The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 25:28 (HCSB)
28 A man who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 89:2 (HCSB)
2 For I will declare, "Faithful love is built up forever; You establish Your faithfulness in the heavens."
The Word of God for encouragement:
1 Timothy 4:6-10 (HCSB)
6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed.
7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness,
8 for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.
10 In fact, we labor and strive for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, especially of those who believe.
My observation:
Paul gives Timothy a measuring tool by which he can evaluate his ministry. O, that we would all have a burning desire to be "a good servant of Christ Jesus". To be anything less is to fall short of the purpose of God for your life.
God's commitment to you is forever. Notice what the psalmist said, "Faithful love is built up forever". God loves you with an everlasting love, and you can bank on that promise. I read this wonderful promise in the book.
Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB)
3 You will keep the mind [that is] dependent [on You] in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.
In closing, notice this thought, "godliness is beneficial in every way". Paul said that in verse eight. In the previous verse Paul tells Timothy how to grow in godliness. Here is the key, "train yourself in godliness". This is why it is so important, "since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come". Physical training is valuable, but it is small in comparison to training in godliness.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise you and I thank you for these encouraging words from the scriptures. Father, I pray that they will find a home in good soil, and yield results in the lives of many that will last forever.
Father, create a burning desire in our hearts to train our lives in godliness since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. In Jesus name, Amen.
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1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)
7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.
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