Day 55
1 Timothy 6:11-21 NIV
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 which God will bring about in his own time–God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,21 which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you.
Grace Be With You!
Today we conclude the book of 1 Timothy and prepare to move on to 2 Timothy another letter from Paul to "his son in the faith" Timothy. I decided to begin today with the end of the reading, "grace be with you" what a great statement from a man who truly understood God's grace. Paul had committed enough atrocities against God that he knew the truth of God's grace from experience. The older I get the more I want people to know and understand the grace of God. This great "amazing" grace so completely displays the love of God. No man can accurately describe it but we all can live it. We don't know the heighth, depth, or breadth of this loving grace. At times we think we have seen it all and then God does some other miraculous act on behalf of his undeserving creation and we are once again amazed by this grace. I don't write like this today to discount judgment because judgment will come just as certainly as Jesus came but this amazing grace has made a way for all to escape our deserved judgment simply by calling on a Savior and turning from our wicked ways. When I begin to think this way I just want to praise HIM for His love and grace, in fact even as I write tonight I am overwhelmed with His holy presence and again lost in His love.
Fight the Good Fight!
Now on to our text for today. "Man of God" this is the description Paul uses for Timothy, "man of God". As you know by now Paul doesn't loosely throw out complements he obviously had observed behavior in this young man that provoked him to draw such a conclusion. Paul proceeds "flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith." Pursue, fight, flee, take hold? These are words of action not simply sitting back and enjoying the fact that you have achieved eternal life. Paul reminds us that we are to continue in our pursuits until we no longer have breath to breathe. I was reminded lately that once God pursued me with His love but now I pursue Him by seeking His face and gaining more and more intimate knowledge of Him. We can and should pursue God and righteousness. We can and should flee from unrighteous behaviors. We can and should continue fighting against the lies of the enemy by declaring God's Word and reminding the enemy of his fate. This isn't a relationship we just sit back and relax in after we have turned to God but rather an active faith walk that we should pursue daily. David said "early will I seek thee" and I believe it is vital that we begin every day with the pursuit and praise of a holy God. Paul says that Timothy made his good confession in front of many witnesses and he should keep that confession until Jesus comes again. Are you keeping your confession? Sure you will mess up from time to time but are you quickly going to God when you stumble and keeping that relationship intimate? God desires communion with His people and I am so glad that He does. I love to talk to Him and even more when He talks to me.
Take Action!
Right now, take action. Pursue God and an intimate relationship with Him. You don't have to feel dry and alone God wants to be with you right now. He is constantly reaching out to us and when we listen we hear Him and He takes time to demonstrate His love and care for His most precious creation. Praise God! I challenge you to pursue Him with all your mind, heart and strength and see if He doesn't transform your walk with Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Daily Reading February 27 2010 from 1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
Day 48
Sorry for the delay on days 48 & 49 as many of you know I was in Allen, OK. preaching a revival and had no internet access.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Second Chances!
Our God is a God of second chances. Paul begins today's reading with this statement "Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy" not only was Paul shown mercy he was called to ministry and even the writing of God's Word. Paul says was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief but God's grace was poured out on him in abundance. Paul goes on to say that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" Paul says in the following verse "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example" an example for unbelievers. With this kind of example of the love and grace of God every one alive has a hope of a second chance. Remember your second chance! Regardless of your past whether you were one of the worst as Paul described himself or raised in church all your life you are still living by the grace of God. Jesus gave every man a second chance to serve God.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sorry for the delay on days 48 & 49 as many of you know I was in Allen, OK. preaching a revival and had no internet access.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Second Chances!
