1 Timothy 1 & 2

It's time for a new book! This time around we chose to do 1 Timothy and we will also be doing 2 chapters a week for this book so be prepared for that. This book is a letter written by Paul and sent to Timothy who was in Ephesus at the time. Timothy was Paul's apprentice and Paul was sending him instruction and encouragement while he was away. This letter contains a lot of instruction that was specific to the church in Ephesus, things that Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy was aware of.

Chapter one has Paul telling Timothy about certain people that he needs to wary of. These people started doing the things that they wanted instead of things that glorify the Lord. Focus on checking your own heart and see if your actions are glorifying to the Lord.

Chapter two is Paul telling Timothy how to conduct worship at the church. Again, understand that some of these instructions (mostly when talking about how women should act), are only written when Paul says things to the church of Ephesus. Pray about this chapter and see what the Lord has for you because it will be different for you.

I look forward to hearing your feedback and what God is showing you, I love all of you and I hope that you have a great week.

- Stephen

Jonah 4

Before I give some understanding to Jonah. Remember that you must read and think about the word of God on your own.
In this last chapter of Jonah, I felt perplexed as to what Jonah was saying. He is disappointed that God spared Ninevah. Remember, the book is called Jonah, not Ninevah. Jonah was an Israelite, and before the time of Jesus and Martin Luther King jr., the Israelites were not the biggest fans of people who were not like them. Gentiles, to the Jews, were seen as lower, and undeserving of God's mercy. Jonah did the job God commanded him to, but deep down, it could be said, he hoped they would still be obliterated.
God's Salvation is for everyone. Sometimes, I wonder who we are following, when we become too self-righteous for others. This chapter changed my perspective on Jonah, and convicted me in new ways.
Let this chapter really sink in, and re-read this book a few times. There is great, hidden wisdom, inside God's mystery, and God says some profound things in Jonah.
-fonzi