November 14

1 Timothy 6

The quest for godliness motivates us to “fight the good fight” of faith while we live on earth.

INSIGHT

If any of us could have three wishes, most of us would include wealth as one of those wishes. Everything else being equal, we would rather be rich than poor. Yet that very desire is a snare – so much so that Paul urges Timothy to flee the love of money and “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (v. 11). And he adds: “I urge you…that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing” (vv. 13-14). If we have wealth, we are to use it compassionately. If we do not have wealth, we are to be content.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord for being free to worship Him with words and with our lives:
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!…
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?…O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
(Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• The renewing of your mind
• Needs of your extended family
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).