The Faithful (2 Tim. 1:16-18)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-23-02

 

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  The faithful

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  2Timothy 1:16-18

 

            Message of the verse:  “16  The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;17  but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me--18  the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day--and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.” 

            Paul now gives Timothy an example of faithfulness and courage from this man Onesiphorus, who Timothy knew for he was from Ephesus.  He had visited Paul while he was in prison in Rome at great trouble and risk to himself.  He wanted to serve Paul and was not ashamed of his chains.  Paul asks the Lord to have mercy on his household for the good deeds that he has done for Paul and how he refreshed him while in prison.  Paul was all alone in his dark prison cell when Onesiphorus sought him out, so it is not hard to see how refreshing his visit was to Paul.  Paul prays that on “that day” the Lord would grant mercy to Onesiphorus for his good deeds.  Paul is speaking of the Bema seat judgments or the judgment seat of Christ, which is described in 1Cor. 3:13, 2Cor 5:10, & 1Peter 1:5.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  The acts that Onesiphorus did for Paul took much courage on his part, and it also took the leading and the listening of the Holy Spirit as he spoke to his heart.  There was great danger for him to visit Paul, for he to was a believer in Jesus Christ, the very thing that Paul would loose his life for.  I need also to listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to me and pray that he will give me the courage that he gave Onesiphorus on the day I need it.

 

The Word of God was refreshing and encouraging to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want to have prayer with my wife about seeking the Lord’s will about the mobile home we are looking to buy.

 

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 will take 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.