A SPIRITUAL GIFT
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The building on the left is known as the Mamertine Prison. Tradition tells us that Paul and Peter were both held in this prison before they were martyred. From here the letters to Timothy and Titus were written during the final imprisonment of Paul. In Paul’s first incarceration he was allowed to stay in a private house. Upon entering the city of Rome, “Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment” (Acts 27:1), handed Paul over to the Prefect of the Praetorian Guard (the commanding officer). The official duty of the Prefect was to keep in custody all accused persons who were to be tried before the Emperor. “Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16). The church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, built in the 16th century, now stands above the Mamertine.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Timothy 4:14a
Do not neglect the gift that is in you…
Chapter three gives practical instructions for those who carry the responsibilities of leadership in the church. The word “Bishop” is used interchangeably with “Pastor” in the churches of the first century. The role of a “Deacon” was defined in the first church in Jerusalem (read Acts 6:1-8). Stephen, the Jerusalem Deacon and first martyr, is a powerful example of someone who “served well” (1 Timothy 3:13b). Stephen most certainly had “great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.”
Chapter four gives us a solemn warning concerning false teachers. We need to remember that Satan went into the religion business at the beginning of the human family (Genesis 3). Here are instructions for Timothy and all his helpers: (1) Instruct (2) Be a good minister (3) Follow carefully good doctrine (4) Reject fables (5) Exercise…to godliness (6) Bodily exercise profits a little – keep in good physical shape (7) Godliness is profitable in all things (8) Let no one despise your youth (9) Be an example (10) Give attention to reading (how about this blog) (11) Our key verse – exercise the gifts God has given (12) Meditate on these things (13) Take heed to yourself and the doctrine.This is good counsel for all of us too!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that I will not neglect the gift that is in me. May I faithfully recognize the gifts that are in my brothers and sisters in the faith. Help me to listen more carefully to the teaching of others who are called by You to teach, preach, witness, and serve. In Jesus’ Name I ask these requests, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I look at the pictures my son has taken and freely shared with us, I recognize that obedience to the call of God requires, if necessary, death to my own plans and ambitions. While still a teenager, I took great delight in following Jesus. I realized that as I “Delight [myself] in the Lord, He will give [me] the desires of [my] heart.” I’ve just taken time to read from King David Psalm 37:1-8, which teaches me that I should seek to know what delights the heart of God, and then line my desires up with His. When my desires are the same as His desires, “He shall give you [me] the desires of your [my] heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Rev. Keith Running, now of Medicine Hat, Alberta, once planted a new congregation in Brighton, Ontario. I followed him as Pastor there in the Fall of 1958. He had developed a marvellous document called a “Local Church Constitution.” The roles of Pastor and Deacons were outlined carefully, as well as other organizational matters. I learned a great deal from Keith. Because of such a wise document, even the church business meetings were enjoyable.
Yours for learning and applying the practical teachings of ministry in the local church,
David
In the lower level of the Mamertine Prison there is only one entrance and exit from the prison…you can see the hole in the stone ceiling through which Paul and Peter would have been lowered. It is said that Paul was chained to the pole at the back of the room.
Here you can see Peter and Paul depicted in these statues which are in the main room above the prison.
Fascinating pictures of the prison and cell where St. Paul was held. So many Christians have paid a heavy price standing for our faith in Jesus Christ!
I did not receive my 100 words in my in box today.
Fondly
Wanda Litwiller
Thanks, David, Ron, Reynold, and all contributors to the blog, and to all who pray…may God bless each and every one of you!
Without you (Jesus and his church), we wouldn’t have a prayer…
Amazing photos; trying to picture our Saints Paul and Peter, there. I am writing my book to testify and bring glory to Your Holy Name, oh Lord. I will not neglect the gift that is in me. Amen. Wishing all my dear brothers and sisters in Christ a most blessed day!
What clear and wonderful instructions today in 1 Timothy on the qualifications for deacons in the church. If we can get past being blinded and overly impressed by people’s appearance, charisma, wonderful homes and other possessions, and be guided instead by these steps to examine the heart of the potential leaders, we will not be misguided. These positions in the church are a privilege and great responsibility. God is so good in giving us a format to follow in his word. We must also honour and respect the commitment of these amazing brothers and sisters to serve us. Blessings to all!
Hi was concerned that this blog was missing in my in box and internet this morning…thankful that it did come in and there is no reason to be concerned as I have received it ….I would indeed miss it very much….thanks again David for your needed and appreciated ministry!!:)
Amen! This prison is much more upgraded than the one in Philippi where Paul was held which was just a dirt hole in the ground, however I’m sure neither place was pleasant. I read that Timothy was less than 25 years old when he became pastor of Ephesus; about the age of our new pastor and wife team. Thank you Doreen and Beverlee for your prayers; sorry for the delay in reply. Thank you David for your faithfulness each day in writing this blog. Paul was a faithful mentor to Timothy as you are to us.
Sah, I had the same problem with the voice over yesterday. It eventually corrected itself and it is fine today. I almost always go to http://www.100words.ca (even though I get it in my in-box) because it is more clear and the voice over is available. It is not available when it comes to my inbox. It would have been so miserable to be chained to a pole in that dungeon of a prison. So happy to be out of the difficulties of Job’s trial. Have a great day all.
Amen to all your comments Pastor David …the illustrations, the pictures what a blessing to receive daily. Thank you to Reynold, Ron and all involved in its presentation!!!
thank you bloggers for your input each day!!
have not heard how Mary Stewart…praying for opening for your surgery Berverlee.
the weather outside is gloomy…but this blog makes the inside bright…have a blessed day you all…
AMEN IRENEo
Blessings to all
prayers of thanksgiving for a friend Dana, doctors found out what the problem is and will operate and she will be well again, praise and thanks to God,
in regards to listening of the Bible verses for the day, on Biblegateway.com it only reads one Chapter, and if I reset the “sound” icon, it plays the same Chapter over,
there are some hiccups that need to be cleared up, on Monday I will talk to the customer service at 100 Huntley Street to find out what the problem may be, they have been very helpful in the past,
I also was thinking and praying for Mary Stewart, I believe all is well, she is recovering from the surgery,
please pray for God’s message of salvation for Jessica, Ian and Jeremy!
please pray for our government leaders, I know that they do appreciate knowing that people are praying for them, one politician said that he really appreciates knowing that people are praying for him and their families also.