The Paul - Timothy Effect

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work….”

2^nd Timothy 3: 10-17

I believe God is raising up forerunners in this generation. He is doing a marvelous thing which includes the youth in his great plan. Many are accepting the call of the great harvest and are seen in the enthusiasm, passion to serve the church and eagerness to learn more from his word.

He is raising up people like Joshua, David and Stephen in this technological age. They are making impact in every part of society and the world at large.

As leaders, we have an important role to fill-in of this great move. They need to be trained, equipped and mentored in the right way.

With these in mind, how then can we impart, train and develop these young ones to become effective influencers in our society today? What is our model in doing so and how should we see the outcome of all our efforts?

One great example is shown in the last few pages of the scriptures through the letters of Paul to Timothy, a young man in Ephesus. As many of us would know, Timothy took on the role as pastor in one of the biggest churches in biblical times. He was a young disciple of Paul and perhaps, as the scripture says, a “spiritual son” of Paul.

Paul and Timothy’s relationship is one of our great examples for today. Paul and his mother and grandmother were able to mentor him in the ways of the Lord. Paul specifically taught him how to minister, teach and lead the body of Christ at an early age.

If you read the 2 letters of Timothy, Paul was actually giving instructions on church organizations, teaching, ministerial gifts and sustaining church growth amidst future challenges (like false teachers and prophecies).

He was telling Timothy that because he is already old, he must now rely on Timothy and how he can train others, who will be equipped with the ministry as well.

The Epistles shows Paul’s character when it comes to mentoring:

1. Paul was able to give clear and sound instructions about ministry and Timothy’s calling
2. Paul had the experience, authority and influence over the subjects he discussed
3. Paul was also able to target (identify) the right audience in the person of Timothy, leaving him a legacy that the modern church is patterned hereof
4. Paul believed that Timothy can do it and he can share it to others

Also, the epistles also shares about Timothy;

1. Timothy was trained in the godly way as a child
2. Timothy received in his heart the prophecies and teachings given to him by godly men
3. Timothy was ready to take the challenge
4. Timothy was mentored by Paul and took part in the ministry since the start of Paul’s apostolic ministry
5. Timothy never abandoned his calling

Paul and Timothy are considered the perfect example of mentorship. It went beyond weekly bible studies and all, it became stronger through the years and the very foundation of Paul’s ministry was also seen in the life and ministry of Timothy in Ephesus.

Conclusion:

With our goal to develop the right strategy and program for youth programs, it’s my prayer that we do it with the mindset of Paul and the positivity of Timothy.

God is doing something great, he always is. Our challenge is taking part of that work and making sure that we listen and accept these things that we may be able to share it to others and give God the glory.

Lessons From Moses, The Prophet

Moses, one of my favorite characters in the bible portrays the perfect example of my own fear before. If you would remember his account on Genesis, Moses met the Great “I AM” through a burning bush. With all God has told him, the first fear he had was that he doesn’t know how to speak. Like Moses, I was at one time in my life afraid to be in front an audience and speak.

I remember those days when our youth adviser would ask anyone from the youth to either share a testimony, pray in front or be the emcee and I often make an excuse to go outside and come back when the activity already started.

Can you imagine yourself standing in front of a big crowd talking?

Fear always keep creeping at my back every time I am asked to go in front. I remember, Ate Charna, our National Director for the Youth Ministry sharing to us a few youth camp ago about our fear to be in front and we would all laugh about it.

But the real reason behind those missed opportunities is because I was afraid to make mistakes. Although I have this burning passion to share God’s word, I was afraid to speak. Like Moses, I was in the dillemma of trusting that the God who gave me these gifts will be there with me through thick and thin and He will give me the right words to say, even if it’s in broken english!

Our Common Mistake

Young people nowadays would say “NO” to opportunities. I’m  not generalizing everything here but maybe we don’t want to get involved  because we are all afraid to make mistakes. We fear that people will laugh at us with our grammar, or the way we walk or whatever our mind would tell us everytime an opportunity comes up. Like many of you, I also found out that those who often laugh at us would say no also because of the same fears.

With much guidance and perseverance, God made me speak in front of a crowd. The first time was during the Freshmen Treat with InterVarsity in Dumaguete.I vividly remember joining the said event for the first time and as a facilitator. I was new in the group but they saw the potential.

New Beginnings

That was the start of what I call “the new beginnings”, opportunities to do the things you missed because of fear.

When we decide to overcome the fear that we have, the Lord will help us out in this present need. After that perfect time when I said “yes” to these exciting opportunities, the Lord developed my self-confidence in being in front. Of course, there were times that I was pretty much afraid but there were a lot of times of humbling down before the Lord and asking for His much grace and anointing.

After so many years of practice in speaking infront of the mirror, the Lord expanded my influence. Together with Viz, my twin brother, we now facilitate our youth ministry activities ranging from a thirty to hundreds.  It’s the most exciting time when we serve our local church and beng given responsibilities to be in front. Not only do we facilitate activities, we now share God’s word as every opportunity permits us.

A Good Reminder

A good reminder for all of us is that everytime we have such opportunities, we  give back to God all the glory and due. If it’s not for him, we can only do little.  I always make it a point that after any sharing time, I pray and ask the Lord to move in the hearts of the people and whatever I shared and spoke of would be from Him. I remind myself that I am only an instrument,a  spokeseman for the King.

Ate Lala, my strongest and favorite critic, often shares to me my own flaws during those times, her insight and tips allows me to be more inclined to rely on the grace of God. One good example is that when I was the one who shared during the missions day in the Leadership camp, she told me to continue practicing because every time I speak of some issues, people really listens.

Although I still experience some “butterflies”, I seldom say “No” when in front of a crowd. Like Moses, it only took trust to change all that. There are a lot of reasons to say “No” but there are good reasons to say “Yes” to these exciting opportunities.

The “How To’s” with God

Moses was afraid to become God’s spokesman because He didn’t know how to speak but God dismissed that notion. When Moses decided to say yes to the Lord, He led the people of Israel out of Egypt, defeating the tyrannical Pharaoh and signs and wonders followed from then on.

Here are a few tips on how to develop your speaking skills -

1. Always practice in front of the mirror – Whether it’s leading worship songs or introducing a speaker, take time to practice in front of the mirror. This will allow you to see your facial reaction and boost your self-confidence in speaking.
2. Have a script ready – make sure you have a copy of the program and a script ready. The script will give you an idea for your “ ad libs” and makes sure you are in line with the activity.
3. Use your mother tongue – Yes, if you’re good in speaking in english – by all means, please use it. But if you still have a few doubts with your grammar, try practicing first with your native tongue or have it in tagalog or cebuano or taglish.
4. Always look at the crowd – don’t forget to look at your audience. This will allow you to get used to people. Don’t think they are laughing at you.

One Final Reminder

It is important to recognize our fears and bring it back to the feet of the Lord. It is because of what He did on the cross, that all notions from the enemy has been broken and His grace and favor to flow freely in our lives for His purposes and glory!

Covenants for God's Greater Glory!

Covenants are important to any relationship. As a christian, it is and should be the very strong foundation of our love for the Lord. The good news is, covenant relationships doesn’t start with us, it always starts with God.

It is not just because he loves us so much but this is due to the fact that we ourselves cannot fulfill such a covenant on our own. God knows our frailty and made sure that we have Christ to lead us to the right path once again. 

I know that I have not been honest lately about my relationship with the Lord. After 13 years of growing with my relationship with the Lord, I have seen myself slowly deteriorating. To be honest, I find myself in the “pit” of being carnal. I strive, desire and press myself to do stuff that my flesh wants and loves which contradicts to what God wants for me.

And yet, HE REMAINS FAITHFUL.

Can you just imagine what God does when He sees us wasting our lives?

He rebukes us like a Father rebukes his son, sometimes in a manner that is unexpected but effective. I thank God for opportunities to sit and just listen. And sitting earlier at the church listening to the sermon made me feel uncomfortable enough that I know, God was speaking to me. I felt that nudge to examine myself and see myself in the mirror of God’s word.

