Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” This verse reminds me of the relationship that David and Jonathan had in the book of 1 Samuel. Jonathan knit his soul to David to the extent that he was even willing to stand by David’s side against his father, King Saul. True friendship will do that, that relationship will cause you to remain faithful to our friends even when other question their motives or actions. A friend is a person who will believe in your innocence until you admit your guilt! We need one another and are reminded that before sin entered the world, the Lord said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). If we needed someone to be our partner before sin entered the world how much more do we need them now. Solomon Writes in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” I pray that God will raise up those in your life, who can be such a friend. … READ MORE

2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us that we are to proclaim the Word of God as believers. As Paul commissions us to do that, he tells us to “be ready when it is convenient and when it is not convenient.” The idea of “being ready” carries the idea of urgency, preparedness, and readiness. It could be used of a soldier who is ready to go into battle on a moment’s notice or of a guard who keeps continually alert for any threat of infiltration or attack by the enemy. Such a sense of readiness and willingness to serve the Lord at any cost and at any time not only should characterize every faithful preacher but also every faithful Christian. We are exhorted in 1 Peter 3:15 “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Only continual study of God’s Word, fellowship with Him in prayer, and submission to His Holy Spirit can keep alive a sense of exhilarating eagerness to preach. this proclamation must not be dictated by popular culture and propriety, by tradition, … READ MORE

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to proclaim the word (2 Timothy 4:2). The idea here is to make the word of God practical in the lives of people. While the Bible was written millennia ago, because God does not change, it is as applicable to our lives as it was the day it was written. Each of us has situations and circumstances that are different, and that we battle with on an ongoing basis, but the reality is that the Word of God gives us answers to the day to day circumstances of our lives. In order to maintain that relevance to our situations, we need to invest time in studying and understanding our situations. While the application of God’s word is different in the day we live, the content does not. God has not changed his position, it is the proclaimers responsibility to not only understand those principles and precepts but to first of all put them in practice in their own lives. As you read your Bible, ask yourself what God wants you to understand and do each day. Allow the Word of God to help you grow and change. … READ MORE