Sunday, August 14, 2011

I'm Gonna Preach When the Spirit Says Preach!

Scripture--2 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4

Application--
I want to talk about all of this!

Clearly, Timothy must have been hot tempered!  See 2:14 and 22-26! Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts! I could use that one!  

Then a reminder that people will become (are!) selfish, greedy, braggarts, ungrateful, slanderous, disobedient, unholy, unloving, contrary, and critical!  (see 3:1-9).  OUCH!

I also love 4:6-7, "I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith."

But what stuck out to me most was, "Preach the word.  Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient.  Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction." (4:2)

Observation:  Are you ready to tell others about God?  When its inconvenient? See, too often we like to dance around God.  Dance around the truth.  We like to not confront issues or inadequacies.  But when God leads us we need to speak.  To be ready to stand up for our faith.  Are you ready?  Will do you do it?

I'm going to try harder. I wonder what difference we can make in the world with that?

Prayer--God of love--We are ready to be courageous for you.  Show us the people who need us and give us courage to speak to them!  Amen.  

Blessings--
Pastor Emily 

August 15--Titus 1-Titus 3
August 16--Philemon-Hebrews 1
August 17--Hebrews 2-Hebrews 4
August 18--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7
August 19--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1

2 comments:

Mary said...

In 4:4 Paul goes on to say that people will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. More reason for us to be prepared to Preach the Word and studying it like we are doing now, prepares us for the opportunities God provides for us to share.

Carol Flores said...

Way behind...trying to catch up over the next couple days...
I agree with Mary's comment. This reading is really helping me to be more confident in the Word so I can use it when God presents the opportunity. Emily it's hard for me to believe that you need help in this area! I think you are awesome at preaching the Word. :D