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

Praises! I have a Scripture on the actual day I needed to post.  My study & time with God has just been so rich.  I've spent the last few days prepping for my teaching this coming Thursday on Faith & Hope.  I've loved every minute of it.  I was led to Galatians 6 - WOW there is so very much there. There were 5 specific ones that I kept looking at, but the Holy Spirit would not let go of verse 7.  This means the world to me on a very personal level.  I had this day of deep sorry in January & I had gotten a word from God in my prayer time - an assurance of why to keep moving forward & this speaks of this dilemma that we each face everyday.  Will you keep going?  So my verse to share is this:

Cheryl M, Peoria, AZ  Galatians 6:7 AMP "Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in."

Keep fighting for your faith!  Be alert!  Stay focused on the things of God & know that He IS faithful.
​((Hugs)) ~ Cheryl