Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 3

Mark this, terrible times are coming.
Read verses 2-5 again.
How many of these things could you mark as current concerns in our culture?

It seems we are living in the last days. This passage reminds us how to deal with these times and face the inevitable persecutions we will experience if we want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus: Follow the teaching of the disciples, the teaching of Jesus, be in the Word!

The heart behind this blog ministry is to encourage our congregation to be in His Word. God wrote a book for our benefit. So we can know who He is and who we are before Him. So we can know His love and grace. So we can be equipped for the work He's prepared for us to do.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,

rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

As we come to know Him we come to know Truth and become less susceptible to the deception of false teaching, unfounded tradition, and worldly philosophy.

It is essential for Believers to know His Word. Allow it to work its way into our lives and live by it. Jesus fought off temptation in the wilderness by knowing the importance of God's Word and its relationship to life:

"Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word

that comes from the mouth of God."

Matthew 4:4 ESV

Most of us wouldn't dare miss a meal. We certainly eat several times a day, feeding our flesh. But are we feeding our spirits?

Do you consume His Word everyday? multiple times a day? and not just go through the motions but meditate on it and work it into your life?

If you are one who currently follows Beyond the Gospels regularly, I challenge you to invite someone you know to join. Encourage those in your circle of influence to follow along. Get into His Word. Be prepared for the terrible times to come.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I've neglected Your Word.

Bless me with a hunger for Scripture and for truth.

Reveal any doubt in my heart concerning Your Word as Truth.

Bless me with faith. In Jesus's name.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's verses: 2 Timothy 2:14-26
[Click the reference above to read online.]

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed and 

who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Correctly handling the word of truth first implies familiarity with the word of truth. How well do you know His Word? Are you able to recognize foolish arguments and ungodly chatter? Do you know how to avoid the trap of the devil when it comes to quarrels?

From the beginning of my walk with Him, I knew I would only find out who He is by reading the Bible and praying. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and remind us of everything He said. Unless we know His Word, how can He remind us?

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,

He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. ..."

John 14:26 NASB95

Some dangerous talk takes place in the church. The enemy uses divisive quarrels and arguments as traps to lead us away from truth and make us ineffective in His Kingdom. Don't unwittingly be used by the devil. Know His Word. Be prepared to be reminded by the Spirit. Seek Him in His Word. It's never too late to begin equipping yourself with truth.

But remember. The point of knowing His Word is not so you can win an argument or get the upper hand in a quarrel. The sole purpose of being in His Word is spending time with Him, gaining experiential knowledge of the Father through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't get carried away with quarreling. And if you find yourself enjoying the argument, you may want to take time to ask God what's at the root of your desire to argue. Is it Him? Or another power egging you on?

Lord, I long to know You, to be one who correctly handles Your Word.

Kindly teach me truth and enable me to gently instruct others.

Bless me with the ability to discern between a teachable moment

or a setup for an argument. Protect me from the enemy's traps.

Beyond the Gospel: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
[Read the verses before reading on. Either open your Bible or click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1

His grace makes us strong. Strong enough to be good soldiers, avoiding the trappings of the world around us and staying focused on the mission. Strong enough to be competitive athletes, intent on victory, disciplined in training. Strong enough to work hard in the fields, patiently awaiting the harvest, tirelessly hoeing and weeding.

His grace makes us strong. It is in this strength we endure the suffering which comes with being a herald of the gospel. It is in this strength we remember His Word is never bound by chains. Even if we are.

His grace gives us strength to share His Word wherever we happen to find ourselves. Willing to die to self and live with Him. Willing to endure difficulties, keeping Him before us. Recognizing His faithfulness, when we fail to be faithful.

His grace gives us strength. Only if we are willing to receive it. Willing to confess our sins, repent, and be forgiven.

Apart from His grace we are paralyzed by shame and guilt. In which case, His Word goes unshared.

Apart from His grace we miss His forgiveness. Leaving us without a witness of His great work on the cross.

Apart from His grace we have no strength.

Lord Jesus, I don't want to miss Your grace, forgiveness, or strength.

Thank You for Your grace.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:10-18
[Open up your Bible or open up the link above to read today's verses.]

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle

and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am.

Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed...

