Day 72
Hebrews 4:1-13 NIV
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world.4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.9 There remains, then, a Sabbath‑rest for the people of God;10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double‑edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
The Word of God is...
I just wanted to focus on the last section of this scripture. The Word of God is "living and active" "Sharper than any double-edged sword". The Word of God "penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow." The Word of God "it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart".
Living and active -
Many people read books and novels that seem to come to life as they begin to envision some element of the character's life and relate to the emotions of the passages. The Bible is different, it doesn't simply inspire our imaginations though it can inspire us to dream bigger. God's Word is a live because it has the power to make the dead live! The Word is alive because it never grows old or irrelevant. It is active because the Word continues to work as generation after generation discovers the truth of the Word. It is active because it isn't just some man inspired words on a page but it is God's Word made alive by the Holy Spirit. We read God's Word again and again but always seem to find something new and relevant for our situation. Even when we pull out the Old Testament classics that we have been reading since we were children we seem to find new nuggets that challenge and inspire us.
Sharper than a double-edged sword -
The Word of God is like a sword because it can cut away the undesirable areas of our heart. The Word trims away the flesh and awakens the spirit to it's truths. The Word of God cuts to the quick when we are lost or guilty of a sin against God, this sharp word inspires us to confess and repent.
The Word Penetrates and divides -
God's Word can break through even the hardest of hearts as the Holy Spirit directs and convicts. The Word penetrates and divides, since God communicates with us spirit to spirit the Word of God is contrary to the flesh and appeals directly to the spirit. This Word is absurd to natural thinking but when it penetrates to the spirit it has the ability to awaken the dead and cause us to experience the new birth.
Judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart -
The Word of God is our guide and it judges us when we read it with an open heart. It is through this judgment that we are able to escape a final judgment and be found without Christ. The Word quickly reveals the character of God and exposes the weak areas of our spiritual walk. The Word of God speaks to the heart of man, it reveals the purpose of our hearts.
This is powerful Word that we are dealing with tonight. Paul has said it all here by showing us the importance of God's Word. It is important to read it and then digest it. It is important that we learn this Word and speak it. This Word quickens our faith. The faith that pleases God. While no one can mandate that we read God's Word we can say that in order to grow in Christ as we should be we cannot simply depend upon Sunday morning sermons to give us all the Word we need.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading March 22 2010 from Hebrews 3:7-19
Day 71
Hebrews 3:7-19 NIV
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me
and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation,
and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,
and they have not known my ways.’
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
15 As has just been said:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion.”
16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert?18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:7-19 NIV
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me
and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation,
and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,
and they have not known my ways.’
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
15 As has just been said:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion.”
16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert?18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Daily Reading March 21 2010 from Hebrews 3:1-6 NIV
Day 70
Hebrews 3:1-6 NIV
1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Fix Your Thoughts on Christ -
This certainly isn't difficult to do if you are follower of God. We have our eyes fixed upon Christ because without Him and His sacrifice we would have no means to a relationship with the Father. Paul says Christ was faithful, found worthy of great honor, a faithful son over God's house. Notice Paul's first greeting "holy brothers" this signifies the relationship we have as believers adopted into the family of God because of the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary. Paul says to focus on Christ because His name is above all names. Paul mentions Moses but insists that Christ was and is greater. To many Jews of that day and even today that would have been blasphemy. Moses was their father but Jesus pointed them the way to the FATHER and when they rejected the SON Jesus died and opened the family to ALL who would believe and call on the name of Jesus. Jesus is over the house of God and we are a part of this house Paul says "if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." So Paul says to not only fix our thought on Christ but to continue in our faith til the end. Paul said in other scripture that he died daily, in other words being a follower of Christ being a follower is a daily decision. Paul isn't looking for half-hearted confessions but whole-hearted daily commitment to the cause of Christ. Where are your thoughts? I want to be found focused and fixed on Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Hebrews 3:1-6 NIV
1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Fix Your Thoughts on Christ -
This certainly isn't difficult to do if you are follower of God. We have our eyes fixed upon Christ because without Him and His sacrifice we would have no means to a relationship with the Father. Paul says Christ was faithful, found worthy of great honor, a faithful son over God's house. Notice Paul's first greeting "holy brothers" this signifies the relationship we have as believers adopted into the family of God because of the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary. Paul says to focus on Christ because His name is above all names. Paul mentions Moses but insists that Christ was and is greater. To many Jews of that day and even today that would have been blasphemy. Moses was their father but Jesus pointed them the way to the FATHER and when they rejected the SON Jesus died and opened the family to ALL who would believe and call on the name of Jesus. Jesus is over the house of God and we are a part of this house Paul says "if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." So Paul says to not only fix our thought on Christ but to continue in our faith til the end. Paul said in other scripture that he died daily, in other words being a follower of Christ being a follower is a daily decision. Paul isn't looking for half-hearted confessions but whole-hearted daily commitment to the cause of Christ. Where are your thoughts? I want to be found focused and fixed on Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Daily Reading March 16 2010 from Titus 3 NIV
