Romans 10:9 (NIRV)

 

Bible Reading Plan for Jesus in the Pauline Epistles

Here is the Bible Reading Plan for the month of December I created.  It is 31 verses looking at what the Apostle Paul wrote about Jesus.

Download the Bible Reading Plan PDF here.

Here is another Scripture Verse Writing Sheet I created.

Download the Scripture Verse Writing Sheet PDF here.

Pauline Epistle Rememberminder: Titus

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People may not read a Bible, but they are reading you. Let what you believe show up in how you live.

Titus 2:7 (CEB):

“Set an example of good works in every way. Your teaching should show integrity, seriousness…” 

Pauline Epistle Rememberminder: 2 Timothy

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Even if you feel tired or unnoticed—your faith is still working. Stay faithful. Finish well.

2 Timothy 4:7 (MEV):

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 

Affirmations about Good Christian Conduct (Titus)

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Show What You Believe

Key Thought: Godly living makes the Gospel attractive to others.

In the book of Titus, Paul teaches that sound doctrine must be matched by sound living. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects spiritual maturity, self-control, and integrity. Our behavior either confirms or contradicts the message we preach. Whether in leadership, work, family, or community, our conduct is a visible witness. Christian character is not just what we say—it is how we live when no one is watching.

 

Affirmations:

1.   I submit to authority as a sign of trust in God’s order.

2.   I do good deeds that reflect the grace I have received.

3.   I speak truth with kindness and avoid slander.

4.   I am peaceable and gracious in all situations.

5.   I work with excellence as unto the Lord.

6.   I pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace in every setting.

7.   I reject divisive conversations and choose unity.

8.   I model good behavior for others to follow.

9.   I am patient and steady in every season of life.

10.                I make the Gospel attractive by the way I live and love.

 

Affirmations about Good Christian Conduct (2 Timothy)

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Live What You Believe

Key Thought: My conduct confirms the faith I profess.

In 2 Timothy, Paul urges believers to hold fast to sound doctrine and display Christlike behavior, even in difficult times. Conduct is not separate from faith—it is how faith is seen. Whether we are facing opposition, teaching others, or enduring hardship, our lives must reflect patience, kindness, peace, and integrity. Good Christian conduct is not about rules; it is about becoming more like Jesus in both public and private life.

 

Affirmations:

1.   I submit to godly authority and walk in obedience.

2.   I do good deeds that reflect God’s grace in me.

3.   I choose peace over conflict and love over strife.

4.   I speak with care and refuse to slander anyone.

5.   I am a faithful and diligent worker in every assignment.

6.   I pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

7.   I avoid pointless arguments that stir up division.

8.   I teach others with clarity, patience, and truth.

9.   I remain kind and gentle, even when challenged.

10.                I live with consistency and character, proving my faith by how I live.

 

Finish Faithfully (2 Timothy)

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Paul is at the end of his life. And what does he do?

He writes to the next generation.

He charges Timothy to keep preaching. Keep standing. Keep going.

Paul is not reflecting on his accolades. He is reflecting on his faithfulness.

This book reminds us that we all pass the baton—whether we realize it or not.

What are you depositing in the lives of those coming behind you?

Your words matter. Your walk matters. Your yes matters.

Finish well. And pass it on.

Pauline Epistle Rememberminder: Jesus Is the Model for Good Works in Titus

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Your life preaches. Let your words and actions reflect the goodness of the One who saved you.

Titus 2:14 (MEV):

“He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us… and purify for Himself a special people, zealous for good works.” 

Pauline Epistle Rememberminder: Jesus Is the Legacy in 2 Timothy

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Faithfulness is not always loud. But it echoes. Keep showing up with Jesus at the center. That is the legacy.

2 Timothy 4:7 (CEB):

“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Faith in Action (Titus)

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Titus was left to bring order to a young, messy church—and Paul gave him one core instruction: teach people how to live what they believe.

