Hello lovelies! I hope you all have been having a blessed weekend...here in Oregon, we've been enjoying sprinkling rains interrupted by glimpses of the sun. I often look around at all the greenery here and think to myself, "this is why I'm never moving". God's creation is truly breathtaking. 

Anyway, today I had the chance to read 2 Timothy. It's been a while since I truly took time to read all of Paul's letters, and my! they are so rich. I felt so convicted and inspired while reading Paul's second letter to Timothy, I thought I'd share the verses that stood out to me the most...

Right from the start, Paul encouraged Timothy to be a faithful servant of the Gospel, and in verse 8 he wrote: 

"So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord...He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."

In our present days, it seems as though the whole world is against those who claim to be a part of the Christian faith. In many places, mockery, ridicule, resentment and hate seem to greet us. Later in the letter, Paul writes, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". This reality is something we should expect if we desire to be true followers of Christ. However, we are called to testify and live a life of holiness without shame. In chapter 2, verse 1 and 3, Paul writes, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus...endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." In my own personal life, I know how easy it is for me to cave in or shy away when things get rough...trying to avoid the awkwardness of going against the flow, I so easily attempt to blend in like "everybody else". But in actuality, I believe we weren't called to be "everybody else". Philippians 1:27 writes, "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" and Romans 12:2, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". 

The Lord says that He is a jealous God- He wants us to live for Him. But the world wants us just as badly. The temptations and pleasurable desires that seem to be offered to us on a silver platter whisper empty promises in our hearts that prompt us to wander away from what is good and into the darkness of death. Despite this, and despite my past fallings into these temptations, I want to strive to stay on the path of righteousness. 2 Timothy 2:21-22 reads, "if a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy; useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart". 

Looking into my life, I see how much I have to improve on. On growing those fruit of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I realize how I need to strip myself of pride and selfishness and ask the Lord to cultivate in me a humble and selfless spirit. I'm sure it is a long journey- possibly a lifetime!- but a journey I seek to experience. 

I hope y'all didn't mind me scribbling away...what are your thoughts in these Scriptures? Anything on your heart you with to share? 

If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. ~ // 2 Timothy 2: 11-13 //