With news of ISIS beheadings in the middle east, today’s chapter shows why it’s not such a good idea to decapitate the Body from its Head…
READ 2 TIMOTHY 4 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Although the news turns our stomachs as we read of horrific ISIS beheadings, I wonder how many people are unwittingly beheading Jesus every day by saying, “I don’t mind believing that Jesus existed, but I can’t stand His Body.”[a] Granted, I do admit that the Body of Believers can, at times, be dysfunctional. We seem to have “down” syndrome in our DNA – put humans in charge, and things are likely to go down from there!! Still, it’s never been a good idea to sever the Head from the Body. In his first century AD letter to Timothy, a Jewish teacher named Paul, wrote:
“A time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” [v3]
The problem that Paul foresaw, is still true 2,000 years after he wrote it: “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” [v4] So how can anyone know what’s counterfeit and who to trust? Well, there’s two answers: Keep my head in all situations [v5]; and be prepared in season and out of season to preach the Word of God; to correct, rebuke and encourage – but with great patience and careful instruction. [v2]
Read more?… CLICK to follow “18 November – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with the Head of our Maker’s Global Family? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in Heaven, how great is Your name! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
I want to sing to You, Lord, along with all the earth; proclaiming Your salvation day after day! [1 Chronicles 16:23]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the Kingdom of Thailand[c]
Your Nation: Those gripped by credit card debt
Yourself: Faithfulness with your “treasures”[d]
Your concerns for today
Listen to my prayer Father God, and consider my expression of deep sorrow. [Psalms 5:1]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Thank-you Lord that You’re slow to anger, abounding in love, and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet I know Lord, that You also don’t leave the guilty unpunished, even to the third and fourth generation. [Numbers 14:18]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…”
Help me Lord, to watch and pray so that I’ll not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. [Matthew 26:41]
“ For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual CONFLICT
“Watch out! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” [1 Peter 5:8]
[a] Ephesians 4:15
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/thai/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 6:19-21
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31