Our God is a God of second chances. Paul begins today's reading with this statement "Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy" not only was Paul shown mercy he was called to ministry and even the writing of God's Word. Paul says was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief but God's grace was poured out on him in abundance. Paul goes on to say that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" Paul says in the following verse "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example" an example for unbelievers. With this kind of example of the love and grace of God every one alive has a hope of a second chance. Remember your second chance! Regardless of your past whether you were one of the worst as Paul described himself or raised in church all your life you are still living by the grace of God. Jesus gave every man a second chance to serve God.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Monday, March 1, 2010
Daily Reading February 26 2010 from 1 Timothy 1:1-11 NIV
Day 47
1 Timothy 1:1-11 NIV
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work–which is by faith.5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers–and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
Today we begin the letter (Epistle) to Timothy. It doesn't take long to see and realize the love that Paul had for Timothy. Paul begins this letter with "to Timothy my true son in the faith". Paul begins his writing to his "son in the faith" with an exhortation to continue striving for teaching the truth of God's Word in love. From the comments here in verse 3 we can see that Timothy was left with the Authority of the Apostle to assure that the Ephesians (church at Ephesus) were receiving proper teaching. From Paul's account it becomes apparent that false teachers were trying to slip in and point people back to the law rather than the grace and freedom purchased by Christ on the Cross. Paul declares that what they are doing and teaching is now contrary to sound doctrinal teaching because God's work is by faith and not works or lists of rules. Paul states that the law "is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels" he continues with quite a list but he is saying that the law is for those who have not received forgiveness and turned to God in true repentance. This must have been most difficult for Paul of all people haven been trained by the best of the best, have been a Pharisee. Paul had to have spent a great deal of time and prayer before he became able to understand the true purpose of the law was to show man our hopelessness and our need for a heavenly savior. After Paul's experience on the Damascus road he went into an extended period of training, time alone with God where he was taught the truth of the Word and the message he is now presenting here to Timothy. Paul having been one of the chief persecutors or Christians and chief among law givers certainly knew what it was to be transformed by the love of God. He wanted this same transformation for all believers and he desired to stop those who were preaching contrary or conflicting gospels that were creating much confusion. Timothy became one of his primary students and was quickly trained and put in a leadership role in Ephesus. Now the teacher is writing to his student to encourage him to continue in doing what is right regardless of the opposition he is facing. This message rings just as true for you and I today. If we aren't careful we can grown cold in our walk with God and begin to walk in a more formal way before him. God desires relationship with all of us and when we are walking in communion with Him we can be sure that His Spirit will lead us. No one can create a list of rights and wrongs that would fully encompass what we should and shouldn't do. It is the Holy Spirit that writes the Word on our hearts and when we take a misstep He corrects us. Imagine with me today why a loving God would have dared send His only Son to a people who had rejected Him and His representatives in every way. The only answer to this question is absolute love, a love like we cannot understand. The bible says "God is love" and daily I see this love poured out in my life, don't you? I am so thankful that He came, lived, and died for me. Thankful that He rose from the grave in victory and that I am risen with Him, "seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus". Thank Him today for this love!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 1:1-11 NIV
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work–which is by faith.5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers–and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
Today we begin the letter (Epistle) to Timothy. It doesn't take long to see and realize the love that Paul had for Timothy. Paul begins this letter with "to Timothy my true son in the faith". Paul begins his writing to his "son in the faith" with an exhortation to continue striving for teaching the truth of God's Word in love. From the comments here in verse 3 we can see that Timothy was left with the Authority of the Apostle to assure that the Ephesians (church at Ephesus) were receiving proper teaching. From Paul's account it becomes apparent that false teachers were trying to slip in and point people back to the law rather than the grace and freedom purchased by Christ on the Cross. Paul declares that what they are doing and teaching is now contrary to sound doctrinal teaching because God's work is by faith and not works or lists of rules. Paul states that the law "is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels" he continues with quite a list but he is saying that the law is for those who have not received forgiveness and turned to God in true repentance. This must have been most difficult for Paul of all people haven been trained by the best of the best, have been a Pharisee. Paul had to have spent a great deal of time and prayer before he became able to understand the true purpose of the law was to show man our hopelessness and our need for a heavenly savior. After Paul's experience on the Damascus road he went into an extended period of training, time alone with God where he was taught the truth of the Word and the message he is now presenting here to Timothy. Paul having been one of the chief persecutors or Christians and chief among law givers certainly knew what it was to be transformed by the love of God. He wanted this same transformation for all believers and he desired to stop those who were preaching contrary or conflicting gospels that were creating much confusion. Timothy became one of his primary students and was quickly trained and put in a leadership role in Ephesus. Now the teacher is writing to his student to encourage him to continue in doing what is right regardless of the opposition he is facing. This message rings just as true for you and I today. If we aren't careful we can grown cold in our walk with God and begin to walk in a more formal way before him. God desires relationship with all of us and when we are walking in communion with Him we can be sure that His Spirit will lead us. No one can create a list of rights and wrongs that would fully encompass what we should and shouldn't do. It is the Holy Spirit that writes the Word on our hearts and when we take a misstep He corrects us. Imagine with me today why a loving God would have dared send His only Son to a people who had rejected Him and His representatives in every way. The only answer to this question is absolute love, a love like we cannot understand. The bible says "God is love" and daily I see this love poured out in my life, don't you? I am so thankful that He came, lived, and died for me. Thankful that He rose from the grave in victory and that I am risen with Him, "seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus". Thank Him today for this love!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Friday, February 26, 2010
Daily Reading Eph. 2 cont'd January 14 2010
Day 4
This is a great scripture reminded us of God's grace and mercy towards man. I am so thankful that He found me when I was lost. Now because of the Cross I am free!
