The Sword of Truth

Hi everyone! Hope you have had a good week. Sorry it has been a bit since I have blogged. I was thinking a couple days ago that when I blog next time (which is now) that I should talk about the message that was spoken at church last weekend. It was such a great message! So here ya go!

'You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings - what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,' 2 Timothy 3:10-12

Paul is telling Timothy about how (Timothy) knows Paul and what he has gone through in his life. I bet he has endured his sufferings with the fruits of the Spirit. It mentions a couple of them (love, patience) in this passage. There are lots of things in this life that need love and patience by each of us. Trials and tribulations, and missions just to name a few. Paul is telling Timothy that through it all, the Lord saved him from all the persecutions. I do think that still we need to endure through them and have the perseverance to get to the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. With His help, we can get to that light. He is the Light of the world and we should shine it from within us especially during these times.

Here is an example. I am going on a mission trip to Mexico this summer as you may know. It is hot down there plus you have the humidity with the heat. I may have to suffer through the heat and humidness (is that a word? if not, I just made it up and I like it) plus whatever else I encounter while I am down there. It does help, however, that I have been there before so I know somewhat what to expect.

In verse 12 of 2 Timothy 3, it says that whoever wants to live for God will endure persecutions. A question that was brought up by the pastor was, 'why aren't we persecuted?' We talked about this in Mosaic after service a bit and it was quite interesting. I was personally asked this question about if I hug the beam or walk on it when I am being persecuted. As I am one who has to process things before I can speak, I was not quick to answer. My thought is that, at first, I may hug the beam because I may not be bold enough to speak up. If I pray and ask Him to give me my words, then I can get up off the beam and walk on it. I know He is with me all the way. It would be good if I carried the 'sword of Truth' with me so I will be ready if/when the opportunity knocks. We should all carry that sword of Truth with us so we will be ready.