2 Timothy 1:11-12

Paul suffered because of his appointment as a herald of the gospel. Have you heard this truth before? that we suffer because we've been chosen as Believers? It seems like much of the popular teaching today focuses on how much the gospel can do for you. Giving joy, peace, prosperity. Really make your life great. But we rarely hear about the suffering.

This letter from Paul, inspired by the Spirit, was written while he was in prison awaiting execution. To be on death row is a shameful thing. But Paul said he had no cause for shame because he knew just who he had put his faith in.

I find it interesting how little the church thinks of its suffering these days. When hardships cause suffering we think it's because we've done something wrong. We don't really get the magnitude of the unseen spiritual war waging around us which is the source of most of our suffering. We also seem to forget that every trial is actually a test. A testing of our faith, a forging of our collective (and individual) character as the church. 

And I wonder if this confusion comes from the reality of how little we actually know the One we say we believe in. Perhaps, we haven't spent enough time pursuing Him individually or collectively. Maybe, we haven't really sought and followed His Way.

Paul's confidence, zeal, and faith are no less because he finds himself on death row. If you remember, the One in whom he believes, the One he knows, also found Himself in the same place. It was at that point of His death, leading to His resurrection, that He had His greatest victory. Paul trusts the One who overcame death to be with him now. Even in death.

Suffering. It's part of what we're called to do as heralds of the gospel. And if you are a Believer, you are called to be a herald of the gospel. A teacher of disciples. It is our great commission, both individually and collectively.  With this commission comes not the possibility, but the probability of suffering. How do you handle times of suffering? Do you let them transform and strengthen your faith? Or do you find yourself undone?

Maybe it's time to draw closer to the One in whom we say we believe.

Maybe it's time to really consider what we do believe and why we believe.

Maybe it's time to reconsider what suffering is all about.

Lord Jesus, You suffered much for me.

Your suffering made the way for many to be saved.

Open my heart to You and what it means to be Your herald

and to suffer in Your name.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-9
[Click the reference above to read online.]

...in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus...

2 Timothy 1:1

Paul lived out his calling according to the promise of life found in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus said:

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ..."

John 10:10 ESV

And I wonder... Are you experiencing the promise of life in Christ Jesus?

Do you experience the abundant life He came to give you?

If not, consider... Are you keeping His Way? living according to all that He calls you to?

The world offers much that looks like life, but for the most part ends in emptiness and a continual longing to search for something more.

When we live life according to Jesus's promise, things are much different. Fulfilling. But life according to Jesus looks very unlike what the world calls life.

"...And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for

my sake will find it. ..." --- Jesus

Matthew 10:38-39 ESV

After Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he underwent persecution, attempts on his life, imprisonment and finally a martyr's death. None of this sounds much like living according to our culture. But to Paul this was life. For every Believer this is where true life is found. Laying down our lives for Jesus and His purpose for our lives. 

He has saved us and called us to a holy life --- not because of anything we have done

but because of his own purpose and grace.

2 Timothy 1:9

So, I ask again. Are you experiencing abundant life according to the promise of Jesus?

If not, consider how you are living and who you are living for.

Lord Jesus, bless me with the faith and boldness to live totally for You
no longer for myself. Teach me the truth about truly living for Your name's sake.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's verses: 1 Timothy 6:11-21
[It would be good to read from your Bible today. We are doing something a bit different. But if you must, click the reference above to read online.]

Paul closes his first letter to Timothy with urgency. An inspired list of instructions and warnings. Outbursts of praise to God and affection for the church. This passage has something for everyone. Instead of me telling you what I hear Him saying, spend some time listening for what He has to say to you. Take a few minutes, ten to twenty, and meditate on this passage.

Begin with a prayer asking God to speak to you: Your servant is listening...
Read the passage through. Out loud if possible.
Read it again.
Pay attention to words or phrases which seem highlighted or louder to you.
Read it one more time.
Whatever phrase or word catches your attention, meditate on it, repeat it in your mind. Write it down.
Focus on the phrase or word asking God what He's telling you.
Dig deeper into the word or phrase. If it's a single word, look it up in the dictionary. If a phrase, consider what it is saying to you personally. Investigate to see if the word or phrase is used in another place in the Bible using a concordance. BibleGateway.com is a great tool for this. In the search box enter your word or phrase (enter phrases in "quotation marks") and click the search button.
Respond to what you hear.
If you don't hear anything during your time of meditation, don't worry. Be open to Him the rest of the day. Continue to listen.

