The Unfaithful (2 Tim. 1:15)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-22-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  The unfaithful

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:15

 

            Message of the verse:  “15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.”  Paul has been writing to Timothy about being loyal to the faith in these last few verses, and now he writes of those who have not been loyal to him and thus to the faith.  He says that all who were in the Roman providence of Asia turned away from him.  This does not mean the entire Asia Minor but only this one providence.  He then mentions two men in particular; Phygelus and Hermogenes.  They are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible and some have thought they were once deacons in the church at Ephesus. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I do not want to be mentioned like these two men have been mentioned.  I do not need to worry about persecution, although I may have to face it in a bad kind of way someday.  I will get that “ticket” when I get on that train.

 

The Word of God has brought teaching, but sadness to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To turn the computer off when I get done with my devotions.

 

Memory verses for the week:  1Timothy 6:6-9

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

Pass on the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 1:13-14)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-20—02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Pass on the Word of Truth

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  2Timothy 1:13-14

 

            Message of the verse:  “13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”  “13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”  “14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”“14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

            These two verses are from both the NAS95, & NIV.  Paul tells Timothy to hold fast or retain the standard of sound words.  Paul is speaking of the Truth that Paul has already passed on to Timothy, which was passed to Paul from God.  These are the New Testament doctrines of the Christian faith.  Timothy was not just to pass these on to new believers, but he was to pass them on in faith and love.  “Faith is confidence that God’s Word is true and love is kindness and compassion in teaching the truth.  (Eph. 4:15)  “15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”  People will not be so apt to listen to the truth if it is not presented in love, and thru it will do them no good even through they hear the truth. 

            The NIV says that Timothy was to “guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit.”  Timothy was to guard the truth with the aid of the Holy Spirit, so he could pass it on to those who were worthy of hearing it.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I think that the Lord is teaching me to guard the truths that He has given me to guard, and not talk to just anyone about them. 

The Word of God has brought conviction to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to trust in the Lord to lead me to whom I am to speak to about the good news of the gospel.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20-21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign in righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, we shall be content.

 

 

 

 

           

 

Paul's Sufferings Not in Vain (2 Tim. 1:11-12)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-19-02

 

My Worship Time                                          Focus:  Paul’s Sufferings Not in Vain

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  2Timothy 1:11-12

 

            Message of the verse:  “11  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.12  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

In this verse Paul shows a lot of confidence, however the confidence is not in himself but in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he serves, and even suffers for.  “Paul had deposited his soul in the care and keeping of the Savior, and Paul was sure that Jesus Christ would faithfully guard that deposit.” 

Paul gives his identity in verse eleven and for this reason he has also suffered for the cause of Jesus Christ.  He was not ashamed of suffering because he knew that his suffering would not be in vain, for he suffered for the One who suffered for him.  Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ as well as anyone on earth has ever known Him who is in a human body.  “  Philippians 3:10  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” Yes Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ and for this very reason he had such a great confidence in Him and could write about it when he was so close to his death.  Paul says he trust Him “until that day.”  The day that he is referring to is the Bema seat of Christ, where all believers will be judged on how they have fulfilled their ministry that has been entrusted to them by the Lord.

            Spiritual meaning for my life:  Paul spoke and wrote like a man who had a great confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He knew who was leading his life and who was in control of every detail of his life.  I know that I do not have this same confidence in the Lord, but I would like to have much more that I do have.  I know the way to know Him better is to continue to read and study His Book, and to memorize and meditate on His Word. 

The Word of God was very inspiring to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20, 21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, we shall be content.

