Be Refreshing...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 10 / NT - 2 Tim. 1

"May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus." - 2 Timothy 1:16-18 

There are those of whom we can ask help if it's convenient and there are those who will drop everything to help. It's even rarer to find a person who will go out of their comfort zone to search for someone to help. Such a person truly refreshes the soul.

Onesiphorus was just such a person to Paul. He searched hard for Paul until he found him and then helped him in many ways. At a time of great discouragement, this Christian Brother came along side when he was needed the most. His effort far exceeded a kind word and it brought him into the most uncomfortable settings, but as a result, he refreshed Paul's soul.

Are you waiting for the opportunity to help someone to come knocking at your door? Are you available only when it's convenient? Why not be an Onesiphorus today and search for someone who needs help? Why not make the time today and... Refresh someone's soul?

Think about this: "I am often, I believe, praying for others when I should be doing things for them. It's so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see him." ~ C. S. Lewis

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 11:1-24 / NT - 2 Tim. 2

Just a Little Bit More...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 9 / NT - 1 Tim. 6

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:17-19 

In response to the question "How much money is enough?" John D. Rockefeller answered "Just a little bit more". This is the aim of many who are in pursuit of wealth. They are all about the acquisition, not so much the usage. Such a goal in life becomes an end in and of itself and everything else becomes secondary. Their whole life centers on "Just a little bit more".

The command of Paul was focused on the usage of wealth for the blessing of others. His counsel was to hope in God, do good, be generous and share. Such a life seeks to be a blessing, and when asked "How much blessing is enough?" will answer "Just a little bit more."

Has God provided for your needs? Have you acquired any amount of wealth over the years? What do you do with your monetary blessings? Are you hoarding your pennies for the days ahead or are you being a blessing to those in need? May each day be a new opportunity for blessing others "Just a little bit more".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 10 / NT - 2 Tim. 1

Relational Harmony...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 8:15-27 / NT - 1 Tim. 5

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." -  1 Timothy 5:1-2

Of all those who have darkened my office door for counseling, the problem of broken relationships has been most common. People just can't seem to get along with each other. Whether they be family members, co-workers or fellow believers at church, healthy relationships can be hard to maintain. Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

The elder statesman gave wise counsel to the younger pastor when he emphasized proper treatment of age and gender. Paul knew that true community depends on mutual respect, honor and purity. It's not always "what" we say as much as it is "how" we say it. Words can heal or hurt, and as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

How do you speak to those who are older than you? For that matter how do you speak to your peers and those who are younger? The choice of words, tone of voice and body language can be a "make or break" in your relationships. Be wise and think before you speak because... Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 9 / NT - 1 Tim. 6

Keeping on Course...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 8:1-14 / NT - 1 Tim. 3-4

"Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." - 1 Timothy 3:14-15 

Rules, rules, rules... growing up was so hard to do, with all the rules. "Don't run with scissors", "No cookies before dinner", "Wash behind your ears", "Call if you're going to be late" and the so the rules went on forever. What a relief to leave home so we could leave the rules behind. But then we found new rules at college, in the military or at the work place. Why so many rules? ... They keep us on course.

Paul was concerned and burdened for "God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth". He knew that certain rules of conduct were necessary for the health and effectiveness of God's household. Paul wasn't into legalism; he just wanted the church to be a spiritually strong foundation of the truth. Why so many rules? ... They keep us on course.

There is no home, business, school or army that can run smoothly or be "all that it can be" without rules. You may run from rules or fight against rules, but they are there for a purpose. Your church and its leadership are bound by the rules of Scripture to be a strong foundation of the truth. Don't fight it or keep asking "Why so many rules?"... They keep us on course!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 8:15-27 / NT - 1 Tim. 5

Lift Them Up..

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 7 / NT - 1 Tim. 2

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Some historic trivia allege that President James Buchanan was so disliked by some that his picture was stamped on the bottom of hotel chamber pots. Criticism for our presidents has been a national pass time for generations. But when did disrespect for the presidential office ever bring change to the nation? Though we may disagree with our leaders, we must choose to tear them down with criticism or lift them up in prayer.

Paul lived at a time when the Caesars ruled the world as gods. They demanded worship, but their moral and social depravity was legendary. Yet, Paul called for prayer and thanksgiving for "kings and all those in authority" without exception. While others tore the Caesars down with criticism, Paul chose to lift them up in prayer. 

We can listen to any number of political commentators today that find unending fault with our national and local leadership. The more we listen to them the more unsettled we become and nothing is changed. Yet, there is a choice for change... you can spend quality time tearing your leaders down with criticism or you can lift them up in prayer.

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A CALL TO PRAYER

"Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and the supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. Believing that prayer is the greatest contribution that our people can make in this critical hour, I humbly urge that we take time to pray—to really pray. Let there be prayer at sunup, at noonday, at sundown, at midnight—all through the day. Let us all pray for our children, our youth, our aged, our pastors, our homes. Let us pray for our churches. Let us pray for ourselves, that we may not lose the word ‘concern’ out of our Christian vocabulary. Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and redeeming love, for moral forces everywhere, for our national leaders. Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice."

                                                                                      ~ Robert E. Lee

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 8:1-14 / NT - 1 Tim. 3-4

The Only God...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 6 / NT - 1 Tim. 1

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 1:15-17 

We live in a world that focuses on self-image to a fault. You can subscribe to such magazines as "Self", "All You", "Ego" or "Me" and learn how to be the center of your universe. In this world there is no place for "sinners" or people in need of mercy. In an age of "me, me, me", there is no place for someone else to be the King eternal... the only God.

Paul was more productive in his lifetime than any CEO could ever hope. He was a highly successful leader, writer and motivator. But when Paul looked in the mirror he only saw the worst of sinners who received mercy. It could be that God chose to use this man because he had a realistic view of himself and his Lord. In humility, Paul worshiped and served the King eternal... the only God.

Have you figured out what hinders your spiritual growth the most? As you begin each day, do you freshly establish this fact: There is a God... and you're NOT him? Are you willing to face each day recognizing that you are a sinner, saved by grace and living under the merciful care of the Lord? God uses humble people who depend on him. Believers grow to unbelievable heights when they worship and serve the King eternal... the only God. 

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A VERSE TO PONDER

 "For this is what the high and lofty One says— 

he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 

“I live in a high and holy place, 

but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, 

to revive the spirit of the lowly 

and to revive the heart of the contrite."

~ Isaiah 57:15

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 7 / NT - 1 Tim. 2

The Fifth Wheel...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 5:13-31 / NT - 2 Thess. 3

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith." - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

I once had a very nice office chair. It rolled on five wheels and moved whenever and wherever I desired. Over time one of the wheels broke into a million pieces. For a while I replaced it with a tennis ball... but that didn't do the job. The whole chair lost its value and effectiveness because one wheel was gone. I needed five wheels, not just four.

Ministry is a lot like that chair. We can be well prepared with all the training and skill available, but without the fifth wheel of prayer, we won't roll. Paul was a premier missionary with a stellar record of conversions and successful church plants. He was thoroughly studied in the Scriptures and could stand toe to toe with any philosopher of his day. Yet, to keep rolling, he needed "fifth wheel" people who would pray for his ministry.

Your pastors and missionaries have been called of God, academically prepared, and chock full of experience. But they will never roll for God on a tennis ball. They need the fifth wheel of prayer. My friend, you can be, and need to be that wheel. "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Daniel 6 / NT - 1 Tim. 1