What Matters Most (The Book of 2 Timothy)Sample

REFLECT

Sleep would not come. As a young mother with 4 children tucked in for the night, and my husband headed to work nightshift, my eyes were closed but my thoughts gravitated towards potential problems. What if there is a fire? How will I get all my children out safely? What if my special needs daughter wakes up and I don’t hear her? She could tumble down the steps. Amid worrying, suddenly, words of peace entered my mind. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help comes from? My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth…. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand… The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life…” I had memorized Psalm 121 in the fourth grade; it was the first chapter of the Bible I had ever memorized. 23 years later, the Holy Spirit brought it to my mind at the exact moment when I needed it.

Paul’s epistle to Timothy encourages him to pursue the Scriptures, just as he has done since he was a small child. All Scripture is God-breathed; not “was,” but “is.” The Bible is living and active and Paul’s desire is for Timothy to know it as such.

PRAY

Father, help me know your Word so that your Spirit can recall it within me. Give me the ability to hide it in my heart and experience your living power through it. Amen.

CHAT

Have you memorized Bible passages that were later brought to your memory in a critical moment? What obstacles keep you from experiencing the living power of God’s Word?