Everyone who is considering ministry should read the following. It is the meat of the book of 2 Timothy as I see it. It would also be helpful for seasoned ministers as well. Now and then it becomes necessary, because of the distractions of bright lights and dream castles, for me to get my focus back. This has helped me do that. This is not my 'version' of the text; it is my response to it.
I AM CALLED TO PREACH! (2 TIMOTHY)
-- Lowell Brannen
Chapter 1
4) Paul had some unfulfilled desires and Timothy had some tears.
7) There have been times when I was fearful.
8) There has been times when I was ashamed to tell that I was a
minister of the Gospel. You see, sometimes the Gospel has
afflictions, which I try to shun. But because of the power of God, I
will partake of it.
9) I was not called because of my desires or abilities, nor because of
what I was doing, but I was graciously called for His own purpose.
11) I have been appointed by God to be a preacher, an apostle and a
teacher. It's not just by luck or by chance.
12) Because of this, I will have to suffer some things, but I am not
going to be ashamed.
15) Some folks might turn away from me.
16) Afflictions may even include such things as chains.
Chapter 2
1) But I will be strong.
3) I will put up with hardness and I will be courageous, as a good
soldier.
4) As a soldier of Jesus Christ, when in battle, I will not be involved
in the affairs of this life, but I will devote myself wholly to the
battle so that I may please the Lord Jesus Christ.
9) Because of the Gospel, I suffer trouble like one who does evil.
10) Yet, I will put up with all things, for it is more important that I
preach the Gospel to the ones who will hear it, so that they may
obtain salvation.
11) My will and my desires are as though I were dead, so that I may
live with Him.
12) So, I may suffer with Him; I will also reign with Him. I will never
deny Him.
19) The Lord knows that I am His.
20) Some men are like vessels of gold or silver, and some men are like
vessels of wood or earth; Some unto honor and some unto dishonor.
21) Whether I am a vessel of gold, silver, wood or earth, I will
cleanse and purge myself from ungodliness, and therefore I will be a
vessel unto honor, made ready for the Masters use, for some good
purpose.
24) I will not strive and argue with men, but I will be gentle, patient
and ready to teach them.
25) I will teach repentance and salvation even to those who do not want
to hear it.
Chapter 3
1-5) I am aware of the perilous times that are even now upon us. There
are men who are selfish, blasphemous, unthankful, unnatural, liars,
pleasure seekers and God-haters. I will turn away from them.
7) They are continually learning, but they never learn the truth.
8) They resist the truth. Their minds are corrupt, perverted and
immoral as to the faith.
11) My persecutions and afflictions are known, but I will endure them,
until the Lord delivers me out of them.
12) Yes, a Godly life in Christ Jesus will result in persecution.
Chapter 4
2) Even so, I will preach the Gospel because I am called to preach. I
stand ready at all times.
5) I will put up with afflictions. I will overcome the obstacles. I
will do a good job.
7) I am fighting a good fight and I will complete my task.
8) I have a crown of righteousness waiting for me.
10) Though some may forsake me;
14) Though some may treat me wrong;
16) Though none may stand with me;
20) Though I may fail in some areas of ministry,
22) Yet I know, Jesus is with me and His grace upholds me.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Speaking of Books
What follows is my reply to a blog on my sisters blogspot:
Did you know that I have a love for books. I do. Like you said, I love to touch them, feel them, even smell them, but one awful fact is, I don't love very much to read them. Ain't that a shame! Sometimes I get envolved in a good book and read it. Most of the time I just read the part that I think I need or the portion that I enjoy and then the book gets shelved. If I had read all the books that I have, I would be a smart man.
Since I don't need books like I used to, and since I can just about always find what I need on the WEB, I don't buy as many books now. However, I still can't pass up a bargin in a book. And if it's a Bible, open the cash register. I'm coming to the counter with the bargin in my hand. I just love the feel of a good Bible.
Let me add here that I think books are very important. They make you look educated if you have enough of them, especially big ones. They will cover a lot of stuff you hid behind them on the book shelf. Stack several big wide ones together and it will serve an emergency seat. They are useful as a temporary leg for the sofa if the leg is missing. Take one with you when you go to the doctor's office. People will think you are very studious. With a little work, you can cut out a hole in the pages of a thick book and make a secret chamber when it is closed. Some books provide hours of fun if you like to trace pictures, but the fun will not last if the book is not yours and you get caught. If you don't like the book you can use the pages to make paper mache.
By the way, I have some books that I'd be glad to give away to someone who needed them, but who needs old books published in the '60s, except maybe antique collectors. The last book I bought cost me, let's see.... was it 25 cents or was it a dollar? I bought it at either the Cleveland Public Library in the FOLA room or it was at Lee's Used Books here in Cleveland. I really like it. It is a hardback NIV, entitled Seasons of Reflection. That's Seasons of Reflection. It is 365 daily readings with special helps on prayer. You know. One of them thru-the-Bible-in-a-year reading programs. This one I need.
Did you know that I have a love for books. I do. Like you said, I love to touch them, feel them, even smell them, but one awful fact is, I don't love very much to read them. Ain't that a shame! Sometimes I get envolved in a good book and read it. Most of the time I just read the part that I think I need or the portion that I enjoy and then the book gets shelved. If I had read all the books that I have, I would be a smart man.
Since I don't need books like I used to, and since I can just about always find what I need on the WEB, I don't buy as many books now. However, I still can't pass up a bargin in a book. And if it's a Bible, open the cash register. I'm coming to the counter with the bargin in my hand. I just love the feel of a good Bible.
Let me add here that I think books are very important. They make you look educated if you have enough of them, especially big ones. They will cover a lot of stuff you hid behind them on the book shelf. Stack several big wide ones together and it will serve an emergency seat. They are useful as a temporary leg for the sofa if the leg is missing. Take one with you when you go to the doctor's office. People will think you are very studious. With a little work, you can cut out a hole in the pages of a thick book and make a secret chamber when it is closed. Some books provide hours of fun if you like to trace pictures, but the fun will not last if the book is not yours and you get caught. If you don't like the book you can use the pages to make paper mache.
By the way, I have some books that I'd be glad to give away to someone who needed them, but who needs old books published in the '60s, except maybe antique collectors. The last book I bought cost me, let's see.... was it 25 cents or was it a dollar? I bought it at either the Cleveland Public Library in the FOLA room or it was at Lee's Used Books here in Cleveland. I really like it. It is a hardback NIV, entitled Seasons of Reflection. That's Seasons of Reflection. It is 365 daily readings with special helps on prayer. You know. One of them thru-the-Bible-in-a-year reading programs. This one I need.
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