Remind me

DEVOTION
TITUS
REMIND ME
Titus 3:3-6
3 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. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
NIV
Maybe it is a good thing to be reminded how I once was. Maybe it also is a good thing to remind others how they were once, although I do not think I would ever forget, nor would my fellow believers. Yet it would seem God is doing just that within the text of this section. He is reminded all of us. I wonder if I do not get catch up in self- righteous thinking and forget from where I came. Of course I still am not perfect, not that I voluntarily engage in this foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslavement to passions and pleasures behavior, but I cannot say that I do not sin anymore either, as I have heard some say. So it is good to be reminded and refocused on the kindness and love of God who saved me, not because of any righteous thing I ever did, or may be doing now. The only reason I am saved is because of his mercy. I have no self-qualifications at all. I never did, and I never will. If I even think for one moment that I have attain a sinless life, or perfection in the life, than of what value is Christ to me, for I could save myself. I am so thankful for the mercy of God, for I surely needed it back then when I was exactly as these words describe, and I am still in need for I have yet to reach that sinless state of perfection. I am convinced, without the mercy of God, I would already be dead and I would have been dead in sin and thus I would have perished. But because of Christ, the mercy of God, I have been born again, I have experienced rebirth and I am in the process of being renewed by the Holy Spirit each and every day of my new life. How wonderful that is! And, not only has he poured out the Spirit, but he is not stingy, but he has poured out the Spirit until it is overflowing in my life, which means more than I could ever imagine. What a glorious empowering action by Jesus Christ upon me and all who dare to believe. My focus is no longer on the life of disobedience, but on the life God desires for me. I fail, I fall, but I do not ever refocus my attention on my past ways. I remain determined to follow my Lord and my God, to live in a manner that is worthy of my calling, to live to a higher standard with the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for reminded me.

Remind the People

DEVOTION
TITUS
REMIND THE PEOPLE
Titus 3:1-2
3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
NIV
Does God actually think as a believer I would not subject myself to the laws of the land, or that any of my fellow believers would not as well? Maybe so, and that is why I am reminded as well as instructed to remind the others. I think we all need to keep reminding the others, especially when we are in our cars. Surely that was not a problem when this was written, and the rulers and authorities had far greater power over the life and death of their subjects then they do today. However these rulers and authorities of today still have power to make laws which affect the way in which we interact within society. But what about the laws which might well forbid prayer in school or any other prayer or action which would be said is in violation of separation of church and state? Does the “I answer to a higher power” hold water in light of this reminder? It seems to me the higher power has said to be subject to the rulers and authorities and to obey, and do whatever is good. It would seem I should not, and I should remind others that we should not slander anyone, even those rulers who we strongly disagree with in regard to their ideologies and policies. I think living peaceably and considerate in our society is not that difficult. I think I have failed at times, openly being vocal about my discord and disgust with some of the rulers and authorities. Our society surely permits such open discussion, under the guise of free speech, opposing and even defaming the character and policies of those in authority, but the Word of God does not. In this culture it is more than appropriate to cast my vote privately opposing the current ruler, but it is not appropriate for me or any other believer to openly oppose them in interactions with others. I think that does not show true humility toward all men, in fact, I think it shows quite the opposite, pride. In light of this reminder, it is time to take a stand, it is time to be who God declares I should be, and to remind my fellow believers of the same course expected of them by our Lord and God. I will consider myself reminded, and I will continue to remind the people.

Teaching Always

DEVOTION
TITUS
TEACHING ALWAYS
Titus 2:15
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
NIV
I will teach those things, when the time is presented and the Spirit has directed or appointed the right time, but still I think it should be something which may well be taught all the time in the course of regular conversation. It may not always need the formal setting of a classroom to teach, but simply the gathering of believers for any occasion. I think all too often I hear nothing but meaningless chatter about either sports, weather, the children, or grandchildren, or even about some aches and pains rather than useful discussion about the Word of God. It seems that gossip, even cloaked in the form of prayer request, takes precedence over meaningful conversation regarding the truths of God. It is almost as if some believers dare not venture into the truth for fear of learning something about their own self. These are the moments of truth for me. Do I dare take the initiative and just change the course of conversation toward the word, or do I just sit and listen. I think I must dare. Why do they think I am so strange because I am not a sports fan, or watch any of those reality shows? Why is there such a push away from talking about politics, the environment or even religion? These are the times I must dare to teach, and to encourage them in the word. Take the leap and be different, obeying the calling on my life. Be bold and take on the difficult situations, but in an encouraging way and not a confrontation manner. Yet how do I rebuke without being confrontational? If I do that with authority I think they might get the opinion I think I am better than them or that I am a know-it-all. Yet it is with authority that I must take the lead in times of gatherings either formal or not, and teach, encourage, and rebuke when the Spirit speaks to my heart. How can I not talk about God, about Jesus, and what he has done for me, and what he has done in me, and what he is doing through me? How can I not encourage them to think about what God has done for them, and in them and is doing through them? I would be remiss in not engaging them in those thoughts, rather than sit and listen to those meaningless words of things in this world. Why is some much time taken up talking about the perishable when there is so much to talk about the imperishable? The call is clear and I must do what I must do and let the despise fall where it may. I must be teaching always.

Eager

DEVOTION
TITUS
EAGER
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
NIV
God’s gracious act of sending Jesus to die on the cross has appeared to all men, and all of them have the choice to accept that gracious act for salvation or to refuse to accept it. No question about that at all. This grace, Jesus, the gospel message does itself teaches me to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions. It is the self within my which presses toward those things, therefore I like all others who consider themselves believers must learn to control the self and live self-controlled, upright and a godly life in this wicked age. The most difficult part of being a follower of Christ is to control the self. I believe it is the strongest of temptations. I cannot blame this one on the devil for it is within my own being. God knows all about that for he has declared that my heart is deceitfully wicked and is bent toward evil. True, I am a new creature, a new being having been born again, but that old self fights so hard to continue its reign over me. Therefore that is the reason I am to control my own self, to bring an end to its reign and to control it instead of it controlling me. All else pales in comparison to this action of controlling self for outward actions can be judged by others, but the self can only be judged by God and by me. Now I believe it is true that is the self is so far out of control it will result in outward action which certainly will be noticed and judged by others as doing wrong. So it is the inward struggle, the war which wages within which stands as the hardest to battle. The need of the Holy spirit in this battle is absolutely essential,l for how can the self battle against itself and win? It is also wonderful to know that Jesus redeemed me from all wickedness and he has purified me for himself, to be his people and to be eager to do what is good. It is through the actions of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that I am who I am and that I am eager to please him, and to live a life doing what is good in his sight. I will never attain perfection until I step into eternity, but I can still control those forces which fight against my being all that he intents for me to be with the help of the Holy Spirit. I know without question to that end I am eager.

