365 Reflections

So many times we want to widdle our walk with the Lord to read your Bible and pray.  Read and pray will do it all.  Reading and praying is what Christians are called to do.  But that's not all. Don't get me wrong... We should read our Bible. We should pray. But there comes a time when we have to do more than just read and pray. 2 Timothy 2:4–6 (ESV) No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Paul relates our faith to being soldiers ... Soldiers submit their will to the will of the commander.  You are not called to fulfill your dreams, you are called to fulfill God's dream for the Earth.  You may not be in the station or place you desired, but you've been stationed by the Commander in Chief.  Do what He tells you. Paul says it's like b...

2 Timothy 2:1 (ESV) You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, Grace can bring strength.  If there were no chapter divisions (as the original Greek NT had), you would read from chapter one into two without interruption as it should be.  Paul has been talking to Timothy about those who have abandoned the faith and walked away from Paul himself as a friend.  Paul now turns to his faithful pupil Timothy commending him to the grace of God to keep him from following the landslide of abandonment.  Paul appeals to grace.  He doesn't say, be strengthened by the joy in Christ although there is joy in Christ. He doesn't say, be strengthened by the love of Christ although there is love in Christ. He says be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ.  There is no grace outside of Christ.   And grace gives us strength.  John Stott writes, "It is not only for salvation that we are dependent...

An interesting request from Paul to Timothy here: Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2 Timothy 1:8, 9 ESV) Of corse we know that being ashamed of Christ has no place in the life of a believer. But do we realize that we are not to be ashamed to associate with other believers who suffer for the name? Paul has few friends left. Sadly this giant of the faith has need deserted by almost everyone... He states: You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15 ESV) History tells us Paul had been re-arrested for Christ.  I can imagine this new movement struggling to handle such peculiarities to the mission.  Are we to expect this? Is Paul not doi...

2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you nto fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us oa spirit not of fear but pof power and love and self-control.  Timothy was a pastor with a lot of issues.  He was also a Pastor in a very large and influential church. And so it is for good reason Paul tells Timothy to keep the fire burning within him.  He has a high calling and a heavy responsibility.  He has a great spiritual heritage with is mother and grandmother.  He has a friendship/mentorship with the great Apostle Paul.  He needs to stay hot! The natural tendency for many of us is to let the fire diminish over time.  We all can lose our passion and zeal for the Lord.  Why?  It is because we forget the importance of our calling!  We forget that what we do for the Lord has impact beyond our own generation.  Timothy needed to remember who invested in him with their f...

Being a Pastor, or even just being a Christian is simply joy and agony.  Joy in the illumination of our hearts to know and love Jesus, the scriptures, and enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit in the love of the Father.  Agony in that's we are at war within this world of sin, shame and death. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV) Paul is giving Timothy some final edification.  A letter filled with how-to's on Pastoral ministry in the face of difficult people and circumstances comes to a final call: FIGHT. The Greek word for "fight" here is "agōnizomai".  It is simple to detect in the English.  It's the word Gony.  We fight in this life.  That is, we agonize through. I can tell you first hand on the outside my life looks really good, blessed and favored.  In many ways it is.  Yet I fight consta...

The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. (1 Timothy 5:24, 25 ESV) It's called the iceberg principle.  What you see at first in people is usually 10% of what they really are.  You look at someone, they seem clean cut and a trail of horrible sin lies under the surface.  So too you may overlook someone else who seems rough on the exterior, and come to find out, God has made them a living miracle. You just don't always know. What do you do? You wait. It's interesting Paul puts this verse in the context of leadership appointment.  A few verses earlier he cautions Timothy against placing hands suddenly on someone.  That is, don't appoint someone to elder or pastor to quickly.  Why? You just don't always know. Leadership is knowing to wait in judgement on a person before assuming the best or worst about them.  ...

1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV) Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. Timothy is a Pastor struggling through his Pastorate of an important Early Church.  He's dealing with false teachers, arguing over silly myths, and to top it off: looking down on him for his age.  Paul gives the young disciple much needed advice.   When your surrounded by doubters, look at yourself.  Keep watch on yourself.  It's not about what they say, it's about what you do!   It can be summed up in two words: GET BUSY. You don't have to prove yourself by arguing.  Words on the defensive rarely convince anyone.  So Paul gives Timothy a great word of wisdom: "Set an example" (VERSE 12).  Let these haters see your earnest energetic endless work for God!  It will speak for itself and keep you on track! So Timothy... Lead!   VERSE 11: "Command an...

