It's been a little over two and half years since I've had the glorious privilege of God introducing me to a man by the name of Hank Murphy. I just remember seeing a man who's heart reminded me of my own and how thirsty it was to drink the living water of our dear Savior the Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:14). Little did I know the Lord was going to use this encounter to link the two paths of our lives together and lead us down the narrow of making Him famous to a world that has widely exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things instead of the Creator(Romans 1:25).-Thank you Lord!
Hank is a very interesting individual. My first impression of Him was that I was not impressed. His anatomical structure was a little petite and his persona carried a tapestry that was very ordinary. He looked liked the traditional back woods brother that enjoys blaring a little Brad Paisley while casting his lure into a pond looking for the big catch (which that assumption is totally accurate). Nevertheless, the Lord took my predispositions and through them out the door. He showed me a man that was after God's own heart. Unlike Saul, which was the studded choice of the Israelites to replace the Lord God himself as ruler of themselves( 1 Sam 8:19-22, 1 Sam 9:2) , Hank embodied the counterpart as modern day David that conclusively seeks to make much of the Lord and live a life filled with the praises of God for His undying love and faithfulness of being a holy, just, pure, merciful, and gracious Creator by the giving of His Son to redeem us from the law of sin and death(read Galatians 3).
Hank's spiritual atmosphere revolves around the Christos centric nature of self denial and glorious art of cross following. If you are anywhere near him the visible degrees of the Holy Spirit will permeate the room and penetrate your heart with conviction and prow less to pursue the presence of God with reckless intent and radical passion. When I see him I don't see him, but Christ in Him and the spiritual fruit as Christ at the helm, which undoubtedly produces a produce that I must say is a delight to be refreshed by. Here lays before me is a man who epitomizes what an example should reflect and I'm very thankful for our encounter and partnership with the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.(1 Cor 1:12)
Seemingly, Hank is just a man like us, who is probably going to punch me in the throat for writing this about Him, but none the less I can't contain what the Holy Spirit has pressed upon me to encourage my brother whom I dearly love. As Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in the fight, I write to "my Timothy" to say, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.(2Tim 2)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, "My Timothy" (John 1:17)
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