DAY 54

 DATE:  2/23/2013

Good Morning!  My name is Sheila Ketterman and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book

of I Timothy chapters 1 and 2.

KEY VERSES1 Timothy 2:1-8

1I (Paul) exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;   4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.  8I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.  

REFLECTIONS:

There are so many truths in I Timothy 1 and 2, that it was difficult to choose one portion as key.  Although this was written to Timothy, these truths are applicable to us as well.  Paul’s salvation moment on the road to Damascus demonstrates God’s great love for the lost, which Paul recognizes in Chapter 1.  Paul also reminds us that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (1:15) and through Him we can obtain mercy (1:13).  Secondly, Paul admonishes us to neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which promote controversies (1:4).  We are to love out of a pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1:5).

APPLICATION:

Bible Study and Prayer go hand in hand.  Asking God to open our eyes, hearts and minds before Bible Study will enlighten us to His will and His way for our daily life.  Jesus tells us to pray for those who despitefully use us, which isn’t easy, but we must obey.  And we are reminded to pray for those who have power over us, both nationally and locally, so that we may live peacefully.  We can pray anytime and anywhere – it’s as easy as talking to your best friend.  To pray without ceasing is to simply have an on-going conversation with our LORD.  As the Rapture of the Church rapidly approaches and tribulation or evil increases, may we be a people of faith and prayer, not forgetting to pray for the lost.

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Shelia

NAME:  Shelia F. Ketterman

WHEN YOU GOT SAVED:  9 years old

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE:  All of them, but especially Proverbs 3:5-6 

FAMILY:  Husband – Bob; Children – Shelley, John, Kris, and Doug; Grandchildren – Emily, Jack, Katelyn, Sarah, Haylee, and Avery

OCCUPATION:  Retired from U. S. Steel

MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT AT VBC:  Bible Study, Prayer, and whatever needs to be done

DREAM VACATION:  Australia

HOBBIES:  Writing, Painting, Drawing, Reading