Suffering for What You Know Is True
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that…
Appointed for a Reason
“And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.” 2 Timothy 1:11 (NIV) God doesn’t randomly assign people to kingdom roles or ministry positions. Paul uses the word “appointed” to describe his calling with…
When Sharing Jesus Feels Scary
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV) Shame silences testimonies faster than persecution…
Fan the Flame Before It Dies
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) Your spiritual gift is dying without deliberate attention and care. Paul…
When Faith Feels Like Your Grandmother’s Recipe
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am convinced, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) Faith travels through generations like treasured family recipes.…
The Heart Behind the Facts
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his road had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the…
The Courage to Connect
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his road had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the…
When God Sees What Others Can’t
“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.” Acts 9:26 (NIV) Fear makes us blind to God’s transforming power. Paul arrived in…
When Your Character Builds Bridges
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37 (NIV) Your reputation is built one choice…
A Bridge Named Barnabas
“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and…