Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Matthew 11 DEVO: Doubt, True Greatness, Woes & an Invitation

Chapter 11:
These next two chapter give us the reactions of people to Jesus. Jesus had delegated ministry to His disciples and now He joins then in the Lord’s work. Jesus never asks us to do anything that he Himself has not done or is not willing to do! Four things from today’s reading:
1. Overcoming Doubt – John: If Jesus is really the Messiah, why am I in prison when I could be out preaching, preparing hearts?! What did Jesus do? He encouraged John & confirmed his faith! Tell him what you saw!
2. True Greatness – Seen in character and calling, not primarily accomplishments! John was not much to look at but what a compliment Jesus gave of him; “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” Wowsa!
3. Responding to Jesus – Criticism & Indifference have kept many from trusting in the simple good news of Jesus!
4. A Personal Invite“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
SO WHAT?!
*What doubts do you have in regards to your faith? We all have some. They come from a lack of truth or a misunderstanding of it. Ask God to confirm your faith today – He loves doing that!
*It’s a temptation to measure ourselves against others. Be careful to seek God and how He measures greatness – faithfulness to Him and His call on our lives!
*Ever get tired? Weary in your Christian walk? Me too! What a great promise that we can cast all our cares on Jesus!!! Do it today and then chillax!!!

Matthew 10 DEVO: From Disciple to Apostle

Chapter 10:
Chapter 9 ended with Jesus calling the disciples to PRAY for spiritual workers go into the harvest field. As a farm boy from Iowa, when it was harvest time, the Lord had provided and it was now our job to go out and get it! Now, don’t get me wrong, farming is hard work, but the reward of the harvest was always exciting. What a great picture! There are people out there waiting to hear the good news of Jesus, waiting to believe, and it’s our job to tell them! Yes, it is work, but there is no greater harvest!!!!!!!!!
The very ones who were praying for workers, now became those workers! They were moving from disciples (learners) to apostles (sent ones). Here was the process: They got saved, then got called to follow, then did an “internship” with Jesus and now they were being sent out with authority! Wow – this is good stuff!
So Jesus lists His 12 disciples. These guys were unschooled, ordinary men who got 3 years to hang out with God! It’s most likely that all but Peter were teenagers. So here you have it - your first youth group!!! Jesus was the leader, Peter the volunteer and one really bad guy – Ha! Anyway, these were the Master’s men who first carried the Good News of Jesus to their generation!
God used 11 of them to change the world. Judas, the betrayer, reminds us of lost opportunity and wasted privilege.
So he called them (1-5), then told them what to do (5-16), then warned them (17-31) and finally explained the high cost of following Him (32-42). This verse stands out most to me: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” The life of a believer is totally meant to be a life of selflessness!
SO WHAT?!
*What do you & I pray about most? What do we beg God for? With Jesus, it was his concern for the lost. So much so that he called others to follow Him so He could make them “fishers of men.” Been fishin’ lately? Lord help us to be fishers of men!
*Ever feel unqualified or that you don’t have what it takes to live for Jesus? Then, depending on how you look at it, you’re either in good company or bad company because this is exactly how the disciples felt! God is never looking for our abilities but He does want our availability! Be available to be used by God and watch Him do great things through you!!!
*Finally, these 12 disciples spent 3 years of intimacy with God and they were never the same. How long have you been a believer? 3 years? 10 years? 35 years? The measure of a man’s life is not in duration but donation. We can be a believer for years and never participate in the harvest. Take some time today and ask God to search your heart, renew a right Spirit in you and then “get in the game”!!!

Matthew 9 DEVO: Healings, Ministry and The Harvest

Chapter 9:
Not only can Christ heal the sick, calm the storm and cast out demons, but He can bring a person what they need most: forgiveness of sin! Here are my highlights from chapter 9:
1. Jesus Has Power Over Sin (1-8) – Sin is the heart of the Gospel and can be forgiven – whoohoo! The Jews thought sin caused this man paralyzed But all hardship, pain, etc. is result of sin in our world, not necessarily is it brought on by some specific sin. When Jesus said your sins are forgiven, He was claiming to be God (and is). Noticed that they praised God as the source! If you are truly living a set-apart life, people will know it could only be from God (5:16).
2. The Gospel is for Sinners (9-17) – Gospel is not for good people but bad people who know they are bad and come to God for forgiveness. Jesus asked Matthew to follow Him. He was offering a despised outcast forgiveness! As a result, Matthew invites Jesus and in a sense is witnessing to all his sinner buddies! The Pharisees corner the disciples and Jesus steps in on their behalf. Religious ritual and routine have always been dangers to true Godliness.
3. Jesus’ Power Over Death (18-26) –Death is real, inevitable! God ministers equally to the ruler as well as the bleeding (outcast) woman showing His divine impartiality! (1 Cor. 1:26-28).
Faith is what counts!
4. Miracles (27-35) – These verses deal with power over physical evils and corruption that sin produces.
5. The Harvest and the Laborers (36-38) – This is a huge passage on mission. Up to now, the disciples have been trainees - Jesus has done all the ministry. Now, Jesus shows the reason and need to begin involving the disciples. Jesus looked out and saw people who did not yet have a relationship with Him, and His heart was broken for them. He saw them as helpless & hopeless to do anything about their lost condition. And not only that, but they had no one to lead them to fine help! So He turns to His disciples and says: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Basically He asks them to pray for workers to go help these lost people to come to know Him! Why? It’s hard to pray for God to send people without thinking of yourself as one of those people! Jesus ministered compassionately and tirelessly because He could see the ultimate consequences!
2 Cor. 5:11; 5 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Pet. 3:9; John 3:17
SO WHAT?!
*What sins has God forgiven you of? Why not write out a list today of the things you’ve asked God to forgive you of. Then thank Him for His amazing forgiveness and burn the list (don’t start a fire) – because when God forgives, it’s a done deal!
*What breaks our hearts? For Jesus, it was the hell that people are headed to without Him! There are a lot of great causes in our world but no cause is greater than THE Cause of Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known! You & I have been given the greatest news and a great responsibility to communicate that news to others. Are you involved in this ministry? Say I go to the store and tell Drew to make his bed before I get back. Then I get back and I ask him if he made his bed. If he says, “No, but I took out the trash or no but I put the dishes away, or no but __________” – (you fill in the blank). It doesn’t matter what he did, he didn’t do the one thing I asked. Jesus, as He left this earth gave us one command: Make Disciples. We can do a lot of other things that may seem good, but if we never do what He asked, we disobey our call! How are you involved in the process of Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known? Let’s be actively involved because Jesus is coming back soon!

