Daily Reading March 13 2010 from 2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV

Day 62

2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV
9 Do your best to come to me quickly,10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Final Words -
Paul writes this last section like a farewell speech. He begins with "do your best to come to me quickly" you can almost see some desperation in this writing as the persecution that Paul has faced for his entire ministry is coming to a head. Paul writes about how his friends have deserted him; "at my first defense, no one came to my supports, but everyone deserted me", Paul has obviously suffered from his imprisonment and is longing to see those whom he loves and of course those who love him. Paul says though everyone deserted him the Lord was beside him and delivered him from sure death from the "lion's mouth". Paul knows that his life has been and will be spared until he has completed the work God has called him to do. Remember, Paul went to Jerusalem warned, knowing that when he went he would be accused and persecuted. Even after his friends begged him to not go he went because this was God's plan for his life. Though we have this knowledge we also must understand that even knowing we are in God's perfect will doesn't completely console us in times of trial. Being in God's will certainly does help us when we do face hard times. Paul shows his humanity in this passage of scripture as he longs to surround himself with some who would encourage him. I have heard many say that the Apostle Paul wrote arrogantly and I too can see where this school of thought comes from, though I tend to disagree. Paul was confident in His God and confident in where he was going and what he was doing. This can certainly sound arrogant as so many of us struggle and question where we are and where we are going. Paul had such a relationship with God that he heard God's voice and obeyed. We too have the ability to know God's will as we become listeners. Do as Paul did, have an intimate relationship with God and quickly obey His voice. Surround yourself with those who share your faith and passion. Encourage others and surround yourself with though who live to encourage as well. This passage just goes to show the need we all have for friends and companions as we walk with the Lord. Seek out those who need encouragement. Look for signs of those who are discouraged in their walk and lift them in prayer and with words of encouragement.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading February 11 2010 from Colossians 3:18-25 NIV

Day 32

Colossians 3:18-25 NIV
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Relationships Covered -
In today's reading Paul takes on various relationships and in every case we are told to love, honor and respect. Wives to husbands, husbands to wives, children to parents, parents to children, slaves to masters, etc... The Bible has much to say about relationships in fact it is a book of relationships those with God and among men. In every instance we are urged to serve one another and then God will elevate us. This is definitely contrary to what our world says about relationships and success. The world measures success by money, prestige, power, and fame but God says that the greatest servant will be the greatest leader and therefore the greatest in the Kingdom. God's ways continue to confound the wisest of humanity but His way is the only way. Commit your relationships to God and see what He can do but in order for any other our relationships to work we must be connected to the God of all relationships. God created marriage, family, and friendship surely abiding in Him will enhance these relations in our daily lives. Our motto at the church is to Connect with God...Connect with others. God first then all other relationships from there.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry