praying effectively: Do Not Be Ashamed (2Tim. 1:3-18)

(2 Timothy 1:3-18)  I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh 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 timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but 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 until that day. 13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that as believers, we do not ignore or quench the Holy Spirit within us, but always allow Him to work in and through us (1:14)

- that we remember and live out the sound words found in the Bible (1:13)

- that we embrace the faith and love found in Jesus (1:13)

- that we are not ashamed of the gospel message (1:8)

- that even if it means we might be persecuted, we should not be afraid to share the gospel message with others, in God's power, love, discipline, grace, and the purpose that God has established for us (1:7-9)

- that we are not ashamed of believers who are bold, but support them, especially when they are persecuted or imprisoned (1:8)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for providing salvation.  Help us not to take You for granted, but guide us to desire sharing this gospel message to everyone around us.  Give us wisdom to discern where and how You are specifically guiding us to use our spiritual gifts.  Help us to live out Your faith and love, in Your will, strength, grace, and with Your purpose.  Protect us from evil, and give us courage.  All to Your glory, amen.