The Goal

Sunday, October 22, ‎2023 Good morning, Lord Verse of the Day: Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Today's reading: ISAIAH 65-66 1 TIMOTHY 2 The Goal Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:19 "...some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. None of us want our faith to be 'shipwrecked' but it is hard to live in this world and keep our faith strong in the Lord. Some seem to have very little trouble and I am thankful for their strength but if you are a little like me and have trouble, there is always hope. The Lord will never leave us out there without help. Paul tells Timothy back in verse 5, But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion. When is the last time you found yourself in a discussion about something that will not mean a thing a thousand years from now in eternity? Think about it. Turn it on any channel and ask the question: "What difference will what they say mean a thousand years from now?" Now, think about the stuff you have talked about lately. So, we all have work to do. Paul tells us the goal of his teaching is "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith". Yes, it sounds like a great mouth-full-but-look at it-closely. Pure heart- embracing truth, desiring truth; if you want to be sure of a pure heart, ask God for a burning desire for the truth. Good conscience-face your own truth; ask God to forgive you of whatever is troubling your conscience(guilt) and move on. Sincere faith-Look at Ephesians 2:8-9; Faith, like grace, is a gift from God. We already have all the faith we need. It is in there. The muscle is there, it has to be worked and developed. Tell God you want stronger faith. The disciples asked Jesus to "Increase our faith". They did not ask for faith, they just wanted what they had to be stronger. God wants our faith to be stronger and stronger and He has given us what we need to get through all the trials He puts before us to make that happen. ...because He loves us... Father in Heaven, Forgive me my fear and increase my faith and focus. I want to grow stronger and stronger in You and because of You. Mighty God of strength and undying love! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen