In chapter 2 Paul is writing to Timothy giving instructions about worship – he talks about prayer, says for us to pray for EVERYONE and then he mentions kings and leaders. Says it’ pleases God when we do this, it’s God’s desire that EVERYONE knows the truth. There is only ONE who can bring people to God, one who paid the price to reconcile EVERYONE In this world and that is the MAN Christ Jesus!!!

We love this don’t we – well I do, such great churchy things to say. Let me just talk about me in this place. I like most others can talk the talk just fine. But it’s more fun, more exciting to talk negative about kings and leaders. I along with many other seem to make others out to be satan, evil etc……….. bottom line SO WHAT if a man or woman is evil IF we really worship God……I mean REALLY WORSHIP God with our lives and not our mouths we would know God’s heart….HE LOVES THE WORST OF THE WORST. The politician that pours his entire life into passing abortion laws, gay marriage, and well the list goes on and on. We as Christians (me) love to take up our HOLY BANNER and fight with our words and our acquisitions.

Our weapons are not of this world – prayer, worship, intercession – those are our weapons!! And even in this we get so FAR OFF – we use our public prayers to say things we cannot say in public! Again it all comes down to our hearts and our relationship with the Father. IF we have a shallow relationship we will fight in shallow ways, if we have a shallow relationship we will speak in shallow ways. REST IN HIM!! Every day, every moment – we cannot even pray a prayer without Him or it becomes flesh.

Paul is writing some very very tough and deep stuff here…….. I’m afraid most pass it over and make it about “us” rather about HIM. Paul is full of wisdom and is very aware of the reality of men, and how men/women take principles and turn them upside down.

He says “I want all men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, FREE from anger and controversy” this is such a HUGE statement, command, truth. Men will make this a legalistic thing, or a way to please God – I have lifted my hands before the Lord in worship for years……holy hand? What does that really mean? FREE from anger and controversy….wow I could write an entire sermon series on this one little scripture and probably will – even if it’s ONLY for me to read and live out.

He ends this chapter speaking about women in worship – IF you know me you know how I feel about legalism – rules – etc…..this section of scripture is very important to the body of Christ and I’m still wrapping my head around it…….. this will be part 2 of this blog……..coming soon!!

My life is clean before the Lord – I can honestly say this today and I have learned that it is the ONLY way to live anything LESS than this life is FALSE and heading to DEATH – HE LOVES ME and you beyond your imagination – NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING can every change that, no matter what you do or how bad you fall his love remains………. BUT HE Cannot dwell with darkness – he cannot accept any sin or deception in our lives. He WILL NOT! DO not be fooled by any other teaching – you are either in or you are out – can’t have it both ways and the world and soooooooooo many preachers/teachers are teaching us differently……… here is a thought – READ and EAT your word…. the truth is there for all to know.

The church, body of Christ has a purpose and a responsibility in this world!!!

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone: this is the message God gave to the world at just the right time” 1Tim 2:6b 

I just finished the book of Hebrews and man oh man I wish I was preaching still. God is revealing so much to me, but since I’m not preaching I must believe that God is revealing it to ME and for ME. So it’s good……..life changing…….

I started into 1Timothy a couple weeks ago. I am taking my time soaking in verse by verse. It’s funny I’ve read this so many times, I think I have preached through the book before. So as I now take my time and eat each word, chew on in, savor it’s flavor it goes right into my spirit giving me strength and wisdom in so many area’s of my life.

Paul we no dummy, he saw right through the crap of the world, the tricks and deception of men and women, the motives and the manipulation of men in power or authority. He knew exactly how men are when they proclaim to be one thing and yet use it to their advantage…. he understands the deception of the devil, and how men meaning well would end up off track and eventually heading straight to hell.

He says in chapter 1 “Be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith” and goes on to talk about how some have turned away from this and they want to be KNOWN as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

I think that the Lord is going to use this book to expose to me who I was – I meant well, I could say I loved the Lord — but I was so far off base — played the game and didn’t even realize it. I am the men Paul speaks of — well I should say I WAS the man!!!

He has filled me with the love that comes from Christ Jesus!!! And I can now say as Paul said in verse 12 of chapter 1 “He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used be blaspheme the name of Christ” FINALLY I hear Him – He loves me and HE TRUST ME. My life is now dedicated to serving HIM not me, not my flesh, not my heart! I live at the end of my rope daily, no hourly, no every minute of every day. I will serve Him in whatever way he ask me to serve him. I may be preaching, teaching, mission field or cleaning the bathrooms in our local church!! It’s ALL ABOUT HIM!!

The end of chapter 1 there is a statement made that I cling to “Cling to your faith in Christ, and KEEP YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAR….” I do not think that I’ve ever lived my life with a clear conscience and I must say ……….. I LIKE IT.

1Timothy chapter 2 next……