Christianity Oasis Forum

[Mackenaw]

I'm going to share how I've learned to read God's Word and how He and I meander through. We go in and out of various Books of the Bible, and in and out of topics, because God knows me and what is on my mind. Our relationship with God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit is very personal. No one knows us like God knows us. He will do the same with you -- customized, made to measure to fit your journey with Him.

Today I felt lead to re-read II Timothy Chapter 2, which is always a blessing. From there we made a quick stop in the Book of Romans and then II Corinthians and tiny detours along the way for a nibble here and there and to drink some refreshing water.

John 4:14 "...But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well[f] of water springing up in him for eternal life.”

I encourage you, to grab your Bible, pray and ask The Holy Spirit to join you as you read the Blessed Word of God. He will point out things to you and remind you of what Jesus said. God's Word is spirit and is understood spiritually.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

John 14:26-29
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

In II Timothy chapter 2 the Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy from prison and is missing him terribly. Paul continues to teach Timothy, lovingly coaching and reminding him of some of the pitfalls and dangers to watch out for as well as some of the naysayers and how to deal with them.

There were a few scriptures that jumped out at me:
II Timothy 2:15-21
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

In verse 18 Paul speaks about some of the things that Hymenaeus and Philetus had been teaching that were false to the detriment of others' faith. That is something that really concerns me -- I sometimes hesitate to share out of fear of misrepresenting God's Word.

But YEAH! look at verse 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.
I love this. I love those blessed reminders from The Holy Spirit when it is almost as if he highlights words to point out something he knows trips me up sometimes.

So, don't forget to acknowledge his presence and ask him to lead you into all Truth.

Let's look at verses 20 and 21:
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Wait...how do I purge myself? Re-read verses 15-21, then continue on with verses 22-26.

Vessels -- more scriptures regarding vessels:
Romans 9:21-23
21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

It reminded me a little of when Jesus was talking to God in John Chapter 17.

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Might those vessels of dishonor have the same end as Judas? Only God knows, and it is not for us to decide.
II Timothy 2:24-26
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Pray your relationship with The Lord continue to grow and walk with Him. He'll direct your path. Reach for Him and plant the seeds of Truth where you are.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Let your light shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Ohhhhhh and YEAH, one of my favorite scriptures: John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.




God bless you