Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Lie Down in Green Pastures of Peace...

Yes, lie down in green pastures of peace... but how when this electronic age keeps His children (all those in Christ) from doing that as it has us 'wired' to the things of this world. The hours wasted in senseless engagement with the world and its numerous forms of social media. The fact is, what we really want (He really wants for us) is engagement with Him, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. How can He shower us with His Love and Peace if we don't even seek it?

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts [for ladies that means stop running after: age reducing cosmetics, vitamins and or energy drinks, youthful hairstyles and clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry]...Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace [quiet]. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

As Paul wrote to Timothy, in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious but they will reject the power that could make them godly. 2 Timothy 2:22-3:1-5.

We need to shed all those things which keep us from having a pure heart, one that loves God with all heart, soul, mind and strength! ~ Mark 12:30

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

2 Timothy 2:14-26...Instruments for Special Purpose!

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.  

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.