Live it and Teach it

DEVOTION
TITUS
LIVE IT AND TEACH IT
Titus 2:9-10
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
NIV
It is a cinch we done have any slaves in this country anymore, but I am sure there are somewhere, except I am not there and so I cannot apply this to them, but I still should see something here for me, as God is eternal and his words apply to all believers for all of eternity. Most of us Americans I think see this as employees rather than slaves, although it some jobs may seem like slavery. Yet in the Greek this word actually implies one who gives himself up wholly to another’s will. That would therefore include an employee who has agreed to comply with the will or rules and regulations of the employer. This is standard set out here is especially directed to a believer who is under the employ of another who may well not be a believer. I do wonder if Titus was a perfect man, not ever breaking any of the commands of God. It would seem he is supposed to teach all this, as I believe I am as well as a host of other people in the body of Christ today and yet I do not think any of us could say we have not broken some command, if not many. How can the imperfect teach perfection? Yet here it still is, the standard for Christians who have voluntarily placed themselves under the authority of their boss. At some point in time I need to teach this truth, about be subject, not talking back, trying to please the company, doing the very best at whatever is the believers responsibility within the company. This stealing thing goes way past taken stuff which belongs to the company, but it also implies stealing time, being lazy about work, not being productive, not giving one hundred percent. All the doing really has no result, of course, unless the boss, the employer, the company knows the believer is follower of Christ. If it is known, the all this great behavior should be attributed to Christ’s influence upon the employee. Although I have spent time being the employer, I also have spent time being the employee and some of that time as a believer. I think I have been both what God expected of me, and what he did not. Yet, here I am today, and this truth still stands and I am still supposed to live it and teach it.

Having Some Effect

DEVOTION
TITUS
HAVING SOME EFFECT
Titus 2:6-8
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
NIV
I think the stronger application of the Greek word is invoke or exhort the young men to be self-controlled and I do not think I can escape that responsibility. I am not sure how in this culture either the older women or the men can impart any instruction on the younger ones. There seems to be such a head strong attitude within the younger generation of knowing all things, and the elders are just a bunch of old people stuck in the past ways of doing things. Yet, we older still have been instructed by God to teach, encourage, exhort, and invoke the younger to a life worthy of God. I also believe it requires, as it says here, for us older ones to set an example by doing what is good. This is walking the talk. It surely is one thing to tell them how they should live; it is entirely another thing to live as I tell them to. Teaching by example has to be the best way, even though that example is not a perfect one nor can it ever be, Jesus was the only perfect example. Instruction in the Word of God should be taken lightly. I must have the integrity, the honesty in what it says, not giving in to the modern concepts of the new ways. This is serious business to instruct others. God holds those who teach and preach to a higher standard. Declaring His word has to be done with soundness of speech, which surely requires the leading of the Holy Spirit. No fades, or fluff and puff, good sounding, feel good messages can stand the test. That kind of talking can be condemned and the world sees right through those false teachers who spew out that garbage. But if I simply teach the straight truth of the scripture, what is says is plain and without fault, I cannot be condemned by anyone. What I teach or preach and what I write is not for my own personal gain, but so that maybe, just maybe I might influence someone to live a life worthy of Christ and that I might be a useful servant of my Lord, benefiting the Kingdom of God in some way. So I must press on to encourage, setting an example, to show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech in hopes of having some effect.

Here The Call

DEVOTION
TITUS
HERE THE CALL
Titus 2:3-5
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
NIV
There certainly isn’t anything here for me except the teaching part which is pretty self-explanatory. But it does present an awesome responsibility to the teacher, especially if that teacher is a young man. But being not young, I still see it falls on me to teach these older, and I dare not establish an age range for fear of offending, even in my own devotion. But nevertheless if a women falls into the category of older women it would be wise of me to instruct them to be reverent in the way the live. Does that imply some do not? Does it also imply that God thinks older women spend too much time gossiping about the affairs of others and I am to instruct them of the error of that nonsense? That is a difficult task to do without being accusatory. I suppose it is alright for these women to take a glass of wine from time to time, but just not become dependent on that wine for finding some solace or form of relief from their age. Teaching what is good sure makes a better relationship than instructing what is bad. Yet it is clear these older woman have a healthy responsibility on their own hearts. God expects them to train younger woman to love their husbands and children. I think it is interesting the Greek word used here for love is defined as fond of man, or affectionate as a wife. So many times I think woman say a husband is instructed to love his wife, but the wife is not instructed to love her husband, but only submit. Here is evidence to the opposite. A woman is instructed to love her husband. But it does not stop here for the responsibility of these older woman, for they must also train the younger to be self-controlled and pure. They must train them to be busy at home, taking care of the needs of their husband and children. They have to train them to be kind and as well as loving their husbands they need to be subject to them as well. That is a fair better message coming from older women than from any man, much less me. But it does give a clear call to these older women regarding how they should interact with younger women instead of clinging to their own age group only. And it calls for a clear role here to do this training so the word of God is maligned. The best I can do is to bring this message to those women who are older and pray they hear the call.

Teach and Learn

DEVOTION
TITUS
TEACH AND LEARN
Titus 2:1-2
2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
NIV
I am not sure if I should be doing the teaching here or the listening, but of course both would be to my advantage. I believe without question I should teach, that is my calling from God, but at the same time I should learn as well. Being an older man I especially should take heed of the qualities described here. I think the original Greek lists uses words like sober, grave, and temperate which somehow I have a difficult time seeing them in this translation. So if I am to be sober, or in the Greek be circumspect, I need to be careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. Or in order words, I should be prudent. Prehaps younger men jump head long into situations without much though or consideration, but I think older men have has more experience with negative outcomes it would be a natural thing for us to consider all the scenarios before acting, but with these words of encouragement maybe older men jump before thinking too. I wonder if older men do act in ways that would not gain them respect. I think as an older man I should conduct myself in a honorable manner so as to be an example to the younger men. Although I still have a passion for the truth and maybe even get a little over jealous in my expression of that truth, I also need to be a little moderate in my opinion or passion, that is not be argumentative, but also not given in to unsound doctrine. I still need to stand my ground. I should also have a healthy attitude, a well manner of thinking, not corrupt in my moral conviction or in my absolute reliance on Christ for my salvation. No problem, I have not one doubt about Jesus being the only way. Now to love in this benevolent way, this agape love requires really putting the best interest of others before me. This is what Jesus did on the cross. It certainly is more than just saying I love you to someone. I am not sure I have been as successful at this as I should be, but I am still a work in progress and I can still get better at this agape love. At least I can say I am steadfast, and I have constancy in my ways with Jesus. I do not waver in my thinking; I am not swayed from the truth by any of those silver tongued wolves in sheep’s clothing. Yes I am sure about it, I am to teach and learn.

