February 2016
Here Is My Challenge For You!
Let me start off by saying, “I pray your New Year is going as you thought it might? Well! As I was thinking of what your pastor could do for you? Or share with you? It became very clear in my mind, what was most important to share with you? The most important thing I can give to you is a challenge to read through the Bible this year. In addition, you could read through the Proverbs each and every month. And for you who love a challenge you could add a memory scripture for each month. All this will add value to your being, substance to your soul and joy to your life. By the end of the year, you will have accomplished twelve new verses to memory. Furthermore, you will have learned wisdom of the Proverbs. And have accomplished a wonderful feat of reading through the Bible. It is a challenge to take serious in your spiritual life. As the Apostle Paul writes, he desires us to become mature, the pattern to live by, and an example to the community in which we live. These three things instilled in your life will make a huge difference. However, it is only up to you to say yes and to complete the task as you incorporate this discipline.
I would like to start this challenge with the scripture in Hebrews 4:12-13 “For The Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. 13 Nothing in all creation can hide from Him. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. (NLT)
The reason I choose the Hebrew’s scripture is to help you see just how important it is to learn and study the Word of God. I also wanted to add some of Timothy’s insight in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity; but of power, love, and self-discipline.” He also says in 2 Timothy 2:15. “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth”. And finally, in 2Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 17. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” (NLT) In sharing these four scriptures I pray the LORD will encourage you to instill this discipline of reading and studying the WORD OF GOD into your lives.
As you begin reading Ask God, to help you see what HE wants you to see in your daily reading. By doing this you are inviting God to teach you what HE wants to teach you today? You will be surprised how your new found discipline will help you in your everyday living! Life is good when you serve the One who gives it to you!
It is not easy to serve JESUS! Because Satan will do all he can to keep you from it. Therefore, learn to recognize the TRUTH of the WORD of GOD and live it! Then you can tell if people are leading you toward GOD or away from GOD, honoring HIM or dishonoring HIM, edifying the BODY OF CHRIST or tearing down the BODY OF CHRIST? By praying, asking for GOD’s direction in your reading of the Bible, learning the WORD, so you have the foundation and SWORD to defend yourself in the world in which you live. What you choose to do is a decision made only by you. So I will be praying you will make good decisions this year to be a disciplined Christian in your pursuit to SERVE JESUS!
In Christ Jesus, Bro. Tony Antonelli, 2 Tim. 2:15