12 I THANK Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a BLASPHEMER and a PERSECUTOR and a VIOLENT MAN, I WAS SHOWN MERCY because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1
PAUL WAS THANKFUL TO THE LORD for appointing him to His service. Paul had gone through a lot of abuse and suffering by the time he wrote these letters, yet he REMAINED THANKFUL TO GOD. I believe THANKFULNESS IS KEY to keeping our hearts true to the Lord. In a recent meeting a man of God said several times, ‘the thankful soul will receive a Double Portion’. Jesus blessed the only man, and he was a Samaritan, who returned to Thank Him for his healing. Luke 17:12-19
Paul remembered the sort of man he had been, probably always remained with him, before he met the Lord on the road to Damascus. Despite it all, he’d been shown mercy and chosen to declare God’s love and goodness towards all people.
18 Timothy, MY SON, I am giving you this instruction IN KEEPING WITH THE PROPHECIES ONCE MADE ABOUT YOU, SO THAT BY RECALLING THEM YOU MAY FIGHT THE BATTLE WELL, 19 HOLDING ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 1 Timothy 1
Paul’s next instruction to Timothy begins by stating his affection for the younger man. This wasn’t just a list of instructions, but he was telling Timothy things which would be helpful to him as his spiritual son. ‘Remember the prophecies made about you.’ Use those words spoken about you through the Spirit to help you fight and win the battle you’re in. Paul knew that Timothy would face opposition and since prophecy is to, ‘strengthen, encourage and comfort us’ (1 Corinthians 14:3) he urged him to lay hold of those personal words.
Prophetic words should be present and future oriented. They can give us direction for the present, but also at times point the way far into the future. King David was told that he would one day be the ruler of Israel, but there was a lengthy preparation time involved.
At the meeting I spoke of earlier, someone received a word from two people about their need to REST in the present time. An up to date word with Godly wisdom for their situation. God cares about the needs of His servants/children and sometimes their needs take precedence.
Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Saint Patrick’s Day from the Emerald Isle.
God bless and keep you today.