Word for the day by Christian Education Foy

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Endure  Hardship as  Christ’s  servant 

Bible Reading:    2 Timothy 2:1-13 
 
Key verse:     Vs 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may too obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus 

DEVOTION

Today’s devotion comes as Paul’s final letter to Timothy his son in faith where he summarizes the es depend on how one can entail elements for a faithful Christian ministry based on the good news of Jesus. First and foremost, Paul tells Timothy to find his strength in the grace of God. Christian relationship with God begins with grace and not with any sort of works. God freely gives salvation, forgiveness and indwelling of the holy spirit to everyone who believes in God. Paul is encouraging Timothy to find strength to weather the life’s storms by clinging to faith. 
Secondly a faithful ministry is built upon the inspired word of God, Timothy needs to hold fast the essential truths revealed in the scripture Deviating from this truth will make him unworthy to stand before God as a worker who does not need be ashamed. The secret to build a ministry that honors God for decades to come depends on how one keeps the God’s word at the center and how one attribute all glory and praise to God. 
Thirdly Paul emphasizes the importance of one’s character in building a ministry. It is not enough that one knows the word of God and teaches the word, but he/she shall be able to live in the word. Like Timothy we may have to flee from all youthful lust and pointless arguments and concentrate on pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace. 
Finally, a faithful ministry requires endurance amid suffering. We must be ready to accept suffering and trials as a part of  a faithful life, we may open our eyes to look beyond the pain and see the reward that our Lord has in store for those who endure persecution and come out victorious in the race. May God almighty give us strength to endure struggles and trials in our faith journey.
                                                     

PRAYER
 
Dear Lord, give us the strength to endure pain and perseverance to follow you at any cost. Teach us to trust in you always in all our circumstances how good or bad they are.  Lord increase our faith day by day so that we shall be strong warriors for the cross. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

To bear fruit in god’s strength we need to pull out any weeds of doubt or worry. ord.

Dr Thomas K Jose 
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island.

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