Category Archives: Christian

God, always the same (2 Timothy 2:1-13), June 26, 2015

Today’s Podcast

Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Timothy 2:1–13
Set – Jonah 2–3; 2 Timothy 2
Go! – Jonah 1–4; 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:1-13
¹ But as for you, my child, be empowered by the grace that is in Jesus, the Anointed One. ² Whatever you heard me teach before an audience of witnesses, I want you to pass along to trustworthy people who have the ability to teach others too. ³ As a good soldier of Jesus the Anointed, be ready to suffer with me. ⁴ Remember that soldiers on active duty don’t get wrapped up in civilian matters because they want to satisfy those who recruited them. ⁵ Look at it another way: if someone competes as an athlete, he won’t win the race and be crowned with the wreath if he breaks the rules. ⁶ And the farmer who exhausts himself in the field should be the first to taste his harvest. ⁷ Think about what I am telling you, and let the Lord give you clarity on all of it.

⁸ Remember Jesus the Anointed, raised from the dead, descended from David’s royal line. This is the crux of my good news! ⁹ This is why I suffer and why I am bound and chained like a lawbreaker. But God’s word is not in chains! ¹⁰ That’s why I endure everything for the sake of God’s chosen: so that they might experience salvation with lasting, eternal glory through Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. ¹¹ Here’s a statement you can trust:
If we died with Him,
we will live with Him.
¹² If we remain with Him,
we will reign alongside Him.
If we deny Him,
we will be denied by Him.
¹³ If we are unfaithful,
He remains faithful,
For He is not able to deny Himself.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Not only are My words not in chains, they cannot not be put in chains. Nothing can contain My word. Satan has tried to stop the spread of My good news from the time I provided a means of salvation for Adam and Eve. But he has been unsuccessful in his attempts. Nothing can stop the My word from moving from person to person and around the globe.

Shortly after I ascended into heaven and left the work of the spread of the gospel to My apostles, people tried to stop them. The Temple tried, Rome tried, religious leaders, political leaders, everyone imaginable tried to stop people from sharing what I did for them. But nothing can stop the spread of My word. Nothing.

Paul recognized his imprisonment came as a direct result of his preaching the word I asked him to proclaim. But he couldn’t help but preach. The change I made in him on the road to Damascus was such a dramatic experience for him he couldn’t help but talk about it. Then, coupled with his knowledge of scripture from his studies with Gamaliel, Paul became a prolific writer and defender of the gospel for Me.

Paul discovered what I want each of My followers to discover. I want you to know I will remain faithful. I will stay with you through whatever circumstances. Paul found I was with him in good times and bad. I was with him in his prison cell and when he preached before new converts. I was with him with friends and with enemies. I am faithful.

Do you want to hear the best news? I’m the same God for you I was for Paul. I haven’t changed. Paul was just one of the many people through the centuries who chose to follow Me. With each person, I have been the same. I never fail. I’m always faithful. I’m always there. I’m always the same. Circumstances change. Names change. Methods of delivering My message might change. But I don’t change and My message hasn’t changed.

So trust Me to give you tasks you can do. Trust Me to stay with you through whatever life brings you. Trust Me to put you where you can best serve Me and bring glory to Me. I’ll be the same for you as I have been for all crowd of witnesses who have gone before you. I’ll be your God.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Fulfilled, but not yet! (Joel 2:12-32), June 25, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Joel 2:12–32
Set – Joel 2; 2 Timothy 1
Go! – Joel 1–3; 2 Timothy 1

Joel 2:12-32
¹² Eternal One: Even now, turn back your heart and rededicate yourselves to Me;
Show Me your repentance by fasting, weeping, and mourning.
¹³ Rip the wickedness out of your hearts; don’t just tear your clothing.
Now return to the Eternal, your True God.
You already know He is gracious and compassionate.
He does not anger easily and maintains faithful love.
He is willing to relent and not harm you.
¹⁴ Who knows? Perhaps He will turn and relieve you of this threat,
and leave behind some blessing as He goes—
Maybe enough grain and wine to offer
to the Eternal, your True God?
¹⁵ Blow the trumpet in Zion; set apart a time for fasting;
tell everyone to be still and stop working.
¹⁶ Assemble the people. Consecrate the congregation.
Gather the elders and other leaders,
The young children, and even the nursing babies.
Let the bride and groom leave their chambers on their wedding night.
¹⁷ Let the priests, the Eternal’s servants, stand between the porch and the altar
and weep as they intercede. Let them say,
Priests: Have pity on Your people, O Eternal One!
And do not let Your legacy—Your covenant people—
Be taunted and mocked by the nations,
who ask, “Where is their God?”
¹⁸ But wait—the Eternal One has become possessive of His land;
He will restore us in compassion, His people!
¹⁹ In response to our prayers, the Eternal will answer:
Eternal One: Listen! I am sending you a great harvest of grain, wine, and oil.
You will be completely satisfied and no longer
Will I make you a people held in contempt by the nations.
²⁰ I will remove My armies who attack from the north far from your borders,
driving them into a parched and lonely desert.
Then I will separate them: the front line to the Dead Sea,
the rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea
with the vile stench of their rotting corpses rising up.
Surely the Eternal One has done great things!
²¹ Do not fear, O land. You have been revived.
Celebrate and rejoice, for the Eternal One has done great things!
²² Do not fear, you wild beasts: You will eat again,
for the desert pastures are green again!
And so will we: the trees bear their fruit;
the fig trees and the vines produce their bounty once again.
²³ People of Zion, shout with joy
and happiness in the Eternal, your God;
The drought is over; He has sent the early autumn rain as a sign of His faithfulness.
He has poured down heavy rain, autumn and spring, as before.
²⁴ The threshing floors will be covered in grain;
the vats will spill over with new wine and fresh oil.
²⁵ Eternal One: I will compensate you for the years
that the locusts have eaten—the swarming locusts,
The creeping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts—
My great army that I unleashed against you.
²⁶ In that day, you will eat plenty of food and always have enough,
so you will praise My name,
The Eternal One, your God who is merciful to you.
Never again will My people be shamed among the nations.
²⁷ Return to Me and you will know that I live among My people Israel
and that I, the Eternal One, am your God and there is no other.
Never again will My people be shamed among the nations.
²⁸ Then in those days I will pour My Spirit to all humanity;
your children will boldly and prophetically speak the word of God.
Your elders will dream dreams;
your young warriors will see visions.
²⁹ No one will be left out. In those days I will offer My spirit
to all servants, both male and female.
³⁰ In the heaven above and on the earth below,
I will give signs of My intervention: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.
³¹ The sun will become a void of darkness, and the moon will become blood
just before the great and dreadful day of the Eternal One arrives.
³² Then everyone who calls on the name of the Eternal One will be liberated.
Mount Zion and Jerusalem will shelter those who survive exile,
Just as the Eternal says, “Among those who survived, He will call them.”

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Many have tried to assign the words of Joel to different times in history. For Joel, much of the prophecy would take place in the distant future. He saw the destruction of the locust, but didn’t see Me pour out My Spirit on the men and women assembled together at Pentecost.

Like many of the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments, the passage in Joel has both short-term fulfillment and end-time fulfillment. Many work hard today to figure out when I will come. What the end-times will look like. How I will return. What to look for and so many other signs to make last minute preparations.

What I want you to know is that I will come when I decide to come. I’ve told you time after time that no one knows when I will return. Just be ready. I might decide today is the day or I might wait another 2,000 years. Your responsibility isn’t to figure out when I’ll come to get you, but to be ready when I get there. If I decide to come today are you ready? That’s the question for every person on the earth.

Enough of the prophecies have already been fulfilled that I can make the dominoes fall in no time at all. Or like many generations have experienced, I can withhold My coming for a few more years. I’ll decide. You stay prepared. I am coming back. I promised and I never break My promises.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Don’t hold onto things (1 Timothy 6:1-10), June 24, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Set – 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
Go! – 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6:1-10
¹ Tell all who labor under the yoke of slavery to treat their masters with honor and respect, whether or not their masters deserve it. This will keep God’s name and doctrine from being smeared. ² If their masters are believers, then they should not be insolent toward them just because they are your brothers and sisters. Actually they should be even more determined to serve them because the gains from their good works benefit those who are faithful and loved.
Timothy, teach these instructions, and appeal to those under your ministry to live by them. ³ If others are teaching otherwise and bringing unhealthy conversations to the community, if they are not sticking to the sound words in the teaching of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, if they are not teaching godly principles— ⁴ then they are swollen with conceit, filled with self-importance, and without any proper understanding. They probably have a gross infatuation with controversy and will endlessly debate meanings of words. That kind of talk leads to envy, discord, slander, and evil mistrust; ⁵ and these people constantly bicker because they are depraved in their minds and bereft of the truth. They think somehow that godliness is the way to get ahead. ⁶ This is ironic because godliness, along with contentment, does put us ahead but not in the ways some imagine. ⁷ You see we came into this world with nothing, and nothing is going with us on the way out! ⁸ So as long as we are clothed and fed, we should be happy. ⁹ But those who chase riches are constantly falling into temptation and snares. They are regularly caught by their own stupid and harmful desires, dragged down and pulled under into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money—and what it can buy—is the root of all sorts of evil. Some already have wandered away from the true faith because they craved what it had to offer; but when reaching for the prize, they found their hands and hearts pierced with many sorrows.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Many get mixed up by Paul’s words. Let Me make sure you understand there is nothing wrong with money or things. But loving things more than Me gets you in trouble very quickly. That’s why almost 2,600 verses in scripture deal with money. It is the root of all sorts of evil. Again, not because money or things are bad, but because people look at what others have and get covetous of things.

You forget that I allowed you to be born into a family of wealth or a family struggling with poverty. But it doesn’t matter what your family has. You both come into the world exactly the same – naked and with absolutely nothing that belongs to you. You have a common struggle for life and the skin you’re wrapped in. That’s it!

