Living in the Spirit
September 29, 2022
Scripture Reading:
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. –2 Timothy 1:8-14
Hymns often run through my mind when I read the scriptures upon which they are based. Many of those hymns have been removed from hymnals. While some may have questionable theology many just do not meet our current language and music styles. The one that flashed through my mind as I read the above scripture was, I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known*.
1 I know not why God’s wondrous grace
to me is daily shown,
nor why, with mercy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.
Refrain:
But “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.”
In times like these, with storms, fires, wars, and injustice rampant, we need to read/sing/hear this message and know that our Lord is indeed able to keep that which all of us have committed against such times like these.
Prayer: Lord, help us remember who we are and whose we are as we deal with life’s challenges. Amen.
*I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known by D. H. Whittle see at https://hymnary.org/text/i_know_not_why_gods_wondrous_grace_to_me
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.