1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV) Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The biggest oversight in the Christian life - "Training oneself in godliness".   We want Pastors to help us.  We look to counselors to help us.  We ask for others to pray for us, speak to us, lead us, feed us, give us some advice.  The scriptures tell us to train ourselves.   Of course our self-training is not based on our intuition or self-worth or self-appointed philosophies of life.  We do not rely on our hearts or intuition.  Jesus made it clear what our heart is full of: Mark 7:21–23 (ESV) out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil thin...

1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:        He was manifested in the flesh,        vindicated by the Spirit,         seen by angels,        proclaimed among the nations,        believed on in the world,         taken up in glory. Pauls is writing to Timothy because of the importance of the Church.  Just before this passage, he tells Timothy (and us) why 1 Timothy was ever written. I love when the Book actually tells us why the Book was written (See John 20:30-31) Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV) I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God , which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. The Church is of utmost importance to the work of God in the world for several ...

How are you serving?  Are you serving out of duty or relegation?  Or are you serving well? Deacons are listed as the second office of the church in 1 Timothy 3.  An interesting parallel set of qualifications are presented to Timothy for who should serve as Deacons.  They need self control, they must ably care for family, and they must fully immerse themselves in the full revelation of the faith.  And these were the servants in the church! In other words, a deacon is more than just a doer.  They have something to them deeper than just maintenance or ability in some kind of trade.  I find this interesting.  Herein we may mistake people who can work hard for deacons when other qualifications are not yet met. God is clear about those who oversee and serve the church.  The people must meet certain necessary qualifications. This is how one serves well. 1 Timothy 3:13 (ESV) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for th...

Pastors (overseers in 1 Timothy 3) are to be men of great character in order to take care of God's Church. I think it is important we note Paul tells Timothy that if men "aspire" to be a Pastor, this is good.  The word for "aspire" in greek is oregō.  It literally means: "to stretch oneself out with your hand."  I know this from experience, Pastoring will stretch you. It's okay to want it! I grew up in a day when young had to feel "called" to be a Pastor.  I wonder why?  Why do we feel someone needs a "calling"?  I know Acts 20:28 says the "Holy Spirit made them overseers" but here Paul says it's a good thing to want to do it. Notice, this is an "office".  It is clear from scripture, God wants overseers in the church.  They are to be men worthy of respect and respected.  They are to keep charge over the flock as a shepherd.  They are in place by design in the New Testament for the sheep in Jesus...

1 Timothy 2:12–15 (ESV) I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. W come to one of the most confusing passages in the New Testament for our day.  Many a churches have relegated women to sub-standard roles in the church because of these verse.  At the same time, many churches, seeking to be all things to all people have overlooked Paul's admonition here in this text. This passage presents for us questions and at the same time, answer a question we may not actually be asking at first glance, but should.   What is the role of women in relation to man? If women are saved through childbirth, what about women who cannot give birth? It cannot be any clearer for Paul ...

We have to get the prayer priority straight. 1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, Paul says the first priority of a church is to pray .  To pray to God with thanksgiving for all people .  That's what a Church is called to do.  We are a royal priesthood offering up prayers for our cities, bring the peace of Christ in our fellowship. The Church must be concerned for ALL people in our city.  Praying for leaders, praying for those in authority.  Praying for peace.  Why?  Peace among all people pleases God who wants all people to be saved. Sometimes we forget, our "personal" Savior Jesus is Savior available to all, who gave Himself for all, and wants all men to be saved.  Everyone you are ever eyeball to eyeball with is someone for whom Christ died. Four terms are listed in verse 1 for prayer: Supplications - making specific requests according t...

Timothy had received prophecies over his life.  What an honorable experience.  But Paul is going to let Timothy know that becuase of those prophecies, he had better be ready to fight. Timothy was a young pastor with a high calling. Let us never forget, the more God plans to use us, the more the devil wants to destroy us.  Look at what Paul says to his son in the faith: 1 Timothy 1:18–20 (NLT) Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. Two things we will need to win the Lord's battles: 1. Cling to your faith. Time will come when doubt will...