Matthew 8 DEVO: King Jesus & His Power

Chapter 8:
The miracles (divine authority) Jesus did were supreme proof that Jesus was the Messiah. In the New Testament times, disease was rampant! People became blind, deaf, and crippled due to illnesses, leprosy, plagues, boils, speech disorders, etc. Medicine & technology were not very advanced. For people who seldom could get relief from their disease, the prospect of complete healing was incredible! No wonder He drew such massive crowds! I noticed 4 things:
1. Jesus’ Power Over Disease (1-15) – 3 miracles, 3 common characteristics: (1) Jesus dealt with physical (lowest level) need; (2) He responded to direct appeals; and (3) He ministered to lowest people in society (outcasts, leper, Gentile, woman). Jesus had a special compassion for those whom others thought little of! The leper came without fear, in reverence, in humility and in faith. The Centurion (Gentile officer in Roman service - hated by Jews) understood delegation of power and was certain Jesus’ word would be carried out. Peter’s mother-in-law jus plain served!
2. What Keeps Men From Christ (16-22) – Sometimes it is hard to understand why people fail to trust in Christ after seeing and reading all that He has done. People still reject Him, even His very own (Jews). John 1:11, 5:38-40, 3:19-20. Here the reasons for rejecting Him are:
a. Personal comfort → following Jesus costs! Can’t live for Jesus “your own way.”
b. Personal priorities → Matt. 16:24 – must drop every priority to follow Christ!
It’s interesting that both believed their relationship with Jesus was what it should be. I mean, these seemed like reasonable requests but Jesus knows hearts!
3. Jesus’ Power Over the Natural (23-27)
This story still sends chill up my arms. I would love to have seen this! Because Christ holds all together (Heb. 1:3), He can rule over Earth! Jesus was sleeping! No doubt exhausted from long day’s work! Sometimes God has to bring us to a point of desperation to get our attention! God loves to hear our cries of desperation because realizing one’s own inadequacy is the first step in turning towards Him.
4. Jesus’ Power Over the Supernatural (28-34)
Being a farmer, I kinda like this one. The demons in these men were wild, violent, suicidal, strong, etc… and they recognized Jesus. They knew at the appointed time they were to be destroyed! Don’t know why the pigs ran into lake and drown or what happened to demons after that, but purpose was to demonstrate Jesus’ authority and power over Satan and his forces! And what was the response of the towns people? They asked Jesus to leave! Whenever unholy men come face to face with God, there is TERROR!
SO WHAT?!
*What are you facing that seems impossible? Have you given it to Jesus? Do you believe He can do something about it? He can!
*Before you knew Christ, what kept you from believing in Jesus? Is there anything that is keeping you from being 100% sold out right now? Give it to Jesus today – you’ll never regret it!
*Who can you reach out to who is downcast and maybe not cared for in your school, neighborhood or workplace? Take some time today and be the one who reaches out to them! You never know how you could change a person’s trajectory for eternity!!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Matthew 7 DEVO: THE Best Sermon Ever! – Part 3

Chapter 7:
Jesus finishes His sermon in this chapter by continuing with various, profound teachings.
1. Stop Criticizing (1-6) – These verses do not teach that we shouldn’t make judgments (Matt. 7:15). Jesus is addressing self-righteous, ego-centered condemnation (Luke 18:11-14) that doesn’t help others from sin to holiness, but instead condemns them! Judging motives is dangerous because only God knows motives! And certainly we must deal with our own sin first! And the pigs/dogs thing – don’t waste all your valuable time giving God’s Word (pearls) to those who don’t care!
2. Start Loving (7-12) “Ask, Seek, Knock” are continual action verbs. God sooooo wants us to go to Him with our needs because He is a LOVING Father! “We would not harmfully trick or be unkind to own son or daughter! How much more would God not?! Good = Beneficial Vs. 12 is the “Golden Rule” verse, and is a paraphrase of 2nd greatest commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
3. Which way to Heaven? (13-14) – Ok, this is kinda’ like the “altar call” of Jesus’ sermon! There are only two eternal destinations for people – Eternal Life or Eternal Destruction. THE most critical/important decision a person can ever make is about Jesus and His Kingdom!!! We must come to God on His terms not our own ideas or agendas! Here’s the scenario of the wide vs the narrow:
a. Outward Righteousness vs Internal Transformation
b. Many ways vs One way
c. Human achievement vs. Divine Accomplishment
d. Works vs. Grace
e. Judgment vs. Salvation
f. Religion vs. Relationship
g. Destruction vs. Life
h. Sinking sand vs. Firm Foundation
i. Own Way vs, Repentance
4. Beware of False Peeps (15-20) – Not all who claim to believe and speak for God are His! This gets tricky because there will be those who would mislead you & I. We are to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Jim Jones, The Way International, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc…can all look like real thing but aren’t! “By their fruit” = the kind of tree will show itself and the same is true of people. Be discerning! We don’t want people to be deceived into thinking they have salvation when they don’t!
5. Empty Words & Empty Hearts (21-29) – There are two categories here of self-deception: First, verbal profession (empty words 21-23) - just saying things doesn’t mean it’s true. Second is Relational deception (empty hearts 24-27) – it really is all about who you know = JESUS! Take note that Jesus addressed the lack of relationship- “being”, not their lack of “doing.”
Matthew concludes this amazing sermon by Jesus with a profound statement, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Yeah, they knew the teachers of the law had no authority! In essence, Jesus had just told them that their teaching was wrong, their living was wrong, their attitude was wrong and everything they believed in was wrong!
SO WHAT?!
*So, are you & I judgmental people? I hope not! Whenever we have issues that WE are not dealing with and our desire is to condemn, then we are wrongly judging. Be careful, would we want God to judge us in the same way? Often we want to receive mercy but give judgment!
*What are you lacking? God knows and wants us to come to Him! I have a former student of mine who does this ALL the time and you know what, God continues to supply his needs abundantly! Hmmmmm…….go figure!~
*Which road are you on? The one that leads to eternal life or the one that doesn’t? It’s the biggest decision in life. I pray if you never have, that today you will choose Jesus and life!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Matthew 6 DEVO: THE Best Sermon Ever! – Part 2

