Book Review Friday - ! Timothy

This week's reading was a Book for living a practical Christian life on a day to day basis, a lot to think about and an excellent goal to strive for. I really don't know where to start so this review will probably be all over the place.

Some things that stood out to me. Chapter 1:3,4 and 4:1 there is a warning given to us to beware of false teaching and to hold fast to sound doctrine. We are told not to hold to genealogies and fables that don't do anything to build our faith or glorify God. The result of heeding this commandment, "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:". (vs5) I want my faith to be strengthened as I go through trials and challenges (even though I can't say I will be happy during these times) in my life. I do know that God promises that He will be with me and that all that comes into my life, good or bad, is to bring me closer to Him. How can I complain about this end result?

Chapter 2: 1, 2 gives me a wake up call with complaining about those who God has put in authority over me, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty". It is not easy for me to give thanks to those that are not doing what is pleasing to me, but I am told that this is well pleasing to God, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (vs 3) It really doesn't matter whether we are daughters, wives, mothers, widows, or a church member, we all are under the authority of someone. God has ordained this for our protection as ladies.

Chapter 2:4 Salvation is not just for some people but God is not willing for any to perish, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9. I am reminded that I need to look at people in every walk of life and see them as a soul that Christ died for, and that they are destined for heaven or hell. Christ didn't just die for a certain few people, but "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" 1John 2:2. I need to be more bold to witness for Christ at every opportunity, I am not the most brave person when it comes to witnessing. I am thankful that God is longsuffering and mercifull to me, and that I heard the Gospel message of salvation. I can say with Paul that, "...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" 1Timothy1:15. (emphasis mine).

In today's world, where so many things are contrary to the Word of God, we as woman must always be on guard that we are portraying ourselves as God wants us too. We are so often looked upon as "unusual" to say the least, no surprise, we are to be pecular people. God has a perfect plan for me as a woman, I wish I could say that I have always lived up to God's standard, but that would not be so and God knows it. God wants me to be modest in my appearance and to be godly in my conversation. It has always been difficult for me to have someone in authority over me, not a good thing, and to let my husband be the leader of our home. God has the order in the home that works for harmony and so many times the roles have been reversed and so chaos occurs in homes. Woman are seen as weak by today's standards if they don't have a career, work outside the home and would dare to follow what God's Word says, what a tradgedy. It is such a blessing to me to see wives and moms that want to be "keepers at home", they surely have choosen the better things of life. Ladies this is a most important occupation and with the greatest rewards. No to mention well pleasing to God. Be happy to go against the view of society!!
As a widow I feel very blessed to have a family and church family that loves me and cares for me. My youngest son and his wife, (they have been married just two years last September), bought a house that had an apartment so that I could live in the same house, (I have the best daughter-in-law ever) , but have our own homes. I believe that they are fuling the Scripture of 5:4, "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God ". God has been so good to me! I am very blessed and undeserving of such love and care.

There was so very much to learn in all areas of this Book and much more can be said. While reading this Book words used a lot were"faithful", "acceptation" and "true". I want to work toward being more faithful, acceptible and true in my every day life, and more pleasing to my Lord in all that I do.

This definitely was a challenging week of new truths from the Word of God to apply to my life. Looking forward to next weeks Book and what I need to learn:) I am looking forward to reading what each of you learned from this Book.

Until next time!