Pure or Contaminated

DEVOTION
TITUS
PURE OR CONTAMINATED
Titus 1:14-16
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
NIV
It would seem a person is either in or out, a true believer or not one at all. What is the difference between pure and corrupted? I think it is pretty clear that I am either clean or I am contaminated. The only thing which would contaminate or corrupt me would be the thinking of the world. If I accept the ideas, philosophy’s, and lifestyle of the world I surely would be contaminated from the pure faith and belief in my Lord. All the ways of the world, not just the illegal or immoral actions most believers think is bad, but all the ways of the world corrupt. Even the planning for retirement, the storing up of money, the investing it into companies which work against the Gospel for the sake of lining pockets with Gold is a corrupt concept of the world, not of God. If man’s heart is deceitfully wicked, always bend on self-pleasure of some form, how could I be a pure believer, if I adopted any of their thinking? How could I love both God and money? How could I love both God and this world? Sure I need things like all people do, but instead of serving the ways of the world and endeavor to attain those things myself, I need only to be pure and trust me God and he will provide all I need and more. I certainly do not what to be known as someone who only claims to know God, but lives just like all the other people who do not believe. Sure, I still fall in some areas of life. I do still have temptations which overcome me at times and I am not convinced that is being corrupt or contaminated, but merely being human, not divine. God knows my mind and my conscience. He knows how I am and my desires to be pure and acceptable in his sight. Of course the only reason I am is because of Christ. But I also have to live in accordance with his plan and purpose. If I am tainted by the ways of the world, what good am I to him? How can I preach or teach or write about his truth, if I live in accordance with the ways of the world? If I trust in filthy lucre instead of him, I am useless and unfit for any good in his kingdom. I must be pure.

Declare The Truth

DEVOTION
TITUS
DECLARE THE TRUTH
Titus 1:10-15
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach — and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.
NIV
Is this a warning to all believers, to me about being a rebellious person? Am I to examine myself and see if I am nothing more than a mere talker and deceiver? Or should I look out for such people who proclaim Christianity but preach and teach a different gospel? I think the latter is at my best interested for I know in my heart I am not a mere talker nor am I a deceiver for I proclaim the true gospel of Christ. I know in my heart I have no such ambition for dishonest gain, but only to do what my Lord desires of me and to do that in order to benefit the Kingdom of God rather than my own self. I know there is great history regarding this whole section about the Cretans and there supposed prophet, but I need to see how that deals with my life in the present. I believe if I encounter someone who certainly defames the true message of the gospel I should rebuke them sharply. That should be the command of every true believer, not just me, but I should be ready, willing and able to speak up for the truth when some would rather pay homage to tradition instead. I am amazed at the variety of doctrines and beliefs which have infiltrated the body of believers, even beliefs which belong to the ways of the world rather than the ways of God. Maybe the reason is this traditional idea of departmentalization, being Christian in the spirit and acting sort of like one when with other believers, but then having a life outside of the church which rather mimics the concepts and ways of the world. The spiritual and physical having their own separate ways is not the true gospel. Why would I what to adopt any belief system which comes from those who reject the truth? Why would I even try to find something in the scripture to justify my accepting their worldly ways? I know if the message they preach is not from the holy word of God than I know they have rejected the truth and I should not only refuse to hear and ascribe to their way of thinking, but I should rebuke them, speak up against them, loud and clear, so that any who might be influenced by their message could be sound in their faith. Way too many believers, I fear, have been drawn down the path of tradition rather than truth. Many have fallen prey to the theory of departmentalization of life. Many have been deceived into believing they can live both in the world and in the Kingdom, having dual citizenship. I must be true to the Word of God, and declare the message.

More To Go

DEVOTION
TITUS
MORE TO GO
Titus 1:7-9
7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
NIV
So, yesterday was the bad and today the good, sounds like it should have been the good, bad and the ugly. Rather I must be found of guests, which actually I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes I think that is what we are supposed to do, have more guests into our home, demonstrate the Christian life, than there are times all I want to be is alone, just my family. Not sure if this is the idea here, or this is about guests in church. I think I love what is good, rather than what is bad. If I am a lover of good do I promote virtue? Maybe sometimes, but maybe not all the times and I wonder if that qualifies. I think I miss the mark on the self-controlled issue from time to time as well. I try to be self-controlled and not allow situations to dictate my attitudes and behavior, but not all the time, I have to admit. I think the Greek word carries more of an implication of being moderate in my opinions and passions and that I think I am not. Should I change? Is down wrong the opposite of upright? I think I can say I try with all my heart to observe the divine law of God as well as the laws of men, not the self-righteous regulations of men, but the laws of society. I endeavor to be acceptable to God, to be holy, but surely this cannot imply that a man can truly be completely free from all sin all the time, which would then make him a perfect man. Who can attain such status? If I am even to attempt such a lofty goal I absolutely need to be disciplined in my inner most being. I need to be able to master, control, curb and restrain all temptations all the time. A task designed for the Spirit, not for the flesh. I wonder if my heart is deceitfully wicked telling me I am alright when I am not, justify, rationalizing and excusing attitudes and behaviors which are not correct. It takes honest evaluation within and that is what all these devotions are about, making me contemplate regarding the truth. I truly believe I have no problem holding firm to the trustworthy message and I believe I spend time encouraging others with sound doctrine and I don’t think I have any issues with refuting those who oppose it, so all in all I am not too bad stacking up to this list, but I still have more to go.