 

 

"Death Where is Thy Sting?" (2 Tim. 1:10-11)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-17-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  “Death where is thy sting”

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:10-11

 

            Message of the verse:  “10  But now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,11  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.”  What was hidden in eternity past is now revealed in the New Testament, through Jesus Christ and his apostles.  One of these things that has been revealed is that Jesus Christ has defeated death, He has not taken away death, but has taken the sting out of death for the believer.  He has rendered death inoperative.  Death is no longer a threat or an enemy to the Christian.  Paul says that Jesus Christ has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  The word for immorality can also be translated incorruptible and as Dr. Wiersbe says it is speaking of our bodies, as our new bodies will be just that.  Paul goes on in verse eleven to write that he has been appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  “55  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"56  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

57  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”  Dr. Wiersbe referred to this word “sting” while he was commenting on this passage in 2Timtothy 10.  I do not think that I have ever thought of death as powerless to the believer, or even a friend to the believer like I do now.  Jesus Christ has taken the sting out of death as it says in the passage above.  I am thankful for the insight that the Holy Spirit has given me on this subject from His Word.

The Word of God was indeed insightful to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I think that I have already taken one by staying home this morning and getting my devotions done.  I need to take the step of faith each day that the Lord will take care of me in every way including my IBS problem.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timtohy 6:6-8

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Salvation According to His Purpose (2 Tim. 1:9)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-16-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Salvation According to His Purpose

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:9

 

            Message of the verse:  “9  Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”  What a wonderful verse this is, as it is packed full of brilliant truths.  All believers are called with a “holy calling.”  The calling that Paul is speaking of here is God’s “effectual call of the elect to salvation.”  This is not a general call to sinners.  Paul goes on to say that this is not according to our works, but according to His own propose and grace.  The work of salvation and the calling of sinners to this salvation is all done by God, and is of God’s grace, not any work that a person can do.  (See Eph. 2:8,9.) “ Grace is also the basis for God’s sustaining work in believers.”  (See Phil. 1:6, & Jude 24,25.)  Paul says all of this was possible because we are in Christ Jesus.  He is the one who mad salvation possible for us by His work on the cross.  Paul says that all of this was done “according to His purpose.”  God dose all things according to His purpose, and I am thankful that He has included me in salvation, for that too was of the purpose of God.  Sanctification in my life is also done according to the purpose of God.  Paul ends the verse by saying all of this was settled in eternity past, “before time began.”  (See John 17:24.)

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  As I think of the phrase in this verse, “according to His purpose,” I cannot help but think that my life and the things that have happened, and will happen, happen because it is for the purpose of God.  I know that I am only one believer and that there is a big world out their and that it too has all things done to it by for the purpose of God.  Now I know that faith has a major part in this process as far as me accepting this truth, for I would not choose some of the thing that have happened to me to happen, however as I look at it through the eyes of faith I can say that they were done according to the purpose of God.  I can also be assured that the purposes of God are for my ultimate good. I know it doe not always seem so, but God make NO mistakes, it is impossible for Him to do so.

The Word of God enlightened me today, and it fulfilled a need in my heart.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Even though I had a problem yesterday in controlling my bowels, I must determine that God has a purpose in all of this, and will work this out for my good.  (Romans 8:28.)

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

 

 

 

Do Not be Ashamed (2 Tim. 1:8)

Spiritual Diary for 7-15-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus: Do Not be Ashamed

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:8

 

            Message of the verse:  “8  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.”  Suffering is something that no one wants to go through, or looks forward too, yet there have been countless believers who have suffered many terrible thing for the Gospel.  What is it that makes them go through this suffering for Jesus Christ?  Paul says at the end of this verse that he wants Timothy to join him in suffering, “according to the power of God.”  I remember reading a book about Coorie Ten Boon and if I remember the story right she too was worried about not being able to hold up under suffering and her father told ask her something like “when do you need the ticket to ride on the train?  And she said that when she boarded the train she would need the ticked.”  God will give grace to those who are suffering when they need it and one must believe in faith that He will do that.    In the first part of the verse Paul tell Timothy not to be ashamed of the Lord or of him a prisoner because of the Lord.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  God gives me the grace that I need to do what He wants me to do each day, and like the manna that he gave the children of Israel in the wilderness it is always the right amount, and I can’t get the grace I need tomorrow today.

