As I read the opening sentence of the book I was caught off guard by the character’s passionate plea. I could feel the painful sorrow within as he pleaded for his best friend to return so he could be comforted and encouraged during the last days of his life.
The character, the author, wrote loving words of encouragement while recalling days gone by. He wrote strong words of faith urging the younger to remain true and faithful. He wrote words of warning, cautioning the younger not to waver in his duties and to be careful in befriending and trusting those who abandoned him. Finally he ended his introduction with the writing of his own memories of the two of them together in days past, once more encouraging the younger to come quickly.
As I read I was drawn into the life and character of Paul as recorded in 2 Timothy. Paul knows the days ahead lead to his death. His friendship and fatherly love flow through his pen and onto the pages, for generations and generations to read and know. Did Paul know that such a personal letter would be used in this way? Paul wrote them for that day, for that moment, for him, and for his beloved friend.
I write today to encourage you to dive in, take the plunge, sit, read, and absorb the story, character, and setting of any bible story. Read as though you are there. Read as if you are the main character. Read and let the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom and knowledge. Read.
Try first or second Timothy. Pick an easily understood translation like NIV, NASB, or the Message. If you have a study bible read the introduction and get a bearing on the time, place, and purpose of the writing. Pray for understanding and then read. Put yourself into the story. Put yourself into the author or a particular character, see what they see, feel what they feel, and know an Almighty God.
Start today and read. Watch God expand your understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. Read and be blessed with grace and peace that is only offered and promised by God himself through Christ Jesus our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Read and discover God. Learn to love. Learn to know. Learn to listen. Read, and know that He is God, the great I AM.
The character, the author, wrote loving words of encouragement while recalling days gone by. He wrote strong words of faith urging the younger to remain true and faithful. He wrote words of warning, cautioning the younger not to waver in his duties and to be careful in befriending and trusting those who abandoned him. Finally he ended his introduction with the writing of his own memories of the two of them together in days past, once more encouraging the younger to come quickly.
As I read I was drawn into the life and character of Paul as recorded in 2 Timothy. Paul knows the days ahead lead to his death. His friendship and fatherly love flow through his pen and onto the pages, for generations and generations to read and know. Did Paul know that such a personal letter would be used in this way? Paul wrote them for that day, for that moment, for him, and for his beloved friend.
I write today to encourage you to dive in, take the plunge, sit, read, and absorb the story, character, and setting of any bible story. Read as though you are there. Read as if you are the main character. Read and let the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom and knowledge. Read.
Try first or second Timothy. Pick an easily understood translation like NIV, NASB, or the Message. If you have a study bible read the introduction and get a bearing on the time, place, and purpose of the writing. Pray for understanding and then read. Put yourself into the story. Put yourself into the author or a particular character, see what they see, feel what they feel, and know an Almighty God.
Start today and read. Watch God expand your understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. Read and be blessed with grace and peace that is only offered and promised by God himself through Christ Jesus our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Read and discover God. Learn to love. Learn to know. Learn to listen. Read, and know that He is God, the great I AM.
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