Word for Today - 22 Dec 2024
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“Preach the Word!…[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient…].” 2 Timothy 4:2 AMPC
“Do not disturb”
In training Timothy for ministry, Paul says, “Preach the Word!…[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient…you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong].” Most hotels have a sign you can put on your bedroom door that says “Do Not Disturb.” That sign on your door means you want to relax, sleep, or not be bothered. Hanging that sign on your hotel room door is acceptable, but putting it on your life isn’t. Have you ever noticed that God doesn’t always do things on our timetable or in ways that are convenient for us? Paul told Timothy that when it came to serving the Lord, he was called to do it “whether the time is favourable or not” (NLT) and “whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” We need to remember that whatever God asks us to do, it’s always worth any inconvenience or difficulty we face in the process. And He will always make a way for us to accomplish His will when we are obedient to Him. The Bible says, “So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him” (Romans 8:8 AMPC). Notice, this “life of the flesh” doesn’t please God. This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us. What it does mean is that He is not satisfied, nor will He accept behavior “catering to the appetites and impulses of their [our] carnal nature.” So take down your “Do Not Disturb” sign and commit to walking in obedience, for it’s the pathway of blessing.
“Do not disturb”
In training Timothy for ministry, Paul says, “Preach the Word!…[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient…you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong].” Most hotels have a sign you can put on your bedroom door that says “Do Not Disturb.” That sign on your door means you want to relax, sleep, or not be bothered. Hanging that sign on your hotel room door is acceptable, but putting it on your life isn’t. Have you ever noticed that God doesn’t always do things on our timetable or in ways that are convenient for us? Paul told Timothy that when it came to serving the Lord, he was called to do it “whether the time is favourable or not” (NLT) and “whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” We need to remember that whatever God asks us to do, it’s always worth any inconvenience or difficulty we face in the process. And He will always make a way for us to accomplish His will when we are obedient to Him. The Bible says, “So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him” (Romans 8:8 AMPC). Notice, this “life of the flesh” doesn’t please God. This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us. What it does mean is that He is not satisfied, nor will He accept behavior “catering to the appetites and impulses of their [our] carnal nature.” So take down your “Do Not Disturb” sign and commit to walking in obedience, for it’s the pathway of blessing.