SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 11/18/2024 8:44 AM
My Worship Time
Focus: PT-1
“Appreciation”
Bible Reading & Meditation Reference:
2 Timothy 1:3a
Message of the verse: “I Thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did.”
In today’s SD I begin looking at a third principle
of godly and successful motivation which is appreciation. So I see that not only was Paul a blessing to
Timothy, but Timothy was a blessing to Paul as he writes “I Thank God for you,
so Paul is assuring him, saying in effect, “I am grateful for what God has done
for me through you.” Now remember Paul
was incarcerated in a dark, damp, dangerous, filthy, and stinking Roman prison,
yet he nevertheless was rejoicing that the Lord had given him the privilege of
knowing and also discipling Timothy.
Timothy was the second generation believer and the one who would be
taking the place of Paul, so it was important to Paul to make sure that he was
ready, for as mentioned Paul would soon be going to be with the Lord. Paul was not bitter or resentful. He had no anger or hatred for those who
placed him in prison or for the hardened and brutal criminals who were beside
him. Paul did not lament the unjust and
cruel execution that he knew soon awaited him.
Actually Paul’s thoughts were on his sovereign God and on memories of
his beloved son in the Spirit, which whom he had spent so many blessed hours in
mutual service of God and whom he likely would never see again in the flesh,
although I am not sure whether or not Timothy would have been able to see Paul
one more time before the Romans would kill him, that is kind of up in the air
as far as whether that happened or not.
Paul will ask him for “a coat” and like my former Pastor would wonder
whether or not he got it to him.
MacArthur writes “To be appreciated, encouraged, and told
that God has wonderful plans for them is a great motivation for young men and
women who serve the Lord, and Paul’s statement of appreciation for Timothy must
have given that young servant of the Lord great confidence. Timothy knew Paul’s words were not
empty. First of all, he knew that Paul’s
integrity would not allow him to flatter.
Timothy also was well aware that he and Paul had come to know each other
intimately in their many years together.
They had traveled together, eaten together, ministered together, and
doubtless suffered together for the sake of the gospel. At the time this letter was written, Paul
doubtless knew Timothy better than any other person.”
Due to an ongoing appointment I have to stop this SD.
11/18/2024 9:27 AM
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