Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Locked In 5/11-15

11-15 May 2016 – Locked In – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Timothy 2:9 “I suffer trouble . . . even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (NKJV).

            In 2 Timothy we read of Paul experiencing a different kind of “locked-in syndrome.”  Under the house arrest, the apostle learned that it is possible that he would be executed (be put to death).  With this in view, he told Timothy:  “I suffer trouble … even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9).
           
            In spite of his isolation (separation from others), Paul welcomed visitors, wrote letters of encouragement, and rejoiced at the spread of God’s Word. Paul spent two years under house arrest awaiting his trial.  Paul wrote Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians during this first Roman imprisonment.
           
            Early church tradition suggests that Paul was exiled and fulfilled the dream of expressed in Roman 15:23-29 of carrying the gospel to Spain (A.D. 63-67).  Then later Paul was arrested again and taken to a harsher second Roman imprisonment.  While in prison, Paul wrote 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.
           
            Paul left us an example that if ever we felt like we may have been isolated from others, to remind us that the Word of God is not chained. We can still reach out to others through the Face Book, Face Time, Skype, Video Phone, emails, and such.
           
            As for me, I write Manna and put in Blog and emails to friends. I felt free when it comes to the Word of God, His presence, He is everywhere.  What about you?  I pray that there are some ways you could reach out to others.
   
            Even when praying “on your knee,” your prayers traveled around the world.  Pray for more workers to carry the Word of God everywhere.  Pray for workers to do their mission to help others. God will reward you.

Song: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes
            By Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And then we’ll be gathered home.

Song: In the Service of the King
            By Alfred Henry Ackley, Sing His Praise
In the service of the King,
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.

No comments: