WEDNESDAY'S WORD - EQUIP - Sadell Bradley- 3/31/2021

WEDNESDAY'S WORD EQUIP 3/31/2021 "We must open the doors of opportunity, but we must also equip our people to walk through those doors." - Lyndon B. Johnson GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 7:00 PM FB LIVE The Warehouse OTR YouTube @warehouseOTR EQUIP means to supply with the necessary items for a particular purpose, or to prepare someone mentally for a particular situation or task. Equipping is the responsibility of every parent, teacher, coach, boss, and pastor. According to Ephesians 4:11-13 "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ." As parents, we offer our children exposure, education, and a loving Christ-centered atmosphere that breeds success. Coaches take their recruits through a disciplined, often arduous regimen to win. Supervisors send employees to training and offer them wisdom and guidance for their mutual benefit. As ministry leaders, it is our duty to ensure those under our charge who demonstrate faithful commitment, are not only given opportunities but are equipped for them. Who can say that you discipled or equipped them? And... WHO IS EQUIPPING YOU? The Apostle Paul had a protege, a mentee, whose name was Timothy. He prayed for him. He gave him advice. He affirmed his calling and warned him about problems he might face as the world grew darker. Paul gave Timothy assignments to mature His leadership. He encouraged him not to be afraid. Paul exhorted his pupil to fan the flame of his passion for Christ, to stir up God's gifts within him, and to hold on to the faith instilled within him by his mother and grandmother. (2 Tim. 1:3-7) They shared a close and transparent relationship. His mentor shared both the joys and difficulties of ministerial leadership. Paul also emphasized the importance of the Word of God for the equipping of his apprentice, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17) These days there is much talk about the need for financial literacy in our society— in the Church, Biblical literacy is the key component that equips us for ministerial service. Now may the God of peace...equip you with every good thing to do His will. (Heb. 13:20) WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM FB LIVE The Warehouse OTR YouTube @warehouseOTR