Because faith is not just a confession—it is a calling.

Sound doctrine and sound behavior go hand in hand.

This book challenges us to let grace be our teacher—not just saving us, but shaping us.

You do not have to be perfect.

But your life should point to the One who is. 

Five Things I Learned about Christian Pursuits

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1 Timothy reminded me that not everything is worth chasing. Paul gave Timothy—and all of us—a list of what to run after: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. These are not easy or flashy pursuits. They are quiet, steady, and deeply spiritual. They require discipline, surrender, and the willingness to grow even when no one is watching. These pursuits shape character and build legacy. Paul was clear—what I pursue reveals what I value. Chasing the right things puts me in position to lead well, live well, and finish strong in faith.

Five Things I Learned from the Book of 1 TIMOTHY

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1 Timothy felt like spiritual mentorship in letter form. Paul was pouring into Timothy the way I imagine a seasoned leader pours into the next generation—with honesty, urgency, and love. What stood out most was his insistence on sound doctrine. Paul was not playing about the truth—he knew how quickly things could spiral without a strong foundation. He also emphasized prayer as a priority, and that convicted me. Prayer is not a side note—it is the starting point for everything. I was also struck by how much weight Paul placed on godly leadership. It was not just about gifting—it was about character. And when he told Timothy to set an example even though he was young, I felt that. Sometimes we disqualify ourselves because of our age or season, but Paul reminded us that faithfulness speaks louder than years. Training in godliness takes work, but Paul made it clear: it is worth it.

Affirmations from the Book of TITUS

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"Grace That Teaches Me to Live Right"

Key Thought: God’s grace empowers godly living, spiritual maturity, and sound doctrine.

Titus was clear, direct, and deeply grounding. These affirmations reminded me that grace does not just save me—it shapes me. It teaches me how to live right. How to lead with love. How to walk with integrity. This book challenged me to examine not just what I believe, but how I live that belief out loud. These affirmations helped me see that godliness is not stiff or self-righteous—it is Spirit-formed, grace-driven, and intentionally practiced. I am being trained by grace to say no to things that pull me off course, and yes to the life God is calling me to. I saw the value of peace, the strength in humility, and the fruitfulness that comes from a life surrendered to what is good. Titus reminded me that doctrine and discipline are not enemies—they are partners. Grace equips me not just to believe the Gospel, but to become a walking witness of it.

 

Affirmations

1. I am saved by grace and called to live a godly life.
2. I reflect Christ in how I live, lead, and love.
3. I am being trained by grace to say “no” to ungodliness.
4. I show integrity, dignity, and sound speech in all I do.
5. I live in a way that makes the Gospel attractive to others.
6. I am zealous for good works and faithful in service.
7. I submit to authority with a spirit of humility and honor.
8. I avoid foolish arguments and choose wisdom and peace.
9. I am renewed by the Holy Spirit daily.
10. I devote myself to doing what is good and fruitful.

Affirmations from the Book of 2 TIMOTHY

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"Faithful to the Finish"

Key Thought: Paul’s final charge—stay strong, pass on the faith, and finish the race with courage.

2 Timothy felt like final instructions from someone who had seen it all and stayed the course. These affirmations stirred something serious in me. Paul was not just encouraging Timothy—he was charging him to keep going, no matter what. And I felt that charge, too. Stir up the gift. Do not fear. Endure hardship. Stay rooted in the Word. Every line called me to finish strong. These affirmations helped me see that faithfulness is not flashy—it is steady. It is bold when it needs to be, quiet when it must be, and grounded at all times. I was reminded that suffering does not mean I am failing. Sometimes it means I am right where I need to be. Paul reminded me to guard what God gave me, to stay faithful even when it is not easy, and to preach the truth whether it is popular or not. This book taught me that legacy is not built in comfort—it is built in commitment.

