God > i

1 Timothy 2:8-11 (NIV) I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.

I read and re-read this teaching from Paul to Timothy. I struggled with the wording because it felt like a personal attack on women.  I was wondering what Paul had against the females of his time. I pondered how these words were meant to be heard. Just what was going on during this time in history to cause Paul to use such strong language as, "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission."

The message version was equally as challenging for me to read and understand while keeping a gentle spirit toward Paul.  And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions...(MSG) 

These words make it sound as though the women Paul encountered may be have been shallow and self-absorbed. So, I prayed for wisdom. For understanding and the right words to share with you because I imagine I am not alone in my confusion.

This will always be a puzzle to me, but I felt God encouraged me by showing me the words of Paul were to be taken as positive strides and not condemnation if women. Paul acknowledged that women were to pray and to do so in humility. In an era when women were seldom regarded as more than slaves, it was progress to encourage women to pray and practice modesty when doing so.

Prayer is always to be approached from a humble posture.  Were they to dress in a flashy fashion, drawing attention to themselves, how would God be praised? It is imperative today too, that we approach the throne of God with reverence. For it is not about us, but about The One Who is Greater. The Words in John 3:30 come to mind. 

"He must become greater; I must become less.”

1 Timothy 2

The Chance Encounter

He wants not only us but everyone saved...Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. (1 Timothy 2:4-7)

This past weekend I attended a workshop which taught participants how to share their testimony; the shortened version - the 90 second variety. This condensed version of our story can open doors for deeper conversations.

The telling of our faith journey in a short and concise way could prompt questions which will then lead us to tell Jesus' story. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. (v.7)

When we put ourselves out there; when we look around and see a hurting world we should recognize we must do something. It all begins with a prayer and a smile. Prayer comes before anything good takes place. For this writer, prayer is my way of talking it over with God before making a move. Prayer clears the path, centers the spirit and prepares the heart to do something.

The smile might open a closed door or provide eye contact with someone who needs to feel acknowledged. This small gesture might make the difference between someone experiencing a good day or a bad day.

Simple things make such a difference in each of our lives. The person we pass on our way to work today might be the same individual we encounter in line at the grocery tomorrow. Relationships are begun in such ways. When God begins to prepare a heart to hear of Him, he also prepares the chance encounter which provides opportunity.

Simple faith and plain truth, will provide that chance encounter; the encounter which will change everything.

1 Timothy 2

Pray

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.(1 Timothy 2:1-3 The Message)

What do you think about praying? Do you consider yourself to be good at prayer? Is there such a thing as a good prayer? I wonder what God thinks; what He expects of us when we pray. 

Do you remember your first prayer? I don't, but I'm certain God does. He knows the precise moment you turned your heart to His and prayed. He knows the circumstance you were experiencing which caused you to pray and He recalls His response to that petition.

It seems strange yet encouraging that the God of our universe would care, much less remember our feeble prayers. But, I have learned over the years it is through our prayers we come to know God. 

Prayer is conversation with God, it is pouring our hearts out to him when we are sad or overwhelmed by life. Prayer is singing praises to our Creator when filled with joy. Prayer is talking it over with the One who can change everything. 

It has taken many years and lots of tears and laughter to get to the place where I can pray for and about everything. I know now, Jesus is waiting for me to pour out my heart to Him so He can take my pain to The Father and plead on my behalf.

What a privilege and what a blessing it is to be able to lift my heart up to the Heavens and pray with confidence…God hears, God cares, God answers! 

1 Timothy 2