Unashamed

2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭10          

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The many precious privileges we have in Christ and the supernatural power of the indwelling Holy Spirit should embolden, rather than deter, our Christian testimony, which is why Paul exhorted Timothy in this verse, "Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ and do not be ashamed of me because I am His prisoner in chains." Paul wanted to remind Timothy and us, that we should not be apathetic or diffident in our Christian faith. Under the authority of the Holy Spirit, we should be actively engaged in the work God has given us to do because we have received sufficient power to overcome all trials and tribulations. As His children, we are to be actively dependent on the Lord while being passively submissive to His will. We are to recognize that we were saved to participate in God's purposes and plans for the world and the redemption of mankind. We are to rejoice that we have a holy calling and have been saved for a purpose to share the testimony of Christ Who died and rose again for us. Paul’s words here remind Timothy and us of the weight and responsibility of the gospel, and his role in spreading that message. In short, Paul tells Timothy to not take the gospel for granted, and thereby make it ineffective. We would do well to continually remind ourselves of the same thing. The gospel is tremendously powerful, containing the essence of what Christ did on our own behalf. Because of that, we should never take it too lightly, and continually share this good news with those around us. May we never be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor shrink away from the blows and battering we receive for His name's sake. May we never forget that suffering is part of the course, and that there is laid-up for us a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, our righteous Judge, will give all who love Him and long for His return!!!

Father thank You for this day and we are so grateful for the Holy Scriptures, the truths they contain, the instructions we are given, the encouragement we receive, and the blessed hope we have in Christ. Lord pour out your abundant blessings from the storehouses of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord thank You for all You are teaching us through the epistles of Paul and the other apostles and prophetic writings. Lord we pray that we will never be ashamed of Your testimony and the glorious gospel of grace, for it is the power of God working unto salvation to everyone who believes. Lord we pray that we may be ready and willing to suffer for Your name's sake, and to consider that the difficulties and dangers of being a Christian, are worthy of the hope we have in You. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love to all today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!