 

The Word of God has brought encouragement to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to have faith in the Lord that He will give me grace for each day that I live for that day and not worry about tomorrow, for like Jesus says it will not help to worry about tomorrow.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

 

Fan the Flame (2 Tim. 1:6)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-13-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Fan the flame

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:6

 

            Message of the verse:  “6 ¶ For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  Paul reminds Timothy when he had laid his hand on him, and at that time Timothy received the gifts from God he needed for his ministry.  Paul tells him to stir up or kindle afresh these gifts that God had given him.  This must mean that he was not using these gifts to their fullest.   These gifts were from the Holy Spirit and a person must use the gifts that He has given to a believer or he will loose this special ability. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I have written about this before, as far as the spiritual gift of gifts that the Holy Spirit has given me to serve in the Body of Christ, and has said that I do not really know exactly what my gift is and would like to realize what it is.  I certainly do not want to loose the use of it from not using it, and maybe I am using it but do not recognize it.  At any rate this does bring a bit of fear into my life.

 

The Word of God brought conviction and reality to my life today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I do not want to have a spirit of fear today as Sandy and I go to “Erie Islands” to fellowship with our Sunday school class.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timtohy 6:6-8

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

 

True Faith (2 Tim. 1:5)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-11-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  True faith

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:5

 

            Message of the verse:  “5  For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”  In the last part of verse five Paul speaks of joy he had in remembering Timothy, and that joy was because of the faith in Christ that Timothy had.  This faith in Christ first dwelt in his mother and grandmother.  They were both OT Jews who had studied the Word of God and they taught it to young Timothy.  When Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary journey, (Acts 13:13 -14:21,) they preached the good news to Timothy’s family and because of their understanding of the Scripture they believed on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I can see from this verse the importance of studying the Word of God and to teach it to those in my family, both my family and also my wife’s family.

 

The Word of God gave me encouragement today as I read it.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to be a help to my neighbors that live around me so that I can get to know them by showing the love of Jesus Christ that is in my heart.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Tearful Reunion (2 Tim. 1:3-4)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-10-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Tearful reunion

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:3, 4

 

            Message of the verse:  “3  I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,4  longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.”  I can see the genuine love that Paul has for those whom he writes his letters too, as seen in this letter.  Paul had some genuine emotions and it shows as I read this letter.  He was about to die and yet, just at the Lord Jesus Christ did before his death; he was concerned about those whom he loved, and also the ministry.  Paul says that he has a clear conscience just like his forefathers whom were believers.  He says that he continually prays for Timothy, and I am sure that his prayers for Timothy were about the things that he knew that were needed for him spiritually.  Paul says here as in other writings that he prays night and day, he always has an attitude or prayer.  Paul says that he wants to see Timothy, and this seems to me like something that Paul would want, knowing that he would soon face death.  Paul remembers Timothy’s tears, and this probably refers to their last separation from each other.  This time filled Paul with love and joy as he writes about that here.

Spiritual meaning for my life today: Paul knew Timothy very well and knew what his needs were both spiritually and also physically.  He therefore prayed for those needs in a very intelligent way as I too need to do for those whom I pray for, especially for my wife and family.

 

The Word of God brought conviction and instruction to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to trust the Lord to continue to show me how to pray for others and trust Him in my struggle with fear.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20, 21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.   

Paul's Greeting to Timothy (2 Tim. 1:1-2)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-09-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Paul’s greeting to Timothy

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 1:1,2

 

            Message of the verse:  “1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2  To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”  In some ways this greeting to Timothy is a standard greeting to one of Paul’s letters.  He identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.  God is the One and the only One who has called Paul to this special position.  There are none left today.  Paul goes on to say something that I do not remember him saying in a greeting before, and that is “according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus.”  The gospel, and those who accept it will have eternal life in Christ Jesus.  In verse two Paul calls Timothy his beloved son, and he is surely speaking of their spiritual relationship, and not their physical relationship.  Timothy is the one that will continue to pass on the truths of the gospel that Paul has taught him.  He will be the next in line, although he will never have the rank of being an apostle.  Paul adds to his greeting that of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ.  These are three substances that are surely needed to have a successful Christian life, and walk with the Lord.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Of all of the wisdom that Paul has poured out in these opening two verses that I would long to have in my life each and every day, grace, mercy , and peace from God the Father, & Jesus Christ my Lord would be the most attractive for to have incorporated in my life each and every day.

 

The Word of God was very instructive and informative to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To pray in faith that God would give me His grace, mercy, and peace today.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21, 1Tmothy 6:6,7 & 8

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Closing Thoughts (1 Tim. 6:20-21)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-06-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Closing thoughts

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  1Timothy 6:20,21

 

            Message of the verse:  “20  O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" --

21  which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.”  Paul tells Timothy two opposite things in this verse.  He say to guard the truth, and this truth that he is speaking about is the whole truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ that God has entrusted Paul with, and now he puts it in the hands of Timothy.  Timothy would pass it on and so on until it becomes the responsibility of the generation, which I am apart of.  I too am to pass it on, which I have done with my children. Paul also tells Timothy to stay away from false “knowledge,” which is given out by the false teachers.  It sounds good but a person can get hooked on it before he knows it and will be in trouble, as Paul writes about in verse twenty-one.  Paul says at the end of the letter, “Grace be with you.”  The ‘you’ is plural, and thus this letter was for all in Timothy’s congregation. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Guard the truth, and pass it on, and keep away from the lies that the false teachers are giving out are two good things for me to do each day, or at least when the opportunity takes place.

 

The Word of God was informative and instructive today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Remember to fight the good fight of not being fearful, and not being lustful.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6,7

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, ad it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Sharing (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-05-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Sharing

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Timothy 6:18,19

 

            Message of the verse:  “18  Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19  storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”  Paul continues to write on the responsibilities of the rich in these two verses.  Paul says that Timothy should instruct or teach them to do good, to be rich in not only material things, but also in good works.  To teach them to be generous and be ready to share with their material blessings that God has entrusted them with.  By doing this they will be storing up for themselves treasures in heaven, as Jesus spoke about.  By doing this they will be laying hold on eternal life.  Paul spoke about this in verse twelve of this chapter.  He was speaking to Timothy at that time, and Dr. Macarthur says about it, “to get a grip on the reality of the matters associated with eternal life, so that he would live and minister with a heavenly and eternal perspective.”

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I think that when I read things about money in the Scriptures that a lot of time it moves me to give to certain causes.  I must keep in mind that although this may be the right and proper thing to do, I need to pray over it and be sure that it is the Spirit of God moving me to do this, and not just me in my natural state of mind.  I need to have the mind of Christ when doing these things.

 

The Word of God was very enlightening to me today:    

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I need to trust the Lord in making financial decisions in my life.  I get too worked up over different things, and need to seek the Lord’s will for what He wants me to do.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6,7

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.

Jesus Returns at God's Appointed Time (1 Tim. 6:15)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FRO 7-02-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Jesus Returns at God's Appointed Time

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Timtohy 6:15

 

            Message of the verse:  “15  which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,”  Paul says that the Lord will return at the proper time, or the appointed time when God set this up in eternity past.  (Mark 13:32 & Acts 1:7)  Paul then goes into a description of the Lord Jesus Christ by saying that He is blessed and He is Sovereign, and He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  In the NKJ the word “Potentate” is used.  Dr. Macarthur says that this word is made up of a number of Greek words, and in this case means sovereign.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  As I look at the way that Paul at times just breaks out in praise to the Lord Jesus Christ as He writes about different things that pertain to Him.  It seems to me that he could not help himself but to write these things about the Lord whenever He was mentioning Him in his writings.  Paul had a great deal of love for the Lord and this is probably one of the reasons that he did this and I would pray that there would be times when I would do something similar too.

The Word of God was indeed refreshing to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I need to get back to the way of doing my devotions the way that I was doing them before, by writing my prayers out.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20,21 & 1Timothy 6:6,7

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.