August 13 | 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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DAILY READING

2 Timothy 3:16-17

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REFLECTION

God-Breathed Guidance

By Beth Voltmann

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, a young shepherd of the church in Ephesus and someone that Paul considered to be his “son in the faith”. He encouraged Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, to rely on the power, love and self-discipline that come from the Spirit, and to continue to follow Paul’s pattern of sound teaching. But, these weren’t just Paul’s words to Timothy (circa A.D. 67). They are also timeless words given to us by the Creator.

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

When God breathes, lives are changed!

God breathed life into Adam (Gen. 2:7), Jesus entered a locked room to breathe the Holy Spirit upon his disciples (John 20:19), and God breathed the words of Scripture into the minds of his faithful servants and scribes, knowing that what was written would instruct believers throughout the ages.

So then, let us turn this spotlight from the Word on ourselves and allow God to speak to our hearts. Today...

·      What do you desire to teach me, Lord? Prov. 2:1-5

·      Please soften my heart, Father. Help me to hear your gentle rebuke and to repent. Ps. 139:23-24

·      Correct my failures, Holy Spirit, and put my feet on the straight path. Prov. 3:5-6

·      Jesus, train me to walk in the way of righteousness. Prov. 12:28

Recently, a close friend of mine mentioned that she has started to use ChatGPT to help craft her business communications with clients. She is amazed at how quickly the technology seems to have assessed her style and personality, even suggesting, “Would you like to add a scripture verse at the end of your message?”

As we, humans, become more dependent on the amazing results that come from trusting AI (Artificial Intelligence), are we beginning to turn away from looking to our Maker? His way is supreme, his intellect is higher than ours, and his Spirit knows us intimately and shares with us the mind of Christ. Man-made tools can be helpful for man-made needs, but consider how much more excellent is the God-breathed inspiration of Scripture - alive and active - life-giving.

The Holy Spirit will lead you as you seek wisdom and direction from the Word. God will thoroughly equip and guide you as you turn to him. Sit quietly with the Lord today and ponder what he has to say. 

PRAYER

Father, stir your Spirit within us. Teach, rebuke, correct and train us by your Word so that we can be thoroughly equipped for the good work you have prepared.

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;

Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

If with his love he befriends you.

                        (3rd Stanza of) “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

                                    by Joachim Neander (1680)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.