- For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – This passage is pretty clear in itself. Times will come when people will rather listen to a pastor who says what they want him to say than what they need to hear. So let’s ask the question why is that? Because the truth is hard to hear sometimes. If you’ve been going a direction and you’re told that direction has been wrong, it’s tempting to just listen to someone who will tell you you’re actually going in the right direction. What’s the problem with that? You’re still going the wrong direction. Challenge yourself to not just turn away from teachers and pastors who say things that line up with scripture but contradict the way you live. Realize those are the leaders you need in your life; not just the ones that will speak pleasing things into your story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 481
- But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17 – Clearly Paul still had faithful brothers and sisters in his life at this time, for he was writing this letter to one such faithful brother. We see even in this passage that there were still other followers of Jesus who remained a support for Paul. Yet, Paul outlines by name different individuals who walked away from him and even walked away from following the Lord. It can be so disheartening to see people walk away from us and we can be left in such a place of isolation in the mission as a result. We can feel as if no one is there to walk with us and support us. Note though the reality for Paul. It seemed and felt like he was alone, but that was certainly not the case. First, the Lord stood by him and strengthened him in his work. Second, he had people like Timothy and Mark, and other disciples who were praying and supporting him, even if that support came from afar. If then your situation currently feels like that of Paul here, isolated from support, know that’s not your reality. You have the Lord standing by you being that firm foundation you need. You also have a sea of other believers in this world that are united in the same mission you’re called to that long to support you. Also be willing to see the support that is currently in your life, even if it is coming from unlikely places. Our enemy wants to convince us we are alone in this mission and fight, but we certainly are not alone. Know if you are reading this today and are feeling alone and in need of support, reach out or leave a note in the comments so the other believers that read this can be praying for you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2493
Daily DEVO 