Day 88

Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-2:26

Scripture:

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:24

Observation:

I this short reading there is such emphasis on how wasteful it is to spend precious time arguing, and how important it is to live for Christ.  There is much expectation of those that are “Good Soldiers of Christ” since we are consecrated in Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living.  How as a people can we set ourselves apart from the ways of the world if we continue engaging in the same behaviors and activities as everyone else?  Things that may be acceptable before man may not be acceptable before Christ which is why verse 4 states “Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” To know where we want to go in life and how we should carry ourselves I think the question we all need to ask ourselves is, ‘Who am I trying to please?”

Application:

Several years ago I decided that I would live for Christ, and looking at my life I know at times I get “tied up in the affairs of civilian life” like I’m sure many others do too.  I recognize the importance of seeking God daily and surrounding myself with “Good Soldiers of Christ” who will help me up when I stumble.  God never meant for us to do it on our own, He is with us every step of the way and I can be assured by this because in verse 13 it states, “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” What a comfort to know that my Heavenly Father will always be there no matter how many times I get off track with civilian life.

Prayer:

Thank you Father for your never-ending grace, thank you for your patience with me as I try to be a Good Soldier of Christ but struggle with civilian life.  God I pray that you continuously correct me and help me to be more like you.

Blessings Everyone,

Nina

Day 88

Scripture Reading: Revelation 14-16

SCRIPTURE - Revelation 16:15

¹⁵“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

OBSERVATION - Suddenly, unexpectedly, we are to observe and be aware and ready.  The return of the saviour is soon and we are to continually watch for him to surprise us at any time.  The passage tells us to be aware not to be caught naked and not ready for the return of our Lord. Being naked means there is shame attached to this moment in time and we must always be ready for the return of Christ.

APPLICATION - Always be ready, never go out in public without your clothes on.  Seems pretty obvious to me however, there have been times when I wasn’t prepared well in advance and it seemed as though I was naked and went through an embarrassing moment that could have been avoided if I were clothed properly. Ever been there? This is something that you want to make sure you avoid at all costs, make sure you are ‘naked ready’ which means always be on your guard for the return of the Lord.

PRAYER - God may I always be on my guard.  May I live like it’s possibly the last day of my life each day.  May I make decisions and may my actions bring you glory and honour in all that I do.  In Jesus name, Amen.