More On The Spirit, Less On The Flesh

DEVOTION
TITUS
MORE ON THE SPIRIT, LESS ON THE FLESH
Titus 1:6-9
7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
NIV
I have not seen much difference in the elder and overseer before but it does seem there is a difference. That elder was a larger position in the early church and here this superintendent it would seem has even more qualifications than the elder. I do think it is interesting neither of the Greek words imply in any way a pastor or shepherd of the flock. I know scripture talks about that calling, but here it does not seem to be the case. So how do I apply any of this to me? I suppose any man of God ought to hold himself up to all the qualifications laid out for any place of leadership as each and every man is the head, the priest of his household if of no other group. I think it is very difficult to live in a manner that I could not be accused of anything not Christ-like, for blameless means just that, to not be accusable. Maybe I have been overbearing, but I think the Greek says it better as self-willed or arrogant, which in that case I am not sure I am totally like that, but may have moments from time to time, but then I have not yet attained perfection either. I know I should not excuse myself either. I think as a general rule I am pretty even tempered although at times with certain people who seem to attempt to get my goat on purpose I might get a little quick-tempered and I know I need to make a greater effort in that area. Once I was drunk, but that was once, and that was way before knowing Christ, and I don’t think it is a good thing for any man of God to have so much he becomes drunk, which I think does lead to violence in a sense. I don’t know why some interpret greed as not pursuing dishonest gain, for even pursuing honest gain can be greed, if it a primary pursuit. The rest of this list stating the good, godly qualities that a man of God should have surely need to be plastered on the morning mirror and engraved in my heart and mind. Maybe I should deal with them in the morning of tomorrow examining myself in more detail as to how I stack up, but than that might take a whole book rather than devotion. But in both the bad and the good, I need to depend more on the Spirit and less on the flesh.

Truth Over Tradition

DEVOTION
TITUS
TRUTH OVER TRADITION
Titus 1:5-6
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
NIV
There is always unfinished business when it comes to the administration of the truth of God. I am not sure any one man can straighten out what is left unfinished, although I suppose in this sense it was to set up the leadership roles of a local group of believers so there would be some semblance of order, for without order there would be chaos. If there was no leadership there would be far more division than there is. I believe it is a principle of God to establish, to appoint elders in every local assembly. This Greek word actually is the base word for presbyter. These are not the pastors of the local church, but rather a senior man, a member of a greater consul, a word Paul knew well because the Jews used that word for the Sanhedrin. These were men who would report to each other and perhaps Paul as to the condition of all the little local churches in their towns. So how does this relate to me, my life, and my walk with the Lord? I understand these men had to meet certain requirements; however one of them was not attend a bible school. I understand man has deformed and defamed this position from what God originally intended it to be, yet how does this relate to me? I know I should be in a sense spiritually subject to those who God has appointed over the church. But I think that is the point, who God has appointed and not who men have appointed based on their education received from either seminary or the Bible College of their denomination. I think the qualification of being blameless has a much larger obligation. I do not think I have a problem with authority if it is from God, but I know I struggle greatly with authority which has been devised by men. I do not think that many of the men who occupy this position in the church actually qualify based on these mentioned requirements. It is not just him, but it must be his whole family that meets the requirements of God. I will recognize men as elders when the Spirit of God bears witness to them within my spirit, otherwise I shall look to God and God alone until that time comes. Sure I have to work within the framework of the local church, being a part of the body, doing what God has called me to do. Yes I have to live within the structure set up by the leadership of the local church God has placed me in. I am not sure yet if I should buck the system, call out the ways in which the church functions more like a business than like the body of Christ. I am not sure yet if I am ready to call out the man devised system of appointing. But I know the time will come when I must render the truth over tradition.

Fatherhood

DEVOTION
TITUS
FATHERHOOD

Titus 1:4
4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
NIV
There is something to be said about being a true son in a common faith. I had a spiritual father, but he left the faith many years ago and returned to the world of science. However during my infancy, he was there to disciple me to a point. I was blessed, however to have other men who were further along in the faith than I who mentored me, and in a sense fathered me, until I became mature in my faith. Now from the other view, I have been a spiritual father to a few, and I did in the first, when we were in close relationship mentor and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. But I think I have failed since then and have not kept in tune with some of them as far as their spiritual growth. That is a flaw in my personality which God has not brought about a significant change yet. I wonder if perhaps he is at work right now, through this verse. Maybe I should be making more of an effort to allow him access to make that change. I do think for the most part those I think of who would be considered my spiritual sons are strong in their faith and have been doing things for the kingdom. I wonder how long Paul kept in contact and how often with those who he considered his spiritual sons. Times were different then, communication was far more difficult than today. What effort would a text message be? Or how hard would a phone call be, or an email? Life is filled with so many distractions. Now again, I may not have fathered some men, but have mentored them and been as a father to them in the common journey of faith, so I should not be too harsh on myself. I have failed in some areas, but I have been successful in some as well. It is a journey, I am still learning, and growing myself. Without question I still need all the grace and peace I can get from the Father and Christ Jesus my Savior, which is all I really need.

My Part

DEVOTION
TITUS
MY PART
Titus 1:1-3
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
NIV
Let me just deal with the first part of the introduction today. I think each and every believer should identify in part with this. I certainly have to in the sense that whatever I am called to do within the body of Christ I am called for the faith of all the others. Surely God calls his people for a personal salvation, and so each believer might have a personal relationship with him and gain eternal life, which the rest of this introduction is speaking to, but yet we are not these islands of personal salvation. I have been brought into the family of God for an expressed reason. God recruited me to work in his kingdom for his purposes. This purpose is for the benefit of other believers. Just as all the illustrations of the members of a human body to the members of the body of Christ, all of us are dependent on the other, each having to do his or her part. I have to function within the body for the whole body to function as God intended it to. I do wonder at times how more members can be added, in the sense are there any duplication to parts, or is the body so unlimited in parts there could never be enough. But I have to stay focused on my part, what I have been called to be, to do. If I do that which I am supposed to than I know I am fulfilling his plan. I also have to continue to explore the knowledge of the truth for my own life as well. I must study the scriptures and learn from God because it does lead to godliness. The false truths of this world lead away from godliness, but his word leads me to it and helps my faith and my hope for eternal life. I think the more distracted by the world I get, the farther away from believing in eternal life I get. The voices ring so loudly in the ways of the world, I need to forever be gaining more knowledge and faith in the ways of God, staying focused on him and his plan for my life. The more I know of him, the more I see the works of his hands. He continues to influence my heart and direct my paths. He walks before be with the light showing me the way to travel. His word is that light, and I believe he has also entrusted to me to shine that light on others. He is doing his part, I must do my part.