When you begin to walk with Me and get your eyes off the “things” of the world, you begin to see like Paul. You begin to understand how to find contentment if you have your needs satisfied. What are your needs? Food, water, clothing, shelter, and a relationship with Me and others. That’s it. Nothing else. Everything else comes from seeing what others have and wanting more for yourself. It’s the difference between wants and needs.

It’s not that I don’t want you to have things. As I said before, there is nothing wrong with “things”. They make us comfortable. They sometimes help us help others. They can make life a little more pleasant in a world marred by sin. In fact, I even give some people the gift of accumulation. It takes the gift of accumulation to have the gift of generosity. You can’t give if you don’t have. But don’t let things take over your life. You can’t take them with you. Keep them in their rightful place.

Remember that for each “thing” you bring into your life, it will require time away from My tasks for you. Cars need fixing, yards must be mowed, gadgets take time to learn, charge, or they just consume time (just watch people on Facebook). Each “thing” in your life does the same. Few new items are time savers that actually give time back that you can use for Me.

So, I urge you to get back to basics. What do you need? Stop and think before you acquire that next “thing” for yourself. Do you need it or want it? You won’t take it with you when you transition from this life to the next. Will it add real joy to your life or just bring you some momentary happiness? There is a difference. Think about it.

Naked you came into the world and naked you will leave it. You came with nothing and you’ll leave with nothing. So hold those “things” loosely that you happen to accumulate along the way. Maybe I want you to share them with someone who needs them more than you!

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Who needs help? (1 Timothy 5:3-25), June 23, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Timothy 5:3-25
Set – 2 Chronicles 22; 1 Timothy 5
Go! – 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22-23; 1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5:3-25
³ Honor widows, but be discerning about which ones are truly widows. ⁴ If any widow has children or grandchildren, then go to the descendants first and teach them that it is their spiritual responsibility to care for their own family, to repay their parents and grandparents because this is what pleases God. ⁵ Here’s how you know if she is a true widow: she is all alone with her hope fixed in God, crying her pleas, prayers, and appeals to God day and night. ⁶ But the woman who is living for pleasure is dead as she stands. ⁷ You should command these things to everyone to keep them free of blame. ⁸ And listen, if someone is not providing for his own relatives and especially his own household, then he is denying the faith and is worse off than an unbeliever.

⁹ Now only these should be put on the widow registry: a woman who is at least 60 years old, was a faithful wife to one husband, ¹⁰ is well thought of for her good works, has raised children, was hospitable, has washed the feet of the saints, has tended to the sick and suffering, and has devoted herself to do good wherever possible. ¹¹ Don’t add younger women to the widow roll because when their desires for pleasure overtake them, they get careless in their devotion to the Anointed One. Their constant thoughts become, “I want to get married,” ¹² and such thoughts disqualify them because they have tossed aside their first commitment to Him. ¹³ Plus, they get into the habit of being idle. Not only are they idle, but they band together and roam from house to house, gossiping about and meddling into other people’s business; they talk about all sorts of things that should never be spoken of. ¹⁴ That’s why I think it’s best to have the younger widows remarry, have children, and take care of their households so that the enemy gains no opportunity to come with accusations. ¹⁵ (Unfortunately some have already lined up behind Satan!) ¹⁶ Tell any woman of faith: if you have a widow in your family, help her so the church is unencumbered and is free to extend aid to the widows who are truly in need of its help.

¹⁷ Elders who are leading well should be admired and valued. Double up on the honor shown them; care for them well—especially those constantly and consistently teaching the word and preaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture agrees, “Don’t muzzle the ox while it is treading out your grain,” and, “The worker deserves his wages.”

¹⁹ Listen, when or if a charge comes against an elder, don’t even acknowledge the accusation unless there are two or more witnesses. ²⁰ Bring any believers who persist in sinning before the community and publicly scold them so that all the rest will know to fear sin and its consequences. ²¹ I challenge you—in front of God, Jesus His Anointed, and His select heavenly messengers—to keep these instructions. And don’t do anything out of favoritism. ²² Don’t be too quick to lay hands upon anyone or share in the sins of others—stay clean.

²³ Concerning your health, Timothy, don’t just drink water; drink a little wine. It is good for your stomach and will help with your frequent ailments.

²⁴ Some people’s sins are clearly on display before the world. They lead the way to the final judgment. But it’s not so easy with other people because their sins trail behind and don’t catch up to them until later. ²⁵ The same is true regarding good works; some are there for all to see. Other people’s works can be inconspicuous; but at the final judgment, they cannot remain hidden.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You might think shysters exist only today with their shady practices and crafty ways of separating the naive from their belongings, but not so. Paul discovered them in his day, even in the church. And so he warns Timothy about them.

His thoughts included more than just the widows he speaks of, but they become the example he points out to Timothy because of their plentiful appearance at the time. Ephesus lost many of its men to the cities uprising against Rome and so widows were prevalent in the city. Their need was great, but so were their capabilities if they chose to do something about it. Paul saw their ingenuity and work capabilities first hand as he founded the first congregation there with the help of women, many of whom were widows.

