4th Sunday in Lent
John D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Acts of the Apostles 16:1-5
KEY VERSE: Paul wrote to Timothy, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 19th March 2023 MESSAGE
The life of the apostle Paul was a remarkable one — his dramatic conversion from a Pharisee who persecuted Christians to a leader of the early church; his many letters; his courage in the face of opposition; and most of all, his incredible faith in Jesus Christ. As he wrote in Philippians, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
I was part of a recent Bible study on Paul’s letters to Timothy that revealed another attribute of his amazing life. From our discussion I gained a new appreciation for how Paul mentored his young companion. We can imagine all that Paul taught Timothy as they traveled together on several missionary trips. Then as Paul approached the end of his life, he put aside his own needs and took time to write letters of encouragement to Timothy, urging him to remain true to the gospel message that Paul lived to the fullest.
The story of Paul and Timothy is a good lesson for all of us. We all know younger people whom we can reach out to and mentor in the walk of faith. Paul’s life is a great reminder to be more intentional about this opportunity, doing our part to encourage and equip others as they follow Christ.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to share this gift with others and to encourage them on their faith journey. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Whom can I encourage in the walk of faith today?
PRAYER FOCUS
Young people in my community
The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
