I Know

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:8-12

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

God "has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). The way to overcoming fear is to "know" God. To perceive Him, to see Him, to experience Him. The more we come to "know" Him, the less we will fear.

Know that God is able to keep what you commit to Him: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land." (Psalm 10:16; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Tomorrow we gather to rejoice in God's grace. We wait in grace. We look in hope.

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14; NKJV

A Root

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10)

Root - rhiza - cause, origin, source (Vine's).

Money is a cause, origin, source of all kinds of evil. Money "is a defense" (Ecclesiastes 7:12). It can defend from hunger, nakedness, and homelessness. Let money defend you; don't let it defeat you.

Jason Cicero

Biblical Meditation

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:15

"Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all." (1 Timothy 4:15)

Meditate - meletao - to to take care of, i.e. (by implication) revolve in the mind (Strong's).

Biblical meditation involves taking God's word and revolving it around in your mind. Read God's word and revolve it around in your mind. Your progress just might become evident to all.

Jason Cicero

Without Controversy

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:"

God was manifested in the flesh - the invisible was made visible

Justified in the Spirit - to show one to be innocent

Seen by angels - to gaze

Preached among the Gentiles - to herald

Believed on in the world - conviction of the mind, trust of the heart, surrender of the will

Received up in glory - to take up

"Without controversy" literally means "by consent of all, confessedly" (Thayer's). All readily consent that these six statements are controversial. They comprise the "mystery of godliness."

Consider them. Ponder them. Believe them.

Jason Cicero

Types of Prayers

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

"Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men..." (1 Timothy 2:1)

Supplications - a seeking, asking, entreating

Prayers - talking to God

Intercessions - a falling in with, meeting with God on behalf of others

Giving of Thanks - grateful language to God

Seeking Him by talking to Him. Meet with Him on behalf of others. Use grateful language when you speak to Him.

Jason Cicero