So Paul’s admonishment to Timothy doesn’t mean don’t help. I certainly want you to be sensitive to those in need, but I also want people to remain productive themselves. There is joy in work. I created you to need each other, but to continue to be productive as long as possible. Just because a spouse has passed away doesn’t mean the world stops. Just because one job disappears doesn’t mean it’s time to quit. Just because the world says you can retire at a certain age doesn’t mean I want you to quit working.

I have something for everyone to do. Don’t quit. Encourage others not to quit either. Help when you can, but at the same time, require some effort from those you help. Let them understand the enjoyment of accomplishment, of giving back, of a job well done. Helping others to stand on their own gives them confidence, strength, self-worth, things that will sustain them more than the paltry sum or the few items you might put in their hands.

Paul didn’t want you to forget to help others, nor do I. On the contrary, doing good for others is a hallmark of Christlike action. But do so in a way that truly helps those in real need.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

What do Roman soldiers and spiritual health have in common? (1 Timothy 4:6-16), June 22, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Set – 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
Go! – 2 Kings 8-9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:6-16
⁶ Place these truths before the brothers and sisters. If you do, you will be a good servant of Jesus the Anointed, raised and fed on words of true belief, trained in the good instruction you have so clearly followed. ⁷ Reject worldly fables. Refuse old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself toward godliness. ⁸ Although training your body has certain payoffs, godliness benefits all things—holding promise for life here and now and promise for the life that is coming. ⁹ This statement is worthy of trust and our full acceptance. ¹⁰ This is what we work so hard for! This is why we are constantly struggling: because we have an assured hope fixed upon a living God who is the Savior of all humankind—especially all of us who believe.

¹¹ So go out and insist on these things. Teach them. ¹² Don’t let anyone belittle you because you are young. Instead, show the faithful, young and old, an example of how to live: set the standard for how to talk, act, love, and be faithful and pure. ¹³ Until I get there, make sure to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. ¹⁴ Don’t neglect the gift that was given to you through the prophecy spoken when the company of the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Cultivate all these practices; live by them so that all will see how you are advancing and growing. ¹⁶ Take care of yourself, concentrate on your teaching, and stick with these things. If you do, then you will be effective in bringing salvation to yourself and all who hear you.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

When Paul talked to Timothy about training himself toward godliness, no doubt he was in view of some of the Roman warriors as he wrote. The Romans, like all warriors spend hours every week staying in shape and practicing their battle skills. Every army with any military prowess does the same. Almost every soldier for the last four millennia carry about 60 to 70 pounds of equipment on them as they move from place to place on the battlefield. It takes near athletic ability to sustain that level of fitness day after day.

So warriors train. They train hard to keep themselves fit and ready for battle. Paul sees the same requirement for those who would pit themselves against Satan’s warriors. He often uses military metaphors because he lived in lands where soldiers were constantly present. Rome ruled by force. The sight of their strength resided in their soldiers always ready for combat at a moments notice and stationed around the world.

How do you exercise your spiritual muscles? Do you meet with Me every day? Do you read a few verses and pray a few words or do you really have a spiritual workout? Do you dig into My word to see what I’m trying to tell you and how I want you to live each day? Do you actively work to transform your mind to My will and begin to think the way I think?

Do you occasionally push your spiritual muscles to the point of exhaustion so you know are growing and getting stronger? Do you extend your study and your service to the stretching point? Do you go further than you think you can? Do you do more than you think possible? It’s all part of growing your spiritual muscles.

Paul recognized the importance of spiritual exercise or what many call disciplines as an important part of growing and maturing. Remember, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. It’s true with every living organism. Growth is vital to life.

Never be satisfied with where you are in your current relationship with Me. I have so much more for you. But it will take exercise on your part. You need to put some effort into your spiritual health just like you do with your physical and mental health.

Think of what it takes to be that athletic soldier on the battlefield carrying 60 pounds of weapons and equipment. What does it take to stay spiritually prepared for battle? I think you’ll agree it takes a lot more than an hour a week warming a pew listening to a sermon. It’s time to start your exercise program.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Turn your fear into trust (2 Chronicles 20:1-30), June 21, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Set – 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
Go! – 2 Kings 6-7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3

2 Chronicles 20:1-30
¹ After Jehoshaphat had solidified his throne by fortifying the nation and appointing regional judges, the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites decided to attack him. ² Jehoshaphat heard about their plans.

Messengers: A huge army is quickly approaching Jerusalem. They are coming from Edom beyond the Dead Sea, but they have already reached Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi on the shore of the Dead Sea, about two days southwest of Jerusalem).

³ Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he sought the Eternal and required all Judah’s citizens to fast. ^4-5 Everyone gathered together in Jerusalem from cities all over Judah to seek help from the Eternal. Jehoshaphat joined the assembly in the newly restored court at the Eternal’s house and ⁶ prayed before the people.

Jehoshaphat: O Eternal One, the True God of our ancestors, You are the True God in the heavens and the ruler over all the kingdoms and nations! You are so strong that none can survive when they oppose You. ⁷ O our True God, You demonstrated that power when You exiled inhabitants of this land for Your people, Israel, and gave it to Your friend Abraham’s children forever. Please demonstrate it again, now, as we are attacked. ⁸ We have lived here and built a sacred house honoring Your reputation. Now we will remind You of Solomon’s words: ⁹ “If we encounter disaster or disease from wars, judgment, pestilence, or famine, then we will come to this house where You are and where your reputation is honored and beg for Your help. You will hear our cries and rescue us.”

