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2 Timothy 4:9-22 (ESV)
Personal Instructions
9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
How does Paul’s faith and hope, in spite of his suffering, inspire you?
Lord, there are disappointments in life, things don’t work out and people who have let me down. But You Lord, have never left my side. You hear my prayers and protect my soul from being harmed by evil. Your presence has given me the strength to keep going. Lord, I need You to help me persevere and never give up. Give me boldness to share the good news about Your love and forgiveness knowing that You go with me by Your Spirit. Help me to faithfully keep faith in You no matter what the circumstances are for the rest of my days. Lord, guide me, lead me, encourage me, and bring me safely into Your heavenly kingdom. Praise You forever and ever! Amen