BE NOT ASHAMED.

Good morning. Looking into 2nd Timothy this morning.(HOLY BIBLE) THE APOSTLE PAUL,Who's name was SAUL of Tarsus and a killer and persecutor of christians until he came face to face with Jesus on the road to Demascus.Jesus had already been resurrected.In 2nd Timothy Paul was in Prison writing a letter to Timothy a devout and loving friend of Pauls.Timothy was apparently a man who was very sensitive....prone to tears much of the time.I believe because of his love for Christ.Timothy was very loyal to the Apostle Paul and was hundreds of mile from Paul who was in Prison in Rome.Almost every one of Pauls friends and others had left him. They would not even visit Paul for fear of their lives.Many were even embarrased by his being in Prison.Paul in the first 8 verses prayed for mercy and peace for Timothy,day and night.He greatly desired to see Timothy and was mindful of Timothy's tears and emotion.He mentioned how Timothy was not fake. Timothy was not pretending.Paul mentioned how he believed Timothy had the same great Faith in him as Timothy's grand-mother and his mother.Oh... how that stirs my heart. As Paul was saying to Timothy in verse 6. Stir up the gift God has given me.Thru an Uncle of mine and one of my Grand-fathers.Paul also said that God has not given us a spirit of fear;but power and love,and of a sound mine.He then said do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.If you have a pastor,or evangelist that loves Christ....preaches sound christian doctrine.....and hes being persecuted....then don't be ashamed of him.OH!!!!!!IF WE LOVED OUR Godly pastors and teachers and loved one another as Paul loved Timothy.I am convinced that as we are involved with the cares of this world,we forget we have a higher calling. Paul called for Timothy to be a Partaker in the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.Verse 9 explains that calling,its a Holy calling straight from Christ.When your Pastor or teacher stands before you......please be bathed in prayer before you listen.The Lords spirit will be in your heart and prepare you,give you courage,and you will and must share in the afflictions your spiritual leaders are going through. If you wish to have freedom,power,The Power is in the blood Jesus shed,and the talking to him(PRAYING)UNLIKE ANYTHING SIN IN THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER. Pastors and teachers who study and are of sound mine,and sound doctrine.. i salute you!