Purposeful Perseverance

 

Purposeful Perseverance

2 Timothy 1: ¹¹ God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, ¹² and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. ¹³ Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.

 

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Quitting the track team was easy. I simply told the coach, I would not be back the next year. Years later, I found myself doing other things that were stressful or unfulfilling. I quit those things too. And when I did not get my way, I quit GOD.

 

• I wanted life to be a certain way and it wasn’t.
• I made excuses for not following GOD because it seemed like HE wasn’t listening to me.
• I prayed about things and they did not go “my” way so I felt “Why serve GOD?”

 

Paul impressed on Timothy the importance of perseverance. He used himself as an example of how things could get in life, but to persevere  because of purpose. HE mentioned his appointed position as an apostle and teacher of the Good News. Because of this, he suffered, yet persevered.

 

My Observations

• There is a part of following JESUS that I don’t like, but know I have to accept, namely suffering.
• When I feel like giving up on GOD I am reminded that HE never, ever, ever gives up on me.
• Having purpose within CHRIST makes me endure.

 

Perseverance is a necessary component of following JESUS. I mean, true belief in HIM leads to a fight directed by Satan. He wants to be GOD and wants you and me to want the same, so he turns up the heat of feeling stressed out, haggard and worn. After a while, I get so tired, that I murmur the words “I feel like giving up.” BUT GOD says otherwise.

 

HE sent HIS SPIRIT to live inside me to pick me up when I am down. HE protects me and keep me :safe” until the Day of our LORD. Humans redefine the word “safe” to fit his or her likes and wants versus understanding their relationship with GOD will never be severed. I am “full of confidence” that my life, in union with CHRIST is worth persevering.

 

Challenge

• How many ways does the writer imply “keep going?”
• Have you ever stopped trusting in GOD because you haven’t seen a situation get any better?
• Be honest, is there a part of you the trusts human ingenuity more than prayer?
• Will you place your hope and trust back in the LORD who works all life situations out in ways that are far beyond our understanding, yet keeps a solid relationship with you eternally?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please keep this reader through difficult times. Let him or her know your love and provide perseverance through difficult circumstances. Pour out YOUR blessings in ways unimaginable. amen

No Longer Ashamed

No Longer Ashamed

2 Timothy 1: ⁸ Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. ⁹ He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.

 

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“Would you take over the inspirational message?” was the question asked by one of my peers at work. We worked at a very large, well-known company and I was on the rise. I had a title to protect and sending an inspirational message, like this one, would not fit. Or at least that’s what I thought.

 

• I was ashamed to admit I followed JESUS.
• I felt that most of my time should be spent with JESUS hidden and covertly implying HIM.
• I thought speaking about JESUS would hurt my chances for advancement.

 

Paul addressed societal pressures Timothy may have faced. At that time, the church leaders had conspired against JESUS and killed HIM. They would never admit there was and is a risen Savior. They may have worked with business owners who would shut out those who mentioned the name of JESUS. Timothy needed “strength.”

 

My Observations

• Societal pressures to harbor worry, fear and hatred can make me ashamed of JESUS, BUT HE is the only way to true strength.
• My plans for “the next level” are laughable to GOD when I am ashamed of JESUS.
• Any plan that does not include JESUS could be used for HIS good, but not for “my” good.

 

GOD’s word will never return void. I mean, if I mention what a preacher said or a Bible verse says, That message will bring glory to GOD. But if I do not believe in JESUS, or believe that I do not need to speak HIS name publicly, especially when I am uncomfortable, I may not benefit from speaking scripture or saying what someone said.

 

Being ashamed of JESUS can come in many forms. I may go to church and mention HIS name boldly on Sunday and never mention HIS name out loud  the rest of the week. No one I know would even know I had a relationship with JESUS, but they will know what I ate yesterday or what “fun” thing I did, or what group activity I participated in.

 

GOD does want a sincere witness that sometimes is quiet, but HE seems to also want us to be bold in living for HIM. I gladly speak for CHRIST now and I am more ashamed of being places where I cannot.

 

Challenge

• What shame is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever felt that being bold for JESUS is unnecessary or even a problem?
• Will you overcome any thoughts of hiding your relationship with JESUS because of your title, job or status and let GOD control your life so JESUS can be proclaimed boldly from your lips today?