Ephesians 2:11-22 NIV
One in Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)–12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
V. 13
What a wonderful reminder of the grace of God in verse 13 - Mankind was once a million miles from God with no hope of ever knowing Him but then God sent His Son, Jesus. It's by His Blood that we are now able to have access to the Father (V. 18). Praise God for the Blood!
V. 15
He fulfilled the law and did away with the lists of rules that we could never fulfill anyway. Now we can be saved by grace and grace alone. Thank God I don't have to be good enough to earn the love of God.
Praise God for this Word of Grace
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Opportunity Knocks
A few weeks back I was called to the hospital in Muskogee because one of my church members was taken there in an ambulance. I went through the usual steps as a minister went back and prayed for her, visited with the family, and waited for results from the tests they were running. Her son Don and I were sitting in the waiting room when a man walked in. It was obvious he had been drinking and furthermore had been living a hard life. While Don and I were conversing the man made a comment or two which I pretty much ignored due to his intoxication. Finally, as we continued to talk and wait the man asked are you a preacher? I answered yes I am. He said I can tell because you have such a peace about you. My attention is now much more focused on this man with an obvious need. Before I can say anything Don speaks up and asks the man if he would like to know that peace. The man insists that he is saved and knows he would make heaven if he were to die.
We continued the conversation and finally I asked the man if he would like prayer. He immediately responded yes! Don and I led the man in the sinners prayer but I didn't feel like we were through ministering. I looked to the man again and said we need to pray again and you need to call out to God. To my surprise he called out very loudly JESUS HELP ME, BE LORD OF MY LIFE! By now everyone in the waiting room is looking at us but we certainly didn't care. Just as is so often true you wonder did he really mean what he prayed or is this just another person in crisis needing prayer.
Yesterday, to my amazement I received a phone call asking me if I was that preacher. After just a moment on the phone I knew that this was Ronnie from the hospital. I have to admit I was still treating this call with great skepticism wondering what does he need. You see weeks had passed without contact and after all he was drunk that night. But again to my surprise he had just called to update me on his situation. It appears Ronnie left the woman he was living with, has quit doing drugs and drinking and is regularly attending church. I must admit I am a bit ashamed at my skepticism but I have learned it from the world I live in today.
Let me encourage you to look for opportunities when they can be found. You and I though often hardened and skeptical are the only hope some people have. God is still opening doors and the Holy Spirit can change the most hopeless of hearts with gentle conviction. Please join in praying for Ronnie as he still has a difficult road ahead of him. But also pray for me and yourself that when opportunity knocks we quickly walk through it's door and that our sensitivity to God's Spirit will outweigh our hardened human hearts!
Blessings,
Larry
We continued the conversation and finally I asked the man if he would like prayer. He immediately responded yes! Don and I led the man in the sinners prayer but I didn't feel like we were through ministering. I looked to the man again and said we need to pray again and you need to call out to God. To my surprise he called out very loudly JESUS HELP ME, BE LORD OF MY LIFE! By now everyone in the waiting room is looking at us but we certainly didn't care. Just as is so often true you wonder did he really mean what he prayed or is this just another person in crisis needing prayer.