Day 65
Titus 3:1-15 NIV
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self‑condemned. 12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Titus 3:1-15 NIV
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self‑condemned. 12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Daily Reading March 15 2010 from Titus 2:1-15 NIV
Day 64
Titus 2:1-15 NIV
1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self‑controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self‑controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self‑controlled.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self‑controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Set them an Example -
This chapter is interesting because Titus is instructed to teach those older and younger than him and then to show them all an example. Paul says "show them an example by doing what is good" show the older men, younger men, older women and the younger women. Paul goes on and says teach the slaves to honor their masters and not to talk back, not to steal from them, and to let them know you can be completely trusted. So not only is Titus being exhorted to be an example he is to teach others regardless of their age or social status to also set an example for others. Paul says to say "No" to ungodliness and things of the world, to live a self-controlled life, and to be godly in every manner of living. Just as Paul taught Timothy to be an example he is saying the same to Titus. Paul didn't care about age or status he was certain that all believers could live a life of example before others. When he speaks here about slaves setting examples for their masters we realize just how serious the Apostle is about the subject. I would guess if he were writing to you and I today he would say very similar words. He might ask are you living a life that sets an example, a standard for others? A life that glorifies God? Are you temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in your faith, walking in love? Are you pure, kind, and an example in integrity? Paul's standard for believers was great because he understood that Christ had already made it possible for us to live a life of self-control, a life submitted to God. Perhaps we should take some time to ponder our own lives. Am I living a life of example? This very direct speech cuts to the point and challenges us in our manner of living.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Titus 2:1-15 NIV
1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self‑controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self‑controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self‑controlled.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self‑controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Set them an Example -
This chapter is interesting because Titus is instructed to teach those older and younger than him and then to show them all an example. Paul says "show them an example by doing what is good" show the older men, younger men, older women and the younger women. Paul goes on and says teach the slaves to honor their masters and not to talk back, not to steal from them, and to let them know you can be completely trusted. So not only is Titus being exhorted to be an example he is to teach others regardless of their age or social status to also set an example for others. Paul says to say "No" to ungodliness and things of the world, to live a self-controlled life, and to be godly in every manner of living. Just as Paul taught Timothy to be an example he is saying the same to Titus. Paul didn't care about age or status he was certain that all believers could live a life of example before others. When he speaks here about slaves setting examples for their masters we realize just how serious the Apostle is about the subject. I would guess if he were writing to you and I today he would say very similar words. He might ask are you living a life that sets an example, a standard for others? A life that glorifies God? Are you temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in your faith, walking in love? Are you pure, kind, and an example in integrity? Paul's standard for believers was great because he understood that Christ had already made it possible for us to live a life of self-control, a life submitted to God. Perhaps we should take some time to ponder our own lives. Am I living a life of example? This very direct speech cuts to the point and challenges us in our manner of living.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Monday, March 15, 2010
Daily Reading March 14 2010 from Titus 1 NIV
Day 63
Titus 1:1-16 NIV
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness–2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick‑tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self‑controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain.12 Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Actions speak louder than words -
Today we are beginning the Epistle of Titus. Paul again is writing to one of his proteges and this time it is Titus. Just as Paul sent Timothy to the Ephesians Titus has been sent to Crete to organize the church and to appoint its leaders from city to city. You will notice here that Paul uses the same language in reference to Titus as he did Timothy, "my true son in our common faith". Paul was obviously close to Titus and had entrusted him to go and help complete the work he had begun. Paul warns Titus that false teachers are present in Crete and have been successful in leading entire homes astray with their false teachings. Paul says they are "liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons" and says to rebuke them so they will come to a more sound faith and reject the "Jewish myths." He goes on to describe impure people "their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions deny Him. They are detestable and unfit for doing anything good." As you can see Paul is being the usual politically correct character we have grown accustomed to in his writings. By this time in our reading we have come to know that this Apostle pulls no punches in speaking his mind. There is so much to be learned from these writings as they are direct letters to the churches and the individuals who have been given the task of further establishment of individuals churches. Paul goes over what to look for in leadership for these fledgling churches that he has entrusted to the care of Titus. We would do well to read these lists of attributes and strive to live a life comparable to the standard Paul is invoking.
