Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 5; 1 Timothy 6; Titus 1; Titus 2; Titus 3
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:24-25
24 The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
Observation: Paul is instructing Timothy about how to do the work of a pastor. Here, Paul sends a little hidden message to Timothy. While talking about the inevitability of judgment for sin, Paul slips in a little encouragement. "...good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden." In other words, "Timothy, I know that you probably feel that no one notices most of the good things you do. But take heart, people do notice, even if they don't say anything. And even if they don't notice right away, it will all eventually come to light."
Application: So the message is: keep doing good deeds, even if no one notices. God is paying attention. And you would be surprised who else is also watching. So don't give up. Your good deeds are making a difference that will last forever.
Prayer: Thank You Lord, for this encouraging word. I know You are keeping track and I pray that You would help me not to care or notice whether or not others care or notice. I want to please You and You alone.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Title: Keep On Keeping On / Topic: Determination
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:5-16
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Observation: I love this letter from Paul to his young protégé, Timothy. The fatherly tone and practical advice is something I find wonderful, partly because I longed for and never really found a relationship with an older pastor as a mentor. These last verses in chapter four really speak to me. The instruction to diligence, total dedication, watchfulness, and perseverance is something that I need to be reminded about. Sometimes it seems that hard work doesn't pay off -- that is really make little difference no matter how hard I work. But Paul reminds Timothy (and me) that he must keep on keeping on. And that the outcome of this kind of total and relentless dedication will be ultimate success in ministry: the salvation of the "hearers" as well as the messenger!
Application: The application is simple: keep on keeping on. I must evaluate my life and where I have slacked off, I must increase my efforts (with God's strength, of course) to get it right. I'm looking for the payoff up there.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminders from those who have gone before me. I ask You to give me determination and courage to keep fighting the battle, even when I don't sense success or even the possibility of success. Help me to keep my eyes on You and forget the circumstances. I want to please You and bring all those You have entrusted to my care Home safely.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:5-16
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Observation: I love this letter from Paul to his young protégé, Timothy. The fatherly tone and practical advice is something I find wonderful, partly because I longed for and never really found a relationship with an older pastor as a mentor. These last verses in chapter four really speak to me. The instruction to diligence, total dedication, watchfulness, and perseverance is something that I need to be reminded about. Sometimes it seems that hard work doesn't pay off -- that is really make little difference no matter how hard I work. But Paul reminds Timothy (and me) that he must keep on keeping on. And that the outcome of this kind of total and relentless dedication will be ultimate success in ministry: the salvation of the "hearers" as well as the messenger!
Application: The application is simple: keep on keeping on. I must evaluate my life and where I have slacked off, I must increase my efforts (with God's strength, of course) to get it right. I'm looking for the payoff up there.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminders from those who have gone before me. I ask You to give me determination and courage to keep fighting the battle, even when I don't sense success or even the possibility of success. Help me to keep my eyes on You and forget the circumstances. I want to please You and bring all those You have entrusted to my care Home safely.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Title: Whose Energy? / Topic: Ministry
Today’s Reading: Colossians 1; Colossians 2; Colossians 3; Colossians 4
Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29
28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Observation: Paul is a hard working Christian messenger. He is tireless and relentless in his efforts to win people to Christ and to grow those who are believers. The "end", that is the goal of his hard work is written in verse 28: "... so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." That is the vision that Paul has -- standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ and presenting his work, that is the people to whom he ministered, as completed and excellent unto Jesus. It is that vision that motivates, no compels, him to keep on working and fighting, even in the face of obstacles and opposition. He tells us it is hard work, even a struggle. But Paul has been at this long enough that he knows that he himself is not the resource upon which he draws. He says he is "struggling with all his [that is God's] energy."
Application: I so identify with Paul's desires here. But I think that I often get weary and discouraged because I forget that it is God's energy that I must draw on. As I read what Paul wrote about himself, "struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me," I contrast it with my own experience (based on my emotions). Here's my feelings about me: "struggling to do the best I can, as my own strength and desire hold up." That's quite a contrast to Paul. I need to remember this truth: I must tap into God for everything.
Prayer: Dear Father, You know me. You know my heart and my efforts, my shortcomings and my victories. You know my nature to work alone, even, sometimes without You. (Sorry, Lord!) Help me to do nothing unless I do it with You, or even better, You do it through me. Refresh and renew me, Lord. And help me to catch anew the vision You have for me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29
28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Observation: Paul is a hard working Christian messenger. He is tireless and relentless in his efforts to win people to Christ and to grow those who are believers. The "end", that is the goal of his hard work is written in verse 28: "... so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." That is the vision that Paul has -- standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ and presenting his work, that is the people to whom he ministered, as completed and excellent unto Jesus. It is that vision that motivates, no compels, him to keep on working and fighting, even in the face of obstacles and opposition. He tells us it is hard work, even a struggle. But Paul has been at this long enough that he knows that he himself is not the resource upon which he draws. He says he is "struggling with all his [that is God's] energy."