Sticky Source

Sticky Source

2 Timothy 1: ³ I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day. ⁴ I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also. ⁶ For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. ⁷ For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

 

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Alone in my apartment, I regretted the previous night’s activities. I was just beginning my return back to serving GOD and was trying to be “perfect” which in my mind meant sinless. But a night out with “friends” ended my perfection quickly.

 

• I felt that GOD was tired of me.
• I felt that living for GOD was too hard because “I” could not get “my” life together.
• I looked at people in the church as being hypocrites since they seemed to have it all together and I was struggling to live for GOD as they were.

 

Paul gives a pep talk to Timothy. Perhaps Timothy was feeling down and wondered if his ministry was tainted. Maybe his faith waivered and he felt like giving up. Paul reminds Timothy of his faith and the faith of those in his family. Paul then reminds Timothy that life is not about his power, but the power of GOD.

 

My Observations

• My view of GOD was not where it needed to be because I thought HIS love was based on my actions.
• I thought I could control GOD by not sinning and felt more scared of GOD when I failed.
• GOD saw all my sins and saved me anyway, that is why I love HIM.

 

Not my power, but YOURs LORD. This is something I have to say quite a bit. When I think everything has to come from my power, I am hugely mistaken. GOD did not leave something so important to HIM up to me. HE chose me and holds me firmly, even when I let go.

 

HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT which opens my mouth to speak about HIM. HE fills me with HIS power, love and self-control “when” I sin, not “if.” HE constantly tells me “MY grace is sufficient” so I can have a clear conscience. I am glad GOD is the ultimate forgiver!

 

Challenge

• How can the writer, who was a murderer, have a clear conscience?
• Have you ever felt not worthy of serving GOD?
• Will you look at GOD’s power, love and self-control and stop thinking those come from you versus HE has power, HE has love and HE has self-control for you today?

Promised Life

Promised Life

2 Timothy 1: From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus—

 

² To Timothy, my dear son:

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

 

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After telling GOD that I would return to HIM and serve HIM, I figured everything would be easy from that point on. I was tired of creditors calling me and low paying jobs that the public saw as degrading. I figured, that maybe GOD could help me get a better life. Things did go better for a while, but people around me got sick, hurt or even died. “I thought things would be better!” I cried out.

 

• I expected GOD to keep me from any and all harm.
• I expected that GOD would turn me into a sinless robot millionaire, who smiled every day.
• I expected that GOD would make everyone around me nicer than the nicest person we all knew and everyone would be healthy and without problems until JESUS came back.

 

Paul wrote another letter to Timothy. He begins the letter by explaining his calling to the LORD. Timothy knew this calling, so this letter was expected to be read by many others and to establish Timothy’s authority. Paul had been beaten, thrown out of synagogues and almost killed, yet he mentions “the promised life we have in union with CHRIST JESUS.’

 

My Observations

• Difficulties make me choose if I will proclaim JESUS or get mad at HIM for not meeting “my” expectations.
• Trials in life make me think that GOD isn’t listening to me or does not care.
• The HOLY SPIRIT in me, removes all doubt and shows me that GOD cares for me deeply in spite of what seems to be going on.

 

False expectations of GOD makes me set HIM up for failure in my mind. I mean, expecting everything to be easy because I have a relationship with HIM was never said by HIM. In fact, JESUS said I would be persecuted because of my relationship with HIM.

 

Things would not be easy. Satan, the enemy, wants to rob, steal and kill anyone who professes JESUS as the Savior. This is a fight versus a vacation. GOD knows I will face hard and difficult times, but provides comfort. HE does promise that after this difficult life, there will be no more difficulties. No bait and switch, there will be no more tears or pain. I am gladly continue following GOD, even when it is tough.

 

Challenge

• What promised life is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever been disappointed in this life?
• What false expectations do you have of GOD?
• Will you continue to seek GOD’s kingdom in spite of life’s difficulties today?

Compassion

 

Compassion

1 Timothy 6: ²⁰ Timothy, keep safe what has been entrusted to your care. Avoid the profane talk and foolish arguments of what some people wrongly call “Knowledge.” ²¹ For some have claimed to possess it, and as a result they have lost the way of faith.

 

God's grace be with you all.

 

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Another leader was fired. “Good riddance” I thought to myself. I was tired of his tyranny anyway. After a number of years, I rose up to be in his position. Twisted words and flaming arrows came from places I did not see. I knew what I knew, but was not ready for the arguments and fights I faced. I was let go.

