Scripture of the Day
1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NKJV)
“Work Glove”
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
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Years ago in a men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study, the teacher held up a screw driver. He asked, “What is this in my hand?” and of course we all identified it as a screw driver. He asked us what are some of the things we use a screw driver for. Of course, we said things like . . . ice pick, door jam, a weapon, etc. These are just a few of the things we said. Then the teacher asked, “What did the creator of the screw driver intend it to be used for?” and of course we all said that it was a tool to screw in screws. At this point, I was personally thinking, “Well, that goes without saying” But then he spoke a message that hit me right between the eyes and deep into my heart. He said, “Well, what did GOD the Creator intend for you to be used for?” I did not see that one coming! He said, we use our own bodies to satisfy fleshly desires like sexual immorality, lying, and even murder, but GOD created us to worship. GOD created us to love. GOD created us to share the Gospel! Then he asked the men, “Are you being used for the intentions that GOD created you!”
Another lesson I learned in a group bible study was the illustration of a glove. A glove cannot do anything on its own. If it is on the ground, it cannot move itself to the countertop. But if a glove stays on the ground long enough it will get dirty, worn and torn by the elements, by the footsteps of those walking on it, etc. It will have nothing to show for its wounds, because it was not used for its intentions. In order for the glove to do the work it is intended for, someone must put their hand in the glove! I bet everyone can finish this SOD . . . can’t you! We are all Godly Workman Gloves, but without GOD the Holy Spirit inside us, we will accomplish nothing for the kingdom of GOD. Sure, without HIM we can get dirty, become worn and torn, but our wounds will not reflect the work that we are intended for. We must let GOD into our lives, so that we can become the gloves that work for HIM.
Think about it, when you put on a pair of gloves, they become an extension of your work! Winter gloves are used for winter, driving gloves are used for driving, boxing gloves are used for boxing . . . get the point! Well, Godly Workman Gloves are used for Godly work! How effective can boxing gloves be for driving? How warm will driving gloves keep your hands in the winter? So in order for us to be effective gloves for the LORD, we need HIM in our lives. Because if it is GOD the Holy Spirit inside, you will save both yourself and those who hear you! Those who see you! Please, let GOD use you. When man uses you up, there is no more value expected. But the more GOD uses you, the more invaluable you become.
LORD, I am YOURS. I give myself to YOU. Use me as a Godly Workman Glove. My desire is to fulfill the purpose I was intended for. Let this temple be a dwelling place for YOUR Spirit. Keep my eyes focused on YOU. Keep my hands working for YOU. Keep my mind meditating on YOU. Keep my heart longing for YOU. I was made to worship YOU. Glory to YOUR name . . . Amen!
2 comments:
GM, My Brother In Christ,
The "Work Glove"
Timothy 4:15-16 (NKJV)
"Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
KEYWORDS FROM TIMOTHY 4:15-16:
1. Neglect -- let us not be slackers, but let us put our spiritual gifts to work.
2. Prophecy -- let us heed the directions from God, doing the WILL of GOD.
3. Meditate -- not our causal thoughts, but serious our REAL intent towards God's purpose!
4. Progress -- not lackadaisical, but continual maturity, progressive actions in doing the work of God.
5. Doctrine -- know what we believe; that we are fully equipped and able to combat false teachings.
6. Continue --know we're called by God to stand firm in all things; surely our faith will be our witness.
COMMENTARY:
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter Timothy 4 in response to the false teachings of his time, and in response to those who had departed from the faith. So, Paul's letter to these saints was his attempt to motivate them to maintain their faith, and to stay true to sound doctrine; to maintain due diligence in the discharge of their duties for which they were called.
I noted the use of two analogies within today's SOD; the "Screwdriver" and the "Glove." Both are used to draw our attentions to the fact that God has created us for a purpose, and in speaking to His people, His Church..."GOD has created us to share the Gospel! "And that we have the Spirit of the Lord residing within us. And if you recall, we were to look back and read a previous SOD...which was taken from Galatians 6:9, we would find these words..."Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up." In that SOD, our brother told us that "GOD gives us the capabilities before the opportunities." Therefore, since we have already been equipped by God to complete His Godly work -- then surely, we have become His earthly hands and feet!
KEYWORDS FROM TODAY'S SOD:
1. Workman--an industrious worker, employed by heaven, and never late for work.
2. Purpose--our tools "screwdriver and the glove," we're created with purpose.
3. Dwelling/Temple--"God in us" our hearts and minds, our High Tower & Strength.
4. Focused--diligently keeping our eyes on Him, keeping our hands in the glove.
5. Fleshly--dying to the flesh daily, taking up our crosses daily.
6. Longing--seeking God to create within us a continued desire to please HIM.
The "Work Glove" truly another "WOW" moment -- For our God is truly Worthy of Worship!!!
This is my prayer, our God, please continue to bless this ministry, that it will continue to create within us a sense of Your purpose, and a deep longing to study Your Word; and that we may continually meditate on its truth. Dear Lord let your Word always live within our heart and minds, that we may stand firm as your hands and feet here on earth, let us not neglect the good work for which you have called us for, bring to life the spiritual gifts that you have placed within us; use us dear Lord in accordance to your good will, your good purposes and your good pleasure; dear Lord that others may know your truth; that they may receive your salvation...hallelujah, and become partakers in eternal life.
All Praise And Glory Unto Our God In Heaven, Amen!
This was a very timely message/scripture today. I was compelled to send it out to ALL of my e-mail buddies. Bless you!
Much peace and love,
Cyndi
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