¹⁰ Now is the time to ask for Your help. Men from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (the region in Edom which You stopped Israel from destroying when they left Egypt) ¹¹ are rewarding our ancestors’ mercy by coming to steal our inheritance, which is Your land and which You gave to us. ¹² Our True God, won’t You judge them? We can do nothing to stop this huge army from attacking us; we don’t know what to do, so we are asking for Your help.

¹³ All Judah (men and women, children, and infants) were waiting in front of the Eternal’s temple when Jehoshaphat asked this. ¹⁴ There, the Spirit of the Eternal descended on a Levitical singer, Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite son of Asaph).

Jahaziel:¹⁵ Listen to me, all Judah, citizens of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Eternal has responded to your pleading: “Do not fear or worry about this army. The battle is not yours to fight; it is the True God’s. ¹⁶ Tomorrow, they will travel through the ascent of Ziz. Meet them at the end of valley before the wilderness of Jeruel. There, I will be watching. ¹⁷ Stand and watch, but do not fight the battle. There, you will watch the Eternal save you, Judah and Jerusalem.”

Do not fear or worry. Tomorrow, face the army and trust that the Eternal is with you.

¹⁸ Jehoshaphat bowed his head low, and all the assembly fell prostrate before the Eternal and worshiped Him with reverence. They trusted the Lord completely. ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the Levite families of the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the Eternal One, True God of Israel, with very loud voices.

²⁰ Early the next morning they went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. There Jehoshaphat’s message to Judah was not about courage in battle.

Jehoshaphat: Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Trust in the Eternal One, your True God, not in your own abilities, and you will be supported. Put your trust in His words that you heard through the prophets, and we will succeed.

²¹ Having addressed his people, Jehoshaphat asked those who sang to the Eternal to lead the army and praise His magnificence and holiness.

Chorus (singing): Give thanks to the Eternal because His loyal love is forever!

²² As they sang and praised, the Eternal was ready to cause great confusion in battle for the men from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (in Edom) who had come to attack Judah. They were utterly defeated, turning on one another. ²³ The Ammonites and Moabites attacked the men from Mount Seir, destroying them completely. Then, the Ammonites and Moabites turned on each other. ²⁴ When all was quiet, Judah looked out of the watchtower in the wilderness and saw a great army of corpses fallen on the battlefield. No one had escaped. ²⁵ Then Jehoshaphat and his people took various goods, clothing, and valuables off the dead bodies and seized the abundant livestock. There was so much that it took three days to recover it all. ²⁶ On the fourth day, they assembled in the valley of Beracah, where they had blessed the Eternal and where He had blessed them with a victory, and named the place, “The Valley of Beracah,” as it is still known today.

²⁷ Every man of Judah and citizen of Jerusalem followed Jehoshaphat back to Jerusalem, joyous because the Eternal defeated their enemies. ²⁸ They paraded into Jerusalem with harps, lyres, and trumpets and up to the Eternal’s house.

^29-30 For the rest of his reign, Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was peaceful because the Eternal had fought the Southern Kingdom’s enemies, making all the surrounding kingdoms fear the True God.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

It’s okay to be afraid. The question is what do you do with that fear? Do you trust in Me or do you try to handle those fearful situations in your own power?

Jehoshaphat and the people of Jerusalem were just two days from facing a huge army made up of the combined forces of three of their most feared enemies. The warriors from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir wanted to avenge the defeats they suffered at the hands of Jehoshaphat’s predecessors. This was their opportunity.

Rather than fold under the fear, though, Jehoshaphat took the right action. He went to the Temple and prayed. He asked his people to join him in fasting and praying that I would protect them and defeat their enemy. He trusted Me despite what he could see in front of him. That’s what faith is all about.

The next time you face an impossible situation, think about Jehoshaphat. His trust in Me paid off. He gave Me his fear and I showed him what I can do. All his enemies destroyed themselves. Jehoshaphat and the citizens of Jerusalem just looked over the valley and watched Me take care of the forces against him. There was nothing for his people to do except pick up the spoils from those who died in their attempt to thwart My people.

I take care of My children. You don’t need to fear those around you.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Men and women are equal, not the same (1 Timothy 2), June 20, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Timothy 2
Set – 2 Kings 4; 1 Timothy 2
Go! – 2 Kings 4-5; Psalms 83; 1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2
¹ So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. ² Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— ³ all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior ⁴ who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth. ⁵ Because

There is one God and one Mediator between God and us—
the man Jesus, God’s Anointed,
⁶ Who gave His life as a ransom for all
so that we might have freedom.
The testimony was given to me at just the right time. ⁷ This is exactly what I was appointed to do—tell everyone His story—as a herald, an emissary, a teacher of the outsiders in faith and the truth. (Listen, I promise it’s all true. I’m not lying.)

