Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
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Many love to praise themselves by saying to others: “I am so busy.” as if merely being busy was a virtue. But, a hamster running in his hamster wheel is also busy. Let us not get caught up in a rat race.
“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-41.
The purpose of “a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” is that it leads us to salvation through knowledge of the truth. It gives us time and peace without distractions to meditate on what is most important: the one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
“A tranquil heart is life to the body,
But passion is rottenness to the bones.” Proverbs 14:10.
But, there is hope!
Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd.
“2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3.
We also have Sundays to rest. “See, the Lord has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.” Exodus 16:29-30.
We walk by the Spirit.
We bear fruit by the Spirit.
Yet, the world favors action. It almost does not matter what fruit is produced. A lion or eagle or horse is admired; any animal, but not a plant!
But, consider how the righteous are compared to trees which bear fruit.
“8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
9 I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.” Psalm 52:8-9.
“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 