 

• Afterwards, I thought I needed to learn the world’s ways to fight better.
• Afterwards, I thought I had to become something different than who GOD called me to be.
• Afterwards, I contemplated two paths, one with human glory and one with GOD’s glory.

 

Paul urges Timothy to “keep safe what has been entrusted to your care.” Some people may have been trying to impose their “Knowledge” as “success” in human’s eyes. But Timothy’s calling was to have compassion on those he was entrusted to care for.

 

My Observations

• Arguments over knowledge need to be exchanged with keeping the calling, Word and people GOD has entrusted to me, safe.
• Faith is something I can get from GOD and give back to HIM.
• Praying for those who “know” things, but do not profess GOD in all they do requires compassion.

 

Instead of waiting on GOD to be the ultimate punisher, HE wants me to have compassion for those who walk away from the faith HE loves everyone with passion and desires that all be saved.

 

HE does not want me to argue with people over HIS power. HE says “MY grace is sufficient” and is quite confident in HIS abilities. I am glad HE allows me to pray to HIM because HE has shown compassion on me.

 

Challenge

• What advice is the writer giving?
• Have you ever been ready to fight, versus trying to have compassion?
• Will you have the same compassion GOD has shown you on other people today?

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

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Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

Unfathomable

Unfathomable

1 Timothy 6: ¹³ Before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who firmly professed his faith before Pontius Pilate, I command you ¹⁴ to obey your orders and keep them faithfully until the Day when our Lord Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁵ His appearing will be brought about at the right time by God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. ¹⁶ He alone is immortal; he lives in the light that no one can approach. No one has ever seen him; no one can ever see him. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

 

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“How was GOD always three?” was one of my first questions I asked when I started my journey back to following HIM. This and many other questions led me to study to find out if GOD were a fable, myth or some made up story.

 

• I needed to know if I was being fooled.
• I saw hypocrites who spoke about JESUS and who lived like me, who wasn’t following JESUS.
• I questioned and questioned because I had little faith and needed answers.

 

 

Paul tells Timothy to obey until the “Day when our LORD JESUS CHRIST will appear.” This Day is not an ordinary day, rather the final erasure of all sin and the beginning of everlasting life, for some and everlasting separation for others. Paul explains the JESUS is unfathomable, no one has truly seen what and who HE is and never will.

 

My Observations

• I may not understand what and who GOD is, but I do know HE loves me dearly.
• I may not be able to explain “why” to every question but I do know JESUS died for me and is alive.
• I may not be able to apply logic or Cognos to GOD, but I can feel HIS presence when I am in need, hurt or elated.

 

I just know that I know that I know that JESUS loves me. I do not understand why, I just know. HE cared enough for me, that HE gave HIS life for me. I do not understand why, I just know. When I ask questions about HIM that I cannot answer, HE is not mean, but gentle.

 

HE seeks me and, for whatever reason, wants me to tell others about HIS love. When I look at HIS perfection, I stop asking questions and praise HIM and simply say “Thank YOU.” I am glad I will never know what and who HE is, but I am glad HE reveals all I need to know.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention that “no one has ever seen HIM when people saw JESUS?”
• What questions are you afraid to ask about GOD, JESUS who is GOD, and about the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek a deeper relationship with JESUS and accept there are things about HIM we will never know or understand, but HE loves us and that’s all we need?

Something to Strive For

 

Something to Strive For

1 Timothy 6: ¹¹ But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. ¹² Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. 

 

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Not fitting got old. I wanted to try what ”everyone else” was doing. I tried dating a lot, seeking the best grades, wealth and pleasure. All of these came up empty. I wanted to be noticed, so I made stuff up to look more exciting.  “Why can’t I be like ‘that’ person? I said with jealousy!.

 

• I wanted to be someone else.
• I got tired of being measured and coming up as average or worse.
• I considered how people became successful and I wanted to do “anything” to do so, even if it meant being immoral.

 

Paul gives Timothy another word of encouragement. He provides Timothy with a list of great behaviors that model what JESUS stands for. He urges Timothy to keep going with his faith because he professed it publicly and people would expect him to follow GOD without wavering.

 

My Observations

• I may not have it all together, but GOD gives me something to strive for.
• I may not be perfect, BUT GOD shows me what I can try to become.
• I may want to give up, or fall down, BUT GOD gives me a foundation to always come back to.

