Itching Ears

I continue my journey through 2 Timothy. The last few days I have been pondering Paul’s words to Timothy.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Tim. 4:1-4)

Questions to ponder: ​
1. Where do you see “Christians” being swayed by speakers who scratch itching ears?
2. Why do you think Christians are swayed by this instead of sound doctrine?
3. What is the ministry leader to do?
4. What is the Spirit laying on your heart as a result of reading this passage?

Maranatha,

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Useful to the Master?

I am taking time to slowly work my way through 2 Timothy. Today, I was struck by Paul’s words to Timothy.

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (2 Tim. 2:20-23)

I want to be useful to my Master and Lord. Paul gives some advice – flee… and pursue….

Take a moment to read this passage. What does the Lord bring to mind for yourself? What might He want you to focus on in the coming days?

As I write this, I am preparing to go on a 3-day personal spiritual retreat. These are some of the questions I will be seeking to answer.

Maranatha,

Remember

I did a personally significant study about a year ago when I looked at Paul and Peter and what their focus was in the later part of their lives. We have record of their priorities when they knew they only had days or weeks to live in 2 Peter and 2 Timothy.

Peter and Paul used these letters to remind people and their close associates of important things. Below is a portion of Paul’s words to Timothy. Take a few moments to read this portion. What does the Lord bring to your mind as you read?

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:3-7)

If you have time, read through the rest of 2 Timothy and see what else Paul’s reminds Timothy.

What do you think the Lord wants to remind you?

Maranatha,

Peer Mentoring 2

Here is a Mentor Moment I taped for use in the Peer Mentoring Conference held May 8-11 in Jos, Nigeria. It may be useful to you in your ministry.

Click below.

 

Maranatha,