Tag Archives: Paul

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

Today’s Podcast

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 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.

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

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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 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.

Don’t be cheated out of the prize (Colossians 2:6-23), June 16, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Colossians 2:6-23
Set – 1 Kings 18; Colossians 2
Go! – 1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

Colossians 2:6-23
⁶ Now that you have welcomed the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, into your lives, continue to journey with Him and allow Him to shape your lives. ⁷ Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. ⁸ Make sure no predator makes you his prey through some misleading philosophy and empty deception based on traditions fabricated by mere mortals. These are sourced in the elementary principles originating in this world and not in the Anointed One (so don’t let their talks capture you). ⁹ You see, all that is God, all His fullness, resides in His body. ¹⁰ You, too, are being completed in Him, the One who has dominion over all rule, all authority. ¹¹ In Him you were also circumcised, set apart by a spiritual act performed without hands. The Anointed One’s circumcision cut you off from the sinfulness of your flesh. ¹² You were buried with Him beneath the waters of the ceremonial washing called baptism and then were raised up with Him by faith in the resurrection power of God, who brought Him back from the dead. ¹³ And when your flesh was still uncircumcised—dead in transgression and swathed in its sinful nature—it was God who brought us to life with Him, forgave all our sins, and ¹⁴ eliminated the massive debt we incurred by the law that stood against us. He took it all away; He nailed it to the cross. But that’s not all. ¹⁵ He disarmed those who once ruled over us—those who had overpowered us. Like captives of war, He put them on display to the world to show His victory over them by means of the cross.

¹⁶ So don’t let anyone stand in judgment over you and dictate what you should eat or drink, what festivals you should celebrate, or how you should observe a new moon or Sabbath days— ¹⁷ all these are only a shadow of what shall come. The reality, the core, the import, is found in the Anointed One. ¹⁸ Don’t be cheated out of the prize by others who are peddling the worship of heavenly beings and false humility. People like this run about telling whoever will listen what they claim to have seen; but in reality they testify only to an inflated mind, saturated in conceit—not in the Spirit. ¹⁹ They are detached from the very head that nourishes and connects the whole body with all of its nerves and ligaments, a body that grows by the kind of growth that can only come from God.

²⁰ Listen, if you have died with the Anointed One to the elemental spirits of the cosmos, then why are you submitting yourselves to its rules as if you still belonged to this world? ²¹ You hear, “Don’t handle this! Don’t taste that! Don’t even touch it!” ²² but everything they are obsessed about will eventually decay with use. These rules are just human commands and teachings. ²³ Here’s what they are promoting: fabricated religion, self-humiliation, and bodily abuse. No matter which way they try to tether their bodies, they cannot harness their desires.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you ever looked at the root system of hardwood trees? Trees like oaks and maples and ash? When you try to move those trees, you find it difficult if they are mature because their root systems grow pretty deep into the soil. Unlike grass and weeds that sit in the top few inches of soil and find their roots subject to the heat of the day and dependent on the dew in the night or a good shower every week, mature trees draw their moisture and nutrients from deep in the ground.

That’s how Paul exhorts the Colossians to view their continued maturing in Me. Grow deeply in Me. Find the richest nutrients, the purest water, the safest anchor for the day’s trouble by sending your roots deep. Don’t just touch the surface with your experience with Me. Dig deep into My word. Spend time with Me. Study and learn from Me and understand what I want from you and what I did for you.

You will find the truth confirmed by My Spirit living in you. Others can try to explain that experience to you, but it’s like trying to explain the what it’s like to eat an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. Until you do it, you can really know what it’s like. It’s only words. So it is with experiencing My Spirit living in you. Until you let Me have control of your life, it’s only words. I can only tell you so much. You must let go and let Me have first place in your life. Only then when you experience Me.

So as Paul says, “Don’t be cheated out of the prize…” What awaits you is indescribable if you let Me have My way in your life. I know how to bring joy into your life. After all, I made 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.