Chapter 6:
Jesus continues with His sermon and addresses a number of topics. Verse one introduces the first 18 verses that have to do with “hypocrisy.” A hypocrite was a Greek actor who pretended to be what he was not. Wow – that’s a good definition! (not mine)
1. Don’t show off as you give (1-4) There were unbelievers pretending to be believers and true believers who are sinners pretending not to be. And all of this “to be seen by” = Theaomai = Theatre (English). It was showing off in front of everyone! “When” you give reminds us too that giving is expected. Non-hypocritical giving is from the heart, sacrificial and humbly done.
2. Don’t show off as you pray (5-8) – i.e. Not focusing on self! WOW! “To be seen by” (again) It’s not wrong to pray (a) standing, (b) in synagogues or (c) on street corners. But motive is wrong = “to be seen” = theatre = put on a show! When a person dies this they have “Received reward in full” = if prayed “to be seen” then that’s what you get! Instead, go to a private place, shut off distractions and don’t babble!
“Unseen” = show off to God not men!
3. The Disciple’s Prayer (9-15) – That’s what I call this. This was given as a model of how to pray. Prayer was the spiritual air Jesus breathed every moment of His life and the supreme purpose of prayer is to glorify God. Here are some things I saw in this: Father = Dad/child relationship. “In Heaven” = our resource. “Hallowed” = holy, revered, honored. “Your Kingdom/will be done”– Die to my wants. “Like it is in heaven.” His will WILL be done there! “Give us today” → day by day grace. “Daily bread” → essential needs. “Forgive us debts” = moral and spiritual debt against God (i.e. sin). Prerequisite = “as we forgive” (also vs. 14-15). Keep one from temptation and evil = i.e. I’m weak, I’ll sin Lord.
4. Don’t show off as you fast (16-18)
Don’t mope around/tell everyone. Do it as unto the Lord! Look like you do any other day so you don’t draw attention to self. And again it says “when” not “if.”
5. Treasure in Heaven (19-24) (verses materialism)
Don’t treasure up treasures for yourself because they become idols. Nothing we own is completely safe. Heavenly security is the only absolute security.
“Treasure is = heart also” – Our most cherished possessions and deepest motives are inseparable. And why do we store up stuff here on earth? Because we worry!
6. Overcoming Worry (25-34) “Do not worry” = stop doing this! Have we forgotten who our Father is?! Worry and anxiety shows little faith. Contentment is seeking the things of God.
SO WHAT?!
*Ever pretend to be someone you’re not? Yeah, me too. It’s one thing to be an actor in a play, it’s a whole different thing to be one in life. Be real – with your spouse, with your family, with your friends and most of all, with God. He knows who we really are anyway, and here’s the deal – HE LOVES US regardless!
*Why pray if God knows what I need? I mean really, isn’t He saying “yeah, yeah…. I know…”? No - He wants us to ask of Him, commune with Him, develop a relationship with Him and He wants to hear us!
*Finally, what do you & I treasure? Here are some ways to know: Where do I spend my time? Money? Resources? Energies? And where ever that is, that’s where our heart is! Is what you & I treasure the same as what God treasures?

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Matthew 5 DEVO: THE Best Sermon Ever! – Part 1

Chapter 5:
So since I like math, I thought I’d run the numbers, and the average churchgoer will hear over 2500 sermons in their lifetime (50 years x 50 weeks). That number goes up if you add in Sunday school lessons, Bibles studies, sermon mp3’s, etc… So depending on how long you’ve been a believer and how old you are, take a moment and do your math. What did you come up with? I became a believer in October of 1982 and because I listen to lots of sermons as I drive I know I’m up over 5K! So here’s the question I have – how many of them do you remember? Good question huh? I believe this first recorded sermon of Jesus would have made your list, and I’m guessing you’ve heard the sermon on the mount preached before too! Which finally leads me to my disclaimer – Chapters 5,6 & 7 could take months to fully go thru, and I’ve got 3 devos. So I’ll be hitting some points and leaving others out.
The Sermon On The Mount shows the absolute necessity of God in our lives. There is no way we can live the way taught in these chapters without God!
The BE-attitudes – emphasis on BE. The Christian life is first about BEing, then DOing. We were meant to be human beings, not human doings. These are a series of condition blessings Jesus states. Humility, meekness, passion for God, mercy, purity & suffering are all priorities in God’s Kingdom!
Salt & Light – Living this way allows a believer to be an impact in a world that is often tasteless and dark. God wants to transform us to lead others to Him.
The Law – It’s always been good, even though the keeping of it was never meant to determine our acceptance before God!
Murder, Adultery, Divorce – I am heartbroken by these. Hating others, cheating on others. I’m sure God is much more heartbroken. If stats are right, half of you reading this are either divorced, or come from a divorced home, or (sadly) will some day get divorced. Here is a Biblical way to think: How about just keeping your promise? How about from the get-go not having divorce as even an option. I’m not saying that if you are being abused to keep taking it. I’m saying make Christ the center of your marriage and persevere.
Keep Your Word – (Read Proverbs 10:19) Our pastor has been preaching out of James on the tongue and it’s been major convicting! Let’s keep that thing in our mouths! Let’s be like Horton (Dr Suess) who said, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an elephant’s faithful 100%.”
Treating Others – Let’s not be a revengeful bunch. Hate those who love you = the work of the devil, love those who love you = the work of man, love those who hate you = the work of God!
SO WHAT?
*When you hear a sermon, what do you do with it? Deposit the knowledge in your memory bank? Forget about it by that evening? Take notes so you can pray about it and apply it later? Talk it over at lunch with your spouse & family? Why note take some extra time this week after you hear the word of God and hash it over – you’ll be blessed!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Matthew 4 DEVO: Ministry: Temptation, Purpose & People

Chapter 4:
This chapter is a biggie for me as it reminds me of what I need to remember in ministry: That temptation is everywhere, that I must always come back to God’s purpose for my life and that life is about people & relationships, not stuff!
Right out of the “starting ministry” gate, Jesus spends 40 days fasting and then God allows Him to be tempted by Satan!
First Temptation – (Physical) Make the stones into bread = You’re hungry, go ahead, provide for yourself, act independently of God. Jesus’ answer: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Second Temptation – (Power) Satan basically says “Toss yourself off this mountain, God will catch ya’ and hey, here’s a Bible verse to back me up!” Jesus’ answer: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Third Temptation – (Authority) Worship Satan & get authority. Jesus’ answer: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
Jesus was tempted at his weakest moment but each time replied by quoting (properly) scripture! Note to self, remember this one!
Next we see Jesus begin to fulfill his purpose as He “began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The long awaited (since Genesis 3:15) good news of the promised deliverer has now come!!! YOU THE MAN JESUS!!!
And who is this good news for? People, like you and me! And so Jesus begins recruiting a team whom He will train and use to convey that good news when He is gone. So who ya’ gonna’ call??? (No, not ghostbusters) The smart, good looking, rich, talented, etc…. Nope. Some fisherman. He calls them to follow HIM. Not to follow a program or a church but the person of Jesus! And with that call, he gives them a purpose – "Come, follow me…….and I will make you fishers of men." These 4 along with 8 others would be the first whom God uses to spread this good news to ALL people!
SO WHAT?!

