Have you ever thought what a church might need is a good supervisor.
“This is a true saying, if a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1Ti 3:1)
Timothy was so dependent on his older brother in Christ, Paul. He always inquired of Paul everything about pastoring the church. In this verse Paul is telling Timothy, “If someone in your church wants to supervise, he maybe the right man.” The title bishop was not a fancy assignment in Paul’s church; it was hard work and a lot of responsibility. Paul goes on in chapter 3 with Timothy explaining the true qualities of a good supervisor in the church.
When someone is called to supervise a construction job, he or she has the safety of all those working under their supervision. He has a contract to uphold and fulfil in only a certain amount of days. Also he must answer for any mistake done on the job. Timothy‘s church was constantly in danger. Also there were members who would take a payment quietly from the Romans for a name or location where another brother could be found and arrested. In other words there were Judas’s in the churches. Paul wanted that Timothy would be very sure before assigning a person as a bishop in his church. If you want to be a bishop or a supervisor how would you do the job? Perhaps God is calling you to take more responsibility in your church, pray about it and ask others to pray with you, to listen to the Holy Spirit’s desire. Amen.
NOV 2
REQUIREMENTS
Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to answer Timothy’s need in the church.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” (1Ti 3:2)
Who would be the best one to ask for a reference for this new supervisor Timothy is in need of? Here Paul tells us that this bishop needs to have a good home report about his wife and children. Yes, how is he at home when he is not under the eyes of the church?
“For if a man knows not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1Ti 3:5)
In the first place he must be a family man not insolvent and single. He must observe others and their needs and approach others and their problems as a servant of the Lord with the grace and mercy from his heart. He can never gossip or repeat gossip. He must always be pleasant in the church; his family in Christ needs him and his strength in the word with his teachings. Looking back on this list, how close do you come to Paul’s requirements? Truly his requirements have not changed since his teachings on marriage that we just finished last month. We can ask others where do we measure up to this list and where do we fail. Today you can pray for help from the Holy Spirit with these requirements to serve the Lord. Amen.
NOV 3
THE OPPOSITION
If you want to live with Holy Spirit, you will find you have a very strong opposition, the flesh.
“Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1Ti 3:7)
You remember Timothy was looking for another helper in his church that he could rely on in church and outside the church.
One of the most needed qualities he needs in his helper was someone living close to Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. Only such a person could give him a good report if he was to become a bishop. In other words this person would know the value of being a confidant for his position as a bishop and for Timothy. A confidant is a person who can listen, but not repeat what was said.
So how does the Devil try to trap such a man? He traps him in a normal manner, gossip and false witness, which I refer to as “the flesh.” I think gossip and false witness can be devastating for a church. Here is a list of what they can destroy, marriages, families, business, neighbourhoods, and churches.
The responsibility of a confidant is very serious, because they have the lives of others in their hands. If there is information given to the bishop, he must take it to the pastor and no else. God has assigned these two their positions in the church. They must respect each other at all times. The pastor a shepherd, the bishop a supervisor, both of them are under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. How is it going in your church or ministry? Perhaps today there needs to be some repentance and prayer to keep things healthily but not fleshly. Amen.
NOV 4
MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE
Do you sometimes feel you have taken on more than you can handle in your ministry?
“But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1Ti 4:7)
When our ministry calls for us to take some responsibility in our church we must be sure God has already prepared our time and energy to serve. Unfortunately in so many churches there are brothers and sisters that think they know what is best for you and they forget to ask the Lord about it. These dear ones that are your family in Christ are perhaps older than you and you feel obligated to please them. Paul wrote this verse to Timothy because of his youth and new position as pastor. There were elders in the church that were being replaced with younger and stronger men. All these brothers had wives also and they had served faithfully.
Because of the times and conditions the church was growing daily, this church now was the largest in Israel. So now Timothy had to place new energy and strength in the church and at the same time show goodness to those who were serving in the past. He had to bring a new young spirit to this growing church. Now the younger people were being saved and coming to church. At same time the older ones had to be cared for and respected in their past thinking of how things must be done. This was not an easy task for Timothy, so Paul was always concerned in the attitude of the church.
