SCRIPTURE
Philem. 1:1 ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, ¶ To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
Philem. 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
Philem. 1:3 ¶ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philem. 1:4 ¶ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
OBSERVATION
Have you ever noticed that Paul the Apostle often made reference to his friends when he wrote a letter? It happens frequently and this letter is no exception. This book is actually addressed to a dear friend named Philemon.
Friends - are a gift from the Lord!
Good friends are hard to find but when you actually discover a good friend who wants to walk in close relationship, you have discovered a treasure.
Friends - are like tributaries - Not only do they carry worth but they also deposit valuable assets into a person life. Tributaries create great rivers. From all directions, those tributaries contribute to a river, feeding and making it grow. That sounds like the way people grow too - when they open up to the contribution from others.
Friends can speak into our lives and when these friends have the fruit of the Spirit, recorded in Galatians chapter 5, we become better people.
Remember: The company you keep will determine the path you take. 1 Cor. 15:33
APPLICATION
What kind of a friend are you to the people in your world? When they spend time with you, do they leave enriched? Encouraged? Edified? One person said: I enjoy all people - some when they come and others when they leave. When you carry with you the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will be a friend who is enjoyed at all times. Today let’s surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His directives. Galatians 5 tells us that when we do this, HE will produce the fruit that will provide the foundation for lasting relationships.
Remember: Friends are forever when they are rooted in Christ.
PRAYER
Father, help us to grow in our love for each other. Let us see how important people really are and may we become the friends that will enrich the lives of others.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Our Past is Gone
SCRIPTURE
Titus 3:3 ¶ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.
Titus 3:4 ¶ But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Titus 3:7 He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. NLT
OBSERVATION
Have you ever viewed at an old photograph of yourself and felt embarrassed because of the way you looked? If you are like me you may have wondered how anyone could let themselves dress and look that way.
Verse 3 is like an old picture of you and me before Christ took up residence in our lives. We weren’t a pretty sight.
The next few verses, (4-7) however, reveal that God has set himself to do an extreme make over for all those who will respond to His kindness and love. He begins to transform them from the inside out. He pours His Spirit into them and the process of change begins. Old things pass away and new things begin to appear (2 Corinthians 5:17) Gradually, if not suddenly, we begin to look different. Our attitude changes, our actions are altered, our motives become pure and our lives are filled with a new purpose. Just think, all this happens because of God’s kindness and love. It didn’t have anything to do with our goodness or performance. Thank you Jesus for salvation.
APPLICATION
I don’t plan on throwing my old embarrassing pictures away any time soon. (Yes I have some old albums with many - not so pretty pictures) I am making a conscious decision to keep them! Why, you may ask? Because when I look at my past, I remember where I came from and that creates a gratefulness for how far I have come. It tells me that change is possible.
I will not forget my B.C. days either because they remind me of God’s great love for me.
I may not be what I ought to be but I sure am not what I use to be - All because of His kindness and love. Romans 5:8
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for your grace and love. It is you kindness and mercy that has changed me. May I look more like you as I continue to grow in your holiness. You are beautiful.
Titus 3:3 ¶ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.
Titus 3:4 ¶ But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Titus 3:7 He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. NLT
OBSERVATION
Have you ever viewed at an old photograph of yourself and felt embarrassed because of the way you looked? If you are like me you may have wondered how anyone could let themselves dress and look that way.
Verse 3 is like an old picture of you and me before Christ took up residence in our lives. We weren’t a pretty sight.
The next few verses, (4-7) however, reveal that God has set himself to do an extreme make over for all those who will respond to His kindness and love. He begins to transform them from the inside out. He pours His Spirit into them and the process of change begins. Old things pass away and new things begin to appear (2 Corinthians 5:17) Gradually, if not suddenly, we begin to look different. Our attitude changes, our actions are altered, our motives become pure and our lives are filled with a new purpose. Just think, all this happens because of God’s kindness and love. It didn’t have anything to do with our goodness or performance. Thank you Jesus for salvation.
APPLICATION
I don’t plan on throwing my old embarrassing pictures away any time soon. (Yes I have some old albums with many - not so pretty pictures) I am making a conscious decision to keep them! Why, you may ask? Because when I look at my past, I remember where I came from and that creates a gratefulness for how far I have come. It tells me that change is possible.
I will not forget my B.C. days either because they remind me of God’s great love for me.
I may not be what I ought to be but I sure am not what I use to be - All because of His kindness and love. Romans 5:8
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for your grace and love. It is you kindness and mercy that has changed me. May I look more like you as I continue to grow in your holiness. You are beautiful.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Truth vs. Tradition
SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:1 ¶ You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
OBSERVATION
I remember a history teacher in high school who would not deviate from the facts of the past. He said many teachers try to rewrite history but the best way to learn is to stick to the truth - even though it may hurt. That is the principle taught here! There are those, however who teach a philosophy that originates in man and not on sound doctrine. The Pharisees were one such group. They were recognized as teachers but they taught their traditions at the expense of truth. (See 2 Tim 315-17)
Mark 7:8 ¶ For you ignore God’s specific laws and substitute your own traditions.”
Mark 7:9 ¶ Then he said, “You reject God’s laws in order to hold on to your own traditions.
Mark 7:13 As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others.”
When you seek to follow Jesus, make sure you are seeking for truth and not traditions. Truth is the only thing that will set you free. John 8:3.
APPLICATION
James 3:1 makes it clear that teachers are held to a very high standard. If you desire to be a teacher of His Word, you must come to God with an attitude of submission. You must be willing to adjust your lifestyle to truth and not try to adjust truth to your lifestyle. When you do this, freedom begins to happen - For us and others…
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be receptive to truth even though it may hurt at times.
Titus 2:1 ¶ You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
OBSERVATION
I remember a history teacher in high school who would not deviate from the facts of the past. He said many teachers try to rewrite history but the best way to learn is to stick to the truth - even though it may hurt. That is the principle taught here! There are those, however who teach a philosophy that originates in man and not on sound doctrine. The Pharisees were one such group. They were recognized as teachers but they taught their traditions at the expense of truth. (See 2 Tim 315-17)
Mark 7:8 ¶ For you ignore God’s specific laws and substitute your own traditions.”
Mark 7:9 ¶ Then he said, “You reject God’s laws in order to hold on to your own traditions.
Mark 7:13 As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others.”
When you seek to follow Jesus, make sure you are seeking for truth and not traditions. Truth is the only thing that will set you free. John 8:3.
APPLICATION
James 3:1 makes it clear that teachers are held to a very high standard. If you desire to be a teacher of His Word, you must come to God with an attitude of submission. You must be willing to adjust your lifestyle to truth and not try to adjust truth to your lifestyle. When you do this, freedom begins to happen - For us and others…
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be receptive to truth even though it may hurt at times.
Monday, June 30, 2008
An Example Worth Following
SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. NAS
OBSERVATION
Do I provide an example of good deeds for others to benefit from? That's the question I had to ask myself when I read these verses. We are reminded in this book that God has designed us to affect others so we dare not live our lives as if we are on an island - unattached to people. The way we live our lives can be a positive influence if we live like Christ and seek to be and example. One person said that everyone is an example: some show us what to do and others what not to do. Which one are you? Paul tells us to be an example in the positive sense.
When I think of the term ‘example’ I am reminded of Baskin Robbins. Every time I visit that establishment, I am asked if I would like to ‘sample’ something. A ‘sample’ gives a taste of what you will receive if you decide to purchase the specific item. In similar fashion: to be an’ example’ shows people what will happen if they choose to follow. When you do good deeds for the right reasons, at the right time and in a right way, God can work through you and lead others to fruitfulness
APPLICATION
I really want these two verses to become a reality in my life. How about you?
May we not succumb to the old saying: Do as I say and not as I do - If we practice what we preach, no one will be able to point a finger at us or have anything negative to say. If we provide a positive example for others to follow, our opponent will experience defeat! That’s enough motivation for me!
PRAYER
O Lord show us how to live in such a way that will honor you and reveal your glory to others.
Titus 2:7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. NAS
OBSERVATION
Do I provide an example of good deeds for others to benefit from? That's the question I had to ask myself when I read these verses. We are reminded in this book that God has designed us to affect others so we dare not live our lives as if we are on an island - unattached to people. The way we live our lives can be a positive influence if we live like Christ and seek to be and example. One person said that everyone is an example: some show us what to do and others what not to do. Which one are you? Paul tells us to be an example in the positive sense.
When I think of the term ‘example’ I am reminded of Baskin Robbins. Every time I visit that establishment, I am asked if I would like to ‘sample’ something. A ‘sample’ gives a taste of what you will receive if you decide to purchase the specific item. In similar fashion: to be an’ example’ shows people what will happen if they choose to follow. When you do good deeds for the right reasons, at the right time and in a right way, God can work through you and lead others to fruitfulness
APPLICATION
I really want these two verses to become a reality in my life. How about you?
May we not succumb to the old saying: Do as I say and not as I do - If we practice what we preach, no one will be able to point a finger at us or have anything negative to say. If we provide a positive example for others to follow, our opponent will experience defeat! That’s enough motivation for me!
PRAYER
O Lord show us how to live in such a way that will honor you and reveal your glory to others.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Jonah 4:11
But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
OBSERVATION
God was concerned about Nineveh. Why? They were not part of Israel and they did not follow God's ways. At first it seems strange that God would send a prophet to them when they are so far from the focus of the Old Testament. And yet, God says, He is concerned because of the souls that are there -- He even says that He is concerned about the cattle.
Sometimes the picture of God that we are stuck with is a picture of a judging, angry God. And yet here we see that God's first response to Nineveh is to give it a second chance! I am reminded of the New Testament when Jesus speaks about the one lost sheep in Matthew 18. He is more concerned about the lost then He is about the found!
APPLICATION
My heart needs to be softened to be like God's heart. I walk around judging people and assuming the worst. He walks around figuring out ways to SAVE people! Mercy and compassion must characterize my life, not just be fancy ideas.
PRAYER
Lord, give me your eyes and your heart for the lost of the world. Your compassion is great, help me to be someone who shares that compassion and pursues the one lost with great energy. Amen.
Jonah 4:11
But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
OBSERVATION
God was concerned about Nineveh. Why? They were not part of Israel and they did not follow God's ways. At first it seems strange that God would send a prophet to them when they are so far from the focus of the Old Testament. And yet, God says, He is concerned because of the souls that are there -- He even says that He is concerned about the cattle.
Sometimes the picture of God that we are stuck with is a picture of a judging, angry God. And yet here we see that God's first response to Nineveh is to give it a second chance! I am reminded of the New Testament when Jesus speaks about the one lost sheep in Matthew 18. He is more concerned about the lost then He is about the found!
APPLICATION
My heart needs to be softened to be like God's heart. I walk around judging people and assuming the worst. He walks around figuring out ways to SAVE people! Mercy and compassion must characterize my life, not just be fancy ideas.
PRAYER
Lord, give me your eyes and your heart for the lost of the world. Your compassion is great, help me to be someone who shares that compassion and pursues the one lost with great energy. Amen.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Give It Away, But Guard It With Your Life!
SCRIPTURE
(IITim. 1:13&14) "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."
OBSERVATION
To retain something is to work hard at maintaining possession of it. Paul instructs Timothy to work hard at maintaining possession of sound doctrine or the teachings he has given him. He says to guard it as a valuable treasure entrusted to him. And yet in the letter to the church at Phillipi, Paul says he was poured out as an offering in service of his faith. Should we guard the treasure or give it away?
APPLICATION
What looks like it could be a dichotomy is really an instruction to maintain the integrity of the teachings of Christ. Paul actually wants the believer to give the hope that lies within them away to a sinful or needy world. This treasure is unending and transforming. If we live to give this treasure, we will see the kingdom of God manifest right before our eyes.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to maintain the holiness of Your Word, and I want to pour it out on a contaminated world and see your transforming power.
(IITim. 1:13&14) "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."
OBSERVATION
To retain something is to work hard at maintaining possession of it. Paul instructs Timothy to work hard at maintaining possession of sound doctrine or the teachings he has given him. He says to guard it as a valuable treasure entrusted to him. And yet in the letter to the church at Phillipi, Paul says he was poured out as an offering in service of his faith. Should we guard the treasure or give it away?
APPLICATION
What looks like it could be a dichotomy is really an instruction to maintain the integrity of the teachings of Christ. Paul actually wants the believer to give the hope that lies within them away to a sinful or needy world. This treasure is unending and transforming. If we live to give this treasure, we will see the kingdom of God manifest right before our eyes.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to maintain the holiness of Your Word, and I want to pour it out on a contaminated world and see your transforming power.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I Just Want to be Happy!
SCRIPTURE
(I Tim. 6:6&9) "But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. . . But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction."
OBSERVATION
Paul is instructing the younger Timothy on the destructive vises that tend to tempt most people and lead them astray. He wants Timothy to instruct the believers that an attitude of contentment paired with God honoring actions leads to true fulfillment in life.
APPLICATION
How often do marriages end because one of the spouses is not "happy" and they believe God wants them to be "happy." They deserve to be "happy." When asked for specifics of what happiness is, these discontent individuals have no idea of what they are running after. They are just looking for a feeling. When feelings dictate our choices destruction is just around the corner. Seek to live in a godly manner and chose to be content in the provisions and direction of the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, by faith I believe that You will provide all my needs. I will be content with Your plans and direction for my life. Give me Your discernment to know your direction and the specifics of what it means to be trully "happy."
(I Tim. 6:6&9) "But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. . . But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction."
OBSERVATION
Paul is instructing the younger Timothy on the destructive vises that tend to tempt most people and lead them astray. He wants Timothy to instruct the believers that an attitude of contentment paired with God honoring actions leads to true fulfillment in life.
APPLICATION
How often do marriages end because one of the spouses is not "happy" and they believe God wants them to be "happy." They deserve to be "happy." When asked for specifics of what happiness is, these discontent individuals have no idea of what they are running after. They are just looking for a feeling. When feelings dictate our choices destruction is just around the corner. Seek to live in a godly manner and chose to be content in the provisions and direction of the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, by faith I believe that You will provide all my needs. I will be content with Your plans and direction for my life. Give me Your discernment to know your direction and the specifics of what it means to be trully "happy."
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