Sharing Hope

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WalterandDebbie

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Tuesday 11-23-21 Kislev 17, 5782 3rd. day of the weekly cycle, 63rd. Fall Day



Sharing Hope


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Read: 2 Timothy 3:10–17 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 20–21; James 5
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I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11


As Emma shared how God helped her embrace her identity as His beloved child, she weaved Scripture into our conversation. I could barely figure out where the high school student stopped speaking her words and began quoting the words of God. When I commended her for being like a walking Bible, her brow furrowed. She hadn’t been intentionally reciting Scripture verses.

Through daily reading of the Bible, the wisdom found in it had become a part of Emma’s everyday vocabulary. She rejoiced in God’s constant presence and enjoyed every opportunity He provided to share His truth with others. But Emma isn’t the first young person God has used to inspire others to prayerfully read, memorize, and apply Scripture.

When the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to step into leadership, he demonstrated confidence in this young man (1 Timothy 4:11–16). Paul acknowledged that Timothy was rooted in Scripture from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). Like Paul, Timothy faced doubters. Still, both men lived as if they believed all Scripture was “God-breathed.”

They recognized Scripture was “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (vv. 16–17).

When we hide God’s wisdom in our hearts, His truth and love can pour into our conversations naturally. We can be like walking Bibles sharing God’s eternal hope wherever we go.

How do you hide Scripture in your heart and mind? How has God’s wisdom helped you share His truth with others?

Father, saturate my heart with Your wisdom so I can share You with others naturally and courageously.

INSIGHT
Timothy was Paul’s “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). We first see him in Acts 16:1–3, where we learn his “mother [Eunice] was Jewish and a believer.” Later we read that his grandmother Lois was also a believer (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy lived in Lystra, and the believers there and in Iconium (about twenty miles north) spoke well of him (Acts 16:2).

And so when Paul visited there during his second missionary journey, he took Timothy with him. But first, Paul circumcised him because of the local Jews who knew his father was a Greek or gentile (v. 3). Paul didn’t want to hinder the spread of the gospel to the Jews. Timothy became a loved companion and vital member of Paul’s missionary team and is mentioned throughout Paul’s letters. Today’s passage (2 Timothy 3:10–17), includes some of Paul’s final words to Timothy.

By Xochitl Dixon|November 23rd, 2021

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LOL, Walter and Debbie
 

Mama Etna

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Nice to have this posted on the board. I read this devotional yesterday and read the scriptures at the bottom- Ezekiel 20-21 and James 5. It is read through the bible in a year.