 

Affirmations

1. I stir up the gift of God that is in me.
2. I do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
3. I endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4. I rightly handle the Word of truth.
5. I flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
6. I am not ashamed of the Gospel—I suffer for it with joy.
7. I guard the good deposit entrusted to me.
8. I continue in what I have learned and believe the Scriptures fully.
9. I preach the Word in and out of season with boldness.
10. I fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.

Pursue What Matters: Christian Pursuits in 1 Timothy

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1 Timothy is a letter from a mentor to his spiritual son.
It is warm, direct, and deeply pastoral.
Paul is not just giving ministry advice—he is shaping a mindset.

Because Christian maturity is not passive.
It is not accidental.
It is pursued.

And in this letter, Paul gives Timothy—and us—a clear picture of what to chase after.

Not position.
Not popularity.
Not being liked.
But righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.

Some Things Must Be Fled

Before Paul tells Timothy what to pursue, he tells him what to flee:

“But you, man of God, flee from all this…” (1 Timothy 6:11)

All what?

Paul had just addressed false teaching, greed, division, and pride.
He was exposing what happens when people lose focus and chase things that do not last.

Before you run toward something, you have to run from something.

Christian growth means saying no to what pulls you away from God—
So you can say yes to what draws you closer.

Pursue Righteousness and Godliness

“...pursue righteousness, godliness...”

Righteousness is not about appearances.
It is about right standing with God—and living like you know who you belong to.

Godliness is not stiff or religious.
It is the evidence of a life that takes God seriously.

To pursue these means:

• You care about your integrity.
• You let conviction shape your character.
• You guard your witness, even when no one is watching.

This pursuit is intentional.
You do not drift into righteousness.
You chase it.

Pursue Faith and Love

“...faith, love...”

Faith is not just what we believe.
It is how we live in trust.

When things go sideways, do we hold on to what God said?
Do we walk by what we know of Him, not just what we see around us?

And love—always love.
Love that serves.
Love that listens.
Love that tells the truth but holds no grudge.

Faith and love are not seasonal.
They are pursuits.
We follow Jesus through them—and because of them.

Pursue Steadfastness and Gentleness

“...endurance and gentleness.”

That combination stopped me.
Endurance says: I will not give up.
Gentleness says: I will not become harsh while I hold on.

Ministry and maturity both require this balance.
We need grit without becoming cold.
We need tenderness without falling apart.

Paul knew ministry would be hard.
So he told Timothy: Pursue strength that stays soft. Pursue power that still speaks kindly.

That is spiritual maturity.

What You Chase Reveals Who You Are

1 Timothy reminded me that you can tell a lot about someone by what they pursue.

Paul tells Timothy to flee, pursue, fight, and take hold.
That is not casual.
That is committed.

So I ask myself:

• Am I chasing what matters?
• Am I running from distractions?
• Am I putting energy toward the things that shape me spiritually?

Because the truth is—something is always chasing my attention.
But I get to choose where my feet go.

And I want them running toward righteousness.

Pursue the things that build you.
Pursue the One who called you.
Let your life show what you value most.

 

Jesus Is Our Foundation for Leadership in 1 Timothy

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Jesus is our foundation for leadership in 1 Timothy.
This is not a book about how to be impressive.
It is not a checklist of qualifications or a manual for perfect ministry.
It is a call to lead, live, and love like Jesus.

Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, who is navigating leadership in a complicated, messy church. And instead of pointing him to methods, Paul points him to Jesus—again and again.

Jesus, the Mercy That Transforms Leaders

Before Paul gives instruction, he shares his own testimony:

“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:13, 15)

Paul is not leading from pride.
He is leading from grace.
And he is reminding Timothy—and us—that Jesus is the reason we can serve at all.

No one is too broken.
No past is too messy.
Because Jesus came to save sinners and transform them into leaders.

Jesus, the Mediator Between God and People

Paul makes it clear—Jesus is not just the reason for our salvation.
He is the center of our entire faith.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5–6)

Jesus is the bridge.
He is not just the focus of our preaching.
He is the foundation of our prayers.
He is the reason we can come boldly to God—and the reason we invite others to do the same.