Yesterday, to my amazement I received a phone call asking me if I was that preacher. After just a moment on the phone I knew that this was Ronnie from the hospital. I have to admit I was still treating this call with great skepticism wondering what does he need. You see weeks had passed without contact and after all he was drunk that night. But again to my surprise he had just called to update me on his situation. It appears Ronnie left the woman he was living with, has quit doing drugs and drinking and is regularly attending church. I must admit I am a bit ashamed at my skepticism but I have learned it from the world I live in today.
Let me encourage you to look for opportunities when they can be found. You and I though often hardened and skeptical are the only hope some people have. God is still opening doors and the Holy Spirit can change the most hopeless of hearts with gentle conviction. Please join in praying for Ronnie as he still has a difficult road ahead of him. But also pray for me and yourself that when opportunity knocks we quickly walk through it's door and that our sensitivity to God's Spirit will outweigh our hardened human hearts!
Blessings,
Larry
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
All is Forgiven
I thought I should share a little about God's grace and how He has changed my life. I was raised in church by parents who knew and loved God. During my childhood I saw the hand of God at many different times. I had an early childhood experience and came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. But as it so often happens during my teen years I slipped from a life devoted to Christ and sought for my independence. I went through the next 20 years of my lift lost looking for what I once had in Jesus Christ. It wouldn't benefit anyone for me to go into detail but I was lost and kept searching for answers. It wasn't until I was 24 years old that I would again try church. I had been constantly invited over the years but was afraid of having to make a change in my life. I guess I knew all along that God had a plan for my life and I was afraid to walk in it. Finally at the insistence of my wife we decided to attend the church I grew up in The Church of God of Prophecy in Coweta, Oklahoma. It was there that I met a loving church and Pastor D. Frank Hughes. Pastor Hughes was not satisfied with half hearted Christianity with him it was all or nothing. When Gena and I would miss a service he would call, send a bulletin or even come to the house. The more I went to church the more I realized the thing I had been searching for was a relationship with my Creator. I did not return to Him right away I didn't want to make major changes in my life. I saw christianity as bondage and I thought I was free. One day while driving down the road heading to work I had a real encounter with God. I was listening to Christian Radio and there was worship music playing at that moment I decided to make Jesus Christ Lord of my life. Almost instantly on the same drive home he called me into the ministry.
If I were to name the list of things I have done in my past you would wonder how can God love such a person? I have found that God doesn't remember even one of those sins because Jesus paid the price for all of my past failures. God's grace is sufficient for anything you may have done wrong. Guilt isn't from God! God wants all people saved! Regardless of who you are or what you have done you are a prime candidate for the love of God. If you don't know Him today you can change that. I encourage you to pray a simple prayer "Jesus be Lord of my life I admit I'm a sinner and I know that I need you, I believe you came to the earth and died on a cross so I could be saved and I now accept this salvation. In Jesus Christ's name Amen.
If you have just accepted Jesus as your Savior I would like to know about it please email me and let me know. If you have doubts or questions and would like to have someone to talk to please email me as well. info@porterchurch.com
If I were to name the list of things I have done in my past you would wonder how can God love such a person? I have found that God doesn't remember even one of those sins because Jesus paid the price for all of my past failures. God's grace is sufficient for anything you may have done wrong. Guilt isn't from God! God wants all people saved! Regardless of who you are or what you have done you are a prime candidate for the love of God. If you don't know Him today you can change that. I encourage you to pray a simple prayer "Jesus be Lord of my life I admit I'm a sinner and I know that I need you, I believe you came to the earth and died on a cross so I could be saved and I now accept this salvation. In Jesus Christ's name Amen.
If you have just accepted Jesus as your Savior I would like to know about it please email me and let me know. If you have doubts or questions and would like to have someone to talk to please email me as well. info@porterchurch.com
Saturday, June 30, 2007
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