First Comes Love - Day 15
Day 15 - Friday, April 26
Read 2 Timothy 4
Highlight
In this final chapter of Paul’s letter we get a glimpse into the pain of relational desertion he has endured. Paul, like Jesus, in his final days is abandoned by many of those who followed and served with him. His loneliness is evident as he asks for Timothy to come and be with him. And yet, Paul is quick to note that he is not truly alone and has not lost sight of his purpose, even in a prison cell: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (v. 17). Whatever our relationship status may be, we can all identify with Paul because we’ve all lived through seasons of loneliness. We’ve felt abandoned, betrayed and unloved, sometimes by the people we trusted most. But this is the hope of every follower of Christ. In the pain of this life we are never really alone. And if we remain faithful as Paul did to the race set before us, at the end of this life we will cross the finish line and walk through the gates of heaven where all brokenness is restored and we can enjoy unhindered union with the Lord who rescued us and was faithful to us…always.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read 2 Timothy 4
Highlight
In this final chapter of Paul’s letter we get a glimpse into the pain of relational desertion he has endured. Paul, like Jesus, in his final days is abandoned by many of those who followed and served with him. His loneliness is evident as he asks for Timothy to come and be with him. And yet, Paul is quick to note that he is not truly alone and has not lost sight of his purpose, even in a prison cell: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (v. 17). Whatever our relationship status may be, we can all identify with Paul because we’ve all lived through seasons of loneliness. We’ve felt abandoned, betrayed and unloved, sometimes by the people we trusted most. But this is the hope of every follower of Christ. In the pain of this life we are never really alone. And if we remain faithful as Paul did to the race set before us, at the end of this life we will cross the finish line and walk through the gates of heaven where all brokenness is restored and we can enjoy unhindered union with the Lord who rescued us and was faithful to us…always.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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