As an evangelist, this letter from Paul to Timothy has always been dear and familiar. Today, I strove to hear the words as though the charge were mine to embrace - and so I do.

One thing I learned today...

1. About God: "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" 2nd Timothy 1:9-10. God's sovereignty continues to shine through book after book—as does His grace. 

2. About NT Christianity: Paul prepares Timothy for hardships that will be faced both from within and without—persecutions, false teachers, quarrels over words, deserters among the brother. Nonetheless, he is called to endure hardship and do the hard work of the ministry. 

3. DWIS (Do What It Says): There are great charges in this book: No Timidity! Preach the Word! Correctly Handle the Word of Truth! Entrust Reliable Men to Teach Others Still! As I opened this epistle, I assumed that one of those great charges would be my "DWIS," but today the Holy Spirit most convicts with "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" 2nd Timothy 2:24-25. Am I resentful toward anyone? Do I need to become better equipped to gently instruct and teach men through difficult cirmcumstances? I'll journal more on this today and make a plan to become better equipped.