The Promise of Life

Daily Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Scripture Focus: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1.1)

Devotional Thought: On what do you base your Christian confidence? Paul's confidence was not in his superior education, his significant family, or his stellar service, but rather in the promise of Christ Jesus. What type of life is promised in Jesus?

· New life. "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5.17). In Christ Jesus, we no longer live in sin. In him, we no longer live in fear. In him, we no longer live in slavery. Instead, we now live in his righteousness, his love, and his freedom.

· Abundant life. "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10.10). Jesus doesn't mean for us to barely get by. Our God can do "exceeding abundantly" more than we ask or imagine!

· Genuine life. "For now we really live, if you are standing firm in the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 3.8, EHV). When we and those we love are standing firm in the Lord, we are really living, for he is the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus is life!

· Shared life. "You are in our hearts... to live together" (2 Corinthians 7.3). We are not alone. With Jesus we have the family of God as our partners in life.

· Eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3.16).

Aren't you glad for this promise of life that is in Christ Jesus?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the promise that you have made me, the promise of life. Help me so live that I might reflect your life, so that others may live in you, too. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.121-128

121 I have done what is just and right;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 Give your servant a pledge of good;

let not the insolent oppress me.

123 My eyes long for your salvation

and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,

and teach me your statutes.

125 I am your servant; give me understanding,

that I may know your testimonies!

126 It is time for the Lord to act,

for your law has been broken.

127 Therefore I love your commandments

above gold, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;

I hate every false way.