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15, 16 ESV) I often wonder why Paul considered himself the worst of sinners. I think it's because he knew the Bible inside and out and he still hurt people with it. He was a Jew of Jews and Hebrew of Hebrews and a Pharisee holding as strictly to the law as he could. And instead of using his knowledge of God's for good he used it as a weapon to hurt and persecuted and in prison other people. There is no greater crime than to misuse the Bible to hurt people. I think that's why Paul considers himself the worst of sinners. Paul had no problem boasting of who he was before Christ. He reminded people regularly of how bad he was. We...

How do we grow as Christians? Paul says it in Philippians speaking of his ability to handle all kinds of monetary situations: Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. He learned how to be content in any situation. The arena for growth in the Christian life is circumstances.  Whatever it is about your life that has you frustrated, angry, looking for answers, there's a good chance, it's God's design for growth in your life.  Notice that Paul doesn't gloss over what he went through.  He clearly states that he abounded at times and he was hungry at others.  He learned through it all how to be strong in the Lord.   That's the real Christian's vi...

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. (Philippians 4:17 ESV) Paul needed this monetary gift from the Philippians but he did not seek it out.  He was often reluctant to take any money from the churches he ministered in so that no one could say he did this out of selfish ambition. But Paul's pastoral concern is for their eternal reward in giving it.  He wants them to remember that giving in this life is going to yield blessing in the life to come. So often we forget this. Jesus said to us in Matthew 6: "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. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV) It has been said you can't take it with you but you can send it on ahead. The Bible is clear so...

Your body has promise.  A promise to be made new.  A total transformation, Jesus style.  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:20, 21 ESV) Make no mistake. The aim of our lives with faith in Christ is heaven.  We are made for it.  We are called to it.  We are destined for it in Christ.  Jesus is coming back for the church.  This is something the New Testament tells us again and again. I don't know about you but I hate my body.  It's like my house.  As soon as I get one thing taken care of, another thing falls apart.  It's a never ending cycle of disappointment.   And I'm very healthy!!! There is a problem with our bodies.  They are decomposing and showing signs of the end, every day.  You don't realize how good you had it t...

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ( Philippians 2:14, 15 ESV ) It's easy to hear, and easy to read, and easy to say but it's another thing to do this verse. But we cannot help thing of how grumbling is what's kept the Israelites out of the Promised land in the Old Testament. Grumbling is serious. It's not even a physical sin. It's a verbal sin. It's funny how different we measure sins from how God measures sins.  I looked up the antonym of grumble online.  The answer was: "silence."  What's your complaint? Is God taking too long? Is God not answering your prayers the way you'd like? Is He letting life happen in a way you'd want changed? Think of how stupid that is.  He is God.  And you are His child.  He is a good Father.  A better Father than human fathers.  I t...

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. That Christ chose humility as the way to live on this Earth is an understatement.  He went as far low as you could get, "even death on a cross."  He who was the author and originator of all things made Himself no-thing.   Paul says, we must do the same.   Humility is our job.  Keeping ourselves seeking to serve and give ourselves for the sake of others to the glory of God is our calling in Christ.  It's not for us to seek to be first.  Jesus said do not assume the best seats and the places of honor.  Seek rather the lowest place and let others ho...

This has to be the most anti-American sentence in the Bible: Philippians 2:3–5 (NLT) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Considering the latest cover of Time Magazine, highlighting the "Me Me Me Generation" of Millennials who are the most inwardly focused self-centered generation of our history, this verse seems to fly right in the face of that sentiment. But all hope is not lost. Paul lets us know that four key ingredients make this possible: Philippians 2:1 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? First ingredient: Belonging to Christ.  When Christ owns you, things have a way of changing.  Hearts hardened ...

Paul is wrestling with whether or not he would rather go to be with the Lord or stay in prison on behalf of the Philippians and the cause of Christ. He writes, But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (Philippians 1:24 ESV) It's funny how many people want more time so that they can live for themselves. Paul is a changed man, he wants more time so he might live for others. I think we forget that even our time is a gift from God. We don't know when our time is up, perhaps that is for the very reason that we use it not for ourselves but for other people as well.  One of the best gifts that we can give is our time. We can always earn more money but we can never earn more time.. Paul says: Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:25 ESV) What is he convinced of? Is convinced that his life is meant to be a benefit to other people. I think this is where the breakdown occurs for ...

