BUT everyone deserted me (2 Timothy 4:16-17)

At my first defense, no one came to my support,

BUT everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength,

so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

2 Timothy 4:16-17

This verse has so many gems---- No matter what you are going through- or how lonely you feed God is standing by your side. Those few words 'may it not be held against them'- show the true heart of this believer-

BUT because of His own purpose (1 Tim 1:9)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done 

BUT because of His own purpose and grace. 

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus 

before the beginning of time

2 Timothy 1:9

Have you ever wanted to be chosen for something?Maybe it was that kickball game in school, or a part in a play, a job, a special someone you wanted to like you. Praise God today that you were chosen- not in your own strength BUT through God's grace. Go out there today and live as a child of God. 

BUT gives us power (2 Timothy 1:7)

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, 

BUT gives us power, LOVE and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Oh to capture these gifts. Self-discipline (it's not all about me) + LOVE love love love!= the power to live at peace with your self. 

BUT... must be kind to everyone (2 Timothy 2)

The Lord's servants must not quarrel

BUT…

must be kind to everyone.

They must be able to teach effectively

 and be patient with difficult people. 
2 Timothy 2 NLT

The word servant is not something we naturally want to pursue and yet when we do become a servant of the Lord there is no explaining the freedom that comes with it. If you have a desire to serve the Lord this is a great place to start. 

BUT you must remain faithful (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

But…

 you must remain faithful to the things

you have been taught.

You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.
2 Timothy 3:14-15

This would be a great graduation verse. A life verse in fact. For many people who have been raised in the church sometimes it is easy to forget what we have been taught. Not necessarily the RULES but all the examples given us by the prophets, Jesus himself and His disciples. Think through the life lessons you have already learned yourself and those you have witness others go through and remain faithful to these things.  

BUT the Lord stood at my side (2 Timothy 4:17)

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.

 2 Timothy 4:17

Paul talks about all of his supporters leaving him when he had to go to court.

 BUT with confidence he proclaims that the Lord stood at his side.

 I pray that you know that today.

 Once you are a child of God He will never leave you.

 No one can snatch Him away from you. 

BUT... for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)

And now the prize awaits me- the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me BUT…

For all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.  

2 Timothy 4:8

Everyone loves prizes! God loves rewarding His children. This verse tells us that when Jesus returns He comes with prizes. We will be given crowns for the things we do here on earth that please Him. Not for things we try to do to earn salvation BUT for things we do because we love our Lord and desire to make Him happy.