Be a credit to God (Colossians 1:1-14), June 15, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Colossians 1:1–14
Set – 1 Kings 16; Colossians 1
Go! – 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15–16; Colossians 1

Colossians 1:1-14
¹ Paul, an emissary of Jesus the Anointed serving at God’s pleasure, along with our brother Timothy ² to you, dear holy and faithful brothers and sisters in the family of the Anointed who live in Colossae. May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One envelop you.
³ As always, we’ve been praying for you, thanking God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, ⁴ ever since we heard of your faith in Jesus the Anointed and your love for His holy ones— ⁵ a faith and love that emerge from the hope you have heard about in the word of truth—the gospel—the very hope that awaits you in heaven. ^6-7 The same gospel that was brought to you is growing and bearing fruit all over the world, just as it has been growing among you since the day you heard and took in the truth of God’s grace from our beloved fellow servant Epaphras. (He is a faithful minister of the Anointed on our behalf.) ⁸ He was the one who told us how you demonstrate your love in the power of the Spirit. ⁹ Since the day we got this good news about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We ask:
Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰ May their lives be a credit to You, Lord; and what’s more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You. ¹¹ Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. ¹² Thank You, Father, as You have made us eligible to receive our portion of the inheritance given to all those set apart by the light. ¹³ You have rescued us from dark powers and brought us safely into the kingdom of Your Son, whom You love ¹⁴ and in whom we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins [through His blood].

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I like the things Paul asks for in his prayer for the congregation at Colossae. Did you catch it? His prayer reminds Me of Solomon’s prayer. He didn’t ask for their health or riches or fame. He asked that their lives be a credit to Me. He asked that they delight Me by doing good work and growing in knowledge that comes from being close to Me.

Are those the kinds of prayers you pray? Do you ask that you and your fellow believers be a credit to Me? Can I count on being delighted by the good work that you do in My name? Those are the goals you should strive to obtain. Those are the worthy aspirations that will last through eternity.

The debits and credits you amass in your bank accounts aren’t real. You think they are. They let you get temporary toys that satisfy you for a short time. But think about it. You must replace your cars every few years. You house needs constant repair. The must have electronic gadget in your pocket or in your home soon wears out and sits idly in a corner or goes to the trash.

Only the good works you do for others on My behalf have eternal value. Only the relationships you build and the knowledge you gain from being close to Me will pass from this life to the next. Nothing else is real. It’s all just temporary. Just a breath, a wink of the eye, and it’s gone.

Paul’s prayer for his brothers and sisters in Colossae still ring true today. Seek My will for you life. I won’t hide it from you, but I also expect you to put out some effort to find it. Achievement in life takes effort. It takes work. It takes some sweat and tears and sometimes blood. It’s always worth it, though. I don’t want any lazy followers. I expect all of My children to do their part in building My kingdom.

As you do your part, as you seek My will for your life, as you do good works for Me, I will strengthen you with My infinite power. And as Paul says in his prayer, My infinite power comes from My glorious might and I will give you everything you need to hold on no matter what you face in this life.

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.

Knowing God is enough (Philippians 3:1-11), June 13, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Philippians 3:1-11
Set – 1 Kings 14; Philippians 3
Go! – 1 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

Philippians 3:1-11
¹ It is time that I wrap up these thoughts to you, my brothers and sisters. Rejoice in the Lord! (I don’t mind writing these things over and over to you, as I know it keeps you safe.)

² Watch out for the dogs—wicked workers who run in packs looking for someone to maul with their false circumcision.

³ We are the true circumcision—those who worship God in Spirit and make our boast in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King—so we do not rely on what we have accomplished in the flesh.

⁴ If any try to throw around their pedigrees to you, remember my résumé—which is more impressive than theirs. ⁵ I was circumcised on the eighth day—as the law prescribes—born of the nation of Israel, descended from the tribe of Benjamin. I am a Hebrew born of Hebrews; I have observed the law according to the strict piety of the Pharisees, separate from those embracing a less rigorous kind of Judaism. ⁶ Zealous? Yes. I ruthlessly pursued and persecuted the church. And when it comes to the righteousness required by the law, my record is spotless.

⁷ But whatever I used to count as my greatest accomplishments, I’ve written them off as a loss because of the Anointed One. ⁸ And more so, I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing the Anointed Jesus my Lord. For Him I have thrown everything aside—it’s nothing but a pile of waste—so that I may gain Him. ⁹ When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, ¹¹ so that I may arrive safely at the resurrection from the dead.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you gotten to the point Paul discovered? Paul realized that all he gained and thought important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing Me. Have you developed a relationship like that with Me yet? What’s really important to you right now?