The attitude of the body is very important to keep a healthy and growing church. It makes no difference what your task is in your church or perhaps up to now you have only attended regularly, your church needs your prayers and protection from the Holy Spirit. Take a few minutes today and have a special prayer for church and the leadership. Amen.
NOV 5
IN 24 HOURS
Yesterday I was speaking of the attitude of the church. Only with the good attitude of each member can keep the church growing.
“Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” (Eph 4:26)
If one brother or sister is offended in the church, the church can get sick and weak. Each of us should be very watchful for any way that hurt or anger can come into the brotherhood. Anger is always a companion with hurt. Anger does mean someone has to be shouting and making a scene, not many times is it very quiet and breaking the heart of a person. One broken heart can be a weakness in the body. Also anger is sin.
Paul was always concerned with the health and attitude of the churches. I believe this verse is not only for the church family, but it is for us all in our daily lives. Any sign of hurt or anger that raises its nasty head, which is sin and the devil, needs repentance and prayer. Here in this verse Paul is saying within 24 hours of the sin, anger, and hurt should be gone. Before evening we should have prayed and repented for this sin. We too can be angry with ourselves for making a mistake that is hard to live with, this too is sin and we need to ask the Lord for forgiveness and strength to come through our problems. God loves us so much He never wants to see us hurting; He wants to heal all our hurt. Before closing today, please have a prayer that any hurt will be gone before the sun goes down. Amen.
NOV 6
FORGIVE AND FORGET
We have to watch ourselves at all times in our manna and tone we speak. If any controversy is in our relationship with a brother or sister, we need to approach them with love.
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” (Luk 17:3)
The word rebuke can be used to cast our evil or to cast out pain. In this verse we are considering our brothers and sisters in Christ and if one of them has hurt you, this verse is for you. First the word “trespass” comes up, that is also in the “Lord’s Prayer.” In this prayer it does not just say asking forgiveness from the Lord for our trespasses but also for those who have done something to me. So as soon as we pray this prayer we are rebuking the hurt that we have from someone else. The second part of the verse shows that the person or persons must face the problem with repentance.
Sadly how many times we have heard someone say, “It is too much I can’t forgive them.” If you hear that or have said that, go back to the prayer and who we are praying to. You didn’t repent until you were saved and came to Jesus to repent for your sins, when you prayed the Sinners Prayer and received Him as the Lord of your life. Can you recall all your sins? Some of them, maybe, but not all of them. We have to go to our brother or sister and say to them how we feel and how we hurt from what was said or done to us.
The Lord gave us a chance to ask forgiveness and we must do the same with our family in Christ. Always give others the same opportunity to repent and repair the relationship as Jesus gave to us and our Heavenly Father. Jesus died on the Cross to remove our sin and repair our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Is there someone that you need to speak with today? If you need to repent or forgive do it today. Amen.
NOV 7
A GREAT RELATIONSHIP
How blessed are we to know Jesus? When I look around and pray for a stranger that the Lord has shown me in the city while walking the dog. I don’t know why, I pray for them in tongues, but I know that whatever they need they will have because I prayed.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Php 1:6)
The Lord always shows me someone that I would have passed by, not thinking they need prayer. I don’t know about you, but just obeying the Lord and praying for a stranger brings joy into my heart and from that prayer I begin to worship and sometimes sing while walking. I am confident that as the Lord has asked me to pray for this stranger, He will answer my prayer.
Now you ask how do I know what to pray? I know that they need Jesus is number one in my prayer for them; we all need Jesus, that is our prayer. Then as the Holy Spirit guides my prayer for this stranger, I know the words are right and are right with the Father. I am confident that prayer is good for me as it is for others.
When I pray for the stranger, I immediately have compassion for them. The Holy Spirit knows their needs and I know they have needs so I have compassion for them to know Christ. I want for them the expectance I have daily in my heart for Jesus to return. How confident are you today, knowing Jesus will return? Look around you to strangers, have you compassion on them, can now pray for them? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Amen.
NOV 8
GRACE AND PEACE
We cannot live without the peace and grace of God. Paul covers us with it in all his letters.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1Ti 1:2)
I want to give you the verses where Paul covers the churches and the brethren with his blessings: (Rom 1:7; 1Co 1:3; 2Co 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph.1:2; Php 1:2; Col 1:2; 1Th 1:2; 2Th 1:2 and Phm 1:3).