I have prayed for those who will take the time to practice this spiritual discipline of meditation. You are not alone. He is listening and is faithful to respond.

Grace be with you all.

1 Timothy 5:21

Father God, open my heart to hear what You want to speak to me today.

What is it I urgently need to know?

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-10
[Open up your Bible or click the reference to open up BibleGateway.com.]

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:6

Serving those you work for with respect in Jesus's name: godliness.

Teaching what Jesus taught, even when others disagree: godliness.

Understanding the gospel is not a means to money: godliness.

Practicing godliness with contentment: Great gain.

Do you serve those you work for with joy?

Are you willing to confront those teaching lies?

Do you understand that you can't take it with you?

If Yes is your answer to these questions, you are on the path of godliness.

But do you practice your faith with contentment? 

Or do your circumstances determine your mood?

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Godliness is rooted in accepting God's sovereignty and purpose for everything in your life. Being confident that all He allows is for your good and His glory.

Accepting God as who He is and who we are before Him brings contentment, peace, fulfillment no matter what circumstances we find ourselves and no matter whether we are rich or poor.

Godliness is knowing we can't take anything from this world with us, except what we have gained through faith in God.

"...And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ..." ---Jesus

Matthew 6:18-21 ESV

Father God, You alone know the extent of my faith

and the limits of my godliness. Increase my capacity for both.

Free me from the emotional bond to the things of this world.

Free me to serve You in love and with grace.

Teach me to store up eternal treasures and

truly experience the contentment of godliness.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:12-25
[Read the verses before you read the rest. Open up the link to read online or open up your Bible.]

Keep yourself pure.

1 Timothy 5:22

Pure. The Greek translated as pure means pertaining to being without moral defect or blemish and hence pure (Geek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains, Louw-Nida).

In a fallen world, as fallen people, where none are without sin, this is clearly not something we can achieve on our own. Jesus is the only One who purifies and makes us white as snow. But there are things we can do to keep ourselves pure once Jesus has washed us clean:

Be obedient to His Word.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word.

Psalm 119:9 ESV

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth...

1 Peter 1:22 ESV

Recognize your sin and come to Him with a repentant heart.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, 

and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; 

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalm 51:2-7 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 ESV

Memorize His Word.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11 NIV

Guard your mouth.

When there are many words, transgression is not lacking,

but the prudent are restrained in speech.

Proverbs 10:19 NASB95

Be careful where you look and focus your attention.

"The eye is the lamp of the body.

So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.

If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!..." ---Jesus

Matthew 6:22 ESV

Guard your thought life, don't let your mind wander.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,

what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 ESV

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,

and take every thought captive to obey Christ...

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

Test what you hear against the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit,

according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world,

and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:8 ESV

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit.

You must test them to see of the spirit they have comes from God.

For there are many false prophets in the world.

1 John 4:1 NLT

These are a few of our responsibilities in maintaining the purity Christ blesses us with at our conversion. They are important to our faith and our witness.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8 ESV

Share ways you keep yourself pure. Write them in the Comment Box. Click the post title and scroll to the bottom to find the box. Follow the directions.

Father God, I want to see You clearly and for others to see You through me.

Teach me to keep my way pure. And thank You for Your forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-11
[Click the reference above to read online at BibleGateway.com.]

...she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.

1 Timothy 5:1-11 

This verse specifically talks about widows, but I believe it's easily extrapolated to everyone. Self-indulgence seems to be the order of the day when it comes to our life and times. Selfies. Self-defined truth. Self-defined gender. Self-seeking happiness. Self-help. Self-promoting social media. God's Word tells us this is no way to live. When we live self-absorbed, we might as well be dead.

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life

for my sake will find it." ---Jesus

Matthew 10:39 ESV

True life. True satisfaction. True contentment. Is only found in Christ Jesus.

Believing in your head that He is Lord is not real belief. Laying down your life for His is. Living life seeking Him. His Way. His Truth. Is how we truly live as Believers.

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly...." --- Jesus

John 10:10 ESV

Have you experienced the truth of Jesus's words? Are you living abundantly? Or do you feel dead inside? unsatisfied? tired? complacent?

If you aren't living a full life in Him, maybe it's time for some self-examination. Maybe it's time to ask Him to show you where you have been led astray from the Truth. Self-deceived.