Things like:
* being blameless
* not quick-tempered
* not given to drunkeness
* not violent
* not out for dishonest gain
* hospitable
* lovers of good
* self-controlled
* holy and disciplined
* sound in doctrine
This is quite a list and no doubt it would be a daunting task to live up to any such list. While I don't believe in developing lists for individuals to live by I do believe that God can help us to grow in Him as we live in obedience. As we seek His will and come to know His voice we begin to live out His will for our lives. When we hear and know His voice we then begin to please Him because we bear the fruit of obedience. Knowing His voice helps us to become increasingly sensitive to the small nudges of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit within us helps us to know what is acceptable to God and convicts us when we stray from the plan. Notice I used the word convicts and not condemns. Remember, it is satan that accuses and wants to condemn us. We often participate with him in these accusations by not forgiving ourselves. The Spirit of God quietly convicts us and when we act in obedience we are quick to repent and turn to God. Paul wasn't telling Titus to look for perfect individuals just those who knew God and were seeking to be more like Christ. Those concerned about their character who were unhappy when they hurt the name of Jesus with their disobedience. We need more individuals like this in our churches and society today. Jesus made a way for us to be righteous before the Father and a way for us to overcome the flesh! Are you striving for holiness in your daily life? Not condemning yourself when you miss Him but repenting and submitting your all to His care? If so God is pleased with the life you have offered unto Him. After all our life is our reasonable sacrifice! Just as Paul said that some claim to know God but their actions tell a different story I want people to know that I know God through my actions. I want to bear fruit to where there is no question as to whom I serve.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Titus 1:1-16 NIV
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness–2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick‑tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self‑controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain.12 Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Actions speak louder than words -
Today we are beginning the Epistle of Titus. Paul again is writing to one of his proteges and this time it is Titus. Just as Paul sent Timothy to the Ephesians Titus has been sent to Crete to organize the church and to appoint its leaders from city to city. You will notice here that Paul uses the same language in reference to Titus as he did Timothy, "my true son in our common faith". Paul was obviously close to Titus and had entrusted him to go and help complete the work he had begun. Paul warns Titus that false teachers are present in Crete and have been successful in leading entire homes astray with their false teachings. Paul says they are "liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons" and says to rebuke them so they will come to a more sound faith and reject the "Jewish myths." He goes on to describe impure people "their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions deny Him. They are detestable and unfit for doing anything good." As you can see Paul is being the usual politically correct character we have grown accustomed to in his writings. By this time in our reading we have come to know that this Apostle pulls no punches in speaking his mind. There is so much to be learned from these writings as they are direct letters to the churches and the individuals who have been given the task of further establishment of individuals churches. Paul goes over what to look for in leadership for these fledgling churches that he has entrusted to the care of Titus. We would do well to read these lists of attributes and strive to live a life comparable to the standard Paul is invoking.