*TEMPTATION will always lurk as you seek to love & serve Jesus. And it will hit you at you weakest points! You & I must guard our hearts & lives from falling to these. Sex, money, fame, power & passivity are just some ways we get distracted and fall. The answer? Spend time in prayer and in the Bible knowing how to fight these. And get some accountability with people who will ask you the tough questions.
*Remember your PURPOSE! Whatever career you have or choose, as believers, we all have the same purpose of Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known! Let’s not rationalize why we aren’t fulfilling our God-given purpose, but instead, let’s be creative in how we can better fulfill it!
*There are no Lone Rangers in ministry. The first two things I’ve done at both churches I’ve served at is to get every student prayed for every day and to build a team o adults to work with students. A team can accomplish much more than any individual. Besides, even the Loen Ranger had Tonto. Are you serving on God’s team?
*Only Two Things last forever: God/His Word and PEOPLE. Spend time with people. All of us will die with a to-do list! Let’s spend time with our kids, our family, our friends, etc… instead of always trying to get everything done. In the end, relationships will always trump accomplishments!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Matthew 3 DEVO: John the Baptizer, Repentance & Jesus’ Baptism

Chapter 3:
What makes a person great? Fame? Wealth? Family heritage? Earning & having $? Academic degrees? Expertise? Athletic ability? Artistic talent? Military office? Potential? If you use these measurements, Jesus was not great. And John was even worse, yet Jesus said of John, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11) So what makes a person great?
John’s greatness was related to his calling. He faithfully fulfilled his role of pointing people to Jesus! His message was REPENT – an inner change of heart leading to an outer change in direction. His motive? “The Kingdom is near” – this phrase appears 32 times in Matthew! In other words, “Hey, get your hearts right with God because He’s coming back soon!”
What also made John great was radical lifestyle. The clothes he wore & the food he ate were of little importance. He was on a mission for God and his message was powerful. He addressed everyone and confronted the “religious make-believers” – those who only outwardly spoke of Jesus. “Brood of Vipers” was not a compliment and yet he offered hope, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” True inner repentance always shows itself outwardly.
What made JESUS even GREATER? His greater calling! He too faithfully fulfilled his calling of laying down His life for you & me!!! He is about to begin the ministry He is called to and we see the trinity at work in His Baptism: God the Son: Is baptized, not because he needed to repent but to validate His ministry. God the Holy Spirit: Descends from heaven and gives light. God the Father: Audibly speaks and says, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Up to this point, no old testament sacrifice had ever truly pleased God (because they covered sin, but had not removed it), but now God is pleased, in advance, with the sacrifice His Son would make! Whoah!~ Cool God Stuff!
SO WHAT?!
*All of us want our lives to count, we want to be great in some way or another. So what measurements do you use to determine greatness? Man’s (listed above) or God’s? Use mans and you’ll be disappointed, but use God’s and you can be sure of a life with impact for eternity!
*Jesus & John both fulfilled God’s calling on their lives. Believers in Jesus all have the same calling – To Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Take a sheet of paper and write that phrase at the top. Draw a line down the middle and begin to list on the left side the ways you are working at Knowing Jesus. Then on the right, list ways you are currently working at Making Him Known. How does your list look? Long? Short? Out of balance? Ask God to help you in the needed area so that you can better fulfill your calling!
*Repentance is at the heart of the free forgiveness Jesus offers. The call to Jesus is a call to different thinking & different living. How can you & I “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” today?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Matthew 2 DEVO: King Jesus: Prophecies, How He Was Received & God’s Sovereignty

Chapter 2:
Ok, let’s define some words: Prophecies are “predictions” made specifically about Jesus. Sovereignty means that God is in control of everything: people, circumstances, etc…
As we read today’s chapter, there are three additional evidences that Jesus has legitimate, unique and absolute royal right to be King!
1. Wise Men Worship Jesus: “Magi” were men skilled in astrology, interpreting dreams etc… and THESE magi recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
2. Fools are either Hostile or Indifferent to Jesus: It “disturbed” Herod that people were worshipping someone other than him! So he plotted to eliminate Jesus by getting the magi to tell them where he was so “…I too may go and worship him.” Ha! God sovereignly overruled by telling the magi in a dream not to go back to Herod. Yeah, that torqued him off! So he figured he’d just kill ALL the babies 2 years old & under, but again we see God’s sovereignty as he told Joseph in a dream to leave.
3. Fulfilled Prophecies: These predictions should certainly convince the skeptical.
a. Verse 6 = Micah 5:2
b. Verse 15 = Hosea 11:1
c. Verse 18 = Jeremiah 31:15
SO WHAT?
*What is your response to Jesus? Hostility? Indifference? Worship? We all have to choose to do something with Jesus. His #1 desire is for our worship – not service, not sacrifice, but first & foremost worship. How are you and I involved in worship of Jesus? Not just Sunday mornings, but throughout our daily lives. Take some extra time today and tell God how awesome He is! Then make it a part of your daily routine!
*Who have you recently brought to worship? Wycliff missionary, Greg Carlson, spoke at our church yesterday and said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Being God’s rep here on earth means leading people to worship! Who have you shared Christ with recently? Who have you invited to church or student ministry lately? These are invitations to worship!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Matthew 1 DEVO: The King's Ancestry & Arrival

Introduction:
Of the four Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke & John, the book of Matthew:
- Has the most amount of Jesus’ teachings
- Contains more references (50) and illusions (75) to the old testament
- Has more references to money than the other three
- Has the most instructions to the disciples
Matthew was a disciple of Jesus and a tax collector, which was an occupation that was hated because they were seen as traitors to the Jews. Matthew writes to a primarily Jewish audience and presents Jesus as King. The problem was that the Jews were looking for a political king who would bring an external (release from Roman rule) kingdom. Jesus was and is a spiritual king who is bringing an internal (character/heart change) kingdom. This book presents Messiah King who is Revealed, Rejected and will Return. In it we are given life-changing lessons on discipleship!

Chapter 1: The King’s Ancestry & Arrival

If you’re ever looking for some names for your kids, these first 14 verses may be helpful……or not. Hey – they were ALL part of Jesus’ family, not good enough for you?!~! Genealogies can tend to be boring, but we have to remember that in Jewish culture, tribal identification and line of descent were of major importance! Anyway – chapter one records two basic things: Jesus’ family tree and how he came to earth.
FIRST – Jesus’ Ancestry. As we read this, Jesus was both a legal descendant of David through Joseph and a blood descendant of David through Mary, making Him perfectly qualified. Interestingly we see God choose sinners to be such a part of Jesus’ lineage! Mary, his mom, was a sinner (Luke 1:47), David & Abraham who both had issues, and then did you notice the only other three women mentioned? Tamar (a harlot), Rahab (a prostitute) & Ruth (a pagan with no “right” to be a grandma to David). Is God gracious or what?!~!
SECOND – The whole virgin birth thing. Even if you’re somewhat new to the whole having babies thing, you know that “virgin” and “birth” don’t go together! Yet this was Jesus’ DIVINE lineage! The first 17 verses explain his human descent, verse 18 explains his divine descent. It’s a miraculous truth! Joseph didn’t get it (wanted to divorce her) and I would not have either. But we have to remember that not understanding something doesn’t disqualify truth. Jesus is God and this was the divine, amazing plan of the trinity! “Immanuel – God with Us” – what an wonderful promise!
SO WHAT?!
*What is your family background? Godly heritage or not really? Jesus’ family background was filled with scars & outcasts and yet God used Him! How much more can God use you & me & any who will surrender their lives to the Lord! Sweeeeeeeeet!!!!
*Jesus was both Human & Holy! God wants us to strive for the same. The human part we’ve got down, it’s the holy that needs work! No perfection, but direction. How does it show in your life & mine that we desire to live a godly life for Christ? What are you & I giving up to do so?
*Ever feel alone, discouraged or abandoned? Then the good news of Jesus being Immanuel, God with us should pump you up! He will never leave or forsake His kids! Are you one of His? Putting your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins makes you the Kings kid! If you’ve never done that, what’s stopping you from doing that right now? If you are His kid, then know He’s with you ALWAYS!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

2 Tomothy 4 DEVO: Last Words

Chapter 4:
A person’s last words are often both remembered & recorded. Today we read the last written words of the apostle Paul. He is passing the baton of ministry to Timothy and he wants to sum up what is important. He begins by charging him to eternal thinking: “in view of his appearing and his kingdom…” Those who want to make an impact for Christ must have an eternal perspective. And here’s the main key: “Preach the Word.” Not slick sayings, not stories, not our own ideas. Only the Word of God is living and active, your words and mine are not! Simple statement, but complex applications because God’s Word will “correct, rebuke and encourage” – and most people don’t want the first two! They’d rather have their ears tickled with sweet nothings. Worse yet, they’d rather hear myths. Timothy – don’t you go that direction! “…keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Paul was passing the Gospel baton “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.”
What comes next is what I, and all believers, would hope to say at the end of life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Kuddos Paul for a life well lived!
The rest of the letter I would call “Friends & Foes” because in ministry and in life there are both those who partner with you and those who seek to derail what you are doing. Those like John Mark (an example of Paul’s forgiveness), whom Paul calls helpful, and those like Alexander whom strongly oppose! More reason Paul is constantly saying to guard the truth! What kept Paul going? “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” Yep – having the LORD by his side!
SO WHAT?!
*What are some famous last words you have heard? (click here for some) What would you like you last words to be? And to whom?
*All of us need at least 3 people in our lives: A Paul (those who are mentoring us), A Timothy (those whom we are mentoring) and a Barnabas (those who just plain encourage us no matter what). If you have these three, take a moment and thank God for them! If you don’t, take a moment and ask God to bring these people into your life!
*How is ministry going for you? Excited? Bored? Discouraged? Do you tend to focus on the friends or the foes? Don’t let others get you down, “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

2 Timothy 3 DEVO: Life Today & How To Conquer It

Chapter 3:
As you read the first six verses what comes tom mind: Today’s newspaper? Your school? Your workplace? Your friends? Your self? Those who say the Bible isn’t relevant must have skipped over this section, even though it was written nearly 1950 years ago! Paul sets forth quite the list of character traits that described not only his people at the time, but us today as well:
- Lovers of themselves (check)
- Lovers of money (check)
- Boastful (trying to look better than I am - check)
- Proud (check)
- Abusive (evil speech – check)
- Disobedient to their parents (ask your parents – check)
- Ungrateful (not usually but…..check)
- Unholy (duh – check)
- Without Love (family affection first – check)
- Unforgiving (hold grudge – check)
- Slanderous (Pastor’s message this week – check)
- Without self-control (I deny myself very little – check)
- Brutal (I’m sure I’ve been – check)
- Not lovers of the good (lose my focus – check)
- Treacherous (traitor – not sure, but – check)
- Rash (careless, just ask Jean – check)
- Conceited (see #4 – check)
- Lovers of Pleasure (put myself before things of God – check)
- Having a form of godliness (before Jesus – check)
Ok – So I’m guilty of them all. How about you? If you said no, then you blew at least number 3! Anyway, this is a convicting list, and one that would throw me into depression if verse 10 didn’t start with “You, however,….” GREAT words! Direction, not perfection is the key here. God knows we’re ALL guilty of these at times, but when they begin to define our lives, that’s a problem.
So what is the solution? Paul writes:
- Follow His example: (10-11) Paul went thru some pretty tough stuff and endured!
- Expect tough times: (12-13) Ok, so how many of us have verse 13 as a memory verse? Not the kind of verse we put to memory, yet just as true.
- Keep on keepin’ on: (14) Much of the Christian life is the daily grind of saying no to our selfish desires & temptations from the enemy and instead following the ways of the Lord.
- Let God’s Word… (15-16) Its gives eternal life and wisdom!
o Teach me – God’s ways are not my ways.
o Rebuke me – Bible constantly smacks me in the face when my heart or actions are wrong.
o Correct me – Sets me on the right course.
o Train me – It’s like a spiritual workout!
- Why? So God can use me! (17) Completely gives me all I need to serve the Lord!
SO WHAT?!
*Take the list at the beginning and go through it. Circle the top two things you’d like God to help you with. Commit them to prayer & practice over the next 30 days and watch God do some great things!
*What has the Bible taught you lately? How has it rebuked & corrected you? How are you being trained by it?
*If you’re a believer in Christ, take a moment right now and thank God that you are new creation, that you are being transformed and fro the fact that He will complete the good work He began in you & me!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