We only get lost when we try to find ourselves.
We only find our true selves when we get lost in Jesus.

Father God, forgive me for my self-indulgence.

Open my heart to You and Your Way.

Teach me to seek Jesus and indulge Him in all I do.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's verses: 1 Timothy 4
[If your Bible isn't handy, click the reference above to read online. Or get up and go get that Bible of yours.]

In later times, some will abandon the faith because of deception. A scary thought. The Word tells us every temptation is common to all people (1 Corinthians 10:13), so what will protect you? me? from falling for a demon-inspired lie?

Paul's letter to Timothy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us we are good ministers of Christ when we point out these lies to others and tell them the truth. We are not to dabble in myths or old wives' tales. Astrology or fortunetelling. There is one source of truth: The Bible as revealed through the Holy Spirit by the Way of Jesus Christ.

Godliness, knowing and following the way of Jesus, is the spiritual training we need to be striving for. Physical training is good, but strengthening of the spirit has eternal benefits and equips us to recognize the lies of the enemy and share truth with those who may be wavering or lost.

Prayerful study of Scripture should be the primary goal of every Believer. Asking God to teach us how to live out His Word just as Jesus did.

I do not want anyone to fall for the lies of the world, they only lead to death and destruction. Therefore I leave you with God's words to Timothy:

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them,

so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.

Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

Don't be deceived, thinking you don't have an audience, because we all have "hearers." Everyone we come in contact with is watching to see how we live our lives, how we live out truth.

Father God, bless me with a hunger for Your Word and the Spirit of revelation.

I do not want to be deceived. Use me to share truth with those who are listening 

and living out lies. In Jesus's name.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-16
Read today's passage. Click the link above or open your Bible.

Paul writes Timothy this letter to encourage him to teach the people the appropriate behavior for the household of God: godliness. He also reminds him of the source of godliness, which he calls a mystery:

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

The mystery to living a godly life: The gospel of Jesus Christ.

Something mysterious happens in our spirits, in our lives, when we take hold of and walk by the the gospel (or when it takes hold of us). Because you see, we can't do anything in and of ourselves to make ourselves godly or holy. It's something only His Spirit does in us when we truly believe and trust in the truth of Jesus.

The more we pursue Him, His truth, His Word, His Way, the more we are supernaturally and mysteriously changed. I call it weird. I've experienced weird changes within myself. Changes so far from my natural bent I've questioned them along the way.

The first change I remember catching me off guard was the desire to approach elderly women at church (ladies I didn't know) and hug them. This may not seem odd to you but it was to me. When the thought entered my head I audibly gasped, took a step back and thought, I don't hug. In my flesh, for my whole life up to this point, I had a very large personal space. I'm talking 6-8 feet. Unless I knew them very well (like family), I didn't hug people. During conversation, if someone stepped into my personal space, I naturally backed away from them. This desire to hug older women I didn't know and where it came from was a great mystery to me. I resisted the urge at first, but His Spirit, being patient and kind, slowly transformed me into a hugger! Not only that, I'm now one who readily tells brothers and sisters in Christ: I love you. Also something I would have never done before. And the weirder part to me? I really mean it. I feel it!

This was the first radical transformation I noticed, I could share many more. Life just gets weirder every day. But I know He is the source of change, not me. Each strange transformation is confirmation of belief. Confirmation of His Spirit's presence at work in me, moving me toward godliness. I can't fully express just how weird it is... it is a great mystery...

Maybe you have a story too. Share your first recognition of mysterious transformation which sprung from your belief in the gospel in the Comment Box below. If you don't see the box, click the post title (whether you receive this via email or are reading it on the blog site) scroll to the bottom and follow the instructions.

Father God, I can't thank You enough for the mystery

by which You captured my heart with the gospel

and how You continue to move me closer and closer

to the godliness of Christ Jesus. Continue to grow me

by Your Word.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
[Read the passage before what's below. As a matter of fact, if you only have a brief time in this moment, read God's words, not mine. Click the link above to read online.]

Here is a trustworthy saying:

Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

1 Timothy 3:1

Overseer... noble... two words not commonly used in our language these days. In this case, overseer is a synonym for minister or pastor. Someone who leads a congregation. Noble means very good or excellent. 