There was a time when Paul thought the Temple and the law were the most important things in his life. He prided himself on keeping the law and enforcing it upon others. He wanted all who associated with the Jewish faith or called on My name to understand that he studied under one of the most rigorous rabbis.

Gamaliel took few disciples and fewer still could stand up under the rigor of his training, but Paul did. He worked feverishly to keep the Pharisaical traditions pure and stop the radical teaching of My disciples. Paul applauded the arrest and imprisonment of those who disrupted the activities of the Temple. He hunted down those who declared Jesus the Messiah. Paul even held the coats of those who stoned to death Stephen, the gentle servant caring for the children and orphans who claimed allegiance to My kingdom.

Paul did all he could to persecute My church. That is until I met him on the road to Damascus. Then everything changed. When he saw Me, he saw the mistake he made in not believing My disciples’ word. He understood the truth of their message. Paul recognized the wrongs he committed in unjustly punishing those who lived as I instructed them.

As I opened his eyes to the scriptures Gamaliel taught him, Paul saw in them everything I told the crowds on the Judaean hillsides. He recognized the fallacies of the traditions he had tried to uphold and the necessity of love reaching out to overcome the failures of trying to keep the law.

Paul found in Me the hope he tried to find in his religion without success. He felt the forgiveness that lifted the burden of guilt sin placed upon his life and knew the stories he heard from My followers about My grace and mercy were true. Paul understood the transforming power of My Spirit and gave himself fully to Me.

Paul died to himself. He gave up everything for Me. Paul recognized the mission I wanted him to complete and eagerly accepted it. He saw the eternal ramifications of his decision and the temporary nature of all else around him. Paul could say without any doubt that everything he gained to that point in his life truly appeared as garbage compared to knowing Me.

Why? Because I am the Eternal God…and that’s enough.

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.

Have the mind-set of Christ (Philippians 2:1-18), June 12, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Philippians 2:1-18
Set – 1 Kings 12; Philippians 2
Go! – 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Philippians 2

Philippians 2:1-18
¹ If you find any comfort from being in the Anointed, if His love brings you some encouragement, if you experience true companionship with the Spirit, if His tenderness and mercy fill your heart; then, brothers and sisters, ² here is one thing that would complete my joy—come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love. ³ Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. ⁴ Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.

⁵ In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember:

⁶ Though He was in the form of God,
He chose not to cling to equality with God;
⁷ But He poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new;
a servant in form
and a man indeed.
The very likeness of humanity,
⁸ He humbled Himself,
obedient to death—
a merciless death on the cross!
⁹ So God raised Him up to the highest place
and gave Him the name above all.
¹⁰ So when His name is called,
every knee will bow,
in heaven, on earth, and below.
¹¹ And every tongue will confess
“Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,”
to the glory of God our Father!

¹² So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, ¹³ because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining or bickering with each other, ¹⁵ so you will be found innocent and blameless; you are God’s children called to live without a single stain on your reputations among this perverted and crooked generation. Shine like stars across the land. ¹⁶ Cling to the word of life so that on the day of judgment when the Anointed One returns I may have reason to rejoice, because it will be plain that I didn’t turn from His mission nor did I work in vain. ¹⁷ Even if my lifeblood is to be poured out like wine as a sacrifice of your faith, I have great reason to celebrate with all of you. ¹⁸ And for the same reason, you can be glad and celebrate with me.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

It might seem I’m always talking to you about selfishness, but that’s the essence of sin, the opposite of perfect love. My love in you thinks about other’s interests ahead of your own. It doesn’t mean you ignore your own needs, but it meets their needs before your wants. It looks after your brothers and sisters. It demonstrates the kind of love I demonstrated toward you.

Paul puts it in terms of having the mindset of Christ – Me incarnate. When I came to you in the flesh, I showed you how to love. I showed you what love really means. It means putting others ahead of yourself even if it means dying. I let you put Me on a cross to show you how much I love you. I died to pay the penalty for your sins to demonstrate My love for you.

When you demonstrate love as a church, as a fellowship of believers, My spirit will guide you into directions that unify you toward goals that build My kingdom. When your selfish desires are replaced by My desires and you seek My kingdom instead of your interests, you’ll find yourself empowered to do My work in extraordinary ways.

So how do you get rid of those selfish motives, those selfish desires? Let Me take control. Die to self and let Me reign in your life. Fill your mind and soul with Me. Be mindful of what you let come into your life and spend time with Me. Spend time in My word and pray. Talk with Me about your day, your interests, your troubles, your desires. I will take them and give you other things to think about.