For Ever and Ever

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
FOR EVER AND EVER
2 Tim 4:16-18
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV
What is it with Christian fellowship? Why would all those who worked and served so diligently with Paul desert him when he was being on trial for his actions prompted by his faith? I have seen firsthand some act in this manner today when someone falls and is found out. Not only a desertion but a down right shunning. That age old “they shoot horses, don’t they?” phase seems to apply. I try my best not to be a deserter nor do I hope, if the occasion ever arises, that those who know me will not desert me. But still humans will be humans and I think self-preservation prevails over all else. I am overjoyed to know that my Lord and my God will never desert me or anyone else for that matter. God has always been by my side and whatever the situation I face, he is there to give me the strength to walk through it. True, Paul had to endure, beating, flogging, stoning and much more throughout his travels spreading the message of Jesus Christ. I have never come close to anything of that nature. I don’t think I will ever, nor will I ever be in a court defending my actions prompted by my faith. But God will still stand by me whenever I am tempted and attacked by the evil one himself. So many times people say things, people the closest to me, attacking my service to God. The accusations of being used by God when I have not yet reached perfection are the worst. “How can you teach that, when you fail yourself?” kind of words are difficult to defend against. When I fail to walk the talk, I am accused, not be all, but by some. I cannot defend against that because it is true, I am not perfect, yet I am to serve him anyway. I know God will always provide the strength to overcome, although I think at times I do not avail myself to this strength. My humanity gets in the way of the spiritual. But if I continue to talk the walk, if I continue to serve with my whole heart, if I continue to do what I have been called to do, he will rescue me from those attacks. He will never leave me, nor forsake me. People might, but he will not. No matter if I fall from time to time, he will always pick me up and dust me off , assure me of his love and forgiveness and someday bring me into his wonderful heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever.

On Guard

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
ON GUARD
2 Tim 4:14-15
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
NIV
I thought the idea was to evangelize those who did not know Jesus. But maybe there are certain individuals who are so violently opposed to the message of Jesus Christ that I should make every effort to avoid them at all cost. I do not think that I know anyone who has done me a great deal of harm in the sense of hurting my ministry for the Kingdom of God, of defaming my character in an effort to destroy my credibility as minister of Christ. I do know some people who are strongly opposed to the message, but they seem to be content with just refusing to accept it and leave it at that. They accept the fact I believe the message and are not offended by my attempting to share it with them, but they are strongly opposed to the truth of it and refute the validity of the message rather than me personally, at least to me face. Perhaps to my back it may be another story all together, but I am not aware of them coming behind me and destroying any efforts I may exert for the Kingdom. Maybe I am not being bold enough and outspoken enough in the world of the unsaved. Maybe if I were out there louder and up close with more of them I would get more and stronger opposition and maybe even to the point that this Alexander fellow did. But that is not the best situation either. I do not think I should do just to get the opposition for then I would be creating a situation whereby these who oppose might actually do me harm and would be getting repaid by God. I do believe it is a good idea to know those who oppose the message strongly so as to not get sucked into a stupid worthless debate, especially in front of others who may not have an opinion about the message yet. It is not always worth trying to convince this kind of person who opposes the message. I think just shaking the dust off my feet may not even be enough in this case. Avoidance is the standard of the day here, or if I cannot avoid them for whatever reason, maybe I should just remain silent about the message, not casting pearls before the swine, so to speak. Wondering around in my mind over this, not sure about how openly this kind of opposition is in the cultural I live in, but know it does exist. I think I simply just need to be on guard.

Still Running

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
STILL RUNNING
2 Tim 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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.
NIV
I wonder how many believers feel like they are being poured out like a drink offering. There are times when I think I might feel like that, but I am sure nothing like Paul feels. His dedication to serving God and ministering to other believers is far beyond anything I have ever experienced. But I do wonder instead of just reading this as an historic account of how Paul felt and his experiences and his looking forward to his stepping into eternity, I should be applying this kind of living to myself. Should I be doing so much in the service of my Lord that I feel like I am being poured out like a drink offering? At any moment in my life can I declare I have fought the good fight? Can I say at any time I have finished the race? At what point do I declare my race to be over, and I have arrived at the finish line and it is time for me to depart? I know my Lord has a crown of righteousness waiting for me when I get there, as it is for all believers who long for his appearing. Now that is the sixty-four thousand dollar question. How many are longing for his appearing? Sometimes I think way too many believers take extraordinary measures to stay here, to keep alive in this life rather than jump into the arms of Jesus. Maybe they are really not believers, but just exhibit some form of godliness. I am convinced the only reason I am here is to serve my Lord. I am sure he has more for me to do. If my race were finished I would already be gone. There is more pouring out of myself to be done, not that I have poured that much out to begin with. There is still more fighting of the good fight for me to do. Yet I do long for the day when my Lord will appear, if not to the whole world, just to me, as he welcomes me into his rest. Sometimes I wonder why other believers fight to stay here than do nothing but complain about all they troubles, their aches and pains, the hardships of getting old, illnesses and such. And the younger ones so filled with personal ambitions and the desires to experience life to its fullness. Is that part of the fight? Is that part of keeping the faith? Certainly the race is here, and we all should be running, not in the direction we desire, but toward the finish line. The whole purpose of the race, of life itself, it to arrive at the finish line, to see Jesus, is it not? Although I surely enjoy the life God has given me here, I am looking forward to the life ahead in the everlasting presence of my Lord. I surely enjoy being among his people, and being able to be of service to him here, but I know it will be so much better being among his people there. But for now I am still running.