 

Sin stinks! I mean, because of my sin nature, I may think less of GOD and more of self. I may seek what I want, when I want it without regard to what GOD wants. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE picks me up and says “You can do this.” He showed me HIS righteousness, Godliness, faithfulness, love, everlasting endurance and premium gentleness. When I compare myself to HIM I think, “impossible.” BUT HE only says “strive” for it. Even when I get it wrong, HE is pleased because I am trying. I am glad GOD is pleased firmly with my attempts.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer stress striving for?
• Have you ever wanted something and worked hard to get it?
• Will you strive for a life that is pleasing to GOD by serving others and learning about HIM today?

Rich and Satisfied

Rich and Satisfied

1 Timothy 6: They think that religion is a way to become rich.

⁶ Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. ⁷ What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! ⁸ So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.

 

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Lugging the latest camcorder and a suitcase full of items of convenience, I went on my first mission’s trip. I thought I had seen poor people before, but this place really opened my eyes. We went out into the rural area and ran into a family. When we stopped, the owner of the “hut” invited us over. He bragged that he had a cow, chickens and a lemon tree. He was satisfied and I was worried about my material things.

 

• I wanted the latest things.
• I wanted more and more comfort items.
• I wanted to be satisfied, but never could find it.

 

Paul spoke harshly about false preachers whose purpose in life was to dream up other philosophies outside of JESUS to become rich. He then speaks to Timothy about the dangers of pursuing becoming rich. He explains “foolish and harmful desires” can and will pull them into ruin and destruction.

 

My Observations

• Being content with what GOD has provided is more important than the next latest thing.
• Being satisfied with what HE has done changes my attitude about what HE should be doing.
• Being gratified is a position of thanksgiving GOD gets excited about when I supply it.

 

True wealth comes from knowing GOD and by belief in JESUS as the Savior. I mean, HE gives me all the warning signs to avoid and provides a path to contentment. Unfortunately, the world tries to pull me away from being content.

 

The need for more stuff, more clothes, more gadgets and more storage for the stuff makes me discontent. The insatiable appetite of wanting more then drives me to worry, work impossible hours and lie about “needing” the stuff for self-care. I am glad GOD opens my eyes to my lusts so HE can make me satisfied with what HE has given me..

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about loving money?
• Have you ever worried about finances so much that you got mad at GOD?
• What would happen if you had less than what you have now?
• Will you be satisfied, content and gratified over what GOD has provided and praise HIM for HIS provisions today?

Agreement

Agreement

1 Timothy 5: You must teach and preach these things. ³ Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion ⁴ is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. 

 

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Hearing what the other department was saying, I immediately came up with my rebuttal. After my argument was presented to management, the other department leader came back with a counter argument. This went on for a while. Finally, management told us to get ourselves together because we were getting nowhere!

 

• I was ready to argue.
• I was ready to fight.
• I got myself prepared with one side of the argument.

 

Paul warns Timothy to stick to the doctrine of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. He also warns that there will be those who believe in and teach a different philosophy to address life’s problems.

 

My Observations

• Instead of arguing, GOD wants me to simply believe in JESUS.
• Instead of getting tripped up by life’s issues, GOD wants me to focus on JESUS as the answer.
• Instead of wondering if a human philosophy is working or correct, GOD wants me to teach about JESUS.

 

JESUS is the way the truth and the life. HE says this. This means to me, that I need HIM to have a relationship with GOD the FATHER. The things I learn must align to this belief, otherwise I could be tempted to follow something that seems right, but may be tearing me away from GOD.

 

I may even gather more facts that back up my stance, but if these facts leave GOD out of the equation, they are not facts at all. I gladly give up on things that do not agree with the fact that JESUS loved me enough to die for me and is now alive provide me with eternal life.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who do not believe in the doctrine of JESUS?
• Do you feel you need to argue and fight over something?
• Will you soften your heart and allow GOD to come into your life so HE will teach you the truth and help you teach others about the love of JESUS today?

Ignoring the Hook Up

Ignoring the Hook Up

1 Timothy 6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. ² Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

 

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Being hired for the summer seemed more like dread than favor to me. A person I knew got me a job doing odd and end kind of stuff. From running errands to unloading trucks, I had to just simply do stuff. Another guy who had the same job said to me “Let’s play basketball.”  He then laid out the imaginary rules with a garbage can and a huge ball of paper as the elements. “Of course! “ I said.

 

• I didn’t want to work there anyway!
• I couldn’t find another job and I didn’t like this one.
• I did not appreciate being handed a job by the believer who got me the job.

