Titus 1:1-4

Paul begin his letter to Titus in much the same way as his other describing himself as a slave for Christ.  He states one of his goals is to get out the "accurate" word of God and to raise hopes by pointing to a life without end.

Thought for the day:  Be about communicating the accurate word of God and pointing to a message of eternity.

II Timothy 4:14-22

Paul faced such adversity during his years of ministry and I always wonder if I would have the same level of strength in the face of that kind of difficulty.  Paul know that God was looking out for him and keeping him safe.  I need to have the same confidence in God.

Thought for the day:  God is with me.  He will protect.

1:8 Chalenge

The 1:8 Challenge period is officially over.  Much to my surprise, I was able to meet the challenge and did not even need to mulligan our pastor offered.  Now what?  My plan is to continue.  I probably will not continue to write this daily blog of the journey as my primary motivation was for some external accountability. 

It has been a great 56 days.  Of course how could it be anything else.  God's word is always nourishing and filling.  It is good for the soul.

Thought for the day:  Keep going!!!!!!

Day 56 - II Timothy 4:6-8

Paul is passing the baton to Timothy and reflects on his journey with Christ.  As he describes his approach to the finish line he is anticipating the shouts of joy and the applause from God.  He reaffirms for Timothy that the race is one well worth running and his confidence in the honest judgement of God.

Thought for the day:  Interesting, how coincidental that on the final day of this eight week challenge and journey, that this would be the passage that I come to.  It is a journey and challenge worth running.  The thought of anticipating God's applause has to be a motivation to live for him. 

Day 55 - II Timothy 4:3-5

There will be times when people are more interested in fancy theories and words that make them feel good rather than the simple truth of God's word.  During those periods Timothy will need to be careful to stick with it even when his message may not be the most popular of the day.  There will be both good and bad time but the message must keep going.  Persevere.

Thought for the day: Keep my hands on the plow.

Day 54 - II Timothy 4:1-2

Paul reminds Timothy that God is always watching so he should maintain his intensity in proclaiming the message and maintaining his spiritual vigilance.  Keep the message simple and continue to pass it on.

Thought for the day:  God is watching.

Day 53 - II Timothy 3:14-17

Paul encourages Timothy to continue on with his heritage of a commitment to the Word of God.  He describes the scripture as useful for everything we need in our lives.  It should serve as a guide for our spiritual and personal development and as an essential tool shaping our lives to accomplish everything the Father wants for us.

Thought for the day:  Value the scripture, weave it into the fabric of everything I am and do.