August 7
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1 TIMOTHY 4
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. – 1 Timothy 4:11-16
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1 TIMOTHY 4 HONE YOUR GIFTS & PERSIST IN YOUR PROGRESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord Jesus commands us to godly living and to growing our faith
Until he comes again, he wants us to stay pure and follow the straight path
We are urged to be vigilant to live out the teachings we have been taught
Doctrines without actions will be of no use; they won’t make us grow.
Do not allow your youth to hinder your pursuit to holiness
Let us devote ourselves in urging one another towards righteousness
Hone the gifts you have received when the Holy Spirit dwelled in you
Do not bury them so that others will be build up and fruits will show.
Examine yourself regularly so that you can guard your heart
When you neglect such awareness, you’ll open doors for the bad
Practice following the laws even if they are hard to do at times
You will make progress if you press on despite sufferings and trials.
Let your lives be a model for others to be inspired to grow
Seek the word of the Lord and the knowledge of God
Never allow compliance or neglect to come into your life
Pray always so that you can discern evil and live in the light.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to hone the gifts that we received from the Holy Spirit?
• What happens if we bury such gifts?
• Why is it essential to persist in your progress and show it to others believers?