 

Ugh! Paul speaks to Timothy about slavery. This section was used by many to enforce cruelty and deep hatred towards other humans. Paul, however more than likely, was speaking about employer / employee relationships as the tone sounds voluntary. Employees may have worked harder for non-believers than believers. They may have not valued the favor.

 

My Observations

• On every job, volunteer situation or favor, GOD wants me to work for HIM.
• Each task I am given should be done at its fullest.
• Extra respect should be given to a believer who does me a favor.

 

Valuing favor is sometimes hard. I mean, when I don’t value something given to me or when someone does me a favor by providing me with a job, business deal or being part of a group, I may underestimate the need and goof off. GOD wants better.

 

HE wants me to understand that HE is working through people to provide me with something I would have otherwise, been without. HE also wants me to recognize that when I do my work, I work for HIM, not the employer. I gladly give it my all when I serve others who bless me with being able to serve.

 

Challenge

• What attitude is the writer trying to convey?
• Have you ever had a job in which you just wanted to goof off?
• Will you see your job or business or volunteer situation differently and serve equally as hard as if your life depended on it and know you are serving the LORD through your works?

It Comes Out

 

It Comes Out

1 Timothy 5: ²³ Do not drink water only, but take a little wine to help your digestion, since you are sick so often.

 

²⁴ The sins of some people are plain to see, and their sins go ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others are seen only later. ²⁵ In the same way good deeds are plainly seen, and even those that are not so plain cannot be hidden.

 

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Sneaking off from work seemed like a good idea. Others were doing it so I decided to try it. I went to my apartment and played cards until it was time to go punch out. It worked! Soon I made a habit. I even made plans during work. I wen home and cooked dinner. When I went to punch out, my supervisor asked. “Where were you and why do you smell like cooked food?”

 

• I had gotten caught and I was embarrassed.
• I disappointed my boss who believed in me.
• I took for granted something I was supposed to be doing, and my hidden plans became exposed.

 

Paul turns from mentoring Timothy to encouraging him. He first expressed concern over Timothy’s health. He then gives some encouragement to Timothy, who may have been frustrated that the people he was leading were missing the value in his servanthood. He let Timothy know that even the smallest, hidden good deed will be seen.

 

My Observations

• My hidden sin tends to make itself known at an inconvenient time.
• JESUS forgave me for all my sins, hidden and plain to see.
• It is more satisfying to live with a clear conscience and do good deeds for the LORD, than to keep hiding things in my heart that get me deeper and deeper into trouble.

 

Hidden things come out. I mean, the thing that I think I can hide and take to my grave is probably the thing that will hurt the most because GOD has to reveal it. “Well, HE forgives me, right?” Yes, but it may still have pain and at some point I got tired of causing my own pain and blaming it on everyone else or circumstances.

 

GOD sees my heart and wants me to ask HIM to live inside. HE then prompts me to do “good deeds” that serve HIS purpose of bringing people back to HIM. HE sees the tiniest hidden good deed and also shows HIS gratitude in ways that are amazing! I am so glad GOD cares and sees all good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the care from the writer?
• Have you ever done a hidden sin and think it will never come out?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD, including the sneaky, bitter, hateful things, so HE can be faithful and just to forgive you of those sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?
• Will you also start doing “good deeds” that are pleasing to the LORD today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, you know my deepest hidden sins. Please forgive me. YOU also know the deepest hidden sins of this reader. Make him or her able to confess to YOU these sins so YOU will forgive and cleanse. Please also fill his or her heart with YOUR good deeds today. amen

Even and Pure

Even and Pure

1 Timothy 5: ²¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the holy angels I solemnly call upon you to obey these instructions without showing any prejudice or favor to anyone in anything you do. ²² Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

 

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Writing ideas on a pad helped me keep track of the things I wanted to come back to. But one day I caught a boss “snooping” around my desk, reading my idea pad. I didn’t say anything and I noticed he mentioned an idea in a meeting. I figured I would get him back by writing absurd ideas that seemed like good ones.

 

• I wasted so much time trying to trip him up that I did not do my job.
• I wanted to keep him and people like him away from me.
• I thought it would be easier to simply meet with likeminded people and share my ideas there and never have to deal with people like him.

 

Paul gives Timothy some sage advice regarding treating people with respect. He knew Timothy would run into people who did not look or act like him. He suggests that Timothy treat everyone “even.” No prejudice and no favor; this way his actions will be without sin or retaliation or deception.