Things like:
* being blameless
* not quick-tempered
* not given to drunkeness
* not violent
* not out for dishonest gain
* hospitable
* lovers of good
* self-controlled
* holy and disciplined
* sound in doctrine
This is quite a list and no doubt it would be a daunting task to live up to any such list. While I don't believe in developing lists for individuals to live by I do believe that God can help us to grow in Him as we live in obedience. As we seek His will and come to know His voice we begin to live out His will for our lives. When we hear and know His voice we then begin to please Him because we bear the fruit of obedience. Knowing His voice helps us to become increasingly sensitive to the small nudges of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit within us helps us to know what is acceptable to God and convicts us when we stray from the plan. Notice I used the word convicts and not condemns. Remember, it is satan that accuses and wants to condemn us. We often participate with him in these accusations by not forgiving ourselves. The Spirit of God quietly convicts us and when we act in obedience we are quick to repent and turn to God. Paul wasn't telling Titus to look for perfect individuals just those who knew God and were seeking to be more like Christ. Those concerned about their character who were unhappy when they hurt the name of Jesus with their disobedience. We need more individuals like this in our churches and society today. Jesus made a way for us to be righteous before the Father and a way for us to overcome the flesh! Are you striving for holiness in your daily life? Not condemning yourself when you miss Him but repenting and submitting your all to His care? If so God is pleased with the life you have offered unto Him. After all our life is our reasonable sacrifice! Just as Paul said that some claim to know God but their actions tell a different story I want people to know that I know God through my actions. I want to bear fruit to where there is no question as to whom I serve.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Daily Reading March 13 2010 from 2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV
Day 62
2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV
9 Do your best to come to me quickly,10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Final Words -
Paul writes this last section like a farewell speech. He begins with "do your best to come to me quickly" you can almost see some desperation in this writing as the persecution that Paul has faced for his entire ministry is coming to a head. Paul writes about how his friends have deserted him; "at my first defense, no one came to my supports, but everyone deserted me", Paul has obviously suffered from his imprisonment and is longing to see those whom he loves and of course those who love him. Paul says though everyone deserted him the Lord was beside him and delivered him from sure death from the "lion's mouth". Paul knows that his life has been and will be spared until he has completed the work God has called him to do. Remember, Paul went to Jerusalem warned, knowing that when he went he would be accused and persecuted. Even after his friends begged him to not go he went because this was God's plan for his life. Though we have this knowledge we also must understand that even knowing we are in God's perfect will doesn't completely console us in times of trial. Being in God's will certainly does help us when we do face hard times. Paul shows his humanity in this passage of scripture as he longs to surround himself with some who would encourage him. I have heard many say that the Apostle Paul wrote arrogantly and I too can see where this school of thought comes from, though I tend to disagree. Paul was confident in His God and confident in where he was going and what he was doing. This can certainly sound arrogant as so many of us struggle and question where we are and where we are going. Paul had such a relationship with God that he heard God's voice and obeyed. We too have the ability to know God's will as we become listeners. Do as Paul did, have an intimate relationship with God and quickly obey His voice. Surround yourself with those who share your faith and passion. Encourage others and surround yourself with though who live to encourage as well. This passage just goes to show the need we all have for friends and companions as we walk with the Lord. Seek out those who need encouragement. Look for signs of those who are discouraged in their walk and lift them in prayer and with words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
2 Timothy 4:9-22 NIV
9 Do your best to come to me quickly,10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Final Words -
Paul writes this last section like a farewell speech. He begins with "do your best to come to me quickly" you can almost see some desperation in this writing as the persecution that Paul has faced for his entire ministry is coming to a head. Paul writes about how his friends have deserted him; "at my first defense, no one came to my supports, but everyone deserted me", Paul has obviously suffered from his imprisonment and is longing to see those whom he loves and of course those who love him. Paul says though everyone deserted him the Lord was beside him and delivered him from sure death from the "lion's mouth". Paul knows that his life has been and will be spared until he has completed the work God has called him to do. Remember, Paul went to Jerusalem warned, knowing that when he went he would be accused and persecuted. Even after his friends begged him to not go he went because this was God's plan for his life. Though we have this knowledge we also must understand that even knowing we are in God's perfect will doesn't completely console us in times of trial. Being in God's will certainly does help us when we do face hard times. Paul shows his humanity in this passage of scripture as he longs to surround himself with some who would encourage him. I have heard many say that the Apostle Paul wrote arrogantly and I too can see where this school of thought comes from, though I tend to disagree. Paul was confident in His God and confident in where he was going and what he was doing. This can certainly sound arrogant as so many of us struggle and question where we are and where we are going. Paul had such a relationship with God that he heard God's voice and obeyed. We too have the ability to know God's will as we become listeners. Do as Paul did, have an intimate relationship with God and quickly obey His voice. Surround yourself with those who share your faith and passion. Encourage others and surround yourself with though who live to encourage as well. This passage just goes to show the need we all have for friends and companions as we walk with the Lord. Seek out those who need encouragement. Look for signs of those who are discouraged in their walk and lift them in prayer and with words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