Paul's prayer for the Philippians is wonderful: Philippians 1:9–11 (ESV) And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment , 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Love without knowledge and discernment is useless. Love needs to know Jesus.  So that love can be the Jesus kind of love.  Love cannot be some simplistic form of emotionally driven sentimentality for someone because we "should love them."  Love cannot be what the world calls love.  Love cannot overlook sin and be okay with choices that damage and hurt people or others.  Love must know Jesus.  Jesus was full of grace... and Jesus was full of truth.   Second, Love needs discernment.  We must not "blindly love" in the name of Christ.  For some will take it a...

Philippians 1:1 (ESV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,  To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: In Paul's greeting to the church in Philippi he says a mouth full.   First, he and Timothy regard themselves as slaves .  They were leaders who counted themselves servants of all.  Just ask Christ diagnosed for the disciples. Second, he calls them "saints." Saint in Greek is "hagios" it means holy or pure.  Paul refers to what they are NOW in Christ.  It is of utmost importance that we remember what Christ has made us before anything else.  Before we learn our "Spiritual A, B, C's, we need to see what Jesus did in making us holy and pure before the Father forever.  Our task is to live up to what is our reality.  As children adopted into his family, we have new privileges and new responsibilities.  We are holy, that is separated unto God for His purpose an...

Most of Western Christianity is so out of touch with the roots of this movement. We pray for good days.  We pray for good weather.  We pray that our home expansion will be done by Christmas.  We pray for things the first century Christians didn't even know were problems. The writer of Hebrews gives us a clue as to why we may be just so out of touch in one of the final verses of this great work. Closing out his 13 chapter-long-sermon to a struggling church dealing with persecution and trouble from the authorities as well as their own inner battle for purity and righteousness, he gives a sort of bright spot of good news for the Christians at large: Hebrews 13:23 (ESV) You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. Good news everyone!  Tim's getting out of jail! Why was Tim in jail?  Because Tim was a Christian pastor!  That's why.  And the good news is he and another Christian will so...

I'm amazed at how often the New Testament tells us to look after the spiritual health of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am more amazed at how little we do it and how much we don't think we need to do it. "Do not judge" seems to be the mantra of too many Christians.  A bad interpretation of three words out of context has kept the church from doing what it is called to do in many places throughout the New Testament.  We are our brothers/sisters keeper. Notice what Hebrews says: Hebrews 12:15–16 (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. Remember Esau's response to God? "Am I my brother's keeper?"  The answer is a resounding yes!   We have to get busy in the business of helping one another live lives of holiness and honor fo...

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... We have a race to run.  It's been marked.  There are amazing illustrations from this verse referencing the ancient greek games.  Between 40-45,000 people watched a foot race measuring 600 feet in length in one long straight line.  They marked the race with stone sills at the beginning and end.  Each runner put his foot on a line drawn in the sand from which we get the phrase, "starting from scratch." The author of Hebrews sets a great example for preacher.  For he speaks the language of the people using concepts they can visualize.  I can see a New Testament writer using the NFL markers or terms like 4th and 11 to call us to press on in Christ.  Who knows, perhaps if the Bible was written in 2013, the word, "Lombardy" would ha...

Hebrews 11 is the Hall of Fame for the people of faith.  It lists the great ones: Abraham, Moses, David, Samson, Gideon, etc... All the people we herald for their unflinching commitment to God's unseen presence and unbelievable power. We look at them and think in some small way - maybe we can achieve such great testimonies of faith.  To stand with the hall of heroes knowing that we aimes for permanent rewards and performed miraculous victories, deliverances, and conquests for the Kingdom of God. I especially like the content of verse 35 where people were raised from the dead!  Wow! But oh how quickly, the page turns in Verse 36. Hebrews 11:36–38 (NLT) Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.  I don't know about you, bu...

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. The scriptures tells us what God seekers look like.  The believe He exists and He rewards them. Are you are God seeker? First, you need to believe He exists.  If this isn't there, don't expect Him to show up.  He won't.  If you believe God is there, and you seek Him, you are halfway there.  For those who draw near to God, doubts have been laid aside and they know this is not foolish empty mission.   It's funny, we get what we expect with God.  If we expect Him to be there, He is.  If we don't, He's not. Second, you need to believe He rewards seekers. He's looking to bless someone.  Read that again.  God wants to bless seekers who believe He wants to bless them.   It doesn't say, "God blesses good behavior." It doesn't say, "God blesses har...