READ 2 Timothy 4
Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word of God and offset the ministry of false
teachers.

INSIGHT
We think of Paul as being one of the great spiritual giants of the ages. Because of this,
most of us don’t expect to receive the same reward that he will. However, we need to
realize that the Lord does not reward talent or results - He rewards motive and
faithfulness. At the end of his life, Paul wrote: “There is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not
to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (v. 8). That means you and me!

PRAYER
How wonderful it is to know that God will reward our simple faith:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
And the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.  
Day after day they pour out speech;
Night after night they communicate knowledge.  
There is no speech; there are no words;
Their voice is not heard.
Their message has gone out to the whole earth,
And their words to the ends of the world.  
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun
(Psalm 19:1-4).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Deal with your servant based on your faithful love;  
Teach me your statutes (Psalm 119:124).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,  
My glory, and the one who lifts up my head.  
I cry aloud to the Lord,
And he answers me from his holy mountain
(Psalm 3:3-4).

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

• Purity in your thoughts
• Love for the unlovely
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
How happy is the one who does not
Walk in the advice of the wicked
Or stand in the pathway with sinners
Or sit in the company of mockers!  
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
And he meditates on it day and night.  
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams  
That bears its fruit in its season,  
And its leaf does not wither.  
Whatever he does prospers
(Psalm 1:1-3).