2 Timothy 2 DEVO: Discipline, Duty, Danger

Chapter 2:
Three points all starting with the same letter, sounds Baptist. But I think there are 3 ideas Paul is wanting to communicate to Timothy and this will help me remember!
First, he reminds Timmy to continually be strengthened by the grace of Christ – the good news of the Gospel! Never forget that you were hopeless and God stepped in & offered us hope! Next is probably the clearest verse on passing the discipleship baton in the new testament: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” From God to Jesus to Paul to Timothy to Reliable Men to Others! How does this happen? Paul gives four pictures of how to be strong in God’s grace in order to pass it on: Teacher, Soldier, Athlete, Farmer. And what is the common thread? DISCIPLINE! All of the occupations require patience & endurance looking for future reward! So, “Remember Jesus Christ….” (8) and be strong in grace!
Second, we have a duty: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Of all the great things that God has given us, none is more valuable than His Word! It is both a treasure we are to enjoy & a trust we are to take care of! And again, discipline is required, because spending daily time reading the Bible & praying may at times seem unglamorous or mundane. But in actuality, it is the greatest way to be drawn to God! And as we do so we become “an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
Finally, because our faith is a guarded treasure, there are dangers that lurk to destroy in – some from within and others from the outside. This requires both a turning from and a turning to: “FLEE the evil desires of youth, and PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace…” Sexual sin is a huge issue among students (and all people) and one we are called to run from – even though our emotions can often want to take over! Arguing & fighting put our usability in danger as well. The better response keeps our eyes on eternal things: “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
SO WHAT?!
*So, on the scale of laziness – disciplined, where do you land? How about spiritually? Are you keeping up with our daily readings? Takes discipline doesn’t it? (Just ask the guy who gave his word he would write daily devotions to go along with it! – hehe…) Ask God for help and then find a buddy to hold you accountable!
*How are you “correctly handling your Bible?” Can you explain the Gospel to another? If friends have life questions, can you go to your Bible and help them find wisdom & answers. There are no shortcuts here. It takes TIME with God in prayer and His Word. Lord, help us to be devoted to these!
*Which is easier for you: fleeing or pursuing? Why? If you do one without the other, can you fulfill verse 21? What “impure” things do you need to ask God to help you id yourself of today?

Monday, July 12, 2010

2 Timothy 1 DEVO: Unashamed

Introduction:
I love this letter! 2 Timothy is in my Top 5 Fave’s when it comes to books in the Bible! It wreaks with relationship, with discipleship and includes the final words of faithful servant Paul to one whom he is passing the baton of faith - Timothy!
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is much more personal as it was written near the end of his life. He knew his death was near (4:6-7) and because the Gospel was more important to Paul than even his life, he wanted to be sure Timothy would continue the message. He personally directs Timothy to maintain his spiritual passion (1:1-7) and to be a faithful partner of his suffering for the gospel (1:8-2:13). Paul warns again against false teachers (2:14-19) and urges Timothy to be a noble servant of Christ (2:20-26). Chapter 3:1-9 describes the conditions in the last days (we are in them). Then he gives Timothy his final charge (3:10-4:5). Paul was in prison and soon after this letter was written, he was beheaded for his faith. Paul knew Timothy would carry a heavy ministry responsibility in his absence and so he gives him these final words.

Chapter 1: Unashamed
If there is one word I would use to describe the apostle Paul it would be “unashamed.” From the moment he came to know Jesus (Acts 9) to his final recorded words, Paul clearly, boldly and proudly spoke of Jesus Christ his Savior. Timothy had the blessing to be around such a person as he traveled & ministered with Paul. There no other person whom Paul was closer to and whom he would rather hand off his ministry to. So he reminds Timothy of two things: His “sincere faith” and “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” Faith and serving God are a calling that requires “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” – and Timothy, you have what it takes! What encouraging words for Timothy to hear from his mentor!
He then tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel (8-12). Why repeat the Gospel to Timothy? Because it should never get old to any of us! We need always to remember, remember, remember what Jesus did for us!
Then, as mentor, Paul writes, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Stick to the truth you’ve learned form the scriptures Timmy, remember Jesus, be loving and let the Holy Spirit use you!
Finally, Paul reminds him there will be ups & downs in ministry: “everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” and “show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me…….was not ashamed of my chains…………in many ways he helped me”
SO WHAT?!
*Do you have a sense of mission? Every great man or woman of God has had this. Not selfish ambition for success, but to do your part in contributing to God’s purposes. Is Jesus, the Gospel, more important to us than even our lives? Lord, make Acts 20:24 true, not only in my life as student pastor, but in the lives of all who read this!
*How are you involved in passing the baton of faith? 2 Timothy contrasts Paul’s strengths with Timothy’s struggles. This is a mature believer training a younger believer. Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy? Each of us needs to be involved in passing the baton o faith to others. Are you? If not, ask your pastor or mentor their advice on how you can be!
*Ever been hurt in ministry? You stepped out to serve Jesus and got criticized or ridiculed or just plain ditched. Then you can relate to Paul……….oh, and to Jesus! Imagine where we’d be if the first time Jesus got criticized, He said I’m not doing this!~ Later in Chapter 3 Paul will write, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” Don’t let people or circumstances rob you of the joy in serving Jesus!

