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Listen while you read: "O Lord Thou Art My God And King"1 (Lyrics) |
2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)
Ruby is an Irish Setter. Setters are tall dogs with long legs. At five months of age, some days, Ruby's long legs cause her a great deal of trouble. She careens around corners, ending up on her side with four lanky legs flying out in every direction. She leaps from the bed, landing in a tangle of legs. She races across the field tumbling head over heels into the grass. Yet, she keeps running and leaping and forging ahead.
Regarding the handling of God's Word, like many of us, I often feel like Ruby. Whether through writing or speaking, handling the Word of God can make us feel clumsy and inadequate. Its truths are unfathomable, and seeking to explain the depths of them to others can be a formidable task. Understanding the Word and passing it on correctly to others, however, is not something that we are called to do on our own. Jesus told us:
John 16:13 – But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit enables and equips God's people. He reminds us of the truths that we already have learned, "the word planted in you, which can save you." (James 1:21b NIV) As we continue to study God's Word, He is also able to open our hearts and minds to new depths of truth that we have yet to learn. He also strengthens us, for as Paul wrote, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV)
Therefore, much like Ruby, we must continue to forge ahead when it comes to passing along the Word of truth to others. We may be clumsy as we seek to do so, but as we continue to do our best to present ourselves to God "as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth", through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us, that is exactly what and who we will become.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word and for giving it to us, not only for our own growth and salvation but also to pass on to others so that they, too, may come to know You and live the abundant life. May each of us seek to forge ahead, even amidst our clumsiness, knowing and trusting that as we do so, our attempts will be used by Your Holy Spirit to grow and mature both us and those with whom we share the Word. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Hello Lynne
I remember this devotional. How is Ruby doing a year later, her long legs still getting her into trouble?
God is faithful and He helps us that is for sure.
God bless.
Good morning, Lynne,
I thank God for you and the truths you present to us.
It is very challenging these days to pass on God’s word so thank you for such an encouraging and comforting devotional, Lynne!
Morning Lynne, a great portrayal of Ruby……and sadly I’m clumsy too when sharing. Thanks for another great read and encouragement.
Hi Lynne,
Great analogy. Loved your closing prayer.
Blessings.
Good morning, Lynne!
Thank you for your wonderful message today and especially your prayer. Much appreciated by me. Thank you.
How true!
Reading in 1 Chronicles now. Hard going for David too!
Warm hugs on a typical “Wet” coast Spring day.
Good morning,
I do enjoy your writings. It is like being right there! The dog sound comical and entertaining.
I really like the scripture used John 16 v 13.
Powerful.
Thanks. I recently had a case where I didn’t speak up when I had the opportunity, and the individual died a couple days later. Our life group met a couple days later, and it was good to share my feelings there. We talked a lot about being prepared in different situations. Feeling inadequate is a lifelong issue for some of us.
Wonderful picture. I’m afraid I don’t share the WORD – just that I personally read the WORD. I just can’t seem to get into it! Most of the time it doesn’t seem to bother me. I don’t actually ‘hang out’ with people who don’t want to hear about the Lord, but recently it seems to be bothering me. May HE show me what I’m doing wrong/not doing!!
Amen.
Good morning, Lynne, and many thanks for another of your very special writings. Sounds like Ruby is a delightful and entertaining puppy to have around you. Yes, it is important in our daily life to keep going forward and relying on the Lord’s word is definitely a great help in doing that. You included the words of Philippians 13:4 which are very reassuring have been my “mantra” for many years. Blessings for these very good analogies and most meaningful writings you prepare.
Good morning, Lynne,
Ruby sounds adorable and I am sure is full of mischief too at 5 months. I was laughing as you described her antics. It is so true that the Holy Spirit is there for us, and the Bible reminds us to trust. I know I still feel clumsy in big groups or when I have to speak. I pray for calmness and know it will be okay even if I am quiet and smiling.
Thanks for sharing and helping us all the remember that God is working with us each and every moment of the day. When I remember God is walking with me, I can then shine the light of Jesus to others even if it is a simple smile or hello. Blessings.