When Paul was greeting the churches, he was also showing his favour on them in his word “grace in Greek.” He remembered that a many of his fellow brothers in the church were Gentiles, then there were all the Jews and their greeting was always, “Shalom.” This way Paul was greeting both nations in one verse.
Greetings were very important those days. Do you think greetings are important today? When you see another brother how do you greet him? Perhaps your day has not been great, do you lay your burdens on him or do you give him your favour. The joy that your brother may be in need of today could be dependent on the way you greet him. Is this something you need to pray about today? Amen.
NOV 9
WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST
Paul after his Damascus revelation and conversion never doubted who he was in Christ.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.” (1Ti 1:1)
How is your declaration of, “Who are you in Christ”? Paul didn’t just say he was a servant of the Lord, he said he was commanded by the Lord, by his Saviour. He added, “Lord Jesus or Jesus is Lord.” My favourite is that Paul tells us that as an apostle of Christ under His command, he has hope. Paul was in prison cold, hungry and hopeful. He was hopeful that Jesus would return and restore His Kingdom here on earth. You may think he was hopeful for another place to live in freedom or good food and plenty of it, but no Paul said he found contentment in his conditions, because he had hope and faith in Christ Jesus. Paul knew that he was so loved by Christ as a new creation in Christ.
So now you know about Paul, what about you? How much of a new creation in Christ are you? As a new creation we refer to “losing the old and putting on the new.” Are there things you need to lose from your past so you can replace them with more of Jesus? Is this something you need to pray about today? Amen.
NOV 10
THE THIRD PRAYER
How often have you had to repeat your prayers? Do you think repeating those shows lack of faith or shows determination?
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2Co 12:8-9)
Paul admits that he had to pray three times, before God answered. Paul was having a problem with a relationship. We don’t know for sure who the person was, but we know Paul was suffering in this relationship. Some say the person was a prison guard; others say a brother in the church. Whoever they were Paul was miserable in their relationship.
When God answered Paul, it didn’t seem like a solution or an end to the problem. God answered that His Grace was enough for Paul to have to get through his discomfort. Paul’s faith was strong, and he was determined to come through his problem, not on his own but covered with the Grace of God. Are you waiting for the Lord to answer your third prayer or perhaps He has answered it with this verse from Paul. Amen.
NOV 11
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Today we show our thanks to the soldiers that have fought for world peace and died for world peace. This poem is to remind us:
ONE THOUSAND MEN ARE WALKING
By Joshua Dyer, 14 years old
One thousand men are walking
Walking side by side
Singing songs from
The spirit as their guide
They walk towards the sun
They smoke and laugh and smile together
No foes to outrun
These men live on forever
In the hearts of those they saved
A nation truly grateful
For the path of peace they paved
They march as friends and comrades
But they do not march for war
Step closer to salvation
A tranquil steady corps
The Meadows lit with Golden beams
A beacon for the brave
The emerald grass un-trampled
A reward for what they gave
They dream of those they left behind
And know they dream of them
Forever in those poppy fields
There walk one thousand men.
“GOLDEN NUGGET”
“But and if you suffer for righteousness sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.” (1Pe 3:14)
Thanks to our “ARK NEWSLETTER 2019”
NOV 12
OPEN DOOR
How do you feel about doors when it comes to working for God?
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” (1Co 16:9)
If you look back or to the present, how many doors have opened and shut in your life? Do you believe that you caused them to change? Can you look back and say, “God did that, and I am glad He did?” Did you count your blessing at the time? There are not many of us that struggled with doors like Paul did. He was always aware of the adversaries as well as the opportunities. Paul always went forward with every door God opened for him. The sufferings he endured many times could have been avoided if he passed by an “open door.” Paul believed in God and trusted Him in all things even he own well being, so he never hesitated to follow through the open doors God opened.
How do you approach an open door from God? Do you step forward and go through; trusting God will make it all good for you? What about the ones God has shut, did you feel let down or betrayed because things seem to go so well, then bang, the door was shut. Trusting God in all things means that when He shuts a door, you focus your eyes on Jesus and look for another door to open. You notice I said, “To open,” not you open. In other words we must have faith and patience when waiting for a door to open from God. One thing I know and have always told my boys, “God never will leave you in a hallway without showing you a door.” Where are you now, entering a new door or closing and old one? All the answers you need you can ask the Holy Spirit, because He has all your answers. Today in your prayer time you can ask Him, He will answer you. Amen.