This shapes everything about how we lead:
With humility.
With reverence.
With an urgency to keep Jesus at the center.

Jesus, the Mystery of Godliness

One of the most beautiful lines in this letter comes wrapped in worship:

“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit… was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

Jesus is not just a theological truth.
He is the mystery that brings us to godliness.
He is our pattern, our power, and our praise.

Paul reminds Timothy that if the church forgets Jesus, it forgets who it is.
If leaders forget Jesus, they forget why they lead.

Jesus, the Anchor for Sound Doctrine and Holy Living

Paul tells Timothy to watch his life and his doctrine closely.
To avoid empty debates.
To correct with gentleness.
To live in purity.
To lead with integrity.

But all of that flows from being anchored in Jesus.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called… in the presence of God… and of Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 6:12–13)

Jesus is not just the message we preach.
He is the strength that helps us stand.
He is the hope that keeps us going when leadership is hard.

Jesus Is the Foundation for Leadership. Keep Him at the Center.

1 Timothy reminds me that leading well is not about being flawless.
It is about being faithful to Jesus.

He:

• Calls us
• Equips us
• Covers us
• Corrects us
• And walks with us as we lead others

So I lead low.
I lead humble.
I lead holy.

Because Jesus is my foundation—and I want to lead in a way that reflects Him.

 

Reading the Book of 1 Timothy

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Reading the book of 1 Timothy felt like listening in on a mentoring conversation—personal, practical, and full of wisdom. Paul was pouring into Timothy, his spiritual son, and I could feel the weight of that relationship. It was not just instruction—it was legacy.

Right away, I noticed that Paul was setting the tone: protect the gospel. Guard the truth. Do not let false teaching take root. That urgency came through every chapter. And it made sense—Timothy was young, navigating leadership in a challenging culture, and probably feeling the pressure. Paul was not just giving him advice—he was giving him backbone.

That resonated with me. Because sometimes I feel the pressure too—especially when it comes to standing for what is right in a world that constantly wants to shift the line. Paul reminded Timothy to be bold but to also be kind. To hold fast to the truth, but to do it with grace. That balance is not always easy. But it is necessary.

I was struck by how personal Paul got. He talked about his own story—how he had once been a blasphemer, a persecutor, the worst of sinners. But God had shown him mercy. That part got me. Because sometimes I need to remember that leaders are not perfect—they are redeemed. And their past does not disqualify them when God has written redemption all over their lives.

Then Paul gave Timothy instructions for how the church should function—how leaders should behave, how widows should be honored, how wealth should be handled, how prayer should be prioritized. Some of it felt cultural. Some of it felt hard. I wrestled with a few verses, especially the ones about women. I had to sit with them. Think. Pray. Ask questions.

But even in the tension, I could tell Paul was trying to build something that lasted. He was not just addressing problems—he was shaping a model for healthy, godly leadership. Leadership that serves. That teaches. That corrects. That sets an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

The verse that stuck with me most was: “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” That stirred something in me. Because faith is a fight. And sometimes I get tired. But Paul reminded Timothy—and me—that this fight is worth it. That what we have in Christ is worth holding onto.

Reading 1 Timothy reminded me that leadership is a calling, not a spotlight. That guarding the gospel is everyone’s responsibility. And that even when I feel young, unqualified, or unsure—if God called me, then He will equip me.

Reading Through the Book of 1 Timothy (My Writer’s Perspective)

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As a writer, I read with curiosity and caution. I look at the structure, but I also read between the lines. I listen for tone. I pay attention to what is emphasized, what is repeated, and what might be culturally grounded. When I read 1 Timothy, I could immediately tell—this was a letter for the church.

But this was not just a letter to a congregation. It was written to a young leader—Timothy. This gave the book a different feel. It was more like mentorship on paper. It was personal. Instructional. Intentional.

And it was clear: Paul cared about how church should be led.

From a literary point of view, this book read like a pastoral manual. Paul was guiding Timothy on how to shepherd well, how to recognize false teaching, how to train leaders, and how to carry himself with integrity. It was layered with doctrine, but also very practical. He was not writing from theory—he was writing from experience.

The structure was solid. Paul laid the foundation first: confront false teaching. Protect the gospel. Preach truth. Then he moved into character and conduct: how to lead, who should lead, and what spiritual leadership should look like.

And this is where I had to pause.

Because as an African American woman reading this text, I hit a point of tension.

Chapter 2.
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man…”

This line stopped me. Not because it was unfamiliar—but because it is still used today to exclude women from pulpits, platforms, and positions. And honestly? I always wrestle with it.

Because I do not believe Paul was against women preaching. I do not believe he was anti-woman. I believe Paul had many women who were vital to his ministry—Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, Lydia, just to name a few. He acknowledged their work. He celebrated their faith. He called them co-laborers in the gospel.

So I wish he had been clearer here.

Was this a cultural issue in Ephesus? Was this instruction for a specific moment in that specific church? Or was it a universal principle? Paul does not clarify. And as a writer, I notice that. I wish he had said more. I wish he had given more context.

Because the lack of clarity leaves space for interpretation. And sometimes, interpretation leads to exclusion.

Still—Paul’s overall message in this letter was not about control. It was about care. He was telling Timothy how to preserve the purity of the gospel. He was guiding him through conflict. He was shaping the posture of spiritual leadership.

And that part? I loved.

Paul emphasized character over charisma. Integrity over image. He described leaders who were faithful, sober-minded, gentle, generous, tested. He was not building a celebrity culture. He was building servants. He reminded Timothy that ministry was spiritual work, not personal ambition.

From a writer’s perspective, Paul’s voice was firm but tender. He did not just tell Timothy what to do—he reminded him of who he was. “Let no one despise your youth.” “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” “Fan into flame the gift of God.” Those words were pastoral. Protective. They reminded me of the kind of mentor who speaks with both wisdom and warmth.

One of my favorite moments came in chapter 3, where Paul said, “I am writing these things to you so that… you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household.” That line was central. That was the thesis. The church is not just an organization—it is a family. And family needs structure.

Reading 1 Timothy reminded me that leadership in the church is sacred. It is not about power—it is about responsibility. It is not about being seen—it is about being set apart.

And yes—I still have questions. I still wish Paul had gone a little further in naming the value of women clearly in this particular letter. But I also recognize his consistent pattern across the New Testament: women were there. Women were leading. Women were prophesying. Women were included.

So maybe this was not the final word.
Maybe it was a word for that moment.
And maybe we, as Spirit-filled readers, are called to read faithfully and wisely—seeing the heart behind the words without making absolutes out of ambiguity.

This was a letter of leadership.
A letter of order.
A letter about what it means to carry the gospel well—inside the church and out.

Paul took the time to guide Timothy not just in what to say, but in how to live. And that kind of leadership still matters today.

📖 Even One Verse Is Victory

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There are days when opening your Bible feels harder than it should. You are tired, distracted, or maybe just overwhelmed. The enemy whispers, “Why bother? You are behind. You are not doing enough.” But that is a lie. The truth is—every step toward God is a win.

Even if you read just one Bible verse, you have not failed—you have fought back.

That single verse could be the word you need to carry you through the day. That one moment in God’s presence is enough to shift your mindset, soothe your heart, or anchor your soul. Do not let discouragement silence your devotion. You are not behind. You are not weak. You are growing, even if it feels slow.

Remember this: the goal is not perfection—it is connection. Whether you read a full chapter or cling to one powerful line of Scripture, you are showing up. And that matters.

So do not quit. Do not count yourself out.
Today, open your Bible—even for just a moment—and know that heaven celebrates your faithfulness.

❤️ You have already won.

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