Onward

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
ONWARD

2 Tim 4:3-5
3 For the time will come when men 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. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
NIV
I has come, it is now, without question men are suiting their own desires. Large crowds now gather around in great numbers of these supposed teachers who are in fact speaking words which please those itching ears. I see it every time I flip channels and come across those men in their overly expensive suits with such charismatic personalities, large smiles and huge crowds waiting with baited breath for the next wonderful false truth. I can understand the temptations of these men who desire the great crowds, who pour money on them as if they were gods. Fame and fortune are popular tools of Satan which he uses with such skill. He will give some men greatest in order to gather flocks of unsuspecting souls into his realm of false truths and ultimately away from God and into destruction. I shall not fail prey to either the teaching of those men nor to the temptation of greatest by the deceiver of men. I must keep my head in the game, in all situations, knowing my task, knowing my calling and observing the hand of God at work in my life. Anything I have, anything I do, anything I achieve will be only but the grace of my Lord. I do not want the fame nor the fortune which comes from the efforts of man or by the deception of Satan. However, if God moves in that direction in my life, I must move with him. At this point all I really want is to get the truth of what he has instilled in me out into the hearts and minds of others, showing them God, showing them his truth. What becomes of me in the course of my efforts to obey God happens. Whether nothing comes of it or something I am content with knowing I am following his directions. It may even cost me rather than gain me anything, but that is not for me to question, but only to obey. If it means I need to endure any hardship, then so be it, but I believe in my heart I am doing the work of and evangelist as well. Both books so far, not only explore the truths of God, but include the road to salvation and an invitation to join the kingdom of God. If that is not the work of and evangelist than what is? I think at times I am not discharging my duties with as much energy as I such, yet the Spirit is my guide and the light to my path. He also is

Prepared

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
PREPARED
2 Tim 4:1-2
4:1 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: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
NIV
I know this was to Timothy, but of what value is it in viewing simply history and not applying the words to my own life? Are not all of us called to this task? I know I am as was Timothy. I have to preach the word for God has declared it so in my heart. I do think the word itself will do all the correcting that needs to be done, but I also think I see things which need correction as well. I am not so inclined to rebuke my brothers and sister in the Lord, but I think the Spirit will speak to the hearts and minds of those who are in need, if I just declare the word. The key word here surely is careful instruction. I must be open to the Holy Spirit in the first place as to what portion or what part of the Holy Scriptures I am to share from when I have the opportunity. Then I must be careful to preach or teach just the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God. It does seem to be easy to get distracted by personal opinion rather than just the simple truth. It would be easier to simply teach what others would like to hear, I think I would be more popular and perhaps even gather larger crowds, not that I even gather a crowd to start with. But that is not for me to count numbers, or seek crowds, fame or fortune. I am just to do want God desires, and I will continue to have great patience in my calling. God is not in a hurry, so I suppose I should not be either. I just have to be prepared for whenever the occasion comes to me to preach, teach and write about the truth of God. He is going to build his kingdom, I am just to be a useful instrument to be used as he desires, not as I desire. Although he does give me the desires of my heart, and perhaps a little play on words, he has given me the desire to be useful in this manner. I know one thing and one thing for sure; I must be ready when he calls me to the task. I have to fulfill my part in the spreading of his word to those who are in need of hearing the truth. Looking ahead to the next words I know there are already many who would rather hear unsound doctrine, and maybe that is why not many listen to me. But I will continue, I will teach only from the truth of God, not regurgitating what some other man thinks is the truth. I will only preach the truth as the Spirit leads me. I do not desire the truth of men, but only of God. Lord help me to be true to your word, in my life and my words. Help me be prepared.

All I Need

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
ALL I NEED
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
NIV
Amen. The age old argument that the Bible was written by man is so totally bogus in light of this truth. Of course that argument comes from the premise there is no God, or at least their refusal to acknowledge God is. I have to do both, acknowledge he is and that all of the Bible that was indeed penned my man, was inspired by God. Surely he may not have actually dictated each specific word written down, but he did in fact inspire those concepts and truths which men over the ages of time recorded under his direction and accumulated into one complete record which he designed and desired for others like me to be able to know all about him from that recorded history of his relationship with his creation. This word of his surely is the one true source for teaching. I must learn, keep learning all my life. I do not think I will ever stop learning from his word. He is forever teaching me. I am not always so excited about being rebuked by his word, although I know I need it from time to time. I need to be set straight and corrected as to how I am supposed to behave and response in situations. I know I need that, for I continue to fail to live up one hundred percent to his standard. So I must continue to learn, accept the rebuke and the correction from the word of God in my life. I also now his word trains me in righteousness. His word gives me the insights into what his desire for my life is. It guides me into his ways. But I have to continue to be in training. I do not think anyone every finishes training. I certainly cannot say that I have finished and now I am completely thoroughly righteous, as far as how I live. I know all my righteousness before God is due to Jesus, for he is my righteousness, but as far as the virtue of right living, I must continue to train. All of this is necessary in order that I might be fully equipped to do his work here where he has brought me. If I were not open to his teaching, his rebuking, his correction in my life and if I were not open to his training I would not be ready nor able to accomplish the task he has set before me. But praise God, I believe with all my heart I am open, maybe not so much to what men say he says, but what he actually does say and speak into my heart and mind. Can he speak to me through others? Sure, but no matter what they say, I am obligated to measure their words against what God has said. I must filter all I hear from men with the word of God. His word is surely breathed by him, and that is all I need.

The Truth Is

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
THE TRUTH IS

2 Tim 3:11-16
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
NIV
It does not seem as though I have been persecuted, but am I to expect this at some point in my walk with the Lord? Maybe I have been persecuted and just not noticed it or was aware. Maybe there are different types of persecution that are far more subtle than the floggings Paul experienced. In either case the word is true and I have been or will be persecuted. I certainly see evil men and impostors getting more and more prevalent in my days. So many of them preaching their false doctrines gathering hordes of deceived believers to themselves, using them to extort them for their own personal gain of power, fame and fortune. I do not understand how people are so easily led astray from the truth of God. Do they not read it for their own learning, asking the Holy Spirit to guide them into the truth? Maybe they desire to be titillated with those fancy words of how the children of God should have everything, big houses, fancy new cars, a wealth of investments, and feeling really good, with a big smile all day long. Maybe those people have been do deceived the actually truth would not even phase them. I know one thing for sure, and that is I know in whom I believe and I know what I believe because I believe the inspired word of God as the only true and the Holy Spirit has led me into that truth. I do not accept those fancy words of men, nor any of their ideas for I see their evil, I discern their teaching as false, I recognize them as the impostors they are, wolves attempting to hide themselves in sheep’s clothing, but their teeth are showing with their big grins. The question I have to ask myself is should I be exposing them? I need to know if God desires for me to stand up and speak up regarding this false teachers. Would it do any good? If the Holy Spirit cannot get through to the believers who are being deceived, how could I? Is this the type of instrument he is forming me into? One who sings the truth from the rooftops? I know he has inspired me to write books, but how far and wide will my words he has taught me go? I am not looking for fame and fortune, but rather simply to do his will. I must do, and he will use me as he will and do with what I do for him as he desires. All I can do is proclaim the truth as it is, the truth, because the truth is.

