the employee. So it is in our Christian walk, we must learn to share what Jesus has taught and exampled before us. In doing this, we will stay true to the Word of God and stop pushing our own agenda and personal beliefs. So how do we do this? Well, let me encourage you to read the surrounding verses of this chapter, for Paul goes on to tell us how we are to stay away from gossip or just plain babbling that only tend to lead one into a more sinful life; arguing or bickering over useless things that only bring division; youthful desires and lust; conversations that lead to arguments or strong opposition; and instead strive to direct our passion to chasing after righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord with pure hearts. Friends, I’m sure that you have noticed how challenging it is to thrive in the world of those prone to negativity, destruction, revenge, etc. May our hearts be so filled with the love of Christ that others will know and feel the presence of Christ when we’re in their midst. Jesus is coming back soon to collect His church – the saved, the redeemed, those who strive daily to know Him better and live more like Him and are not fraid to teach and/or share His truth unashamedly with others. I pray that includes you, dear friend!

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: One of the things that people hate, is to encounter a hypercritical person. Let’s strive to know Jesus, learn and understand His Word, so that we might share truth with those we come into contact with. Knowing Christ and living like the devil is, unfortunately, bad for everyone.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Dear Lord, You are so merciful and filled with grace! Who am I that a King would die and live for? Praise God, I am blessed with the promise of eternity in heaven with You and the Father? Thank You Lord for using Your servant Paul to coach and encourage Timothy, and those of us determined to live like You, and present a true witness of You to others that we come into contact with. Lord, I ask that You please lead many of the millions that will go online today, to this devotional and that my words are clear enough that they would be encouraged to live out the truths of Your Word as explained, or desired by You. Others, such as a pastor or Bible teacher, can’t create relationship with You, for us; we must determine in our own heart to know You better every day and fill our hearts with so much of Your teachings, that others will see Jesus and believe in the sacrifice You made for us on Calvary. Lord, I believe. Help my areas of doubt and unbelief so that I might become stronger in the faith and better able to share that with someone who needs you today. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home near by your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

You can get more from Ed Algreen here.