READ 1 Timothy 6
The quest for godliness motivates us to “fight the good fight” of faith while we live on earth.

INSIGHT
If any of us could have three wishes, most of us would include wealth as one of those wishes. Everything else being equal, we would rather be rich than poor. Yet that very desire is a snare - so much so that Paul urges Timothy to flee the love of money and “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (v. 11). And he adds: “I urge you...that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing” (vv. 13-14). If we have wealth, we are to use it compassionately. If we do not have wealth, we are to be content.

PRAYER
Praise the Lord for being free to worship Him with words and with our lives:
Lord, our Lord,
How magnificent is your name throughout the earth!  
You have covered the heavens with your majesty
When I observe your heavens,
The work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars,
Which you set in place,  
What is a human being that you remember him,
A son of man that you look after him?
Lord, our Lord,
How magnificent is your name throughout the earth!
(Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
“Come, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;  
Though they are crimson red,
They will be like wool (Isaiah 1:18).

Confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will keep the mind that is dependent on you
In perfect peace, for it is trusting in you
(Isaiah 26:3).

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

• The renewing of your mind
• Needs of your extended family
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
All the days of my life,  
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
As long as I live (Psalm 23:6).