5.15.19 | SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE

The other day in my God Time, He sent me here.  And WOW was this powerful for me. So the first few verses set the stage & the last verse IS my why. 

1 Timothy 4:13-15 , "Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word]. 

This entire season of teaching this semester has been powerful.  I read a LOT of Scripture to the women in the study.  Reading it out loud & then hearing it... God's Word is powerful.  It means something.  It brings transformation. 

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. 

I realize that this was written to Timothy, but I also know why God directed me here - not many people know that when I was a teenager, I was prayed over & had a word spoken over me.  Sadly, since they didn't explain that God would equip me & that it would be in His perfect timing - it scared me.  I didn't think that there was anyway that I would ever be used by God, so I ran.  I know that's a lie now, but boy did I run for years.  Still, God's perfect timing.

15 Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.

And right now in this season, I have never experienced what I am right now & it's amazing.  I am absorbed & completely occupied with where & what God is doing and He is growing me and challenging me like never before.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.

But, it's this next verse that rocked my world, it is LITERALLY my why:  to ensure salvation both for myself and for those who hear me.  There is nothing more important than a persons salvation.  Life and death, heaven and hell, it doesn't get more serious than that.

1 TIMOTHY 4:16| "Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

I look forward to hearing for others.
((HUGS)) ~ Cheryl