To Him Be The Glory!

“God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.”  (1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Godliness Has Value

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  -1 Timothy 4:7-8

As an athlete this verse has spoken to my heart many times.  It is easy to pour our efforts into athletics, school, work, and all the other activities that we are involved in.  However we must remember the most important training we can give ourselves is the training that will make us more like Christ.  For this type of training has “value for all things” and holds “promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  That is the type of training that I want to pour my heart into, because it is the kind that will last!

Dear Lord,

Help us to remember why we are here.  Help us to keep focused on You and Your kingdom.  Train Your people and make us godly.  We want to become like You.

Amen

Crystal Clear

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”  -1 Timothy 4:1

Dear Lord,

Thank You for “clearly” revealing Yourself to us through Your Spirit.  You are surely a good God!

What Life Would Be Like...

listen to What Life Would Be Like via You Tube

Mark 16:15-18, John 14:12:

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not harm then at all; they will place their hands of sick people, and they will get well.'"

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me...

Only The Sinner

 “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.  We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me.”  -1 Timothy 1:8-11

It seems as though I should still be living under the law is for sinners and I am certainly a sinner.  However what I must remember is that I have been washed, I have been sanctified, I have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, See previous post Our Identity in Christ).  I have been saved!  The law no longer applies to me in this way. 

Advancing God’s Work?

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.”  -1 Timothy 1:3-4

I like the simple explanation given at the end of this passage: “such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work.”  Things aren’t always as complicated as we make them.  Being a follower of Christ isn’t about “controversial speculation” but about “advancing God’s work.”  It’s not about wining arguments or living perfectly, it’s simply (and sometimes not so simply) obeying God.

Dear Lord,

Thank You that Your promises aren’t speculative and that Your truth is sure.  Teach us the wisdom to discern what’s from You and what is false.  Teach us to live by faith and spur on others to do the same.

Amen

The Lord Is Faithful!

 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.  And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you we command.  May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”  -2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness in the midst of our doubt.  Thank You for sustaining us in the midst of this world’s darkness.  Thank You that we can have confidence in You.

Amen