Prepared

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
PREPARED
2 Tim 4:1-2
4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
NIV
I know this was to Timothy, but of what value is it in viewing simply history and not applying the words to my own life? Are not all of us called to this task? I know I am as was Timothy. I have to preach the word for God has declared it so in my heart. I do think the word itself will do all the correcting that needs to be done, but I also think I see things which need correction as well. I am not so inclined to rebuke my brothers and sister in the Lord, but I think the Spirit will speak to the hearts and minds of those who are in need, if I just declare the word. The key word here surely is careful instruction. I must be open to the Holy Spirit in the first place as to what portion or what part of the Holy Scriptures I am to share from when I have the opportunity. Then I must be careful to preach or teach just the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God. It does seem to be easy to get distracted by personal opinion rather than just the simple truth. It would be easier to simply teach what others would like to hear, I think I would be more popular and perhaps even gather larger crowds, not that I even gather a crowd to start with. But that is not for me to count numbers, or seek crowds, fame or fortune. I am just to do want God desires, and I will continue to have great patience in my calling. God is not in a hurry, so I suppose I should not be either. I just have to be prepared for whenever the occasion comes to me to preach, teach and write about the truth of God. He is going to build his kingdom, I am just to be a useful instrument to be used as he desires, not as I desire. Although he does give me the desires of my heart, and perhaps a little play on words, he has given me the desire to be useful in this manner. I know one thing and one thing for sure; I must be ready when he calls me to the task. I have to fulfill my part in the spreading of his word to those who are in need of hearing the truth. Looking ahead to the next words I know there are already many who would rather hear unsound doctrine, and maybe that is why not many listen to me. But I will continue, I will teach only from the truth of God, not regurgitating what some other man thinks is the truth. I will only preach the truth as the Spirit leads me. I do not desire the truth of men, but only of God. Lord help me to be true to your word, in my life and my words. Help me be prepared.