I am reading in 2 Timothy.....always have been challenged and empowered by 2 Tim 2:2..." and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."It is all about Reproducing...it was God's first and ONLY plan...so how am I or you "teaching others"?...
End of chapter 3...verse 17 "that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
Paul goes on in Chapter 4..."I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."....and then comes the promise...given to those who have reproduced-were equipped-have finished the race...through God's grace I am rewarded...because of what He has done for me....my works are because of His love.........thanks be to God.
If you are planning for one year, grow rice.
If you are planning for 20 years grow trees.
If you are planning for centuries, grow men.
Chinese Proverb
Jesus purposefully pursued quiet time with His Father--a sacred space worthy of sacrifice, where the urgent bows to the eternal; a gift--not a waste--of time for God.
Carving out moments to be alone with God is an exercise in stillness where we elevate the Creator above creation, "being" above "doing". Where we listen to the One who is always listening to us.
Resting in God's presence, our soul enjoys a banquet from God's Word. Our minds forge an alliance with truth, and dreams are born. Alicia Britt Chole
He who loves me will be loved by My Father, And I will love him.
John 14:21
He who loves me will be loved by My Father, And I will love him.
John 14:21
Reading in Champagne for the Soul by Mike Mason this Sunday morning 9/19/10 and Mike is sharing about keeping the fire of Joy burning/building in our lives. "Yes, Joy is God's gift, but we must stretch out our hands to split the kindling of prayer, carry the logs of good deeds, lay the fire of faith and strike the match of the Spirit." Mike goes on to state..."If we do our part, the Lord will not fail to build a cheerful, roaring fire in our hearts."
Got to do our part....novel idea. So many times we want God to do it all...but we are in a relationship andall great relationships require that each do his part.
Just like our faith.....we might at one time been on fire...but it is cooling....is that becasue I haven't spent time with Him...in prayer...in His word....with fellow believers and non-believers...in serving Him...in being silent...in waiting.
The fire will come and will grow...we need to be diligent in its building!
Reflect on this......
Four things you can't recover:
The judgemental stone...after the throw.
The harsh word...after it's said.
The special occasion...after it's missed.
The quality time...after it's gone.
Have Courage
Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow;
the same Everlating Father who cares for you today will take care for you
tomorrow and every day.
Either He will shield you from suffering or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
