So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . but join in the afflictions of the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. II Timothy 1:8-10 In this time of mounting persecution, Paul told Timothy to expect suffering for the gospel. And Timothy, like Paul, would be imprisoned for preaching the gospel (Hebrews 13:23). But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. Even when there is no persecution, it can be difficult to share our faith in Christ. Fortunately we, like Timothy, can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don't be ashamed to testify. In these verses, Paul also gives a brief summary of the gospel. God loves us, called us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in Him, because He broke the power of death with His resurrection. We do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway. What we must do is believe in Him and simply accept His offer. God loves you. Period. There is nothing in this life that you can do to make God love you any more or any less than He already does. Now the question is: what are you going to do about it? God Bless you, J.H.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for Him, we should build our lives on His Word and build His Word into our lives - it alone tells us how to live for Him. Consistent and diligent study of God's word is vital; a person should not only study the Bible for what they can get out of it, but for what it can get out of them. Your purpose and destiny in Christ are tied to these pages. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." He directs you as you read His Word. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God . . . " Jesus' revelation of who God is, is found in the Bible and nowhere else. How do you propose to get to know Him better outside of the Word? How do you propose to get to know yourself better? It's simple: you can't. I pray that you find what you are looking for today. God Bless you, J.H.

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. II Timothy 1:13-14 Timothy was in a time of transition. He had been Paul's bright young helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not without help. He had everything he needed to face the future, if he would hold on tightly to the Lord's resources. When you are facing a difficult transition, it is good to follow Paul's advice to Timothy and look back at your experience. Who is the foundation of your faith? How can you build on that foundation? What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? Use the gifts you have already been given. You have been created with a purpose, and prepared for such a time as this. Now go. God Bless you, J.H.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and power of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done that, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13 As Christians, we battle against the rulers of darkness, which are fallen angels (see 1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of his armor. The apostle Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against " the powers of this dark world," fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. Stand firm, then. Whatever comes against you today. Stand. If you feel that you lack the strength, pray. Regardless of whether it feels as if God hears you, He does. And He is there helping you, right now. I pray right now for your strength in the Spirit. God Bless you, J.H.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 People are compared here to grass and flowers that wither away. We are mortal, but God's Word is eternal and unfailing. Public opinion changes and is unreliable, but God's Word is constant. Long after the Bible's critics are dead and buried, the Word of God will still be standing. "Thy word is truth." Only in God's eternal Word will we find lasting solutions to our problems and needs. I pray that you accepts God's Grace today and live a life of boldness, declaring God's truth in your life. God Bless you, J.H.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 The Word of the Lord was meant to be used by men in travel from earth to Heaven. Perhaps the reason we have run into so many dark and gloomy roads along the way is because we have not recognized it. I pray that you recognize it today. May the Lord bless you, J.H.