Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into peoples homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they wont get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Its always easier to drag someone down than to lift them up. Thats why friendships and relationships deeply influence uswe must choose wisely whom we allow into our inner circle. Those who are doing impactful work for Gods Kingdom often surround themselves with godly friends. As the saying goes, Show me your friends, and Ill show you your future. While Jesus loves everyone, and Christians can befriend many, we cant pull others up alone. Lifting someone up takes a teamif three people are pulling upward, the chances of lifting that friend increase significantly.

Paul reminds us that challenges will mark the last days, a time both he and we live in. He advised Timothy to steer clear of those who outwardly appear religious but lack true faith and godly character. Even today, people may use religion to project an image of godliness while living for themselves. While religious practices can bring structure, they can also foster pride and arrogance. True godliness comes from God alone, empowering us to live lives of humility, strength, forgiveness, leadership, and service. Its His power that enables us to live with authenticity and purpose.

Are the closest people in your life those who truly love Jesus? If not, how can you grow some godly relationships in your life? How can you rely on Gods power more than anything else to transform your character

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But Gods truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil. In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, dont get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those peoples hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devils trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Gods love gives us strength to serve Him well. Paul mentions four specific ways to work well for God: work hard, stay out of foolish debates, correct false teaching with gentleness, and stay pure. All of these are critical to godly leadership, but all of them take discipline.

Discipline is essential for Christians in every aspect of life. It teaches us to respond with gentleness when frustration strikes, to flee from tempting situations, and to resist the pull of gossip. While culture often encourages us to chase after our desires, many of those desires lead us astray. As followers of Christ, we must train ourselves to live according to His example of love and obedience. Through this intentional discipline, we gradually become more like Jesus, and our desires transform to align with His will.

Building godly character is not quick or easyits a slow, intentional process shaped by faith, choices, and reliance on Gods grace. This is what God desires for us, and its the heart of being fully saved from sin: a life committed to growing closer to Him and embodying His ways.

Where do you need Gods discipline (with His help) in your life? Which of these four things are you doing well, and which ones need growth?

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers dont get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in Gods presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We will all face suffering for being Christians. Some live in countries where you can be tortured or killed for being a Christian. Others lose business or jobs because of their loyalty to Christ. And others lose friends or are talked about behind their backs. We know that if we die with Christ, we will also live with Him and that begins now as we die to our old lives and are willing to suffer for and with Him. Our suffering can bring others closer to Christ (v.10), and it can bring us closer to Christ, filling us with His joy.

You can only live to please one person at a time. Paul taught Timothy to please the only One who brings freedom: Christ. When you serve others, you are a slave to their moods and manipulations. When you serve culture, you are enslaved to trends and opinions. Serving yourself is no better because you get trapped by your own selfish desires. But when you serve Christand it is hardthere is freedom. It is the only way to be free.

Are you living to please yourself, others, or Christ? Are you willing to suffer for Jesus, working hard to bring others closer to Him?

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And dont be ashamed of me, either, even though Im in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of timeto show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from mea pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted meeven Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christs return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Resisting social shame will always be part of the Christian life because the way of Jesus stands in stark contrast to the world. Shame is a major theme in these verses. People have deserted Paul, likely because of the shame of his imprisonment. Yet Paul remained unashamed of being a prisoner for Christ (v.12). A faithful brother, Onesiphorus, also stood by Paul without hesitation or shame (v.16). Timothy, too, was urged not to feel ashamed of Pauls chains or to shy away from proclaiming Christ (v.8). Taking Pauls words to heart, Timothy later demonstrated his own courage, eventually facing imprisonment himself (Hebrews 13:23). These examples challenge believers to stand boldly, unashamed of their faith, no matter the cost.

When we see others suffer and face shame for Jesus, our natural reaction is to give into the shame of the world. But we must not give into that temptation. We do not have to be ashamed of the One who carried our shame on the cross and lives with us today. You can stand up for Christ because He is stronger, and He makes you stronger. You can stand up for the truth even when people do not want to hear what God and the Bible have to say. You can tell people you are a follower of Jesus, share His hope, and invite them to church. Make a choice not to be ashamed of Jesus.

What does it mean for you to live unashamed of Jesus? How can Jesus help you overcome the shame of the world?

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. Timothy, I thank God for youthe God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is the last and most personal letter Paul wrote. He was writing to Timothy, his protg and son in the faith. Paul was on trial (again) for his life, and this time he would not survive he would be executed by Caesar Nero, martyred for his faith and love for Jesus. As Paul looked toward his impending death, he wrote this letter to encourage Timothy (and all of us).

Timothy shed tears as they parted. Tears are part of the life of faith because we love those who share the journey with us. There is a bond in Christ that is deep and powerful. This bond is eternal, and it will outlast marriage, parenting, friendship, work, and family. In heaven, I will not be my kids dad anymore we will be brothers and sisters. That perspective helps me as a parent.

Tears are part of faith and so is power. Too many Christians forget that we have the power of God inside us. Gods Spirit in us is not full of fear but full of power, love, and self-discipline. Let Jesus unleash His power in your life. You do not need to live in your own power. You are like a lamp with a power cord. Dont live in fear plug into the Source of unlimited power and shine brightly for Christ.

Paul looked back to the early years of Timothys conversion. What are your milestones of faith? In what ways is God wanting to unleash His power into your life? Tears, farewells, and death are part of the life of faith how can you do them well?