 

My Observations

• In my “mind”, people can do some things that make me want to sin.
• GOD wants me to get control of my “mind” and treat people with HIS love and respect.
• My “mind” is controlled by what is in my heart, so GOD wants me to keep my heart pure.

 

Seeds get planted and grow into trees. The seed of hatred seems to grow faster than the seed of love. My heart is the soil in which the seed can grow. Each seed affects the way I see things. Instead of me asking my snooping boss how I could help him, I tried to hurt him. GOD is the remedy.

 

HE sees people differently than you and me. HE wants “everyone” to be saved and went through great lengths to do so. HE loves, loves, loves the person you may dislike or even hate. HE wants me to treat everyone the same and keep my motives pure. I am glad HE treats me with love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention GOD and JESUS in his urge?
• Have you ever treated someone one way and treated someone else another way and tried to justify this inconsistent action?
• Will you add pure love to your heart by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT inside so HE can guide your motives to pure love and to treat everyone with the respect GOD wants you to show today?

Recognition

Recognition

1 Timothy 5: ¹⁷ The elders who do good work as leaders should be considered worthy of receiving double pay, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain” and “Workers should be given their pay.” ¹⁹ Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or more witnesses. ²⁰ Rebuke publicly all those who commit sins, so that the rest may be afraid.

 

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After working hard for a long period of time, the project was finished. At the convention, the project was accepted well and people flocked to our booth. It felt great to get recognized when they gave our team an award.

 

• I felt good being recognized for my hard work.
• I felt appreciated for what I was doing.
• I felt honored.

 

Paul suggests recognition to Timothy. Recognize elders who do a good work as a leader, preaching and teaching. Unlike most leaders, this one stands out amongst the people as a true leader. Paul warns Timothy that some people may get jealous and present false accusations against the recognized elder. He suggests their sin be brought in front of everyone in a public rebuke.

 

My Observations

• Pastors, preachers and teachers who dedicate themselves to serving the LORD should be supported for doing so.
• GOD recognizes people who serve HIM without needing to be paid.
• GOD wants me to lead with integrity and not be concerned about being paid for it.

 

Recognition is great! I mean, it feels good to be appreciated and honored especially when unexpected. But what happens when no one sees what you and I do? GOD sees those who work from the heart.

 

HE is more impressed when I serve HIM in secret than when I seek to be recognized in front of many. HE also wants leaders to recognize other leaders who have dedicated himself or herself to serving the LORD and are doing it well. You will know them by their fruit. I gladly recognize those who serve the LORD with all their heart!

 

Challenge

• What is the writer recommending?
• Have you ever received recognition?
• How did it feel?
• Will you recognize those who have served the LORD with all of his or her heart today?

What About Me?

What about me?

1 Timothy 5: ¹¹ But do not include younger widows in the list; because when their desires make them want to marry, they turn away from Christ, ¹² and so become guilty of breaking their earlier promise to him. ¹³ They also learn to waste their time in going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not. ¹⁴ So I would prefer that the younger widows get married, have children, and take care of their homes, so as to give our enemies no chance of speaking evil of us. ¹⁵ For some widows have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶ But if any Christian woman has widows in her family, she must take care of them and not put the burden on the church, so that it may take care of the widows who are all alone.

 

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Feeling sorry for myself had become a ritual. I was in another bad situation and simply wanted someone to get me out of the current trial. Tired of being needy and tired of being in trouble, I groused instead of being excited.

 

• I could only see my problem.
• I needed help and did not know who to ask.
• I felt that no one could understand the trial I was going through.

 

Paul continues giving advice to Timothy regarding widows. He referred to “the list” as a special list reserved for those who have cared for others as a lifelong pursuit. Paul speaks harshly about young widows who can leave their identity in CHRIST by substituting marriage as a pursuit of a new identity. He also points out a new goal, namely caring for others because the need is huge!

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I can pity myself and desire things in substitute of GOD?
• Focused attention on what GOD wants me to do, keeps me away from the traps of the enemy.
• Realizing that I am chosen by GOD as part of the solution, takes my mind off my problems and places focus on what GOD wants.