Our pastor aspired to the excellent task of overseer. We must trust the United Methodist Church's judgment in seeing that he met and continues to meet the criteria for the job. Our responsibility is to support our pastor in his position of authority as God's chosen leader for our church at this time.

One of the most important ways to support him, besides encouraging him, is to lift him up in prayer. This passage gives us a great outline of specific areas of his life to cover in prayer:

• his character
• his marriage
• his temperament
• his teaching
• his emotions
• his family
• his spiritual growth
• his temptations
• his reputation

Being a pastor is a noble task, but it is also a difficult one. Pressures from the people he leads, his family, and not to mention spiritual attacks leave our pastor vulnerable. We have the opportunity and privilege of being able to intercede on behalf of our pastor, surrounding him with a spiritual hedge of protection.

Our church has a ministry to assist you in praying for our pastor. Each month a Pastoral Prayer Hedge Journal* is published and made available in the Commons Area. It is a daily guide to praying for our pastor using Scripture to cover various aspects of his life and ministry. This year we began the Pastoral Prayer Hedge Group*, which meets Tuesdays from 6-7 pm. It is a time to gather with others to lift up our pastor in prayer. Anyone is welcome.

Honor Doug for the praiseworthy role he aspired to take on as our pastor. Tell him thanks. Give him a hug or a handshake. Be a blessing to him. Pray for him regularly.

Father God, help me to remember what a noble challenge

Rev. Doug Wintermute has taken on as our pastor.

Show me how to encourage him in his job and be a blessing to him---

not a stumbling block. Guide me in praying for him as our overseer.

*For more information about the Pastoral Prayer Hedge Journal or Group, please contact Carol Weaver at cbweaver@suddenlink.net. 

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 2
[Click the link above to read online or open up your Bible.]

This chapter ranges from safe to deal with:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession

and thanksgiving be made for all people...

1 Timothy 2:1

to dangerous to deal with:

I do not permit a woman to teach

or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

1 Timothy 2:12

Most people can't argue with a Believer's responsibility to pray for others, even when it causes them discomfort. I know, having been called by God to start prayer groups within our church. Every time I've approached a pastor or brought up the need to pray in a group, no one has ever objected... at least not outright. I remember someone saying to me, several years after I began Prayer Team (the group prayer ministry focused on praying for leaders and ministries in the church)*, When you started Prayer Team I really didn't think we needed it. We never had one before. So even if people object to prayer, they really just can't voice it out loud, it's too much a part of who Believers are expected to be, though it might go unpracticed.

Then we come to the call for men to pray. In my experience, there are few men willing to lift up their hands in prayer. The majority involved in prayer ministry are women. 

Next God's Word steps on some toes by having something to say about women's fashions. Women are called to dress modestly, adorned in good deeds, not with a lot of cleavage and bling. This is a touchy subject no one really wants to delve into, except maybe with the Youth.

Finally, we come to the most inflammatory topic of all: women should not teach or have authority over men. These topics can be offensive and controversial, especially when taken out of context from the whole of Scripture.

God's Word and ways are often offensive to a broken corrupt perverted people. Which is exactly what we are apart from Christ. I have been offended by God and His Word. King David was offended by God and His actions, when he tried to bring the neglected ark of the covenant back to the heart of the nation.

And David and all Israel merrily celebrated before God

with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines

and cymbals and trumpets. And when they came to the threshing floor

of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to steady the ark, for the oxen

[that was drawing the cart] stumbled and were restive.

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and He smote

him because he touched the ark; and there he died before God.

And David was offended because the Lord had broken forth upon

Uzza... And David was afraid of God that day...

1 Chronicles 13:8-12 Amp

God striking Uzza dead was offensive to David. It made him angry. But I want you to notice one very important aspect of David's response: And David was afraid of God that day... The proper response to any offense we experience from God's Word and His ways is fear of the Lord. His Word tells us fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

I don't believe it's a sin to be offended by God's Word. But I do believe our response to our offense can be sin when we choose to disregard or explain away His ways as no longer applicable to today's society or culture.

God is God. His Word Eternal. He is a sure foundation for our times, as well as times before and those to come.

So now that you are thoroughly offended, how will you respond?

Father God, You are always right and I am wrong in my understanding

if I take offense at Your Word or Your ways. Open up my heart and mind

to bring my anger to You. May I wrestle with You as Jacob did

and not release You till You bless me with wisdom, understanding, and insight.