⁸ So here’s what you tell them; here’s what I want to see: Men, pray wherever you are. Reach your holy hands to heaven—without rage or conflict—completely open. ⁹ Women, the same goes for you: dress properly, modestly, and appropriately. Don’t get carried away in grooming your hair or seek beauty in glittering gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. ¹⁰ Instead, as is fitting, let good works decorate your true beauty and show that you are a woman who claims reverence for God. ¹¹ It’s best if a woman learns quietly and orderly in complete submission.

¹² Now, Timothy, it’s not my habit to allow women to teach in a way that wrenches authority from a man. As I said, it’s best if a woman learns quietly and orderly. ¹³ This is because Adam was formed first by God, then Eve. ¹⁴ Plus, it wasn’t Adam who was tricked; it was she—the woman was the one who was fooled and disobeyed God’s command first. ¹⁵ Still, God, in His faithfulness, will deliver her through childbearing as long as she remains in faith and love and holiness with self-restraint.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The debate still goes on today, what place should women hold in My church? For Me, it’s an easy answer. I created both men and women. I made Adam from the dust of the earth. I made all other living creatures from that same creative dust…except for woman. When I created woman, I put Adam to sleep, took flesh and bone from his side and created woman from it.

I didn’t use flesh from Adam’s feet nor did I use flesh from his head, but from Adam’s side. Symbolically, I wanted men and women to understand neither is greater or lesser than the other. Men have muscular strength to enable them to provide for a family. Women have the ability to nurture and care for a family bringing love and emotional stability to the home.

Do you want to know what I think of women? Just watch the way Jesus treated them as He walked among you. He spoke with the woman at the well. He sat in Lazarus’ home and allowed Mary to sit and listen to His teaching. He encouraged women to minister to others around Him and blessed them for their acts of service.

Men and women stand side by side in importance in My eyes. Does that mean equal? Not if equal means the same. I made men and women different with different gifts, different physical and psychological frameworks. I made men and women with unique characteristics because I want each to be interdependent upon the other.

Some use Paul’s words to say women have no place speaking in the church. But listen to Paul’s words again. That isn’t what he said. Paul instructs Timothy to not allow women to teach in a way that wrenches authority from men. That’s part of the problem with society today. One gender thinks it must lord over the other. That has never been My intent and never will be. I created both men and women and both are necessary for the maturing of My highest creation.

Men and women need each other. Yes, there are some that I direct to remain celibate throughout their lives and instead devote their lives solely to Me, but those individuals are few and far between. As Paul reminds you in his letters, few can accept that life. What I want for most is to find a partner for life and recognize the success that comes through your relationship together.

Don’t let the world fool you into thinking anything different than what I lay out in My word. I have a place, an important place for men and women in My kingdom.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Stay on the path (2 Kings 2:1-18), June 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Kings 2:1-18
Set – 2 Kings 2; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1
Go! – 2 Kings 1-3; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1

2 Kings 2:1-18
¹ Elijah and Elisha were leaving Gilgal when the Eternal One planned to snatch Elijah up into the heavens by the power of a fierce dancing wind.

Elijah (to Elisha): ² I ask you to remain here. The Eternal has commanded me to go all the way to Bethel.

Elisha: As certain as your own life and the life of the Eternal, I refuse to abandon you.

So the two men traveled down to Bethel together, ³ where Elisha was approached by the prophets’ disciples who lived there.

Prophets’ Disciples: Are you aware that the Eternal One is going to snatch Elijah, your mentor, away from you today?

Elisha: Yes, I am aware of this. I want you to keep quiet about it.

Elijah (to Elisha): ⁴ I beg you to remain here. The Eternal has commanded me to travel to Jericho.

Elisha: As certain as your own life and the life of the Eternal, I refuse to abandon you.

The two men then traveled to Jericho together, ⁵ where the prophets’ disciples living in Jericho approached Elisha.

Prophets’ Disciples: Are you aware that the Eternal One is going to snatch your mentor away from you today?

Elisha: Yes, I am aware of this. I want you to keep quiet about it.

Elijah (to Elisha): ⁶ I beg you to remain here. The Eternal One has commanded me to travel to the Jordan River.

Elisha: As certain as your own life and the life of the Eternal, I refuse to abandon you.

So the two men then traveled to the Jordan River together.

⁷While Elijah and Elisha were standing near the Jordan River, 50 of the prophets’ disciples from that area stood at a distance from them on the other side. ⁸ Elijah removed his cloak and rolled it up; then he struck the water with it, and the water divided. Elijah and Elisha then walked across on dry land. ⁹ After the two had made it to the other side of the Jordan, Elijah spoke to Elisha.

Elijah: Tell me what it is you would like me to do for you before I am taken away from you.

Elisha: Please, I wish to receive a double portion of your spirit. As your successor, I want to have twice the portion of your power.

Elijah: ¹⁰ What you have requested of me is challenging, but it will be done if you witness my departure. But if you do not watch, then you will not have your double portion.

¹¹ Now as the two continued walking along and talking as they normally did, something incredible happened. A blazing chariot pulled by blazing horses stormed down from the heavens and came between Elijah and Elisha. Then Elijah was swept up into heaven by the fiery storm. ¹² Elisha witnessed this amazing spectacle.