If you’re experiencing the same thing today, let me encourage you that there is still hope and whatever happened to you can be a situation to fall down again but is not an excuse to not pursue faithfulness and purity.

But God’s covenant is strengthened by repentance.  

Repentance, by it’s very word means “to seek forgiveness and turn away from it, no longer doing what is wrong.” And we are to repent, no longer seeking what consumes the flesh but to what brings glory to our God.

I actually know it’s hard but I have this confidence inside me that God is in control and will carry me through this up to the point where I can stand again (not on my own) but on his grace.

My prayers for the next few weeks is that the Lord will open an opportunity for me to become a “servant” once again and get right on track in using my spare time, potential and giftings to “disciple, equip and expand” for GOD’s GREATER GLORY!

God Is In The Search

God is in the search.

He is searching for people whose hearts and minds are set in building the kingdom of God in this world. He is calling out from every tribe, people and tongue a generation to proclaim the blessings of God and live their lives selflessly and whose visions is to ignite this generation to run the race and fulfill the destiny.

In history, God called young people to fulfill God’s purpose in his time;

1. He called out Joshua to lead the people to conquer the promise land.

2. He called David out to become the victor of Israel and later on the well known King of Israel.

3. He called out Daniel from captivity to become the wise adviser of the King of Persia and the next 2 kings after.

4. He called out Samuel when he was just a child to speak in His behalf to the rebellious people of Israel.

5. He called out Stephen in the book of Acts to testify that Jesus, whom the people crucified, was truly the Son of God!

Being young and inexperienced, our mindset has been set to think that we can never do what the older generation did. We are set to think by the enemy that we can do little in God’s kingdom.

God who is a God of equal opportunity.

We are as important and effective as the older generation. We are to run with them, fulfill the great commission with them and stand with them for truth. It is with the same blood that we are purchased and saved, the same Holy Spirit that fills and direct us as we carry the burden of reaching the lost.

We have the same gifts of the spirit and the same character of Christ in us. We are qualified to do what God has set in our hearts to do. As Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to “not look down on himself because he is young…” rings true even today.

I believe that we are part of the fulfillment of that promise, part of the people who is set apart and part of this prophetic generation He is raising up in this last days. 

God wants your heart and mind to this task, He wants you and your heart only.

God has set you where you are for a purpose.

He has set you in that particular place to become a firebrand.

He will fulfill that purpose in you.

He will take you out to the nations of the world to become a testimony of his goodness.

He will breakforth in your life blessing, destiny and call to become a strategic generation.

As the Apostle John has heard, “ Those who have ears to listen, should hear what God is saying to the church today…”

Salt, Light and Cycles!

I just came from a Young Adults Fellowship and I have to say that I honestly enjoyed being in the “fellowship” scenes again after almost a year.  The sharing was definitely timely and fruitful.

Part of our discussion was about being “salt” and “light” of this broken world. Personally, it brought impact to me because it rebukes me of so many things. Yet, I’m also thankful that being salt and light is a calling for all Christians and although it is sometimes hard to accomplish, God is faithful to continue doing this through us.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot…”

-   Matthew 5:13

Here are a few things I realized during our discussion:

1. Being a Christian is having the saltiness in me; saltiness speaks of my testimony
2. Salt loses saltiness, testimonies can also lose credibility
3. When credibility is lost, it can never be returned wholly
4. My lifestyle is my testimony, my life should impact others
5. Since my life impacts others, I should remain the “saltiness”
6. And with saltiness, should remain unblemished

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do peoplelight a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven…”

-       Matthew 5:14-16

Let’s also take note about being the “light” the bible describes:

1. Light kills darkness
2. Light speaks of truth, darkness speaks of lies
3. Light is to be shared, “truth” should be shared
4. When light comes, people notice
5. When people notice, people listens
6. When people listens, their hearts are open
7. When hearts are open, they are blessed
8. When they are blessed, it means they are thankful
9. When they are thankful, they glorify God
10. When they glorify God, they impact others

And we go back to the cycle of being “salt” of this earth.

Thank you for reading!