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all Lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May Gods grace be with you all.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Honestly, what are you pursuing with your life? Paul told Timothy to flee from the love of money, instead pursuing godliness, truth, love, and gentleness. Nothing can compare to Jesus and a life fully pursuing Him. We wont always be comfortable, be recognized, or have a full stomach. But Christs love brings a joy that nothing else in this world can match. Pursue Him with every single breath.

Embrace the call of these verses wholeheartedly. Commit to pursuing Christ and living a life that reflects godliness. Stand firm and fight the good fight of faith. Hold fast to the priceless gift of eternal life that God has given you. Obey the commands of Jesus with steadfast devotion. Inspire others to trust in God and practice generosity. Steer clear of fruitless debates that distract from your purpose. Guard the truth and responsibilities entrusted to you with vigilance and care. Its a bold and demanding list, but one worth striving for!

What on this list do you need to put into action today? What is your plan to make it happen?

All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we cant take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are you content with Jesus? That sounds like a simple question, but it cuts into the core of our hearts.

Your calendar and bank account reveal your priorities more than your words. We love to say what is most important to us, but most of us have a hard time lining up our actions with our words. These verses remind us that the goal of life is not to make money the goal is to be close to God. We need more contentment, not more stuff. Any time we pursue more than what we need, we are causing damage to our souls and enslaving ourselves to our own desires. Money is not evil, but the love of money is the root of much evil (v.10) so make a commitment to be content.

Be content not to win every argument, making a commitment to not squabble over words and meaningless debates. We sometimes want to win more than be caring. Pick your battles and be content. The Bible is not for slavery, but the early Christians weren't ready to start a social revolution (and Roman slavery, while not good, was not the same as American slavery). Paul advised slaves to respect their masters and honor the name of Jesus.

How would you rate your contentedness? How can you have Kingdom ambition while being content with attention, appetites, money, and possessions?

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain. And in another place, Those who work deserve their pay! Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone. Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Dont drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often. Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT

Christians are called to respect their pastors, and pastors are called to be humble. When this works well, pastors are loved, their teaching is fruitful, their vision is lived out, they are financially taken care of, and accusations against them are squashed before they gain momentum. Unfortunately, these verses are not often lived out. Pastors then struggle with defensiveness and pride, trying to force others to respect them and follow Gods Word.

A person should not be given leadership quickly, especially spiritual leadership. The sins of some people are obvious, yet others hide their sins well so we need to be patient with giving power and positions to people in church (and life). We all lead in some area of our lives home, family, work, school, friends. How are we leading? Are we leading others closer to Christ? Are we wise with our leadership and whom we trust to lead us? Leaders also need to be people of Christ-like character, empowering other leaders who have genuine integrity those are the people to promote. Skills can be taught, but character is a choice forged and refined in the fire of life.

God has given us godly leaders to follow. He holds leaders accountable for how they lead and He will hold people accountable for how faithfully they follow.

How can you live out these verses this week? How can you be wise in the areas where you have been given leadership?

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism. But those who wont care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good? The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry. Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge. And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other peoples business and talking about things they shouldnt. So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them. For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan. If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes we just need to be practical. In these verses, Paul wrote about taking care of widows. The church was committed to caring for widows who were alone, and completely dependent on the Lord. Paul wanted to make sure that younger widows would not make a false pledge to the Lord. He advised them not to be put on the list, so they could be open to remarriage. He also challenged Christians to take care of their own families to neglect your family is to neglect your faith (v.8). This is an important principle, even today. Paul was a spiritual leader who had no problem being practical. Dont spiritualize everything; when it is needed, take care of the practical problems, doing what it takes to deal with the challenges God has given you.

Timothy was also told to speak respectfully to older men and women, even when they needed to be rebuked (remember there was false teaching that had infiltrated the Ephesian church). The church must stand against sin and false teaching. That means you need to be willing to have others point out your shortcomings, and you need to be willing to point out things in others. Take a minute and ask yourself if you are willing to do both of those things. They only work in a family of love and encouragement. When people take the time to know, support, and encourage each other, a rebuke is taken as a sign of love.

Why is it important that God cares about the practical parts of your life? Are you willing to receive loving rebuke from others, and to rebuke others in love? Who are the people you have empowered to correct you?

If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Dont let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In these verses, Paul was talking to Timothy as a Christian and a pastor at the same time he taught Timothy (and all of us) how to grow as a leader. First, he told Timothy to focus on his faith, having integrity, watching his teaching and doctrine, and training in godliness. That would keep him strong in God and a strong example to others (vv.8, 9, 16).

Next, Timothy should do the tasks God has called him to do, working hard, and using the gifts God had given (vv.6, 14, 15). This leads to fruit that he and others could see in himself, increasing credibility. Third, Paul told him to step up and teach others to walk with God, standing up for himself, not wasting time on useless arguments but correcting others who are not teaching the truth. This is taking your inner faith and seeing it make a difference for the Kingdom of God, being an instrument in Gods hands (vv.6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 16).

This is spiritual training, and it benefits every aspect of life. This happens when you allow the Spirit to lead your life, develop your discipline, and change your character. When that happens, you dont need to win arguments, please others, or seek the comforts of this world. You live for a higher purpose and calling all in relationship with the Savior of all.

What is your spiritual training routine? What advice in these verses can you start living (with Gods help) this week?