Friday, July 9, 2010

1 Timothy 6 DEVO: Properness with Bosses, Money & Trust

Chapter 6:
Yep – Paul continues with properness. Why? Because Timothy is young and needs to be reminded – and so do we!
He begins with “masters” – present day = bosses. We are to consider them “…worthy of full respect…” This term translates into diligent and faithful work to one’s employer. In other words, we are to work hard for our bosses, not playing around or being lazy when he’s not around. Doing that would be considered theft since it would mean stealing the labor that he is paying us for.
Next he addresses money. Apparently some were thinking that “…godliness was a means to financial gain.” The key here is contentment – just being satisfied with what you have. Sad, but not really our culture huh?! “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Money isn’t evil, for it has been invested in many great things of God, but the LOVE of it is! And true riches don’t involve money but being “…rich in good deeds…..generous and willing to share…”
Finally, Paul tells Timothy to guard the truth! The Word of God that you & I possess is invaluable and we are to guard it as we would our most precious possession!
SO WHAT?!
*So, how do you treat your boss? Maybe you don’t have one yet, but most of us at one point will and our attitude towards them is important. Colossians 3:23 says that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” So…..how ya’ doin’?
*How do you handle money? We often think, “how much of my money should I give to the LORD” when the real question should be, “How much of God’s money does He want me to keep and where does He want me to put the rest?”
*Finally, how are you guarding the truth God has given you in His word? Do you read it? Study it? Memorize it? Defend it? Share it?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

1 Timothy 5 DEVO: Properness with Widows & Elders

Chapter 5:
Ok, for the most part, it was my mom (sorry dad) who taught me properness. And I know, some of you are thinking she didn’t get the job done, but hey, that’s MY fault not hers!
Anyway, this chapter wreaks of properness. Timothy was a young man and needed to understand properness with those older whom he was going to have to correct. So Paul says “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.” And because Timmy was young & hormonal, Paul told him to “Treat…….younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” Good call Paul.
Then he addresses, in length, widows – those whose husband had died and were left without any means of support. Here’s the gist:
- If they have family, their family is to support them first.
- If no family to support them, the church should.
- Have to be at least 60 yrs old, faithful to husband & know for good deeds
- Younger widows are encouraged to remarry, have children, manage their homes
Paul then says of the elders (overseers, pastors) in the church:
- Pay them & honor them well for hard work
- Don’t let people bad talk them
- If an elder has sinned publically, he should be publically rebuked
- Don’t be partial or show favoritism
- Don’t be quick to make someone an elder
SO WHAT?!
*Our culture tends to treat older people as useless, old fashioned and out of touch with reality. While many older people may not understand the latest technology or movie, they have a deep vault of wisdom to pass on to the next generation. God certainly does not view them as invaluable and neither should we. So how do you treat your parents? Your grandparents? It says a lot about us. Find out who the widows are in your church and visit them or visit a nursing home if you can. It will humble you as well as give you a great opportunity to learn some wisdom!
*Guys – how do you treat the younger girls? Paul says with purity! Ya’ know how you do that? Think of them as your sister. What kind of a guy is gonna’ make a sensual advance on his sister – yikes!~!
*When was the last time you let your elders and pastor(s) know how much you appreciate their hard work? They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. So give ‘em some encouragement today!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

1 Timothy 4 DEVO: Truth & Influence Matters!

Chapter 4:
In today’s reading, Paul returns to addressing false teaching. “In the later times” (today - we’re in the later times), some people are gonna’ ditch God because they’ll buy into lies from the evil one! A true believer can’t ditch God but “make believers” can and will. The lies specifically mentioned here are that celibacy (staying single & not marrying) and what food you eat can save you. NOT – “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected…”
Paul then lists out how his readers can guard the truth of God:
- Warn against and point out sin (6a)
- Be a servant (6b)
- Know & obey the truth (6c)
- Avoid false teaching (7a)
- Discipline yourself in truth (7b-9)
- Work hard (10)
- Teach others to do the same (11)
- Model/live out the truth (12)
- Devote yourself to truth (13)
- Be sure you are using your gifts for Him (14)
- Be single-mindedly sold out (15)
Paul concludes with a great summary statement on influence: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
SO WHAT?!
*Although true believers can never be separated from the love of God, we can be deceived and our witness hindered. What lies are you tempted to buy into? How do they affect your relationship with Jesus and witness for Him?
*Ever been looked down upon because you’re young? Yeah, me too. It could be the theme song of many a student. Paul says the way to combat it is to “…set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” What kind of example are you & I setting in these areas?
*Watching my life & doctrine is a daily calling. It means we need to not only read God’s word, but know it, obey it, do it and help others do the same – DAILY! How are we doing? Remember, “…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.”

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

1 Timithoy 3 DEVO: Character Qualities for Leaders

Chapter 3:
As I read the qualifications Paul lists in this chapter, I think, who can be all these things?! Nobody! So God has to use unqualified peeps like you and me, but these character traits are listed for a reason. What is it? God is serious about His leaders! Though not perfectly, these traits are to characterize those who humbly lead in His kingdom!
“If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” – God’s leaders must first want to serve Him. Specifically here Paul is addressing “elders” – spiritual leaders in the church. They are to be:
- above reproach: blameless, not perfection, but pursuit
- husband of but one wife: a one-woman man,
- temperate: handles their emotions
- self-controlled: can say no to things, disciplined
- respectable: wouldn’t give Jesus a bad name
- hospitable: opens their home up, loves people
- able to teach: the Word of God
- not given to drunkenness: is not a boozer
- not violent but gentle: responds with self-control
- not quarrelsome: can work with others
- not lover of money: sees finances as a stewardship, not his own
- He must manage his own family well: if they can’t, why let them lead God’s family?!
- He must not be a recent convert: not trained enough yet to lead
- He must also have a good reputation with outsiders: it matters what your neighbors think
Then he lists qualifications for deacons (those who serve, more task oriented) and their wives (8-12). The only real difference between qualities for elders and deacons is that elders must be “able to teach.” And by the way, it totally matters what the spouse of a leader is like too!
Paul concludes by sharing that “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” What an encouraging byproduct for those who serve faithfully!
SO WHAT?!
*So why the big deal about our character? Because we are God’s representatives to an unbelieving world that needs to see Jesus in us! And by the way, even though this list is for those who serve as deacons & elders in a church, they are character qualities that God desires of all His kids! Take a moment today and go thru the list above and rate yourself. If you're bold, ask someone else to rate you. Then take your lowest one and ask God to help you work n it over the next 30 days. If you do one of these a mont, within a year you will have nearly covered them all.
*As a student pastor, whenever I put someone in leadership, I am basically saying “Be like them.” That’s a sobering thought for me and my fellow servant leaders. God is obviously not looking for the perfect, but He does seek FAT peeps and so do I! Faithful, Available & Teachable ones whom the Holy Spirit can do great things to and through! Ask God to help you be FAT today!

