THE VERSE
But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.~2 Timothy 1:12
THE THOUGHT
Do you "know whom you have believed?" This was Paul's confidence as he wrote his very last letter soon before his death. But notice what he says; he doesn't say, as we'd expect, "I know in whom I have believed." His confidence doesn't rest in his knowledge of his own faith, in his knowing in whom he has believed. His confidence in facing death is that he doesn't just know in whom he has believed, but he knows whom he has believed- He knows God.Is this your confidence? Or have you put your faith in your faith, trusting your own ability to stand to keep you from falling, your own work for God to secure His blessing, your own 'willpower purity' to keep you from sin? If your confidence is in those things you will fall, for they could never support the weight of eternity. There is only One who is strong enough to hold your past, present, and future. Do you know whom you have believed?
THE PRAYER
Jesus, You are the only one who can guard my life and my faith and my ministry until that final Day when you come as a Judge and conquering King. Keep me trusting in You- not in my own success or ability, but in You alone. I know that I will never be ashamed, for I have taken refuge in You, and those who do so will never be put to shame.EXTENDED READING
Psalm 31:1-5Psalm 71:1-6
Joel 2:26-27
2 Timothy 1:8-14
THE QUOTE
"We go to Christ for forgiveness, and then too often look to the law for power to fight our sins...Take your sins to Christ's cross, for the flesh can only be crucified there: we are crucified with Him." ~Charles Spurgeon
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