Scripture of the Day
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
“Stamp Of Approval”
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
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This is for those who feel underappreciated! Honestly, you can truly feel unappreciated in the eyes of man when doing what GOD has for you. If someone meets you today for the first time, they will not know who you were in the past . . . therefore they cannot appreciate how far you have come! I love to hear the stories of how some churches got started. In fact, that is one of the first things I will ask a pastor of a church! Many times I get the response of “If you only knew!” Many pastors started out with no paycheck or facility . . . just the hope and faith in GOD. It’s amazing because I’ve never heard a pastor say anything about the church starting in a huge million dollar facility, with a 100-member choir and brand new bibles for everyone! No, it started with a call from GOD (that most pastors try to avoid at first), then it moved into vision. It was a worship service in the basement, garage, breakroom, local school, etc. The pastor had to sing in the choir, while directing! The pastor would have to share the resources. But by faith in GOD, they have been blessed! You can see the excitement in their face as they come to the end of the story of how GOD has brought the church so far! Now after 15-20 years, new members walk in the doors of the church and expect more, not realizing where the church had come from! And it is the same in our everyday lives. People expect more of who they see of us, instead of appreciating who we have become in CHRIST!
We must do our best for GOD’s approval! HE alone knows just how far you have come . . . and HE alone knows just how far you will go! Your church may be small, your bank account may be low, your family may be struggling . . . but do the best you can for GOD's Stamp of Approval! At the end of the day, it doesn’t even matter what you feel! It is all about GOD’s Stamp of Approval! Has HE seen your best for today! I repeat . . . has HE seen your best for today! I don’t know about “The best is yet to come”, because I want to give my best today . . . and pray that tomorrow is even better! You will never be ashamed for giving GOD your best!
Rejoice In HIS Blessing Today!
Note to pastors: Tell the story of what GOD has done! It’s great to have it posted on your church website! But let them hear it from your mouth every once in awhile!
1 comment:
GM my brother,
"Stamp Of Approval"
This Bible verse has long been one of my favorites.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
"Stamp Of Approval"
The SOD did a great job in response to the first part of 2 Timothy 2:15, i.e. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved."
Yes, we as Christians must remain diligent, AND steadfast, during this Christian journey; not for the sake of pleasing men, but for the sake of pleasing our God.
One thing is for certain, we should know full well that when we are pleasing our God, we should expect to find ourselves within the crosshairs of men (which is our fiery test & trials). We must remain willing to suffer as we abide in Christ Jesus (remember we talked about the sufferings of Christians in last week's SODs--so, why do I bring up this point again, because we often find that all Bible verses come together in showing us the will of God--All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..).
Let me get back to the second part of "2 Timothy 2:15." I have learned without a doubt that by studying the Word of God we are truly transformed through the renewal of our minds. Even though we now abide in Christ, many of us have a lot of old baggage stored up inside our brains...our minds must be renewed. We now must belong to God in body, soul & mind; otherwise, we don't belong to him at all; therefore, we can't have one foot in the World and one foot in Church! We can't serve God and also be double-minded!
Therefore, I have no doubt, we must study the Word of God if we truly want to better understand the true will of God for our lives. Knowing & doing the Word of God will strengthen us; knowing & doing the Word of God will increases our faith; knowing & doing the Word of God will bring us into a closer relationship with Him...PRAISE GOD!!
So, what's the Bottom-line here? Let me say without hesitation nor reservation--I HAVE NO DOUBT, there is power in the Word of God. And I will submit to you that God uses the Power of His Word in order to persevere us in our walk on His straight and narrow Path, and together by His Holy Spirit we're empowered to stand boldly in our proclamation of the Word of Truth!!!
When we study the Word of Truth, and walk in its light, we show ourselves approved unto God. For this is the sovereign will of our God, that we receive the POWER OF HIS WORD, and are transformed and fully equipped unto good works; that we may receive his "Stamp of Approval."
I find it very interesting how many people call themselves Christians, but fail to spend time in the Word. So how can they know the Lord intimately, when they're not grounded in Truth; many are being deceived and are walking in defeat.
Therefore, let us as Christians remain diligent in or study of the Word of God; be forever vigilant in this Christian walk; workmen transformed by the renewing of our minds, not ashamed in correctly handling and proclaiming the Word of Truth, the Word of God is our Sword of defense by which we stand firm through our many trials and tribulations, as we forever presenting ourselves to God as one approved!
UNTO GOD, ALL PRAISE AND GLORY!!!
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