Saturday, October 29, 2016

2 Timothy 2


“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143:8‬ 

We recently began a study of 2 Timothy with Beth Moore's latest study Entrusted. In it she encourages handwriting each verse in the book. But before I get to that, I re-read chapter 2. I had forgotten how rich this single chapter is. Choosing one verse or concept to share is unfair to whole of it. So here it is: 

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ 2


I highly encourage you to handwrite scripture too. Choose a book, stick to a chapter, or if all you've got is time for a verse—just do it. It's proven to be both therapeutic and fortifying in my life. 

Saturday, October 1, 2016

The Calvary Road

"The simple truth is that the only beautiful thing about a Christian is Jesus Christ. God wants us to recognize that fact as true in our experience, so that in true brokenness and self-despair we shall allow Jesus Christ to be our righteousness and holiness and all in all—and that is victory." -Roy Hessin, The Calvary Road.

This little book has had a huge impact in my life and the lives of my Sisters loved by God. Together and as individuals we have been challenged, we have wrestled with our hurts and self will, and worked through some tough issues. As for me, the conclusion to this life altering book is that brokenness is a beautiful place. It is in brokenness that I have found, and continue finding, the wholeness of Christ. None of us is perfect, and for everything that we are not He says, "I AM." And I am fully content with that. Sinful. Broken. Humbled. Free.

"Rather, the reverse is true, for out of such confession God gets glory, for we declare Him to be right. This brings a new experience of victory in Christ, for it declares afresh that 'in me (that is, my flesh) dwelleth no good thing,' and brings us to a place where we give up trying to make our incorrigible selves holy and where we take Jesus to be our holiness and His life to be our life." Page 105

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