Elisha: My father, O my father! The chariots and riders of Israel!

Elisha never saw Elijah again. Elisha grabbed the clothes he was wearing, and he ripped them in half. ^13-14 He picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had dropped to the ground when he was taken up into heaven, and then he went back to the Jordan riverbank and stood. He struck the water with the cloak.

Elisha: Where is the Eternal One? Where is Elijah’s True God?

After Elisha struck the water, the Jordan River divided, just as when Elijah had struck the waters. Elisha then walked across on dry land.

¹⁵ The prophets’ disciples at Jericho standing on the opposite shore were watching this.

Prophets’ Disciples: Elijah’s powerful spirit now rests upon Elisha. Elijah’s cloak now clothes Elisha.

Then the prophets’ disciples at Jericho approached Elisha and humbled themselves before him.

Prophets’ Disciples: ¹⁶ There are 50 strong men along with us, your servants, who could go looking for your mentor. Perhaps the Spirit of the Eternal inside the whirlwind swept Elijah up into heaven and left him on some mountaintop or in some valley of the lowlands.

Elisha: That won’t be necessary.

¹⁷ But they kept asking his permission for a search, and he felt ashamed, so he finally agreed. They sent out a search party of 50 men who spent three days looking for Elijah, but they found no trace of him. ¹⁸ The search party came back to Elisha while he was still in Jericho.

Elisha: I told you not to go. He’s gone from the earth.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Elisha made what seemed a simple request of his mentor, Elijah, a double portion of his spirit. Elisha didn’t understand what he asked, but Elijah granted the request only on condition that his protege see him depart this life. Elisha promised and from that day, never let Elijah out of his sight.

On the day I took Elijah to heaven, he tried to dissuade Elisha from following him. The scripture describes a journey on that day from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho. A short walk to the Jordan River, a miraculous crossing and then My chariot of fire took Elijah to be with Me.

Unless you’ve been there, it sounds like an easy journey, but the 10 miles from Gilgal to Bethel and the 15-mile return to Jericho is anything but easy for a day’s journey on foot. The mountainous terrain, the bandits in that day, the heat and rugged roads made the day’s journey torturous for the pair. What might be an easy day’s walk in Florida or Maryland was almost impossible to complete in a day in Israel.

Elisha wanted that double portion of My spirit, though. He didn’t want anything to interfere with his getting it. Elisha was prepared to do anything to keep his promise to Elijah to get the kind of spirit he saw in his mentor and would not leave his side regardless of how difficult the journey.

Do you seek Me the same way? Do you want Me in your life bad enough to keep going over the rough roads and mountains of life to stick by My side? Do you keep at it when you’re tired and hungry and hot and cold and ready to give up? Do you just keep going because you realize the prize is worth it in the end?

That’s the attitude Elisha kept as he trudged along beside Elijah. That’s the attitude that will keep you strong no matter what you might face along the path of life. The prize is worth it. Keep walking beside Me. I’ll take you with Me one day.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Stay alert when you pray (Colossians 4:2-18), June 18, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Colossians 4:2-18
Set – 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4
Go! – 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4

Colossians 4:2-18
² Pray, and keep praying. Be alert and thankful when you pray. ³ And while you are at it, add us to your prayers. Pray that God would open doors and windows and minds and eyes and hearts for the word so we can go on telling the mystery of the Anointed, for this is exactly why I am currently imprisoned. ⁴ Pray that I will proclaim this message clearly and fearlessly as I should.

⁵ Be wise when you engage with those outside the faith community; make the most of every moment and every encounter. ⁶ When you speak the word, speak it gracefully (as if seasoned with salt), so you will know how to respond to everyone rightly.

^7-9 I am sending this letter by Tychicus and Onesimus, both dear brothers. Tychicus has been a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. He will update you on me and my situation here, and he will no doubt be an encouragement to you. Onesimus is one of you; and he, too, has been faithful. You will get the whole story from them.

¹⁰ My cellmate Aristarchus sends his love, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. (You’ve been sent instructions about him, so if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, also called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only workers in God’s kingdom here who are of the circumcision, and they are a great comfort to me.

¹² Epaphras, another one of your hometown fellows and a servant of Jesus the Anointed sends his regards and wants you to know how passionately and sincerely he speaks to the Lord about you. He prays for your spiritual journey, that you will continue to mature and stand tall in the kind of confidence that comes from knowing God’s will. ¹³ I can testify to his zeal for you and those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

¹⁴ Luke, the beloved doctor, says hello; and so does Demas. ¹⁵ Send my well wishes to the brothers and sisters of Laodicea, especially Nympha and the church that meets in her house. ¹⁶ After this letter has been read among you, see that it is also read to the church of Laodicea, and make sure you publicly share the letter I am sending to them. ¹⁷ Tell Archippus, “Take care that you complete the service you received in the Lord.”

