Verse of the Day 11/1

2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

Over the past week I know that I've referenced Ephesians 6 and putting on the full armor of God as we head out into the world.  Central to that is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  I the books of 1 and 2 Timothy Paul has been encouraging and challenging Timothy to preach the word, to deliver the word to a world that is in need of it.  The message and challenge is to all Christ followers.  Preach the word "as an official messenger" (Amp), to have a sense of urgency in any and all situations whether convenient or inconvenient.  It will be challenging and won't be easy, especially the correcting the exhorting to turn, quite often it will be met with opposition and perhaps even ridicule or disdain.

John MacArthur notes that the Greek word for "be ready" has a broad range of meanings such as suddenness and forcefulness as well as a sense of urgency with preparedness, readiness.  For that to be the case the Word has to be in us, in our heart and on our minds, we need to know what we believe before we can preach the word.

Most of us will be heading to church today to hear our pastor's preach the Word.  I read an article this morning which stated, "we gather together Lord's Day to Lord's Day in order to be awakened from our spiritual lethargy by the ministry of the Word.  In all our strivings, we must continue to be a people of the Book: we must love it, study it, meditate on it, teach it, defend it, and live by it."  John Tweeddale

But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.  (v.4 The Message)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

2 Timothy 4:1-5The Message (MSG)

4 ^1-2 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.

^3-5 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.