Shalom,

I often wonder how people who are so quick to believe something from the Word of God when it affects someone else, can act totally bewildered when it concerns them! Does that ring any bells for you? Today we'll look at 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

 First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. 3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, 4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

Paul was "admonishing" (AMP, KJV exhort) here. This is the Greek word "parakaleo", which actually means: to call to one's side; to invite; to implore; to urge. This tells us that what he wants us to do is very important! That is: to pray, with ALL types of prayer, for all of mankind! How do you pray for unbelievers? That they would receive Jesus as Lord and Savior! Pray for the sick that they would be healed. Pray for those who teach that they would do it well. Pray for those who fight for our protection and freedom that they be protected themselves! Pray for people, in all of their different callings and positions, that they would have all the knowledge, understanding and anointing to do it well! AND, also, pray for all those in positions of authority, that they would rule WELL, and according to God's Word! Why pray all of these things and more, as the Spirit leads? So "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty."(KJV)! So many times people want to make an extreme issue out of one portion of Scripture or one part of a verse to suit what THEY think the Word SHOULD say! Allow the Spirit of God to teach YOU what the Word of God is really saying, TO YOU! AMEN! THAT is where "you need that no man should teach you"(1 John 2:27)! AMEN! Now, for the verse I was specifically referring to in the introduction today! Verses 11-12:

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. KJV

First of all, "silence" does NOT mean not to speak! It is the Greek word "hesuchios", which means: tranquility arising from within; peaceable. Women, AND men , are to operate in the peace of God and to learn from His Word in an atmosphere of peace, inside and out! Study the Word of God for the Word's sake, and NOT in order to "lord it over" someone! The Word of God is our Sword, but NOT to be used over each other and for personal reasons! Submit yourself to God, both men AND women, and do not try to exercise authority over another person! GOD is the Sovereign authority in every person's life! Honor HIM by humbling yourself before Him and allow HIM to lead, guide and direct your life! I guarantee you that He will NOT tell you that YOU have authority over any human being other than yourself! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Lord Of Lords":

Shalom in Him!