*Note: Prayer Team was retired in January 2016, it has been replaced by the Pastoral Prayer Hedge Group which meets Tuesdays at 6 pm. You are invited to come lift up our pastor in prayer.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Read today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
[Open up your Bible or open up the link above.]

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ---

of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:15

Knowing what I have been saved from. What lavish undeserving grace has been poured out on me in the name of His love. I embrace this verse as my own... I am the worst...

I don't say this in false humility or as an attention-getter or to wallow in self-pity. You see, the closer I draw to Jesus and His Light, the more darkness I see in me. The more I see my sin, the more I see His grace, love, mercy, compassion.

The more I see what He's done for me, the more graciously humble I become, before Him and before others. So thankful for His mercy. So able to identify with the lost. So longing to help others see.

You know, He tells us...

...in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 NIV84

Embracing self as the worst of the sinners He came to save, enables us to humbly embrace others in their sin.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,

along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:14

How has His grace and love changed you? are you more gracious to the sins of others? or less so?

I believe when we see ourselves in His Light, we can't help but say... I am the worst...

Father God, I'm humbled by Your grace poured out on me.

Thank You for forgiveness and healing.

Use me to reveal Your grace to others.

In Jesus's name.

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Read today's verses: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

...command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer...

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart

and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:3, 5

Paul gave Timothy a command: stop the teaching of false doctrine... in the name of love... stop them from teaching what isn't true.

Who likes confrontation? controversy? Not me.

But here is what's at the heart of Paul's command, as inspired by the Holy Spirit: It's just not loving to let people be deceived by lies. It's not loving to allow people to harden their own hearts by teaching lies. It is not love... to let people wander... from God's truth.

He says it clearly. The law is good when used properly. And the law isn't for the righteous --- those who know God, follow Jesus, walk with the Spirit --- they don't need the law because they walk with and in the Truth. They have His law written in their hearts.

The law is for those who are rebels... ungodly... sinful... unholy... irreligious...

Go ahead. Read the list of those for whom the law is for again. Verses 9-10.

Do you know someone teaching false doctrine in the church today? devoting themselves to lies? are they stirring up controversy?

Maybe it's time to step up and speak the truth in love, that we can all grow up and get about the work of God.

...speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way

into him who is the head, into Christ...

Ephesians 4:15 ESV

Lord, help me to remember, it's not loving to avoid confrontation

when it comes to Your truth. Bless me with the ability to speak the truth in love.

Love for You, for Your Kingdom, and for Your people.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
[Click the link above to read the verses online.]

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive.

They are not busy; they are busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

God gives us a hard word through Paul. He warns us about busybodies and tells us we should all be busy.

In the early church, the community depended on one another like family. Working for one another, sharing their food, supporting each other as needs arose. Within today's congregations, we are not so dependent on each other. Most have their own homes and food, so we can't really withhold meals from those who won't work.

But I wonder... are we all doing the work God calls us to do? Are we actively exercising the spiritual gifts we've been given for the building up of the church? Are we truly members? doing the work God created for us to do before the foundation of the world?

I believe if we occupy ourselves with listening to the Lord, obeying His call on our life, we don't have the desire or inclination to be a busybody who causes disruption.

My experience with following Jesus has kept my life full. He captured my heart when my children were five years old and younger. I was a stay at home mom, but Jesus began calling me to work in the church. Little by little, as my kids grew, the work God called me to also grew. When my children eventually went off to college, I heard other moms talk about not knowing what to do with their time and suffering empty-nest syndrome. All I could think was, I don't have that problem, God has been keeping me plenty busy.

If your finding yourself with idle time on your hands, not knowing what to do with yourself, maybe it's time you sought God about the work He has waiting for you. I pray you find the work He has for you in the church, not only for His glory, but heaven knows, we don't need any busybodies running around the church stirring things up. :)

Father God, forgive me for my tendency to be idle and depend on the work of others.

Forgive me for every opportunity I've missed to be the member of Christ's body

You call me to be. I'm ready to work. I do not want to be a busybody.

I want a busy body.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's verses: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5
[Do you know where your Bible is? If not, click the link above to read online.]

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord...

2 Thessalonians 2:13

We ought always give thanks for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are loved by the Lord. So the question for the day is: Are you?

