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Posts Tagged ‘2nd Timothy 01’

Easy to pray for others; easy to say just what others should do. My friend, Bill, prays; Lord stir up his praying and help him grow in it. My friend, Michael, moves in the prophetic; Lord, give him words to prophesy and stir his gift.

But as the prophet, Nathan, said to King David long ago, when David was ranting about what someone else did and should suffer, “Thou art the man” (2nd Samuel 12:7). David was quick to pronounce judgment over others, but what about himself? He was the one who was the guilty.

The Bible admonishes to “Stir up the gift that is in thee” (2nd Timothy 1:6) and I was asking God to move on my friend’s to stir up their gifts, but what about me stirring up mine? What was I doing to follow the admonishment? Not much! So, this is my first step, a return to blogging.

Why a blog instead of a diary? Feedback! A blog is open to others who can comment, encourage, correct, and express how what is written affect them. A diary exposes ideas to one’s self from one’s own perspective. I already have my perspective, how will more of the same help?

Who would I want to connect with on my blog? Fellow pilgrims in life’s journey of following Christ. “Iron sharpens iron” the old saying goes (Proverbs 27:17).

If I blog successfully throughout this next year, I expect my communication skills to improve, Jesus to be honored, and God’s people encouraged to press onward and upward; a win-win for everyone.

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For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: – 2nd Corinthians 1:8

There is a bigger story just below the surface in Paul’s message of God’s comfort in stress!

When Paul first started his missionary journey God specifically told him NOT to go to Asia (Acts 16:6)! But eventually he went there anyway and mentions in several of his letters the personal stress and grief from Asia (2nd Timothy 1:15). Hindsight is 20/20 but this wasn’t the only time he pushed when the Holy Spirit said wait. (Acts 20:22-24, Acts 21:4).

It seems to be his way, is it ours? Should it be?

Paul was goal oriented; once set there was little stopping him. His heart was in the right place but his obedience was not always there.

Three (3) things this shows us:

  1. God’s guidance is for our benefit and we should listen more closely.
  2. Even deeply spiritual people have flaws and don’t always listen, bringing them personal grief which could have been avoided.
  3. God uses even our mis-steps to further his kingdom, to use us mightily, to grow us spiritually, and through it all his love comforts.

– fritz@langgang.com
Related Posts:
1 – Better Guidance: April 21, 2011

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