Tag Archives: Timothy

Time to Teach, October 21, 20190

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Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.

I learned early in my military career that one of my responsibilities was to train my replacement. Eventually, I would leave my position through transfer, promotion, or at some point, everyone departs the service. If I failed to train someone to take my place, the service would suffer, and soldiers would suffer. Not that I was indispensable or anyone else was, but we had a responsibility to make sure none of us were by ensuring we had someone ready in the wings to take our place.

Paul knew the importance of doing the same as he embarked on his missionary journeys. So he groomed Timothy and Titus to take his place in the early churches he formed in his mission work. He knew he would need a replacement at some point, and the way things had been going for him, that time would probably come sooner rather than later. He’d been shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, run out of town, and imprisoned. He knew his days were numbered. So, while in prison, Paul penned instructions to his two proteges.

My instructions to the officers that came behind me centered on how to treat soldiers, how to make decisions, how to carry out the tasks given by higher commands, how to determine priorities of work with limited resources. Some of the training I provided to those who would come after me in the service I hoped would save lives on future battlefields, and as I’ve heard from some of them and read accounts of current conflicts, I think some of those lessons paid off.

Most of the training I passed on didn’t make it into documents that I expect to survive for centuries, though. In fact, if they last another decade, I will be astonished. Those bits of knowledge will last a season and be gone. Some will trickle down another generation, maybe two, but then warfare will change, tactics and doctrine will evolve, and the lessons passed on thirty years ago will seem pretty meaningless to anyone who might care to hear about them in another generation.

But Paul’s words to Timothy are a completely different story. We read them, memorize them, absorb them into our being. We do so because we understand the depth and truth of his words. He writes these words to Timothy in the second letter addressed to him in the New Testament:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)(NIV)

We know from these few sentences, Timothy was a student of God’s Word. He learned from his mother, Lois. He studied from Paul. He poured through the scriptures personally to discover all he could about the God he served and loved. What we often forget as we read these words from Paul, is that the “scriptures able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” did not include any from our New Testament. That should cause us to give pause to any who might discount the Old Testament as unimportant to the Christian life or its statutes as ancient and no longer applicable to modern society.

What can scriptures do for us? Timothy knew, and Paul reminds him. They teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. And why are those attributes important to followers of Jesus? Because he gave us a mission. He told us to go and make disciples. Teaching them all the things others taught us in his name. How can followers of Jesus share knowledge if no one shared with them in the first place? It goes back to what I learned as a new Army officer. I need to start preparing my replacement. If I don’t, there may not be a replacement when one is required.

Have you thought about that in your Christian walk? What if you were the only link to carrying the message of Christ to the next generation? How well has your replacement learned to place his or her trust in God based on what you taught? Is the next generation of disciples ready to pass on what you know because you taught them well?

The next words from Paul often used to provide the charge to ministers really apply to all of us who follow Christ. Jesus didn’t differentiate between any of those gathered on the mountain when he gave the command to go and make disciples. He told all of them the same thing. What Paul told Timothy, reminds me of the importance of my role in sharing what I learned from others. Paul continues his letter with these words:

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)(NIV)

It tells me that whenever I have the opportunity, I must be prepared to correct, rebuke, encourage, teach with great patience and careful instruction. The time when people will not want to hear sound doctrine came a long time ago. They didn’t want to hear it from Timothy or Paul or even Jesus. With all we see around us, those statements could not be any more accurate today. People run to what they want to hear instead of the hard truth of God’s Word.

Ignoring the truth in his word does not fix our sin problem, though, any more than ignoring cancer will repair those runaway cells in our body. We must do something about the disease. When we find out about cancer, we go to the oncologist and seek a cure. When we find out about sin, if we are to find release and relief, we must go to God and seek a cure. Listen to Paul. Do the work God calls each of us to do in reproducing disciples through sharing what others entrusted to us. It’s how God’s kingdom grows. It’s plan A and surprisingly, he never developed plan B. It’s up to you and me to make it happen.

You can find me at richardagee.com. I also invite you to join us at San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene on West Avenue in San Antonio to hear more Bible-based teaching. You can find out more about my church at SAF.church. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed it, tell a friend. If you didn’t, send me an email and let me know how better to reach out to those around you. Until next week, may God richly bless you as you venture into His story each day.

Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan.

