Grace, Mercy and Peace: 2 Timothy 1:2

To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

2 Timothy 1:2 NIV

I find it interesting that the Apostle Paul started this letter to Timothy with three very specific truths concerning our relationship with God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Three things we need, three truths foundational to our faith, that’s what Paul greets Timothy with. 

He reminds Timothy that from God's grace he reaches to us.

He reminds Timothy that God shows mercy to us though we don't deserve it. 

He reminds Timothy that peace from God with Him, with others, and with ourselves has been provided in Christ for us. 

Father, thank you for your grace, mercy and peace. Thank you that in your grace you open that way back to you, in your mercy you draw me back to you and in peace I can truly live. 

Know the Will of God: 2 Timothy 1:1

”Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:1

I’ve been kind of having a little inner crisis lately, just feeling a bit off within myself. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what’s really important, what we’re supposed to be aiming at. I believe that knowing and doing God’s will is what will center me and aim me in the right direction and that there is always a peace that comes with knowing I am doing what God wants me to do.

The following verses remind me of what God’s will is...

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 NIV It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Rejoice always, pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. …

• 1 Peter 2:15 NIV For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

• 1 Peter 3:17 NIV For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

• 1 Peter 4:19 NIV So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

You and I may not be apostles, but, God does have his will for us and that is to live in the knowledge of his promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. He has us where he wants us, and if we’re not where he wants us he can move us to where he wants us to be, just like Jonah. 

Father, help us to live in you where you have us. Remind us of the promise of life in Christ Jesus.