2 Timothy 3:12b (NIV) ...the LORD rescued me."
My journal entries every day should have the words, "the LORD rescued me" written on the page. When I look back over the day just finished, I know God saved me from ruin. The danger that awaits us hourly would take our breath away were we able to see it all from afar. God is always pull us out of the traffic, calling us to His side, saving us from death; physical and spiritual.
I am reading and studying Psalm 37. What a testimony to God's love and rescue and protection. There is evil all around but the LORD delivers, He protects and saves His chosen.
A number of years ago I was searching for meaning to my life. I questioned why I had been placed in the situation I found myself. I cried out to God for help, for a way out of my circumstances. For a few weeks after that time the words, "trust and obey," would come from now where. The words to the old song would be on the radio. A peer would speak them in my presence and I would feel a chill. I was certain God was trying to tell me something.
Instead of feeling helpless, deserted, I began to sense God's presence and I started to lean on Him. I wanted Him to keep talking to me, to direct me and free me from the bondage I was in. Trust in the LORD and do good, words from Psalm 37 spoke to my heart. I learned from this period of my life just how much God wants me to be with Him.
I understand how alive and active, God's Word truly is. I know I can turn to it and be refreshed and rescued all at the same time.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Showing posts with label 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2014
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Rescued and Redeemed
2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NIV) You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose,
faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things
happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet
the Lord rescued me from all of them. In
fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted,
Paul is teaching Timothy and us a lesson about following Jesus. His words to his friend, or as Paul refers to him in his greeting, "My dear son," are words of warning. He is preparing Timothy for a difficult life. He is telling him it isn't going to be all roses and candy; it will be tough. It might even be dangerous to be a Christ follower.
Paul's letter is also meant to be an encouragement to his young charge. "Yet the LORD rescued me..." We need to hear this too. We need to be prepared but confident. Life as a Believer will have troubles and it could be dangerous. We read of persecution in other countries, severe hardships some followers experience and we might feel safe, but not so.
There will come a time when it will be very unpopular to proclaim Christ as our Savior. Some are already feeling the wrath of the world. It begins imperceptibly and before we know it, it is the norm. It starts when we are told when and where we can pray; and this is just the beginning.
Those we look up to, our heroes, turn dark. Our children struggle to find role models worthy of emulation. These times are on us now, but we still can cling to Scripture, for it is living and active. As a popular song says, "Word of God Speak, won't you pour down like rain?"
While it might even be dangerous to be a follower of Christ, would you have it any other way? I will be remembering the line, "Yet the LORD rescued me..." and find my peace there.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Paul is teaching Timothy and us a lesson about following Jesus. His words to his friend, or as Paul refers to him in his greeting, "My dear son," are words of warning. He is preparing Timothy for a difficult life. He is telling him it isn't going to be all roses and candy; it will be tough. It might even be dangerous to be a Christ follower.
Paul's letter is also meant to be an encouragement to his young charge. "Yet the LORD rescued me..." We need to hear this too. We need to be prepared but confident. Life as a Believer will have troubles and it could be dangerous. We read of persecution in other countries, severe hardships some followers experience and we might feel safe, but not so.
There will come a time when it will be very unpopular to proclaim Christ as our Savior. Some are already feeling the wrath of the world. It begins imperceptibly and before we know it, it is the norm. It starts when we are told when and where we can pray; and this is just the beginning.
Those we look up to, our heroes, turn dark. Our children struggle to find role models worthy of emulation. These times are on us now, but we still can cling to Scripture, for it is living and active. As a popular song says, "Word of God Speak, won't you pour down like rain?"
While it might even be dangerous to be a follower of Christ, would you have it any other way? I will be remembering the line, "Yet the LORD rescued me..." and find my peace there.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
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