You can believe, too (2 Timothy 1/3-18) December 10, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Timothy 1:3-18

Set – 2 Timothy 1-2

Go! – 2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1:3-18
^3-4 Timothy, you are constantly in my prayers. Day and night I remember you before God and give thanks to Him whom I serve with a clean conscience, as did my ancestors. I really want to see you, especially when I remember how you cried the last time we were together. Yes, I know it would make me joyful to see you again. ⁵What strikes me most is how natural and sincere your faith is. I am convinced that the same faith that dwelt in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, abides in you as well. ⁶ This is why I write to remind you to stir up the gift of God that was conveyed to you when I laid my hands upon you. ⁷ You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
⁸ So don’t be embarrassed to testify about our Lord or for me, His prisoner. Join us in suffering for the good news by the strength and power of God. ⁹ God has already saved us and called us to this holy calling—not because of any good works we may have done, but because of His own intention and because eons and eons ago (before time itself existed), He gave us this grace in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King. ¹⁰ And now, the time has come! That grace was revealed when our Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appeared; and through His resurrection He has wiped out death and brought to light life and immortality by way of this good news. ¹¹ I was appointed a preacher, emissary, and teacher of this message. ¹² This is exactly why I am suffering. But I am not ashamed because I know Him and I have put my trust in Him. And I am fully certain that He has the ability to protect what I have placed in His care until that day.
¹³ Remember the words that you heard from me. Retain them as the model for healthy and sound teaching in the faith and love that are available in Jesus the Anointed. ¹⁴ As for the precious thing entrusted to you, protect it with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
¹⁵ You may know by now that all those in Asia have turned their backs on me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. ^16-17 But Onesiphorus was not ashamed of my chains. So when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me and found me. May the Lord show mercy to his house because he has often stopped by to refresh my weary soul. ¹⁸ And may the Lord shower him with divine mercy on the last day. You are well aware of all he did to serve me in Ephesus.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Today I want to call your attention to the mission I gave Paul and one that I think speaks to everyone in many ways. “I was appointed a preacher, emissary, and teacher of this message. This is exactly why I am suffering. But I am not ashamed because I know Him and I have put my trust in Him. And I am fully certain that He has the ability to protect what I have placed in His care until that day.”

In the first couple of sentences that Paul shares here, he clearly understood his mission and that the very mission I gave him caused the suffering he endured. But I want you to pay attention to his next words. Paul wasn’t ashamed of his imprisonment as were most of his prison mates. They found themselves incarcerated for wrong doing. Paul found himself in chains for doing good. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel and whatever suffering or pain came with it, he was willing to endure.

Why wasn’t Paul ashamed? Because he knew Me. He not only saw Me on the road to Damascus that one extraordinary day, but he talked with Me and listened to My words as he prayed and read the scriptures. He died to self and let My Spirit guide his life. Paul gave his all to Me. He knew Me and had faith that I would see him through whatever circumstance he found himself or would usher him into My presence in paradise. Either option fit him just fine.

Paul knew I could protect him from whatever he faced. He didn’t hold any doubt in his mind. Paul knew with certainty I could do what I said I would. I never fail. When I make a promise, I keep it. Paul knew that about Me. His confidence in Me was sure. So he could face the trials that came his way. But Paul was just a man. There was nothing special or unusual about him. I didn’t give him some special DNA that enhanced his faith. He just exercised the faith he had. That’s it. That’s why people remember him. That’s why Paul was such an exceptional disciple. He just believed, always.

You can, too.

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.

Read and pray (1 Timothy 4:1-16) December 8, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Set – 1 Timothy 3-4

Go! – 1 Timothy 1-4

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:

You hear all kinds of churches coming into existence today. They share all kinds of messages. Many give you messages you like to hear so you’ll feel good about yourself. In some instances, you should feel good about yourself, but only after you acknowledge that everyone is first and foremost a sinner, lost and separated from Me unless they repent of their sins.

I don’t like the fact that everyone has sinned, but it began with Adam and Eve. They taught their children selfish instincts and those lessons have passed through the generations without interruption. Everyone wants their own way until they finally come to the realization that their way doesn’t work. You can’t find the peace you’re looking for until you abandon yourself and let Me take control of your life. That’s the way I created the world.

You might not like that I created it that way, but it’s My world and that’s how it is. Hey, I’m God. I can do what I want with My world. And what I did was make a way for you to get over your selfish desires. I made a way for you to come back to Me. I became like you so you would know I understand what it’s like to live in your shoes and then I died for you to pay the penalty for your sins. That wasn’t fair either, but it’s My world and I can do what I want. I’m God. And I want you back.

But I want you to want to come back to Me. I won’t make you. And therein lies the rub. There are too many today who way they want to come back to Me, but don’t like the rules I make. They don’t like the fact that I am holy. They want to preach the grace and mercy side of Me, but want to wish away the wrath that comes from My holiness in supressing evil in the world. There is that side of Me, too, if I am to remain a holy God. I cannot be only grace and mercy if I remain holy. I must also pour out wrath on wickedness.

