READ 1 Timothy 4
The effective teaching of the truth in the Scriptures will benefit both the teacher and the
hearers.

INSIGHT
Anyone who has tasted the maturity given from the Lord to those who serve Him over time will testify that it did not come quickly or easily. Paul writes that we should exercise ourselves to godliness; that “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things” (v. 8). Like an athlete, a Christian should rejoice with a rigorous course of training—knowing that the more demanding the training, the greater will be the spiritual prowess at the end. The present discomfort is fitting him or her for a more victorious effort later. Present pain = later gain. This message is difficult to communicate and even more difficult to learn. But to this end we must labor (v. 10).

PRAYER
Because the Lord uses trials to make us spiritually strong, we can praise Him even when we are in the midst of trials:
I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock,
My fortress, and my deliverer,  
My God, my rock where I seek refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation,  
My stronghold. I called to the Lord,
Who is worthy of praise,  
And I was saved from my enemies.
The Lord lives — blessed be my rock!
The God of my salvation is exalted
(Psalm 18:1-3, 46).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud,  
And your sins like a mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you  
(Isaiah 44:22).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live (John 11:25).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater love for the lost
• Missionaries in Asia
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let's rejoice and be glad in it
(Psalm 118:24).