8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keith Hengpoonthana

I was bullied in high school. Everything I said and everything I did was mocked and ridiculed. There were days when I dreaded going to school. Even worse, there was no escape even away from school, as the bullies carried on their harassment outside of school. To this day a part of me wants to avoid anything that might draw attention to me being different. I always desperately wanted to fit in. I was anxious about what people thought about me all the time. So it’s no surprise that sharing the gospel with others, particularly non-believers, is one of the most difficult parts of my Christian life. The few times that I have tried evangelism and failed brings back the angst of my childhood.

So I found this a hard passage to read initially. Paul wanted Timothy to not be ashamed of proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus and to join him in suffering for the gospel. My heart sank; this is all too hard for me. I can imagine Timothy felt the same, knowing that Paul who he cared dearly about was imprisoned and suffering. But as I read on, Paul encourages him to hold strong. Why? Because we have been saved by the grace of God in Christ Jesus who defeated death and brought us to eternal life. The Lord has called us to fulfil his purpose, including Paul and Timothy, and… even me, the anxiety-ridden scaredy-cat. Paul himself suffered for the gospel. He knew full well what it costs to follow Jesus, and he reasoned that it is well worth it.

I read stories of Christians being persecuted around the world for boldly proclaiming the gospel, some even losing their lives. I realise that the suffering I went through at school is nothing compared to how those Christian brothers and sisters are persecuted, it doesn’t compare to what Paul and the original disciples had to bear, and it certainly doesn’t compare to the suffering and death of Jesus, who took the punishment for my sins upon himself.

Pray today that we may be able to withstand the hardship of following Jesus and proclaiming the gospel. Be encouraged in knowing that on that final day we will be raised with Him, and there will no longer be any suffering forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Today we are starting what was very likely the last letter the Apostle Paul wrote before he was executed for his faith in Christ. He wrote it to his dearest friend and apprentice, Timothy – and he knew this would probably be his final letter.

To set the scene: When Paul wrote this, he was in prison in Rome. This was not the comfortable house arrest we read about in Acts 28. That was several years earlier. Now, Emperor Nero was severely persecuting Christians, and Paul was chained in a cold, dismal dungeon (1:16-17; 4:13). His friends had deserted him at his first court hearing (4:16), and now he was waiting for his death sentence – which, it seems, came shortly after.

Knowing that background makes the whole book so much more moving – especially these opening verses. Paul longs for the joy of seeing Timothy, but he knows that the next time they see each other may be in the new creation.

And yet throughout the letter, Paul is not consumed by grief (because Jesus is risen!). His consuming priorities are bigger, gospel-shaped concerns. As we will see, Nero’s persecution wasn’t the only crisis the church was facing. There was a crisis of false teachers and whole churches abandoning the gospel. So Paul’s “last will and testament” to Timothy was that he “fan into flame the gift of God” (v6) – that is, that he grow strong in the ministry God had given him. That ministry was all about proclaiming and defending the gospel of Christ, to save the lost and protect Christ’s sheep.

Not all of us have been given a ministry exactly like Timothy’s. But we have been given the same Spirit of God – the Spirit of “power, love, and self-control” (v7). It is the Spirit in us who gives us the power to stand up boldly as Christians, a love big enough even for our enemies, and self-control to resist being led astray by the world.

Finish by praying that God would help you to fan into flame the Spirit’s work in your life – his power, love, and self-control.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 To You, O LORD, I call;
be not deaf to me, O my Rock.
For if You remain silent,
I will be like those descending to the Pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
when I call to You for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
and with the workers of iniquity,
who speak peace to their neighbors
while malice is in their hearts.
4 Repay them according to their deeds
and for their works of evil.
Repay them for what their hands have done;
bring back on them what they deserve.
5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
or what His hands have done,
He will tear them down
and never rebuild them.

6 Blessed be the LORD,
for He has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I give thanks to Him with my song.

8 The LORD is the strength of His people,
a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
shepherd them and carry them forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
whom shall I dread?
2 When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh,
my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army encamps around me,
my heart will not fear;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will keep my trust.

4 One thing I have asked of the LORD;
this is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and seek Him in His temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
He will hide me in His shelter;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be held high
above my enemies around me.
At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;
be merciful and answer me.
8 My heart said, “Seek His face.”
Your face, O LORD, I will seek.
9 Hide not Your face from me,
nor turn away Your servant in anger.
You have been my helper;
do not leave me or forsake me,
O God of my salvation.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path,
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not hand me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

13 Still I am certain to see
the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD;
be strong and courageous.

Wait patiently for the LORD!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 Vindicate me, O LORD!

For I have walked with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Test me, O LORD, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.
3 For Your loving devotion is before my eyes,
and I have walked in Your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor keep company with hypocrites.
5 I hate the mob of evildoers,
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
7 to raise my voice in thanksgiving
and declare all Your wonderful works.

8 O LORD, I love the house where You dwell,
the place where Your glory resides.
9 Do not take my soul away with sinners,
or my life with men of bloodshed,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But I will walk with integrity;
redeem me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in You, my God, I trust.
Do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame;
but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.

4 Show me Your ways, O LORD;
teach me Your paths.
5 Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
all day long I wait for You.
6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion,
for they are from age to age.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth,
nor my rebellious acts;
remember me according to Your loving devotion,
because of Your goodness, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore He shows sinners the way.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them His way.
10 All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful
to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.
13 His soul will dwell in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him,
and reveals His covenant to them.
15 My eyes are always on the LORD,
for He will free my feet from the mesh.

16 Turn to me and be gracious,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart increase;
free me from my distress.
18 Consider my affliction and trouble,
and take away all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with vicious hatred.

20 Guard my soul and deliver me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in You.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because I wait for You.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all its distress.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
8 Who is this King of Glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
10 Who is He, this King of Glory?
The LORD of Hosts—
He is the King of Glory.
Selah

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.

23 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Yesterday we heard about the sufferings of David, or the Messiah, and how he felt like he’d been abandoned by God. But he also remembered God’s faithfulness and how God has always delivered his people. As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

16 For dogs surround me;
a band of evil men encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
they stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.

19 But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion;
at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!

22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers;
I will praise You in the assembly.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him!
All descendants of Jacob, honor Him!
All offspring of Israel, revere Him!
24 For He has not despised or detested
the torment of the afflicted.
He has not hidden His face from him,
but has attended to his cry for help.

25 My praise for You resounds in the great assembly;
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise Him.
May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD.
All the families of the nations
will bow down before Him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD
and He rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him—
even those unable to preserve their lives.30 Posterity will serve Him;
they will declare the Lord to a new generation.
31 They will come and proclaim His righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
all that He has done.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.

1 My God, my God,
why have You forsaken me?
Why are You so far from saving me,
so far from my words of groaning?
2 I cry out by day, O my God,
but You do not answer,
and by night,
but I have no rest.

3 Yet You are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In You our fathers trusted;
they trusted and You delivered them.
5 They cried out to You and were set free;
they trusted in You and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
8 “He trusts in the LORD,
let the LORD deliver him;
let the LORD rescue him,
since He delights in him.”

9 Yet You brought me forth from the womb;
You made me secure at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon You;
from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 They open their jaws against me
like lions that roar and maul.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are disjointed.
My heart is like wax;
it melts away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You lay me in the dust of death.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.