So how do you know if the church you attend is in line with Me? How do you know if they just teach what you want to hear or really teach My word? How can you guard yourself against the false prophets My representatives always warn about in their writings?

It’s really pretty simple. Do two things consistently and you’ll figure out the counterfeits. You’ll know whether your church is sound in doctrine if you do these two things. Ready? First, read and study My word every day. Read it from cover to cover. Don’t just pick your favorite verses and pull them out of context. Read chapters and books at a time. Get the story I’m trying to tell you through My prophets and apostles. My word does not contradict itself. The theme is the same from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. The Bible is My story of redemption for you (insert your name in that pronoun).

Second, pray. As you read My word again and again, you will begin to pray fervently. Your prayers may begin for yourself, but as My word is absorbed into your life you’ll begin to pray My will for your life and for the lives of others. You’ll find yourself absorbed by the concepts in My word and as they transform your mind, your prayers will help you discern truth from falsehood.

Do those two things faithfully, read My word and pray, and you’ll know if your church is true to Me and My word. You’ll know if it’s a place that will feed your soul or take you to troubled waters. Be careful in these last days. It’s important to you, your family, and friends. Know you can trust the leaders where you worship.

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.

Real joy in life (2 Timothy 4), June 28, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Timothy 4
Set – Psalms 80; 2 Timothy 4
Go! – Amos 1–3; Psalms 80; 2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4
¹And now I bring you this charge before God and Jesus the Anointed, the one destined to judge the living and the dead, at His glorious appearance and His kingdom: ² go out and preach the word! Go whether it’s an opportune time or not! Reprove, warn, and encourage; but do so with all the patience and instruction needed to fulfill your calling ³ because a time will come when some will no longer tolerate sound teaching. Instead, they will live by their own desires; they’ll scratch their itching ears by surrounding themselves with teachers who approve of their lifestyles and tell them what they want to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from the real truth you have to offer because they prefer the sound of fables and myths. ⁵ But you must stay focused and be alert at all times. Tolerate suffering. Accomplish the good work of an evangelist, and complete the ministry to which you have been called.

⁶ For I am already being poured out, and the last drops of this drink offering are all that remain; it’s almost time for me to leave. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have stayed on course and finished the race, and through it all, I have kept believing. ⁸ I look forward to what’s in store for me: a crown of righteousness that the Lord—the always right and just judge—will give me that day (but it is not only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing).
⁹ Come to me, Timothy, as soon as you can. ¹⁰ You see, Demas has fallen for this world, abandoned me, and headed off to Thessalonica. Crescens took off for Galatia. Titus has gone to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Luke is the only one left. Bring Mark with you because he is useful in this work and will help look after me. ¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ On your way here, pick up the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, and bring the scrolls—especially the parchments.
¹⁴ Keep your eye out for Alexander the coppersmith! He came against me with all sorts of evil—may the Lord pay him back accordingly— ¹⁵ so watch your back because he has gone overboard to oppose our message.
¹⁶ When it was time for my first defense, no one showed up to support me. Everyone abandoned me (may it not be held against them) ¹⁷ except the Lord. He stood by me, strengthened me, and backed the truth I proclaimed with power so it may be heard by all the non-Jews. He rescued me, pried open the lion’s jaw, and snatched me from its teeth. ¹⁸ And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom. May He be glorified throughout eternity. Amen.
¹⁹ Give my regards to Prisca, Aquila, and everyone over at Onesiphorus’s house. ²⁰ Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick. ²¹ Try your best to come before winter blows in. Eubulus says hello and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. ²² May the Lord be with your spirit, and may His grace be with you. [Amen.]

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You can hear in Paul’s words at the end of his letter to Timothy that he knows his time is short. Soon he will hear the call from the executioner and will leave this life and join Me in eternity. He knows I will not save him from the executioners tools, it’s just a question of how he will die. He doesn’t know if his death will be quick and painless or a slow tortuous death on a cross.

Even knowing his death is coming soon, Paul’s words are not mournful. He leaves words of greeting to his friends and words of encouragement to Timothy. He wants his books, the scrolls and parchments that contain the scriptures so he can read them again and learn more from them. And even as he hears the executioner’s footsteps, he knows that I am able to deliver him if I choose.

I will soon let Paul die as a martyr, but not quite yet. Timothy’s letter will not be his last, but almost. Very soon Paul will suffer his “thorn in the flesh” no more. Soon he will join Me for eternity and will have preached his last sermon, written his last letter, counselled his last teacher. After all is said and done, Paul will continue to pronounce, “I have run a good race, I have fought a good fight, I have won the crown that awaits me.”

