Thursday April 21, 2011
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-26
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
During his message last week, Pastor Chad made many profound statements. One of the ones that really gripped me was "we are all in full-time ministry". I thought "Wow! That'd be nice". Then he showed me through the Word, how we all truly are. I know what you're thinking. I too thought full-time ministry were pastors and music directors who not only had the titles, but maintain those positions in the church with compensation. You know, without having to get a job outside of the ministry. However, that's not what God's word says. The Word says God called Pastors and leaders to "equip the saints to do the work of the ministry". That's right. We, the saints, are responsible for the work of the ministry. Our pastors are responsible for equipping us for the work.
In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he encourages Timothy to "throw himself into the work for Christ". We tend to occupy our lives with so many other things; selfishly living to acquire things for ourselves. Pretty soon, those temporal things become our strive and purpose. They become the reason we work, pray, and live. We even convince ourselves our lives are meaningless without them. In contrast, the life that Paul is describing to Timothy is just the opposite. He tells him a soldier on duty does not get caught making deals at the market place. He concentrates on carrying out orders. Where has your focus been lately? Has it been on that house you want? Has it been on that special someone? Don't let God catch you with your gaze on something/one else. Keep your hand on the plow and finish the work He called you to. Don't let anyone distract you. This is the sure thing: If we die with Him, we'll live with Him; if we stick it out with Him, we'll rule with Him; but, if we turn our backs on Him, He'll have no other choice but to turn His back on us. Why would He do that you say? He'd do that because He's a gentleman. He's not going to barge into your life and start changing things against your free will. He loves the cheerful giver. He loves the steadfast soldier. He knows this life can be tough. If you don't think He knows, find a good church this Sunday and I'm sure you'll change your mind. Just stay on the path. Like Paul said to Timothy, concentrate on doing your best for God. Stay away from foolish talk and empty arguments. Remember, when it comes to God's Word, you don't have to PROVE anything. All you have to do is declare and believe. God will manifest His Word in the life of the hearer in due season.
In conclusion, be able to take the good with the bad. Stay balanced and level-headed. God's Word says in a kitchen, you will find the finest china in the same room with the smelliest garbage. That's the way it is sometimes. You can't do this job without adversity. As a matter of fact, you should expect to bump into the devil every now and then. He's out there, prowling and creeping; looking for someone to kill, steal, and/or destroy. But don't be afraid because you're an overcomer. The Spirit of the Lord is in you. And because of that.....you will win!
Prayer: Father, this calling has its difficulties, but as long as You're with me, I'll be fine. I just know I can no longer sit back and depend on someone else to do what You've called me to do. I want to be a servant of ACTION, not just words. So walk with me as I finish this race, and I'll make sure all glory goes to You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-26
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
During his message last week, Pastor Chad made many profound statements. One of the ones that really gripped me was "we are all in full-time ministry". I thought "Wow! That'd be nice". Then he showed me through the Word, how we all truly are. I know what you're thinking. I too thought full-time ministry were pastors and music directors who not only had the titles, but maintain those positions in the church with compensation. You know, without having to get a job outside of the ministry. However, that's not what God's word says. The Word says God called Pastors and leaders to "equip the saints to do the work of the ministry". That's right. We, the saints, are responsible for the work of the ministry. Our pastors are responsible for equipping us for the work.
In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he encourages Timothy to "throw himself into the work for Christ". We tend to occupy our lives with so many other things; selfishly living to acquire things for ourselves. Pretty soon, those temporal things become our strive and purpose. They become the reason we work, pray, and live. We even convince ourselves our lives are meaningless without them. In contrast, the life that Paul is describing to Timothy is just the opposite. He tells him a soldier on duty does not get caught making deals at the market place. He concentrates on carrying out orders. Where has your focus been lately? Has it been on that house you want? Has it been on that special someone? Don't let God catch you with your gaze on something/one else. Keep your hand on the plow and finish the work He called you to. Don't let anyone distract you. This is the sure thing: If we die with Him, we'll live with Him; if we stick it out with Him, we'll rule with Him; but, if we turn our backs on Him, He'll have no other choice but to turn His back on us. Why would He do that you say? He'd do that because He's a gentleman. He's not going to barge into your life and start changing things against your free will. He loves the cheerful giver. He loves the steadfast soldier. He knows this life can be tough. If you don't think He knows, find a good church this Sunday and I'm sure you'll change your mind. Just stay on the path. Like Paul said to Timothy, concentrate on doing your best for God. Stay away from foolish talk and empty arguments. Remember, when it comes to God's Word, you don't have to PROVE anything. All you have to do is declare and believe. God will manifest His Word in the life of the hearer in due season.
In conclusion, be able to take the good with the bad. Stay balanced and level-headed. God's Word says in a kitchen, you will find the finest china in the same room with the smelliest garbage. That's the way it is sometimes. You can't do this job without adversity. As a matter of fact, you should expect to bump into the devil every now and then. He's out there, prowling and creeping; looking for someone to kill, steal, and/or destroy. But don't be afraid because you're an overcomer. The Spirit of the Lord is in you. And because of that.....you will win!
Prayer: Father, this calling has its difficulties, but as long as You're with me, I'll be fine. I just know I can no longer sit back and depend on someone else to do what You've called me to do. I want to be a servant of ACTION, not just words. So walk with me as I finish this race, and I'll make sure all glory goes to You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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