September 29, 2023

Serving the Lord

Daily Devotional2 Minutes

“Make every effort to come to me soon, for Demas has deserted me … Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.” —2 Timothy 4:9–11 HCSB

The voices over the phone could not hide the emotions. Interviewers from an independent marketing firm were stunned by the honest comments made by pastors in a series of interviews.

The goal had been to learn about their experiences, and if they felt adequately prepared for ministry. But all conveyed a sense of isolation. As pastors, they felt they were expected to be perfect, yet all were human and imperfect. They all admitted difficulty finding trustworthy friends. Many were concerned about being too honest.

As these pastors realized, the task of serving the Lord can be lonely. We find these same kinds of emotions in Paul’s letter to Timothy. He felt deserted by Demas. Alexander the coppersmith had hurt him. Only Luke was with him. How he longed for Timothy to arrive and bring Mark.

The concerns of these pastors provide a sobering reminder that within the body of Christ, we all need each other. We all need people we can trust, with whom we can pray and share without fear.

Today, remember to pray for pastors, missionaries, and others in ministry. Stand in the gap for them. Support them. And always remember to be a person others can trust.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer for your pastor and others in leadership at your church.

Prayer
Father, I commit these people to You: _________. Bless them. Empower them. Lift their burdens. Meet their needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
2 Timothy 4

Prayer
Father, I commit these people to You: _________. Bless them. Empower them. Lift their burdens. Meet their needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
2 Timothy 4