I will replace your troubles and your burdens with other burdens. I will replace your burdens with interests in others. I will give you tasks in My priorities instead of yours. I will begin to help you see others the way I see them and help you focus less on yourself and more on others. I will help you love.

Let Me help you adopt My mind-set. Let Me transform you by renewing your mind. Let Me make you over again by giving Me charge over your life. It’s easy to do. Just say yes to Me.

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.

God put you where He wants you (Philippians 1:12-26), June 11, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Philippians 1:12-26
Set – Song of Songs 8; Philippians 1
Go! – Song of Songs 5-8; Philippians 1

Philippians 1:12-26
¹² I have good news, brothers and sisters; and I want to share it. Believe it or not, my imprisonment has actually helped spread the good news to new places and populations. ¹³ Word has spread through the ranks of the imperial guard and to everyone else around me that I am in prison because of my faith in the Anointed One. ¹⁴ My imprisonment has instilled courage in most of our brothers and sisters, so they are trusting God more and have been even more daring as they speak the good news without fear.

^15-17 I am well aware that some people out there are preaching the message of the Anointed One because of jealousies and rivalries. Their motives aren’t pure. They’re driven by selfish ambitions and personal agendas, hoping somehow to add to my pain here in prison. And I also know there are others who are preaching the Anointed from true goodness, motivated by love. They wish me the best because they know I’m here in prison in defense of the gospel.

¹⁸ So what do we do then? Listen. What matters is that in every way, regardless of the motives—whether pure or shady—the great story of the Anointed is a cause for joy. I will continue to rejoice ¹⁹ because I know that through your encouragement and prayers and through the help of the Spirit of Jesus the Anointed, I will soon be released from this dark place. ²⁰ I don’t expect that dishonor and shame will plague me in any way, but I do hope that I will continue to be able to speak freely and courageously about Jesus, and that now and forever the Anointed One will be glorified and placed above all else through this body of mine—whether I live or die. ²¹ For my life is about the Anointed and Him alone. And my death, when that comes, will mean great gain for me. ²² So, if it’s His will that I go on serving here, my work will be fruitful for the message. I honestly wouldn’t know how or what to choose; ²³ I would be hard-pressed to decide. I lean toward leaving this world to be with the Anointed One because I can only think that would be much better. ²⁴ To stay in this body of flesh—even with all its pains and weaknesses—would best serve your needs. ²⁵ Now that I think of it, I am sure of this: I would prefer to remain to share in the progress and joy of your growing belief. ²⁶ When I return to you, we will celebrate Jesus the Anointed even more.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I know you sometimes don’t understand why I place you in the situations you’re in. I know you sometimes at least want to complain about the pain and suffering you endure in life. But Paul learned in every situation to be content. The reason he learned that lesson is because of the outreach his situation provided in reaching others.

You don’t know the impact your life has on those who watch you from a distance. You often don’t notice the people who observe your situation and watch how you go through your suffering still able to give Me praise and glory even in times when it might seem difficult to do so. You don’t know the number of people who talk about your strength in times you should be at your weakest.

Paul understood the impact he had on the imperial guard when word came back to him about the number of soldiers talking about him from those who visited him. Friends and others guards asked about his faith, his spirit, his ability to endure in such harsh surroundings. His answer always came back to My Spirit living in him.

Would Paul rather be released to preach freely among the many churches he help found across Asia Minor? Certainly. But I had other plans for him. And because of his faith in these trying times, Paul had the time and resources to write his many epistles that survived the centuries and became the foundational documents for the doctrine of the church. He codified the message I wanted spread so you would have a chance to read it for yourself.

What would have happened had Paul been set free? How many letters would you miss had Paul not been imprisoned? How would the doctrine have survived had I not allowed the Jews to force his plea to Rome for justice? Paul still didn’t understand the full ramification of his imprisonment. He saw how his message spread to the guards, but never envisioned his letters would reach to you…but I did.

Never second guess My decision to put you where you are. I have reasons for your position in life. Just understand, like Paul, you have an opportunity to witness for Me to those around you. From your witness incredible things can happen. Whether you introduce Me to one person or thousands, the message remains vital to the spread of My name. I placed you where you are today for a reason. Don’t let today go by without knowing your role right now is important to Me.

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.