Application: I so identify with Paul's desires here. But I think that I often get weary and discouraged because I forget that it is God's energy that I must draw on. As I read what Paul wrote about himself, "struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me," I contrast it with my own experience (based on my emotions). Here's my feelings about me: "struggling to do the best I can, as my own strength and desire hold up." That's quite a contrast to Paul. I need to remember this truth: I must tap into God for everything.
Prayer: Dear Father, You know me. You know my heart and my efforts, my shortcomings and my victories. You know my nature to work alone, even, sometimes without You. (Sorry, Lord!) Help me to do nothing unless I do it with You, or even better, You do it through me. Refresh and renew me, Lord. And help me to catch anew the vision You have for me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Title: The Secret To Contentment / Topic: Faith
Today’s Reading: Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Observation: Paul is thanking the Philippians for their financial support. As he writes, he can't resist the opportunity to teach. What Paul emphasizes is contentment. He appreciates their concern which is clearly demonstrated by a financial gift. But he didn't need the gift to be content. Paul has mastered contentment -- being happy with what you have, not unhappy about what you don't have. He has learned the secret to contentment. We find it in verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." The secret to contentment is faith and reliance on God. If I know that God is with me to accomplish all that He wants in my life, then the other resources aren't an issue. God will help me whether I have much or little.
Application: This is a hard idea for those of us in a materialistic culture. We think if we have lots of money or people or stuff, we can get more done. And that may be true on the earthly plain. But it is not true on the spiritual plain. The eternal work does not require earthly resources. It requires spiritual resources. Paul is a great example. Caesar had great wealth, and power, and he indeed accomplished much on the earthly plain. But Paul, who had nothing in comparison to Caesar's earthly resources, had great spiritual resources and accomplished far more in the spiritual, eternal realm than did Caesar. Today, people name their dogs Caesar. But they name their sons Paul.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be rich in spiritual resources. Help me to build up those resources so that I can accomplish much for eternity. And help me to be content as I depend of You and You alone.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Observation: Paul is thanking the Philippians for their financial support. As he writes, he can't resist the opportunity to teach. What Paul emphasizes is contentment. He appreciates their concern which is clearly demonstrated by a financial gift. But he didn't need the gift to be content. Paul has mastered contentment -- being happy with what you have, not unhappy about what you don't have. He has learned the secret to contentment. We find it in verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." The secret to contentment is faith and reliance on God. If I know that God is with me to accomplish all that He wants in my life, then the other resources aren't an issue. God will help me whether I have much or little.
Application: This is a hard idea for those of us in a materialistic culture. We think if we have lots of money or people or stuff, we can get more done. And that may be true on the earthly plain. But it is not true on the spiritual plain. The eternal work does not require earthly resources. It requires spiritual resources. Paul is a great example. Caesar had great wealth, and power, and he indeed accomplished much on the earthly plain. But Paul, who had nothing in comparison to Caesar's earthly resources, had great spiritual resources and accomplished far more in the spiritual, eternal realm than did Caesar. Today, people name their dogs Caesar. But they name their sons Paul.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be rich in spiritual resources. Help me to build up those resources so that I can accomplish much for eternity. And help me to be content as I depend of You and You alone.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Title: The Inconsistent Saint / Topic: Spiritual Life
Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5; Ephesians 6; Psalm 119:1-80
Scripture: Psalm 119:4-6
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
Observation: Psalm 119 is all about the Word of God -- its priority, place, and power in the life of the God-seeker. Verse 5 caught my eye. In the midst of extolling the Word, he laments his own inconstancy to obedience of it. I love this about the Bible. It is honest. It talks to me where I live. And because it paints a picture of real people who love the Lord and seek the Lord -- but who also struggle and fail in their pursuit of godliness -- because of that, it greatly encourages me.
Application: Be encouraged! Those who went before us struggled just as you and I do. They battled with forces without and within, contending for the reality of authentic relationship with God. Keep fighting the battle. Don't give up. We are still in the hunt and we will be successful if we keep going.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have not given up on me. I am a man of true desire but inconsistent implementation of the things I know to do. Help me to lay hold of Your power and divine enablement that I may more adequately walk the narrow road to life. And help me to lead and encourage others on the way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 119:4-6
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
Observation: Psalm 119 is all about the Word of God -- its priority, place, and power in the life of the God-seeker. Verse 5 caught my eye. In the midst of extolling the Word, he laments his own inconstancy to obedience of it. I love this about the Bible. It is honest. It talks to me where I live. And because it paints a picture of real people who love the Lord and seek the Lord -- but who also struggle and fail in their pursuit of godliness -- because of that, it greatly encourages me.