For All To Know

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
FOR ALL TO KNOW

2 Tim 3:10-11
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings — what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
NIV
Although this is a personal commentary about the author of this letter, it also certainly has something to say about the type of life I should be living and how I should be living it. Other people need to hear about my teachings; of course they were not Paul’s nor are they mine, but rather those of Christ Jesus. However, the point is what good and I doing if I am not teaching others. If other people do not know about my way of life I am not living it out loud and in front of them. I need to express my purpose to other people, other believers and well as non-believers. People need to know my purpose for life, the reason I do want I do. Why do I preach his word? Why do I teach? Why do I write and endeavor to publish books? What purpose is all this effort for? I need to let people know it is to bring glory to my Lord. It would be a whole lot easier to just do none of that and live my life alone, and private, away from other people, but that is not what God has called me to do. I have to live for him, doing his will, and I should live in a manner others know about my purpose. They should also be aware of my faith, my trust in God for all aspects of my life. I do not live in the same way others do, and I should be vocal about my faith more. I am not sure I have enough patience that people could know about, other than the patience to continue to express the truths of God over and over again without seeing any results for my efforts. I wonder if that is why some preachers have altar calls, to see results. How do I know if anything I say or write has any impact on the lives of those who hear my voice or read my words? I don’t and I suppose if I were not a patience man, I would have given up long ago, but I cannot, for it is God who drives me, not the results. I think others know about my love for them, I need to tell them more. Maybe I do not do things for them in a physical sense, but my love for them is expressed in what I believe is the best thing for me. I show my love by encouraging them, building them up, lifting them up with the word of God, giving them truth which can set them free from the stress of this world. They surely need to see that I have not given up, that I have the endurance to finish the race, no matter what live bring my way. Although my life is not anything like what Paul had to endure, I think some day that might happen to all of us believers. The main point I take from all this is to be open with my life, doing God’s will out loud, being what he wants me to be and being that for all to know.

A Lot to Ponder

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
A LOT TO PONDER
2 Tim 3:6-9
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth — men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
NIV
This is a continuation of the type of people who behave in the manner of that list of have those kinds of attitudes. It almost appears has this might have a sexist tone to it, but I do not think that is the case. I think the tone here is all about men who take advantage of woman. Men who manipulate their way into the lives of women with deception and lies than attempt to led them into false teachings. Sometimes I think some of those sharp looking, well dressed, TV preachers have that motive. Their slink words, great smiles and exceptionally groomed hair may well appeal to women who see nothing but a puffed belly, remote controlling couch potato, who in not fulfilling his role as the spiritual head of the household. I believe I do have a responsibility to make sure my wife is well instructed in the word, and not only learns the truth but she also acknowledges it, while of course she does. I am blessed to have her in my life, she is strong in her faith and has a great ability to learn and apply her learning to her life. She is not one of those weak-willed type of women, for which I am exceedingly happy of. I cannot understand how some women allow such type men to use them for their own evil purposes. I do not understand why men would do that, other than they are evil in themselves, only having a form of godliness. If a husband and wife are one, they should be no using one another, because I think you are only using yourself. But I also think in these cases they are not one, but two. It seems rather judgmental for me to look at others and not reflect on myself with this section, but I know I am not a man described here nor is my wife a women described here, so all I can do is look to see if there are any who fit into that mold, and then either attempted to reach then with the truth, or simply ignore them and stay my distance and make sure my wife is aware of those type men as well. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, men appearing to be holy, but in truth, are not, is a terrible thing, using God for their own ambitions and desires. If they are like that, and is should be clear to everyone, why are so many deceived? A lot to ponder on.

So Help Me God

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
SO HELP ME GOD
2 Tim 3:1-5
3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
NIV
What an awful list of human behaviors. I hope I never see this within the society I live. Yet I have mixed emotions about seeing this begin around me. On the one hand when all this happens, I know the end is near, and I am at peace with that. But on the other hand I think it would be a terrible thing to witness people behavior in such manner. I can understand how ungodly people might behave this way, but I would hate to think these behaviors and ways of thinking would infiltrate the body of Christ. I don’t think any one person could possibly exhibit all those bad qualities at once, but rather each person could have one or two and thus this is a list of the whole of the society at the end times. It does seem as though it is happening right now. I could find people who would at least have one or more of the behaviors or attitudes listed and what bothers me is I think I can find them in the church. That phrase, “having a form of godliness but denying its power” is the key to my concerns about finding them in the body of Christ. I certainly would think it might be a good idea to pin this list in my mirror so that each morning and evening I could make a mental check if I am getting distracted from my desire to follow God, and if I see any of those creeping in, I can perform surgery immediately on myself, cutting them out and flushing them down the sink. This list is so long, I think I would have to do a separate devotion on each item listed if I were to do a self-examination. It might serve me well to do just that. I think searching deep within, being completely honest with myself, not trying to rationalize, or justify, or making excuses for being any one of these listed would be a well worth exercise. If I did excuse myself for any of these it would be a travesty. Although I think some of these things are already present in the society and even in the members of the church, going on a witch hunt looking to find faults with others rather than seeking for any faults within would also be a travesty. This list is for me and me alone to check me against. Do I have a responsibility to instruct others in this truth? Sure, but not a judge or jury, but as an instrument of God, sharing his truth and his truth only. I should not shy away from teaching this truth and only stay in other truths. I must preach the whole truth nothing but the truth, so help me God. And believe me, I need his help. I need his help to examine myself, and to share this truth. So help me God.

Lord Help Me

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
LORD HELP ME
2 Tim 2:23-26
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 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, 26 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.
NIV
I think I have failed at this all too often. Maybe I mistake the passion I have for the word and the truth of God and just get into stupid arguments. I certainly try to be gentle, but my passion overtakes my gentleness. I think I get so frustrated with those who oppose the truth of God I forget to be gentle and instruct in a quite manner, hoping beyond all hope they will open their minds and hearts. But I fear they are so narrow minded, so closed minded, blinded by their own ideas, they will never see the truth. I do not know if they will ever come to their senses about the truth of God. It does require admittance of being a sinner, and unable to attain any true peace, without God. But why do I have to get so passionate in my discussions with them? Why do I have to get overbearing, trying to argue with them about the truth? I need more restraint in my passion. I need a softer voice, a lower tone, a gentler spirit in my interactions with those who oppose the truth of God. Are their times I should just shake the dust off me sandals? Maybe, but I hate to leave them in the lost condition they are in. I know God can reach them in other ways other than me, but I am here, I am with them, I am his instrument, and I should be spreading this truth, helping others to see his grace for their lives. I should be able to lead them to the knowledge of the truth. True, they have all sort of excuses, and sometimes the ones closet to me use my passion and what appears to be an argumentative attitude as a poor example of Christ. That is just so unfair. Jesus became passionate about situations which offended his Father, why can’t I? Yet the truth remains, if they are not serving God, than they are serving the devil, in his trap, captive to the lies and deceptions he has filled their hearts and minds with. I need more of his Spirit when I am dealing with them. I need to be more aware of my own behaviors, my own demeanor and seek the Spirit for the right words which might break them free from their chains. Yet my battle is not one of flesh and blood, but of the spirit. Their bondage is spiritual, although manifested in the flesh. Although I am in the flesh as well, I must speak in the spirit, commanding the devil to abandon his grip on their soul. Lord, help me.

