Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

January 1
Thursday


BETTER OR
WORSE?

READ:
2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-17
______________________________________________________________________________________________
You must continue in the things which you
have learned and been
assured of.
__2Timothy 3:14
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At the beginning of each new year, experts give their predictions about the economy, politics weather, and a host of other topics. Will there be war or peace? Poverty or prosperity? Progress or stagnation? People everywhere are hoping that this year will be better than last, but no one knows what will happen.

There is, however, something we can be certain about. A guest speaker at my church suggested that when we ask if the world will get better or worse, the answer is "Yes, to both!"

Paul told Timothy, "In the last days perilous times will come;...evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. but you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them: (2 Tim. 3:1,13-14).

The inspired Word of God instructs, corrects, and encourages us as we follow God's path (vv.16-17). J. B. Phillips described the scriptures as our "comprehensive equipment" that prepares us fully for all branches of God's work.

As the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. Jesus is our joy and hope__today, tomorrow, and forever! __David McCasland

`````````````Heavenly Father, the trouble in this world can`````````````
```````````divert our eyes from You. Thank You for Your Word```````````
``````````that helps us stay focused. May we find our delight```````````
``````````````in Your love and share it with others today.``````````````
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The powers of evil around you are no match
for the power of Jesus within you.

*************************************Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-17**********************************

1 But know this, that in the
last days perilous times will
come: 2 For men will be
lovers of themselves, lovers
of money, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-
control, brutal, despisers of
good, 4 traitors, headstrong,
haughty, lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness
but denying its power. And
from such people turn
away!...

10 But you have carefully
followed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, love,
perseverance, 11 persecutions,
afflictions, which happened
to me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra__what persecutions
I endured. and out of them
all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yes, and all who desire to
live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution. 13 But evil
men and impostors will grow
worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived. 14 But
you must continue in the
things which you have
learned and been assured of,
knowing from whom you
have learned them, 15 and that
from childhood you have
known the Holy scriptures,
which are able to make you
wise for salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may
be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good
work.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
In 2 Timothy, Paul is mentoring Timothy who is serving with the
church at Ephesus. Having spent 3 years there himself, Paul was
familiar with the Ephesian church and this would have helped him
identify with the challenges that Timothy was facing.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!