Come Before Winter

Daily Reading: 2 Timothy 4

Scripture Focus: Do your best to come before winter. (2 Timothy 4.21)

Devotional Thought: Paul wanted Timothy to come before winter.  Why? 

He wanted his...

·       Cloak.  The temperatures would be dropping.  Roman prisoners were not well-fed and sheltered.  Prisoners would only be as warm as their friends and family made them.  Let us do good to the bodies and souls of others "before winter"!

·       Books.  Paul never tired of learning the Word.  His imprisonment had been hard on him, and he missed his books!  Do you have a passion for learning the Word of God?  Take advantage of it now “before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12.1).

·       Friend.  Paul didn’t want to miss out on seeing Timothy again.  Winter would be hard on Paul, and he might not live until spring.  Perhaps the time of his execution would arrive before Timothy did.  Either way, he wanted to see Timothy again.  Perhaps now is the time for you to renew a friendship or to make the extra effort to see a friend.  Don’t wait until it's too late!

·       Opportunity.  He knew that his time was running out.  Paul was afraid that if Timothy waited until after winter, he would not be able to teach those gospel truths that were weighing on his heart. What opportunities are you missing?

When does winter come?  Think about this: December 21, the start of winter, marks the time when those of us who live in the northern hemisphere are “farthest” from the warmth of the sun. 

Prayer: Jesus, come before winter sets in on my soul!  Help me to always remain close to you: warmed by your love, taught by your Spirit, encouraged by your friendship, and fulfilling your purpose.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.145-152

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.

151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.

152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.