I encourage you to listen to Paul’s words carefully in his last paragraphs to Timothy. They are full of encouragement. Charged with a desire to go on. Yet they also show Paul knows his destiny and he accepts it willingly as a faithful servant. He is not discouraged. He is not complaining. He doesn’t sorrow. In fact, you’ll recall in other letters, he questions which is better to remain or to die and be with Me? He was torn between the two. Paul found contentment in whatever circumstance he found himself because I was always with him.

I will always be with you, too. Find contentment in Me and you will have real joy in living each moment whatever your circumstance.

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.

Paul describes today (2 Timothy 3), June 27, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Timothy 3
Set – 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3
Go! – 2 Kings 13–14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3
¹And know this: in the last days, times will be hard. ² You see, the world will be filled with narcissistic, money-grubbing, pretentious, arrogant, and abusive people. They will rebel against their parents and will be ungrateful, unholy, ³ uncaring, coldhearted, accusing, without restraint, savage, and haters of anything good. ⁴ Expect them to be treacherous, reckless, swollen with self-importance, and given to loving pleasure more than they love God. ⁵ Even though they may look or act like godly people, they’re not. They deny His power. I tell you: Stay away from the likes of these. ⁶ They’re snakes slithering into the houses of vulnerable women, women gaudy with sin, to seduce them. These reptiles can capture them because these women are weak and easily swayed by their desires. ⁷ They seem always to be learning, but they never seem to gain the full measure of the truth. ⁸ And, just as Jannes and Jambres rose up against Moses, these ungodly people defy the truth. Their minds are corrupt, and their faith is absolutely worthless. ⁹ But they won’t get too far because their stupidity will be noticed by everyone, just as it was with Jannes and Jambres.

¹⁰ You have been a good student. You have closely observed how I have lived. You’ve followed my instructions, my habits, my purpose, my faith, my patience. You’ve watched how I love and have seen how I endure. You have been with me ¹¹ through persecutions and sufferings—remember what they did to me in Antioch? In Iconium and Lystra? I endured all of it, and the Lord rescued me from it all! ¹² Anyone wishing to live a godly life in Jesus the Anointed will be hunted down and persecuted. ¹³ But as for the wicked and the imposters, they will keep leading and following each other further and further away from the truth. ¹⁴ So surely you ought to stick to what you know is certain. All you have learned comes from people you know and trust ¹⁵ because since childhood you have known the holy Scriptures, which enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus the Anointed. ¹⁶ All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right ¹⁷ so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You live in treacherous times. Paul talks about them when he tells Timothy about the last days. Listen again to his description of people in the last days. “…the world will be filled with narcissistic, money-grubbing, pretentious, arrogant, and abusive people. They will rebel against their parents and will be ungrateful, unholy, uncaring, coldhearted, accusing, without restraint, savage, and haters of anything good. Expect them to be treacherous, reckless, swollen with self-importance, and given to loving pleasure more than they love God. Even though they may look or act like godly people, they’re not. They deny His power.”

Does any of that sound familiar? Look around you and you will find the world filled with such people. Your news depicts only evil, never the good that happens around you because as a people you have become haters of anything good. You crave evil. Your movies and television shows are filled with violence, sex, and the ocult because you crave evil and hate anything good. You rebel against your parents and have become exactly the people Paul says you would become. You seek your own pleasure at any cost.

Look into the your political campaigns over the last few years and the number of discoveries on both sides of the aisle of treachery in the voting booths. The dead voting. Stolen identification cards. Non-citizens lining up at the polls. People voting at multiple sites. Treachery because some have become swollen with self-importance and are reckless with the truth. Even the Supreme Court thinks it can decide if My word is right or wrong.

You are in perilous times. But I would instruct you as Paul instructed Timothy. Find truly godly men and women who follow My teachings. Watch their lives and know they know Me. Listen to them and do what they do. But more importantly, read My words. Hear My voice. Do what I ask of you. Don’t let anyone tell you My word has become obsolete. Those who think so, find themselves crushed by it.

Paul understood the importance of My word when he told Timothy, “All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.”

Some of what you read you won’t like. Some of it will make you change your ways and cause you to do tough things, but you’ll find it worth it in the end. You’ll discover, as Paul did, My word stands the test of time and will take you through the most difficult parts of life. And regardless what the world might think or do, what’s ultimately important is having Me say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of heaven.”

Will you be described by Paul’s description of the populace of the endtimes or by My welcoming words of grace? It’s your choice to make. Make the right one.

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

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Today’s Podcast

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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.

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

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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.

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.