NOV 13
PRESENT YOURSELF
I am sure you have thought a lot about how you want to present yourself to others, would that be the same way you want to present yourself to the Lord?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom 12:1)
“For the love of God, please listen to me,” that is what Paul is saying in this verse. First his instructions are to be a “living sacrifice,” in other words, “Surrender all of yourself,” that starts with the body, then the soul. Surrender your flesh, your desires, but not your needs, in fact you must choose what you need and what you desire. Then there is your soul to surrender as part of “your living sacrifice.”
When you surrender your thinking changes, you begin to think more like Jesus, so does your will change. Remember Jesus’ words, “Father not my will, but Your will be done.” So that is when you begin to drop the “me, myself and I.” Also a part of the soul sacrifice is our emotions. Then Paul notes that after the sacrifice we may become holy and acceptable to God to serve Him. All of this surrendering and sacrificing takes a life time. When we get saved and begin our walk with Christ is when we begin our process of a “living sacrifice.” Has the process started for you, you can pray about it today, and think about your next sacrifice? Amen.
NOV 14
UN-SEPARABLE
When we really think about relationships, do we think they are forever? How secure do others make you feel in a relationship? How secure do you feel with a relationship with the Lord?
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39)
Seriously this verse is stronger than a marriage vow. Paul is telling us he is convinced that his relationship with Christ will never change. In the marriage vows we say, “Until death do we part.” Paul says death will not separate him from Jesus. Paul was convinced that death will bring him closer to Jesus. In this verse he points to every good and evil he could think of and still concluded with no separation from me or the love of God and His presence.
We know Paul suffered greatly for his faith in Christ. He had to only deny Christ and his faith; he would be back in a comfortable position with his family. So although he points out all these things it is only him that can make this separation, the choice is his. Even if he said “I am finished with Christianity,” do you think God would stop loving him? Paul is a creation of God and in this verse; he has already declared that not even a creation of God, such as another person could separate him from the Love of God.
All the other points he mentions are out of his control, the only control Paul has is over others and him. Now I have spoken about Paul, but actually I am speaking about us. We have no control over God’s love for us, but we have control over our love for Him and our relationship with him. When I read this verse, I can only begin with worship and praise for my loving Father in Heaven, who will never stop loving me. I feel humble and weak; my love can never reach the height of God’s love for me. I can never love Jesus with the measure of love he has for me when He went to Calvary. Today is a day to give thanks for the love of God which is un-separable. Amen.
NOV 15
DILIGENTLY LOOKING
Do we know ourselves as God knows us? Do we see ourselves as God see us?
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you.” (Heb 12:15)
Spending more time on self investigation is better than investigating others. When Paul asked God three times to take away a problem, God’s reply was, His grace was all Paul needed to come through his problem. Do we really know how the grace of God affects our lives? We know that we are not worthy of His grace, and yet He still favours us with His grace. In fact His grace protects every day, encourages us and forgives us. God’s grace is our lifeline; we would perish without His grace. The grace of God also was our Saviour Jesus.
This verse is saying have you Jesus and the grace of God, and if not what has come into your heart that has hardened and became bitter. We have read a lot of verses in the Bible about the “evil root of bitterness.” We know how damaging it is for Christian life and our eternal life. The root of bitterness is deep within us and will in time grow and break though our lives through our speech filled with disappointment, hurt, frustration and anger. As the root grows these are the things that will fill our attitudes with others. Roots are deep and must be removed and forgiven. Diligently look into your relationships with others today, and exposing anything that needs to be removed and forgiven, to be covered by the Grace of God. Amen.
NOV 16
STRENGTHENED IN GOD
Do you exercise like walking on the beach or in the woods, using the stairs instead of an elevator? Or do you go to the gym?
“…and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1Ti 4:7)
Paul had just assigned Timothy as a new Pastor; he was very young man and Paul advised him to do well. In Greece the men went to exercise naked. So Paul was saying to Timothy disrobe the world around you and work out in the word and closer to the Lord. This verse is not only for him it is for us also.