 

Let’s face it, we have all asked “What about me?” Right? I mean, when life gets hard we want someone who can provide for us during the trial or lift us out of the hole. When this doesn’t happen, we feel GOD isn’t listening and easily stop following HIM to try something else. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE wants us to focus our attention on HIM by caring about other people. This trial is not about you rather it is about keeping you from seeing GOD as the solution. Care is a great remedy to the trial. GOD may have me simply care for those around me enough to pray for him or her and possibly even meet a need every now and then. I am glad GOD helps me take my focus off of “my” trials and place it on HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Be honest, do the words of the writer sound harsh?
• Why?
• Have you ever pitied yourself and just wanted out of this trial, with or without GOD’s help?
• Will you continue to walk with the LORD, asking HIM to firm up your reliance on HIM and to open your eyes to someone who is in need today?

Harvest List

Harvest List

1 Timothy 5: ⁹ Do not add any widow to the list of widows unless she is over sixty years of age. In addition, she must have been married only once ( or faithful to her husband. )  ¹⁰ and have a reputation for good deeds: a woman who brought up her children well, received strangers in her home, performed humble duties for other Christians, helped people in trouble, and devoted herself to doing good.

 

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After working hard during my second year at the company, I felt pretty good this time. In the first year I received an “average” rating, though I felt I did more than average. I worked hard the next year and received a higher rating, but there were those who received the highest honor in the company. I got jealous.

 

• I wanted to be recognized for my hard work.
• I got jealous of those who were recognized at the highest levels.
• I questioned, pouted and sneered at not getting the highest award.

 

Paul continues to provide advice to Timothy on how to care for widows. He tells Timothy to make a special list for those who have done service to the LORD practically all of her life. She would be obvious because she would have sown “good’ seeds into many lives and now it was her turn to reap a harvest.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat everyone with respect, but HE has a special list of those who serve HIM with all their heart.
• There are some people who have served the LORD well and need to reap a wonderful harvest.
• Service to the LORD is not a competition, rather it is done from the heart and will get its rewards from the LORD.

 

Taking care of those who have spent their lives taking care of others seems important to the LORD. I mean, there are some who seem to make service to the LORD so easy because it is natural and genuine. GOD sees their service and wants to pour out an abundance of thanks.

 

HE holds a special place in HIS heart for widows who have committed themselves to HIS service all their lives. No wavering, just service. These are not perfect people, rather faithful in all they do. I gladly honor those who have served the LORD faithfully.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer speaks bout “the list?”
• Have you ever seen someone who has been a consistent servant to the LORD, year after year after year?
• Will you recognize a widow or someone who comes to mind, who has dedicated their life to the LORD and has served HIM well so she or he may receive a harvest in this life and the next?

Help Where Possible

Help Where Possible

1 Timothy 5: ³ Show respect for widows who really are all alone. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn first to carry out their religious duties toward their own family and in this way repay their parents and grandparents, because that is what pleases God. ⁵ A widow who is all alone, with no one to take care of her, has placed her hope in God and continues to pray and ask him for his help night and day. ⁶ But a widow who gives herself to pleasure has already died, even though she lives. ⁷ Give them these instructions, so that no one will find fault with them. ⁸ But if any do not take care of their relatives, especially the members of their own family, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.

 

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My phone call list had grown longer and longer. Uncles and adopted fathers had passed away and all I could do was say hello every now and then. It felt overwhelming at times because life kept happening to me as well. But when I did call, it was a welcome conversation.

 

• I could not do more than reach out.
• When I finished the conversation, it did not seem like that much time had passed.
• This passage is a reminder to reach out to some people.

 

Paul speaks about taking care of widows. He tells Timothy that the primary responsibility is for the children and grandchildren to take care of widows. But those who are alone, help where possible. Paul gives a sharp rebuke to those who are not actively praying for or encouraging their family.

 

My Observations

• When GOD said “The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few” I believe HE also includes service to widows.
• Widows have a special place in GOD’s heart.
• Reaching out to a widow may be all I can handle when life is happening to me.

 

It really does take a village. I mean, I can try to solve and resolve all of life’s issues faced by those who are alone, grieving and bereaved. But when I look at the ocean of need, I get overwhelmed. BUT GOD has a remedy. Take it in small steps.

 

GOD wants me to reach out to at least one person who is a widow to bring a smile to that person’s face. HE wants me to make room in my schedule to at least say “Hello.” If I can do more, then great, if not, then GOD understands. I am glad prayer, encouragement and honor can be given to those in need.

 

Challenge

• Who has what responsibilities according to the writer?
• Do you know a widow who could use a phone call from you today?
• Will you reach out to a widow to check in and see how she is doing and pray for those who you cannot reach out to today?