Monday, July 5, 2010

1 Timothy 2 DEVO: Evangelistic Prayer & Some Unpopular Verses

Chapter 2:
I considered titling this “Passion & Punches” but settled for a wimpier one – pretty sad huh?! We see in this chapter both Paul’s passion for the lost (ok, GOD”S passion) as well as his passion for proper worship. Both very relevant topics for today as well!
Paul begins by begging that “…requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority…” Now at the time, Nero was in power and this was a radical request from Paul! Because he was killing believers, few wanted to pray for Nero (ok, maybe for his death) and fewer wanted to give thanks for him! But Paul begs we do! Why? He lists two reasons:
- This is good and pleases God our Savior.
- Who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Paul’s life was a constant “soul patrol” because he was following the example of Jesus who “came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Then he addresses worship. The focus of our worship is to be on God alone and anything that would distract from that is to be removed – regardless of whether you’re male or female! Ok ladies, the focus here is not on the outward – “braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes…” – but on the inward – “dress modestly, with decency and propriety…. with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” – and the attitude of your heart – “in quietness and full submission” and “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Peter 3:3-6).
SO WHAT?!
*How’s your prayer life? What takes up the majority of your prayers? Is it stuff? Selfish requests? Paul’s prayer life shoed a passion for those who don’t know Christ! When was the last time you and I begged God for one of our friends who don’t know Jesus yet? Lord remind us daily to be praying for our unsaved family & friends!
*Ladies – do these verses bother you? They are reminders of God’s role for women. Men & women are all created equal in worth, but unequal in role. Are you fulfilling the role God has for you?
*Men – passages like these are not to be quoted by you to women. God did NOT give guys the role of leader because we are smarter or better. It is simply a role we are to be in. Are you fulfilling the role God has for you?

Friday, July 2, 2010

1 Timothy 1 DEVO: Beware, Be Thankful, Be Firm…

Introduction:
As with Titus, the letters of 1&2 Timothy are written to a young pastor. Timothy was a convert of Paul’s ministry (1:2) who traveled and ministered alongside Paul and was dear to his heart. Paul begins this first letter to Timothy by warning him against false teachers, possibly Judaizers (1:3-11). He thanks “Christ Jesus our Lord” for his amazing grace to “the worst of sinners.” (1:12-20). Chapter 2 is on instructions for church worship and Chapter 3 covers the qualifications of elders and deacons in the church. 4:1-5, deals again with guarding against false teachers, and 4:6-16 admonishes Timothy to maintain sound doctrine and sound discipline. Chapter 5 deals with widows in the church (3-16) and the treatment of elders (17-20). Chapter 6 instructs slaves (1-2), gives more warnings against false teachers (3-5) and the love of money (6-10), a personal charge to Timothy (11-16) and special instructions for the rich.

Chapter 1:
Teaching things about God that are not true is a big deal. It was in Paul’s time and it is today! Why? Because what we believe affects what we do and how we live. Because most of the Bible lessons that are taught (or I’ve heard) are taught by “non-pastors”, it’s important that Bible teachers “correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Paul begins by addressing a false teaching problem. He tells Timothy to “command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.” Superstitions, myths & legalism are meaningless and add to the good news of Jesus, which is about Grace – AMAZING GRACE! And whenever we stray from striving for a pure heart, a clear conscious and a sincere faith, we come up with our own ideas of God – totally not good.
Next, in humility, Paul gives thanks to God that He even allows him to do what he does! Verses 12-17 are so true of me and describe the gracious testimony of so many God has saved!!! Go GOD!
Finally, Paul knows Timothy needs perseverance in this spiritual battle, so he reminds him of his potential “the prophecies once made about you…” and tells him to hold on to “faith and a good conscience.” - Be firm!
SO WHAT?!
*I was in a small discipleship group with our college president Joe Wall. One of the things we would do each week was report back and discuss as to what was taught at each of our churches. One week, a fellow student told Dr. Wall that the message was on the feeding of the five thousand and how they picked up 12 basketfuls afterwards. Then, get this, he says that the teacher told everyone that the meaning of this story is that we should not litter – HA! Now don’t get me wrong, I believe we are to take care of this planet that God put us on, but that is NOT why Jesus told this story! Now, have I ever misinterpreted & taught a passage of scripture? Yep. I look at some of my early Bible studies and wonder – what was I thinking?!~! Dr Wall would take the word of God and show me where I was wrong & I’d learn. I was corrected. Are you teaching anything false about God that might lead others astray?
*When you read 12-17, do you think of “other” sinners or do you see yourself? Truth be known, all of us at one time were against God (Ephesians 2). Take a moment today and thank God!
*In what area of your life do you need strength to stand strong? Ask God today for that strength (Ps 46:1).

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Titus 3 DEVO: Remember Who You ARE!

Chapter 3:
Ok, I’ll admit it, I love the movie “Lion King” - for many reasons! There is one scene in the movie that especially sends me a reminder. It’s the scene where Rafiki (the crazy baboon) tells Simba that he knows who he is, “You’re Mufasa’s boy!” – and then he runs off. Simba chases him down and they meet by a pond. Rafiki tells him to look in the pond and tell him what he sees. Simba looks and sees a reflection of himself and doesn’t like what he sees. Then Rafiki saysm, “Loooook again…” This time when Simba looks he sees the reflection of his father and realizes he truly is the King’s Kid! As believers in Jesus, we are the King’s Kids and we need to never forget that! Paul does something similar as he writes to Titus here in chapter 3.
Paul first reminds him of who he USED to be: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” Before Jesus, this is true of all of us! BUT…..what a great next word…. “BUT when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” In the midst of my sinful, dead, helpless to do anything condition, GOD did something! By HIS mercy he saved me! Whoohoo!!!!!!! The GOSPEL!!!!!!! I am sooooo grateful! So how should I live as a result? “…be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” And hey - stay away from divisive people!
SO WHAT?
*I don’t know what you are dealing with today – maybe something has gotten you down. But whatever it is, wherever you are, do this: Remember Who You Are! If you have put your trust in Jesus as Savior, then you are the King’s Kid – you’re Royalty! So don’t let the enemy get you down!
*Take a couple minutes today and meditate on verses 4-7. Thank God for His amazing mercy and His amazing sacrifice of Jesus for us!
*What “good” are you involved in for the Lord??? If you’re not currently & regularly serving the Lord, check with your pastor to see how you can. I bet he’d love to have you come ask!!!