Monday
6-22-15 (Home in Modesto)
Scripture
reading: 2 Kings 8-9 2 Chron
21 1 Tim 4
S.
1 Tim 4:12-13
Don't let anyone think less of you because you
are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you
live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. NLT
O. Timothy was still a young
apprentice when commissioned and sent out by the Apostle Paul to preach and
teach men and women that were older than he. How could he earn and
maintain their respect? Only by living a Christian life of integrity in love,
faith and purity. Paul is saying, “Your life style, not
your age, will assure the respect of those that sit under your ministry.”
A. I am reminded of a young,
handsome rising star who was stepping into his first years of ministry, but
already well known and highly respected. I was unloading materials from
my vehicle and carrying them into a building for a special minister’s
meeting. When he saw me he rushed over and helped me lift heavy boxes of
literature and carried them in. As he worked beside me, he told me how my
life and message had inspired him when he was a ministerial student. I
felt in my heart that the Lord was going to use this young man… and I was
right. He has… and He is. If this young man maintains his
integrity, his love, his faith and his purity… he is sure
to go far and be a blessing to his converts, his peers and his Master.
P. Oh Lord, I was young and
filled with energy when I started out. I watched You protect me from
situations that might have damaged my range of influence. You covered me…
Yes, You covered me with Your love and grace. Now I am at the other end
of my years of ministry. Soon I will need to set my tools aside and be
carried into Your presence. Today I pray that you will raise up many men
and women, new young Timothys. Cover them, Lord, so that they can live
out years that display Your love, faith and purity and
bring in a great harvest of souls. Amen.
Ralph
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