Week 3 of my Christmas Break has just begun. I would have to say that I am not as eager to return to school as I was last year. The longer I am down here, the more I want to stay in the country where space and quietness are at their peak. I have finished one of the two books I had set out to complete. My sister came to visit over Christmas, which is definitely a highlight of my break. This past week was rough though. I've cried more than I have in months, mostly during an anxiety attack Christmas morning that left me feeling ill the rest of the day. Family stresses and not registering for an online biology class in time were the other culprits in dampening the holiday season. I am learning I need to adamently claim my rights as a child of God and not let such circumstances get me down.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." Psalm 42:5-6, 11
I have a special treat for my next post. He, he, he. Happy New Year, everyone!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
1 Timothy 4:6-16
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, [2] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (copied from ESV's website)
I read this passage twice recently, and it encouraged me a great deal in regards to my life group. Though it seems as though my leadership in the group is a small thing, I know that God has given it to me. Verses 12-14 meant a lot to me especially. Being only twenty, I know how it is to not be looked upon as having any wisdom or insight. When Paul says "let no one despise you for your youth," he is saying to let our behaviors exemplify Christ by "[setting] the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (v. 12). Even if we aren't supported (not that I am not supported), we can persist in our ministry knowing that God has given it to us and so will enable us.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (copied from ESV's website)
I read this passage twice recently, and it encouraged me a great deal in regards to my life group. Though it seems as though my leadership in the group is a small thing, I know that God has given it to me. Verses 12-14 meant a lot to me especially. Being only twenty, I know how it is to not be looked upon as having any wisdom or insight. When Paul says "let no one despise you for your youth," he is saying to let our behaviors exemplify Christ by "[setting] the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (v. 12). Even if we aren't supported (not that I am not supported), we can persist in our ministry knowing that God has given it to us and so will enable us.
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