Application: Be encouraged! Those who went before us struggled just as you and I do. They battled with forces without and within, contending for the reality of authentic relationship with God. Keep fighting the battle. Don't give up. We are still in the hunt and we will be successful if we keep going.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have not given up on me. I am a man of true desire but inconsistent implementation of the things I know to do. Help me to lay hold of Your power and divine enablement that I may more adequately walk the narrow road to life. And help me to lead and encourage others on the way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Title: Not By, But For / Topic: Good Works
Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Observation: Paul explains one of the most misunderstood principles of the Gospel. It has to do with salvation and works.
We are saved by grace through faith. And even this faith of ours which enables us to receive the grace that brings our salvation is a gift from God. Therefore our salvation is "not by works," that is, not by something we did -- it's all Him.
But, (and here is where the misunderstanding comes in) once saved, we are "to do good works." So good works are the product of salvation, not the means. We are saved not by, but for good works. In fact, God has a "to do" list of good works that He prepared in advance for us.
Application: Seek God about what is on His "to do" list for you. Each one of us is a unique creation of God for a unique purpose. "We are God's workmanship" -- in other words, each of us is a one-of-a-kind project that God is ongoingly working on. He has the singular design in mind and He is shaping each of us toward that specific divine design. As I work on His "to do" list for me, I am cooperating with His plan and purpose and am making steps toward "finished product" status in God's eyes. When I am finished, the Lord will say, "well done!"
Prayer: Lord, that is what I want to hear from Your lips, "Well done!" It is my will to cooperate with You in Your purpose for my life. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me as it is in heaven.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Observation: Paul explains one of the most misunderstood principles of the Gospel. It has to do with salvation and works.
We are saved by grace through faith. And even this faith of ours which enables us to receive the grace that brings our salvation is a gift from God. Therefore our salvation is "not by works," that is, not by something we did -- it's all Him.
But, (and here is where the misunderstanding comes in) once saved, we are "to do good works." So good works are the product of salvation, not the means. We are saved not by, but for good works. In fact, God has a "to do" list of good works that He prepared in advance for us.
Application: Seek God about what is on His "to do" list for you. Each one of us is a unique creation of God for a unique purpose. "We are God's workmanship" -- in other words, each of us is a one-of-a-kind project that God is ongoingly working on. He has the singular design in mind and He is shaping each of us toward that specific divine design. As I work on His "to do" list for me, I am cooperating with His plan and purpose and am making steps toward "finished product" status in God's eyes. When I am finished, the Lord will say, "well done!"
Prayer: Lord, that is what I want to hear from Your lips, "Well done!" It is my will to cooperate with You in Your purpose for my life. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me as it is in heaven.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Title: The Perspective Of Eternity / Topic: Holiness
Today’s Reading: Romans 13; Romans 14; Romans 15; Romans 16
Scripture: Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Observation: Paul speaks simply and directly to believers about an understanding and an approach to nurture personal holiness. The understanding is that "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." In other words, the moment when this present world will end for me is close. Whether Jesus' return or my death is the means that takes me out of this world, it's close. (Especially in geological terms.) :)
Application: The approach is to exercise the will with determination to "behave decently, as in the daytime" -- we use the term "in broad daylight." So live like everyone is watching. Personal habits of substance abuse, sexual licentiousness are addressed as are attitudes of pride which lead to divisiveness and pettiness. Jesus is to be the cloak that we cover ourselves with and -- I love this final phrase -- "do not even think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." In other words, don't allow indulgent thoughts to have space in your brain. This calls for self control and self monitoring of my thought life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live today for the forever You have for me. Help me to lay aside any temporary indulgences that hurt me in the eternal sense. Make me a man with the perspective of eternity imprinted in my mind.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Observation: Paul speaks simply and directly to believers about an understanding and an approach to nurture personal holiness. The understanding is that "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." In other words, the moment when this present world will end for me is close. Whether Jesus' return or my death is the means that takes me out of this world, it's close. (Especially in geological terms.) :)
Application: The approach is to exercise the will with determination to "behave decently, as in the daytime" -- we use the term "in broad daylight." So live like everyone is watching. Personal habits of substance abuse, sexual licentiousness are addressed as are attitudes of pride which lead to divisiveness and pettiness. Jesus is to be the cloak that we cover ourselves with and -- I love this final phrase -- "do not even think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." In other words, don't allow indulgent thoughts to have space in your brain. This calls for self control and self monitoring of my thought life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live today for the forever You have for me. Help me to lay aside any temporary indulgences that hurt me in the eternal sense. Make me a man with the perspective of eternity imprinted in my mind.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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