Think about your brothers and sisters in Christ... 

those in our congregation...

those who are members of other churches...

Are you thankful for them?

If not you ought to be.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Lord Jesus, I thank You for every one of my brothers and sisters loved by You.

Bless each one with the gifts and faith to glorify You. Increase my love for them.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
[Click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com or flip open your Bible.]

For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work...

2 Thessalonians 2:7

The power of lawlessness, wielded by the man of lawlessness, is currently at work in the world. It's easy to believe when we see how God and His ways are being challenged in every culture and people group. Christians persecuted to all degrees. Perversion of His way seems to be the order of the day.

From atheists to ISIS. From the erasing of gender to the removal of the Ten Commandments. From all ways lead to God and the dismissing of the notion of hell. From the eradiction of truth to the making of your own truth. The secret power of lawlessness is at work.

God's Word tells us a time is coming when lawlessness will have full sway in the world. Revealed for all to see. Yet I wonder if any will recognize him.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works.

He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,

and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

The man of lawlessness comes with wonderful displays of power, lies, deceptions. If we are not fully grounded and rooted in God's truth, in agreement with His Word, we run the risk of being deceived. Adam and Eve, two who walked closest with God, fell to his deception. What prevents us from doing the same?

The lawlessness at work in the world today and the full revelation of its coming, may cause some to live in fear and despair. There is no reason if you trust and follow Christ. He too will have His full day of revelation and He will be no match for lawlessness.

And then the lawless one will be reveled,

whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth

and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

Lawlessness will literally be blown away by His breath. Overthrown by His demeanor.

Those who perish refuse to love truth.

Those who love His truth will have no fear.

Do you love His truth? do you wrestle with Him in it? or dismiss it? because it's not what you want to hear?

Does the news of the day fill you with panic? dismay? despair? because you spend more time in the news than with Him? in prayer? in praise? in His Word?

Yes. Lawlessness is already at work. Seemingly alive, well, and convincing.

Don't be drawn into either error: being deceived or being paralyzed by fear.

As Believers we are charged with bringing truth and light into the world. Now's the time to be bold and stand up for Him. Suppress and derail the works of deceit to the full extent of the faith and power we have available to us through Christ Jesus by way of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, reveal where I've been deceived or have the potential

to fall to the secret power of lawlessness.

I want to know and love Your truth. Encourage and empower me

by Your Spirit and Your Word so I can derail and delay

lawlessness from being fully revealed.

Use me to teach others to love truth that they might be saved.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1
[Open up today's passage by clicking the reference above, or open up your Bible.]

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you

worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition

your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,

and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

God makes us worthy of His calling.

There is nothing we can do to make ourselves worthy.

By His power He brings to fruition every desire to do good, every act prompted by faith.

We can't do it if we tried.

He makes us worthy and uses His power all for one reason.

So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us

Our purpose in life is to glorify the character of Christ according to His grace.

How does your life glorify Jesus?

Paul thanks God for the growth in the Thessalonian church: growth in their faith and in their love for one another. Paul boasts of their faithfulness despite persecution. These are ways to glorify Jesus.

But Paul continues to pray for this growing church to be worthy of God's calling. We all have room to increase our faithfulness when it comes to glorifying Christ with our lives. Every day should be a personal pursuit to live our lives for His glory. Increasingly.

Let us spend some time in prayer.

Pray for yourself and for our congregation to be worthy of His calling, fruitful by His power, faithful in the face of persecution, all for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father God, make us worthy of Your calling as individuals

and as a corporate body. Fill us with faith-full desires to do good

and bless us with the power to carry them out. May we never seek

our own glory, but Jesus's alone. Use us according to the faith

and grace You have blessed us with. Grow us up in Jesus's name.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18-28

The grace of our Lord be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:28

Sometimes the strangest things catch my attention, today it's the small word with in Paul's final words to the Thessalonians in this first letter. A blessing asking for the Lord's grace to be with them. When something catches my attention in His Word, I take it as a prompting to dig deeper.

What does it look like for the Lord's grace to be with us?

I think most of us see ourselves basking in His grace and forgiveness, living a carefree life, knowing His grace for us. But looking into the original language, Greek, I find the word meta translated here as with. According to the Dictionary of Biblical Languages, it means: in the company of; a marker of association. So to get a clearer picture of the blessing Paul gives, we can rewrite the verse as:

The grace of our Lord be a marker of association of you.