¹⁸ I, Paul, am signing this letter in my own hand. Remember that I am chained. Grace be with you all.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you ever thought why Paul admonishes you to be alert and thankful when you pray? What’s that about? Maybe thankful makes sense to you. I give you blessings and gifts. I protect you from the evil around you. I forgive your sins and help you through the problems and troubles of life. I answer your prayers. So staying thankful makes sense.

But what of this stay alert when you pray? Why would Paul need to tell you to stay alert? Does he expect you to fall asleep? Well, perhaps. When do you pray? Is it when you go to bed? Do you give Me the scraps of your time at the end of the day when you are tired and have no energy left over for Me? Maybe you have your devotions at the very beginning of the day when you are trying to shake off sleep and you’re barely awake.

How are you to hear My voice if you give Me only the times when you are only half awake? Paul’s admonish to stay alert when you pray is as important today as it was when he wrote it to the people in Colossae, maybe more so. With your rushed schedules, busy lives, and sleepless nights, the average person seldom gets enough sleep, so early morning and late night you are often not at your best.

When you read My word you need to be alert. You need your mind and heart ready to hear My voice and ready to respond to the directions I give you for the day. I cannot guide you if you cannot hear Me. When you’re in a daze from lack of sleep or the fatigue of the day, you’re not at your best. And I want your best.

So when is the best time to hear My voice? During a break at work? Right after supper at home? During your lunch hour? After breakfast? When can you give Me your full attention and expect to remain most alert when you talk with Me? I want you to learn from Me. I want you to understand and know Me. I want you to hear Me clearly when I speak. That only happens when you are alert.

Listen to Paul’s words once more. “Be alert and thankful when you pray.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Listen and obey (2 Chronicles 17), June 17, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Chronicles 17
Set – 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
Go! – 1 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

2 Chronicles 17
¹ Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became king and demonstrated his authority over the Southern Kingdom of Israel by strengthening Judah’s defenses. ² He stationed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and built barracks throughout the territory of Judah and the cities of Ephraim, which his father Asa had conquered. ³ The Eternal was with Jehoshaphat because he ruled as David had throughout his reign and as his father Asa had at the beginning of his reign. Jehoshaphat did not seek the lords of foreign religions; ⁴ instead, he looked for the True God of his father as Azariah told Asa to do, followed His commands, and was faithful to God, unlike the Northern Kingdom of Israel. ⁵ Because of his virtues, the Eternal gave control of the kingdom to Jehoshaphat. The people living throughout Judah brought gifts to their new king, Jehoshaphat, and he had abundant riches and honor. ⁶ Jehoshaphat prided himself on supporting the ways of the Eternal by cleansing Judah of foreign cultic symbols: high places and Asherah figures.

^7-9 In his third year, Jehoshaphat sent his most worthy officials (Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah), some of the Levites (Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah), and some of the priests (Elishama and Jehoram) to all the people in Judah to teach them from the Eternal’s laws.

¹⁰ All the kingdoms and lands surrounding Judah feared the Eternal, so they would not attack Jehoshaphat. ¹¹ Some of the Philistines even brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and Arabians brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.

^12-13 Jehoshaphat grew stronger at home and abroad, he built fortresses and store cities with great supplies in Judah, and he stationed his heroic men in Jerusalem ¹⁴ according to their families: From Judah, the commanders of their divisions were Adnah, the commander of 300,000 heroic men; ¹⁵ then Johanan, the commander of 280,000; ¹⁶ then Amasiah (son of Zichri who volunteered to serve the Eternal), and with him 200,000 heroic men. ¹⁷ From Benjamin, Eliada, a valiant warrior, and with him 200,000 archers and those carrying shields; ¹⁸ then Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 equipped for war. ¹⁹ These men served the king in Jerusalem, and others served him in other fortified cities throughout Judah.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

No one in Jehoshaphat’s day dared attack Jerusalem. He put over a million soldiers in the city. That would put fear into any army poised against them in that day. But it wasn’t the size of Jehoshaphat’s army they feared. The nations around Judah had seen large armies before and knew they could take advantage of internal tribal discord and piecemeal any army over time.

The surrounding nations feared Me. They knew I was on Judah’s side. When Jehoshaphat began clearing away the high places and destroyed the Asherah poles around the country without adverse consequences, but prosperity and blessings instead, they knew I protected him. They understood the promises I made to Judah’s kings were true. They didn’t want to face Me on the battlefield.

Jehoshaphat served Me the way David served Me. He searched My word. He listened to and obeyed My laws. He did everything I asked My kings to do and I rewarded him for it. Consequently, his coffers grew, even the long lasting enemies of the land, the Philistines, brought rich gifts to Jehoshaphat to honor his reign and he immediately gave the credit to Me.

That’s what happens when you’re faithful to Me. I bless you. It may be the same way in which I blessed Jehoshaphat, with riches and power and fear from your enemies. It may come in the form of peace and happiness but without a lot of wealth and stuff to clutter your life. It may come with pain and suffering, but knowing My peace, hope, and love that sustains you in the worst times of life. You will succeed in My eyes… And that’s what’s important.

While Asa and Jehoshaphat followed Me, they knew My power and presence in their lives. I protected them and those they led. You can experience the same thing. Just listen to and obey my voice.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.