2 Timothy 3: 16,17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Dear God,
I praise You for Your goodness, for hearing my prayers for help and giving me the ability to get through the good and the hard times. I am so glad we have had good rains this winter, and that finally spring has become less rainy, though it is so welcome to have had the drought of last year apparently broken. I am thankful, for the abundant blossoms upon my fruit trees, with the promise of fruit from December on. It is good to anticipate, that because of the increased cold hours, the cherry trees promise much of their luscious fruit.
Paul in his New Testament books writes with insight about how the conditions will be in the last days of earth – in a word perilous; which does describe the physical conditions for millions of people, at present. However it would seem we have more subtle threats in the Western world, for we are almost bathed in wickedness and Godlessness on the media and many places of pleasure (so called). To such an extent that we can be desensitized and yet be unaware of our shift in belief and practice, as we gradually shift our allegiance and value system away from You God. In the last days, scripture outlines the character traits of the people living then, 2 Timothy 3: 2-5 “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.” It is very easy to say that none of these attributes will be found in a church going girl like me, but sadly to some degree they have and will be found in me and others.
Please God, if there is any wrong attitude or behaviour that separates me from Yourself, please reveal them to me, so I can confess and ask You to be my strength for change; which I know I have done before, but thankfully, You ask us to come as often as we need, to press our case before You, and You will hear, and bring belief and attitudinal changes within us as we keep asking. I never want to be described as, V5 “…having a form of Godliness, but denying its power….” Because all scripture is given under inspiration, I am told my answer is; to get to know You, and Your inspired words of scripture; and remember to claim these truths as my own, and in perseverance live out the principles, given therein.
Again today, this is my resolve as I claim the enabling from heaven, so freely offered.
Amen