Verse of the Day 7/23

1 Timothy 2:1-2(NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

 

After completing the introductions of this letter to Timothy, Paul launches into his instructions for the young pastor.  Note, it wasn't about developing new programs, it wasn't about reorganizing the structure of the church.  It was about prayer and the call didn't start with praying about themselves, it was about "all people", from kings and rulers on down.  This process would put them in the right frame of mind to live with the right perspective and that they would lead godly lives with dignity.

 

In his study Bible, John MacArthur writes, that the key word "Godly indicates "that there needed to be a call back to holy living, which had been negatively affected by the false doctrine. Godliness refers to having the proper attitude and conduct before God in everything; dignified can be translated as "moral earnestness", and refers to holy behavior before men."

 

Prayer is of first importance.  Prayer changes people.  Prayer leads to doing the right thing.  Prayer can lead to dignity and civility.  Don't we need more of that in our homes, churches and government?

 

Our Pastor Fil's message yesterday was on prayer and at the end of the service everyone was given a note card about "How to do a 30 Day Experiment:.  It involved deciding what to pray for; finding prayer partners; praying every day; listening; having an open mind; and reviewing the results.  It is a good challenge for all of us.  I would start with Paul's call to Timothy, "first of all, to pray for all people".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Timothy 2:1-2 The Message (MSG)

Simple Faith and Plain Truth

 

 1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.