His grace should mark us. To be associated with Jesus does not leave us the way He found us. People should be able to see and experience His grace through us.

We are not only to receive His grace, but just like Him, we are to be ready to pour out grace on others. If we are associated with Him, we will be fountains of grace.

How are you when it comes to pouring out grace? when you're driving? with your family? when your feelings have been hurt? when you've been misunderstood? when you've been cheated? when you're sick? when those around you are suffering?

Is His grace with you a marker of your association with Him? do others find grace in your company?

I believe the more we understand His grace and allow it to work in our lives, the more we are willing and able to pour out grace on others.

With. It's what the grace of our Lord is to be to us. With us everywhere we go.

Lord, Your grace is not just for me to receive, but it is with me to pour out on others.

Make me a vessel of Your grace, a fountain overflowing grace!

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-17
[Click above to read on BibleGateway.com or open up your Bible.]

Yesterday's passage spoke about the sleep of physical death for Believers.
Today's passage addresses the spiritual death and the sleep of unbelievers.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day

should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light

and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

Believers fall asleep with their physical death.

Unbelievers, spiritually dead, sleep-walk through life.

Believers are called to be children of the day, quite a different life than those who walk around in darkness. Children of the day should not be surprised by the day of the Lord. We who are spiritually awake should live our lives constantly aware of the possibility and reality of His coming any moment. 

The day of the Lord will mean destruction for those who refused to believe. They will not escape. They walk around in the dark oblivious to the danger they are in. We Believers have an opportunity to wake up others in our circle of influence, if we will remember to live as light. With faith and love guarding our hearts we reach out to the lost, those stumbling in the dark. And with our mind focused on what He as done for us, we are able to share the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ with compassion.

We have no time to play around in the dark. Believers will not suffer His wrath, but those sleepwalkers will. We need to take the time we have left seriously, not living like those who are spiritually dead and asleep. But living like those who are preparing our hearts and others for His coming.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle

and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, 

be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back

wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other

and for everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Are you awake? spiritually speaking? Or do you spend your days focused on the same things as unbelievers? pleasing yourself? running after the things of this world? ignoring the signs?

We are to stay awake while we walk this earth, encouraging one another and building each other up. Preparing the church for His coming and reaching out to as many as He puts in our path.

Father God, teach me to live as Your child of light.

Use me to draw others to You, help me to resist the temptations

of darkness. I know You're coming. I know I need to prepare myself,

Your church, and others. Show me how.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Read today's verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
[Can't reach your Bible? Click the link above to read online.]

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

The last verse of this passage strikes me as a little odd. ...encourage one another with these words. These words are about death. Even though we remember Christ's death on Good Friday each year and celebrate His resurrection annually at Easter, we don't really talk much about the death and resurrection of individual Believers. As a matter of fact, mostly we don't talk about death at all. 

Today, let's meditate on this passage together and find the encouragement God wants us to receive.

For Believers, death is but sleep. It is not the end. There is hope for Believers even in death, because sleep is a temporary but necessary part of life. We should not grieve like those who have no hope. We have hope in Jesus.

When Jesus returns, with a loud command and the trumpet call of God, those of us who are still living will see those who've fallen asleep in Christ wake up! Many of us, or should I say most, have lost loved ones who Believed to the sleep of death. They will be the ones who are privileged to rise first to meet Jesus. We will get to see them rise. Can you imagine what a sight that will be?

Then it will be the turn of those who are still living. They will be caught up together to meet Jesus and then be with Him forever. Resurrection without the physical death!

Death is but sleep.

Those who fell asleep first rise first.

All will be caught up together to meet the Lord.

Forever we will be with Him.

In the eternal perspective, God's perspective, what we suffer now is but a moment. Soon brothers and sisters, all will wake, all will live, forever, with Him.

Amen.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade ---

kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power

until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while

you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 1:3-7 NIV84

Lord Jesus, help me find encouragement in Your words about death

and the resurrection to come. Fix this truth deep in my heart, fill me with praise

and joy for all You've done and what You will do.

It's just a little while...

Consider sharing how this passage of death and resurrection encourages you. Leave a comment in the comment box to share with those who come here to read and be encouraged in their faith.

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