God Wins!

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
GOD WINS
2 Tim 2:22-23

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
NIV
What are the evil desires of youth? I think for the most part many people would simply think of the sensual temptations the youth deal with. But I wonder if lust would not be a better word, which not only includes the sensual, but also the lust for power, the lust of ambition and striving to gain position and recognition. Timothy had to be in his late thirties or early forties and is not this the time men crave for position? The drive for success and the glory of advancement in careers I think is far greater than any sensual craving. I remember wanting to make my mark on the world at the age. I wanted to build something that would last, my name would be remembered and I would be thought of well. Although I never was motivated by the accumulation of wealth, I was seeking recognition. Flee from these things. I think I have simply from the passing youth and the ever creeping years of age, and maybe that creeping is more like a fast walk now. But it is the rest of the verse which should be the ambition and goal of all believers, not just the young. To pursue righteousness is a lifelong project, never to be completed until I step into eternity. To pursue after faith seems a bit strange. I have faith, whether than is defined as moral conviction in the truth of God or complete reliance on Christ for salvation. How can I pursue any more of that? I suppose it is easy to get distracted and start to think I actually should rely I myself for some things, and leave God out of the equation, but I simply can’t do that, I need him in every aspect of my life. I know I need to pursue more of the love thing though. I think I miss the mark in some cases, with some people. True love requires a complete sacrifice of self, giving up any desires, ambitions, needs, wants, in order to meet the desires, ambitions, needs and wants of another. With true love there can be no self, Christ being the prime example. This I still must pursue. Peace is not the opposite of war, but to be prosperous in my spirit. I must be in the tranquil state so assured of my salvation through Christ that I fear nothing from God and I am content with my earthy lot, of whatsoever sort that might be. That is true peace, of which I believe I pursued and have acquired, although I still know that the tempter still tries to disrupt my righteousness, love, faith and most of my peace. He will fail because God wins!

Nothing But the Truth

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
2 Tim 2:15-19
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
NIV
Avoid godless chatter, profane useless discussions in other words. This is right up my alley. I have such a difficult time with useless discussions, or small talk. What is the point? But this is specifically talking about teachings that are in that category. Teachings which seem to have some sense of spirituality but in reality are nothing more than useless chatter. I am not sure I know anyone in these days that have gotten into that type of condition. Maybe some of those big time, TV and Radio guys might fall into that realm, but I do not listen to them so I cannot be sure. This does also speak to the issue of my making sure I never ever get off track, but stay right on with the truth if the scriptures. True, those men of the past did not have the inspired record of God’s word as I do today. All that was being taught was from word of mouth and it could well be something else than truth. Men were evil and self-serving saying things in order to draw to themselves crowds of followers. What, I think that applies to today as well. There certainly men today who preach words in order to draw crowds to themselves. But just because of that, are they evil? If they are telling people what people what to hear instead of the real truth, than yes, they are engaged in godless chatter and are evil drawing people away from the actually truth of God. They may not be teaching the resurrection has already come, but like Rob Bell, he is teaching heaven is already on earth. Isn’t that the same thing? And what about those who teach it is absolutely Godly to store up as wealth as you can. In fact that is what some of those TV guys are all about, fleecing the flock, taking in great sums of money for they own fame and fortune, glorifying their own self and agenda. Useless chatter, becoming more and more ungodly, is a horrible thing. I will not subscribe to any of that kind of teaching, nor will I engage in it either. Do I want to get the truth God has revealed to me in the hearts and minds of others? Sure, but that is up to God and how he is directing me. I simply have to make sure I always stay with the truth of God, and never get into profane useless chatter. Maybe that is way those TV guys are so big, their false teachings spread like gangrene, infecting the minds of people with fine sounding words. I will not, if fact I think what I preach and teach and write about is not a very popular concept. It is the truth, but not popular. But I will continue on with the truth, nothing but the truth.

Approved by God

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
APPROVED BY GOD
2 Tim 2:15
15 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.
NIV
I think it is interesting that I am to present myself to God rather than men as one approved, or acceptable as a workman, a laborer, a teacher. I think wonder how many believers endeavor to show themselves approved by men. Not that I want to offend anyone, but I only have to be approved by God. That is my only concern. As far as he is concerned do I handle his word correctly? Men can study all they want under the tutelage of other men and learn all sorts of handy tools for preparing properly constructed sermons, or methods of using illustrations in properly. They can learn from men who have been titled by other men as scholars or professors of bible studies the doctrines of one particular denominational belief, depending on which seminary or bible school they are attending. They can absorb all the knowledge of other men they want, but it is God who must approve them, not men. I study the word only for the approval of God. I think that is way my message is so unpopular. Many of my insights into the word do not agree with the ideas of other believers. I do not care. I know I have to divide the word correctly for the approval of God. If men disagree with me, that is their problem, not mine. I have to stand before almighty God and give an account of what I have instructed others about his truth. I will not be ashamed of what I have taught, preached or written in my books about his truth. I know I stand on the word of God, I stand on a firm foundation, I stand on the rock of my salvation. I know the Holy Spirit has led me into this truth. Are there other men who rightly divide the word? Sure, they must be others, I cannot be the only one, that I am sure of, but there are also others who do not. People, who seek to be acknowledged by men for their knowledge and understanding of the bible, who seek praise from men rather than from God, are on every corner. Meaningless accolades of men mean nothing to men. It is God and God alone who must approve what I profess as his truth. If I am wrong, I must give an account to him, but I know I am not wrong, I know I have been led by his Spirit into the truth he desires me to know. I have not learned from men, I have learned from God. I have not studied under men, but under God. Men may not approve me, but God has. That is my desire, to be approved by God.