Guarding “Ships”

Guarding “Ships”

2 Timothy 3: Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. 

 

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Feeling lonely, I decided that being involved with any group was better than none. I decided to go out with coworkers. Maybe I can get used to doing some other things. “Let’s go out to the strip club!” was a suggestion “everyone” agreed to. “I guess so” I said reluctantly.

 

• I felt something was wrong with just going with the crowd, but I went.
• I knew I should not do what “everyone” else was doing, but I did.
• I joined in on stuff I later regretted joining in on.

 

Paul warns more than Timothy about the “last days.” He generally provides a stern warning about connecting to people who do not have JESUS in their hearts, but mimic the words. He prepared Timothy to not be naïve rather to know there will be some who will not follow GOD no matter how much he or she pretends.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my sin and forgave me through my belief in JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD is the only forgiver of sins.
• GOD wants the heart not the outward pretenses.

 

There are a few ships GOD wants me to guard. Friendships, relationships and partnerships. These are sacred to HIM because they affect how HIS Kingdom grows. GOD knows I cannot avoid the world or live in a bubble. In fact, HE wants me and you to infect the world.

 

BUT GOD also wants me to guard my heart and not allow the world to enter it with things that will take people away from HIS Kingdom. He wants my friendships, relationships and partnerships to be focused on HIS “real power” which is through JESUS. I am glad GOD protects me in this difficult world.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the list of the writer is so extensive?
• Have you ever been tempted to hang out with a crowd you knew was wrong for you, but you did it anyway?
• Will you seek the “real power” of GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to infect the world versus connecting with people you know will drag you down by the world today?

Connected

Connected

Acts 21: After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. ² We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. ³ After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. ⁴ We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. ⁵ When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. ⁶ After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

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“Who will I meet and what will I eat?” were the questions that ran through my mind when I ventured on a couple of missions trips in other countries. I was nervous because I never had been out of the country of my birth.

After meeting up with a local church, a guy spoke to me and asked me about JESUS on the first trip. My fears subsided. The same thing happened in other countries on other trips.

• There were times when I worried about being in a strange place.
• There were times when I wondered about my comfort.
• There were times when I felt uncomfortable about speaking to strangers about JESUS.

Paul and the disciples sailed to several ports on the way to Jerusalem, landing in Tyre. There they sought out those who believed in JESUS as their LORD and Savior. Many men, women and children met with them. At the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT they urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. They were connected enough to speak with wisdom, not fear.

• GOD wants me to connect with people through the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to serve people based on the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to live my life with purpose based on the HOLY SPIRIT.

Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT means growing GOD’s kingdom versus tearing it down. JESUS died and rose from the dead, sending the HOLY SPIRIT to those who believe in HIM. When I listen to HIM, I get sent to those who need the connection, or who need to guide me in my journey. I am grateful for the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Are you connected to GOD’s people through JESUS?
• Does your life have purpose to do HIS will?
• Will you accept what GOD is urging you to do and drop your answers to human issues to provide HIS solutions to the problems of others today?

Well Connected

Well Connected

John 18: ¹² Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. ¹³ And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. ¹⁴ Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

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Advised on speaking to a specific person, I asked “Why should I?” “That person is well connected” was their reply. Confused about the statement, I asked “What does well connected mean?” They started naming all of the people this person knew. I still did not know what they meant by listing names, so I stopped asking questions.

• I had no idea at the time, people could become rich because of who they knew.
• I did not know, at the time, that people could be put in a position of power based on who they knew.
• I was unaware, at the time, that people could decide my fate, or at least they thought they could.

Caiaphas was the highest church leader at the time. He was threatened by the actions of JESUS, so he orchestrated HIS arrest. He used his connections to get government officials to bring troops in to arrest JESUS. He then sent JESUS to be interrogated by his father-in-law. He thought his plan was fool proof. BUT GOD saw through it.

• GOD sees when I am trying to control the situation.
• GOD wants me to let go of situations so HE can work.
• GOD desires to be in control and the more I hold on, the less HE will shine.

Little did Caiaphas know, his own declaration that “one man die for the people” is exactly what GOD wanted. He was trying to make an example out of JESUS so no one would challenge any church leader’s authority.

BUT GOD had the authority. JESUS allowed HIMSELF to be captured while maintaining HIS power as GOD. Caiaphas was never in control. GOD wants me to surrender control. This surrender only comes from the heart. I am glad HE is in control.

• Are you trying to use your connections to gain control over your life?
• Do you think you can control others?
• Will you release control and allow GOD to work out the situation today?