Higher Perspective

Re: Verse reading–2 Timothy 1:6-14; 2:1-15 (day four)
I am writing this today at 6500 ft. altitude. It gives you a very good perspective of the landscape. In our Re:Verse passage this week, Paul is sharing a higher perspective of life to Timothy. The believer views life differently than others. We have a spirit of power and love and discipline. There is also suffering to endure. We are involved in the affairs of God instead of the affairs world. Diligence is a valued quality. Paul admonishes Timothy to not only live life in the reality of God’s Word, but to teach others to do the same. A life well invested in the Word of God is a life well lived.

Instruction Matters

Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day two)
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. (vs. 7) You know these kind of people. The kind who have a vehement conviction about something, but when pressed to articulate why they have nothing to ground their argument. We are to be a passionate people, who can share, defend, argue with love all of the attributes of our faith. Instruction matters. Your spiritual development matters. If you are not already, find a Sunday School class that will challenge you and cause you to grow. Enroll in Christianity Explored to deepen your understanding of Mark’s gospel. Join a Circle of Six where you can find a greater appreciation for God’s Word. Paul’s words to Timothy regarding his instruction continue…I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight. (vs. 18)

Word of God, Across the Ages

Re: Verse reading – Jeremiah 36 (day two)
The power of the written Word has always been a great strength of our faith.  In this chapter we read of the Lord commanding Jeremiah to write it all down.  The Lord knew that these words would have great impact on those who read them, then and now.  The prophet Isaiah writes: “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Is. 55:11)  It is troubling then to read of the king’s reaction upon hearing the scroll read back to him.  Ultimately, however, whose name do you know better the Prophet Jeremiah who was obedient to the Lord, or King Jehoiakim the irreverent man who burned the scrolls?  God’s Word is a powerful tool.  Perhaps this is also a motivation to use to continue to write down the things the Lord speaks to us.  We may never share them as the prophets or apostles did, but we can gain strength from re-reading how God continues to speak into our lives.