2 Timothy 4:9-18

Do your best to come to me soon. (10) For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (11) Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. (12) Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. (13) When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. (14) Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. (15) Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. (16) At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! (17) But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. (18) The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Oh, Lord, this tale of desertion and oppression; how Paul was afflicted by friends and abandoned by those who should have supported him and his ministry. But You were the ever faithful one as You have promised, You will never leave nor forsake the faithful.

Help me to keep that promise ever in my mind and heart as I strive to advance the Kingdom. Keep me focused on that glorious work, the task You have set before me to carry the Good News into dark places, the hearts and souls of those who do not know or acknowledge You.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 23

Mid-day: 119:97-104

Evening: Psalm 98