February 9, 2023
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:8-14)
We must never be ashamed to tell people what Jesus means to us. If we are not going to speak up about Jesus, who will? The Lord chooses to use you and me. The Lord could have used the angles, but He doesn’t; he uses us. Think about it this way, every time you are quiet, you could be depriving somebody of hearing the Good News. The worst thing that can happen is they will mock or scorn you. I want to encourage you to become more outspoken about what you believe.
I remember starting a new Teen Street Hockey League several years back. As the Director of the Teen League, I also refereed all the games. As the season progressed, it became more and more competitive, and the kids wanted to win. That said, tempers heated up, and sportsmanship took the back burner; I began to lose control. I decided to have a Devotional time midway through the games. Let me tell you, after a couple of weeks of Devotional times, I saw such a difference in the mannerisms of the kids; attitudes were changing, and good sportsmanship was returning. Why? Because Jesus became the focal point of the Teen League.
Have you ever asked the people you work with to pray with you? You may well be surprised. Maybe you work in a factory; don’t assume there are no Christians. There are probably a whole group of Christians waiting for you to have the courage to invite them to a lunchtime prayer meeting. A challenging work environment can be changed by bringing Jesus into the midst of the situation. You may be facing challenges with people who work with you; invite Jesus to come in and be part of your daily routine. The Gospel can be the power of God that changes your workplace.
Friends, may we not be ashamed to stand up for the Gospel, even if it means we must bear the insults of people who do not believe. Paul encouraged Timothy to stand up for what he believed in no matter what he had to endure. People may never know if we do not share the Good News of the Gospel with them. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, like Paul, help me to stand up for what I believe in. Thank You that I do not believe in a list of rules and regulations, but I believe in Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, Your One and Only Son, the Savior of my soul. Amen.
Encouraging Words from Charles F. Stanley: The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into intense Spiritual growth.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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