This Sunday we’ll be finishing up our study in 2 Timothy…we’ll be looking at chapter 4, verses 9-22. (The Message)
In his concluding comments, Paul addresses a lot of different people. All of those hard to pronounce names are things we could easily skip over…but each of them has a back story…and each of those people effect Paul in ways that could be considered painful. Think about what those ways may be. In the relationships you have in life, how do you manage the things that cause you pain. Does the fear of being hurt ever tempt you to avoid relationships…or even the community of the church?
Stuff to think about…stuff we’ll explore this Sunday. See you then!
WONDERWHAT 
I do really wish it wasn’t the case, but it seems that relationships inside the church have the capability to cause hurt more than any other. Maybe it’s because you think “they” should know better. Our Lord speaks often of loving one another, but sadly my experience has been that other Christians are just as broken and apt to hurt as, well… me. And these broken relationships seem to take longer to heal. The first cut may indeed be the deepest, but it seems that being hurt by a fellow follower of Christ leaves more damage.
This message could not have come at a better time for me. I had a very stressful week at work and most of that stress was from relational issues with my co-workers who are believers. It was so bad that it made me ill.
We can only do this relational thing with God’s help, one day at a time. It’s true that we are not truly living if we are not taking risks and loving others unconditionally. Being hurt every now and then is worth it in the end.
Yup, could not agree more. However, does it tell us something about ourselves and not about others. How did we respond to those people? Did we first take the plank out of our own eye? I have just recently watched two like minded men within our fellowship go through a real division in their relationship. It took the one who was wronged several weeks to finally approach the other. He just kept telling me through alot of anger and bitterness that the Lord told him to be still and know that He was God. When he did finally approach the other man, guess who showed up with him. Guess what the resolution was?
I am beginning (and it ain’t always easy) to look at these situations, and ask myself what is God doing in this
After 4 years in the desert, enjoying the tranquility of mountains and wild animals, neither of which engender conflict, I’m trying to jump back into the human race.
When Tom and I got back to PCB, I read one morning this passage, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Initially I was like, “Not the deep water-I don’t want to go there-it’ll probably be dark and painful”. But I decided to dive in by baby depths. I’m still looking for the big catch, but do not regret the attempt.
It’s easier to sit on the sidelines, Tom and I used to be more “involved” in previous churches, as many of you at Eastgate can attest to. We’ve all been a little shell shocked. Look at me, how many years have I been going to Eastgate? Geesh….come in, listen, run away. Sorry Eastgate family.
Now the floodgates to speak are opening…which brings up a more philosphocial question. Perhaps in the realm of the political arena. You may see here why Ford is his mother’s son…I’m feeling guilty about sending a letter to the editor today. Maybe it won’t be printed. Does making an impassioned statement publically polarize people to such a degree that one becomes ineffective in sharing the love of Christ. It’s messy and cold down here in this deep water….catch you on the surface tomorrow after my demise.