"Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen ...Make every effort to come before winter." 2 Timothy 4:9-18,21

"Make every effort to come to me soon ... to come before winter." A lonely man, facing imminent death, is feeling deserted, opposed, cold, intellectually needy, and isolated. He desperately wants to see his trusted young friend before the cold winter prevents travel. The urgency is twice stated: "Make every effort" - give full attention, devote your full energies to this request.

There comes a time in each of our lives when we are desperately needy like Paul. No matter where we are spiritually, we feel lonely, cold, and opposed. Perhaps these words resonate with you just now. If so, may I suggest you do the very things that Paul did: contact someone whose company would be an encouragement. Read a book that would uplift you. Do some writing.

It's said that we live and die by encouragement. We know that personally, but we may not realize how much others need it. They may not make the need as clear as Paul in these verses, but there likely are indicators if we listen and look closely.

Times of discouragement come now matter where we are spiritually. There is wisdom in facing this reality, and seeking help as Paul did.

May our Lord Jesus be your encouragement today, as He was to Paul, but may we also seek out the human help we need. "Make every effort" to seek and offer encouragement today.

Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/

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