Things to Ponder

August 24, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Some things to keep in mind from 2 Timothy 1 & 2, as we journey through these perilous times:
1. The significance of retaining the standard of sound words [See 2 Timothy 1:13]. What is the standard for sound words? Truth spoken in love.
2. The power of guarding the treasure which has been entrusted to you [see 2 Timothy 1:14]. What is this treasure? The one, true gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. The benefit of being strong in the grace that is in Jesus [see 2 Timothy 2:1]. What is this benefit? You cease striving and rest in the glorious truth that Jesus alone deter-mines your destiny.
4. The blessing of suffering hardship, as a good soldier[see 2 Timothy 2:3]. What is this blessing? You don’t waste precious time being entangled in the hardships of life and, thereby, allowing them to distract you from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus.
5. The humility of remembering Jesus [see 2 Timothy 2:8]. What is this humility? It is the humility that come from realizing that life is about Him, not me; the ultimate humility, indeed.
6. The freedom of accepting the trustworthy statement [see 2 Timothy 2:11-13]. What is this freedom? It is the freedom to accept the truth that you no longer have to strive to become who you already are, who God has declared you to be.
7. The wisdom of not wrangling about words [see 2 Timothy 2:14]. What is this wisdom? It is the wisdom that allows you to keep the main thing, the main thing, thereby, preventing you from playing into the hands of the enemy.
8. The advantage of diligence, especially in studying God’s Word [see 2 Timothy 2:15]. What is this advantage? You are equipped to divide the Word of Truth, without the fear of being shamed, as the result of inaccurately dividing it—leading others into er-ror.
9. The common sense of avoiding worldly and empty chatter [see 2 Timothy 2:16-17]. What is this common sense? It is being astute enough not to get caught-up in criticizing and judging others, especially your leaders.
10. The joy of standing firm on this firm foundation—the Lord knows who are His [see 2 Timothy 2:19]. What is this joy? It is the inner ecstasy that comes from knowing that I will be able to recognize His voice, even in the clamor of life, knowing that He will never lose me, knowing that I will always find myself in the hollow of His hand, and knowing that I will never perish.

“The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18 NASB).

PS: I grew up on the small town of Reynolds, GA. Hollis and I were best friends, and continue to be best of friends today. Today, he turned 67 and caught up with me! Let’s everyone wish my dear friend a Happy and Wonderful Birthday!!