Studying God‘s word is to exercise our minds and get us closer to the Lord as we learn more about Him. Getting to know the Lord better is also to strengthen our hearts. We must not neglect our bodies either. A great deal of our thinking affects our bodies and our health. Our relationship with Christ strengthens our heart physically and spiritually. All our energy that we use to keep up our strength and good health can be coupled with our daily Bible readings as we walk, stretch or run. Today you may want to begin with a new kind of exercise using God’s word together with your physical workouts and you will strengthen yourself more of Christ. Amen.
NOV 17
HARVEST TIME
In the natural harvest is just once a year, but in the spiritual harvest time is all year.
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (Joh 4:35)
The wonderful story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is where this verse comes from. This area around the city was full of workers all dressed in white in the harvest fields, of course working there in the fields Jesus could see the workers in their white clothing. Remember Jesus was seating at the well where all the people got their water for that city. The conversion with that one woman going back into the city to report what had happened to her brought the workers still in their work clothes out to the well to see Jesus.
The harvest begin in the hearts of all those from the city. The verse was what Jesus was saying to His disciples when they came back with food and found all the city folks had come to Jesus at the well. No locals had been prepared for this big meeting. No church building was waiting for a big conference. No this was a stranger seated at the well, that the whole city left their work and their lifestyle to come and hear the man that spoke the truth to this known woman.
How could the stranger know who she was and what she had done? He had told her the truth and for that reason everyone came to Him. All men search for the truth and now they had the opportunity to hear it. One seed planted in this woman and there was a harvest of hearts to be harvested for the Kingdom. What Jesus did that day is what we can do today. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit we too can plant a seed in the heart of others around us. We can tell the truth of Jesus on the Cross at Calvary and that truth can start a new harvest and a new reaping for Christ. Today you can ask the Holy Spirit where, when and with whom you need to plant that seed for Christ. Amen.
NOV 18
A CUP HALF FULL
How are your resources, do you work hard to keep your cup full or do find that you are blessed with less? Do you find that when you give in Jesus’ Name to help the church or others, your heart is full of joy and you don’t miss what you have given?
“…and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.” (Luk 8:3)
The disciples had constant income with their fishing business, they had others working on their boats and that kept everyone with an income. There were widows that had good income from their past marriages, of those that travelled with Jesus they took money for food and shelter. So here in this verse Luke reminds us that all of the needs that the travellers had were cared for with the unity of each one giving.
We also have our opportunities to give a bit of our substance over our tithe. Our finances will always come out well if we ask the Lord to handle them. If we do have that full cup how much of that are we going to give away? I know there is always a smile on our face when we receive, but there is a bigger smile with joy in our heart when we give. Tithing and offerings to your church and others will also bring that joy in your heart if you trust the Lord with your finances, and how full or half full is your cup today. Amen.
NOV 19
STEADFAST SOLDIER
Do you find you are abandoned, people don’t call you or invite you anymore, because you always tell them about the Cross and Calvary, you tell them, “Jesus saves.”
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Ti 2:3)
At the time that Timothy was Head Pastor in his church, a great fear passed through the whole body. Nero was Emperor and he was killing all the Christians. Thousands of Christians had been killed and the church was losing followers, they were trying to escape the danger of this mad man. Even the leadership was leaving, they were scattering all over the nation to escape the cruelty of the Romans.
No doubt this condition now with the church was enduring hardness. But Christian soldiers don’t abandon the church they stay and stand steadfast to endure the hardness. The Christians had no chance to battle with Romans and win, but they did have the Lord on their side and He could cause the conditions to change and protect His soldiers and the church. As we know no soldier can stand alone, the unity of the whole army is necessary to go to battle much less win one. Is your church in unity as an army standing up for Christ? Perhaps if there is a condition in your church today, where you are losing soldiers, and need to wake up and get unified as an army. “Stand up, stand up for Jesus you (steadfast) soldiers of the Cross.” Amen.
NOV 20
AN ATHLETE’S GOAL
When I was young I ran track. I liked to run the relay. I was placed third person, my goal was not to get to the end of the track but to get to the runner waiting for me as fast as I could because they would take our team to the goal.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2Ti 2:5)
First Paul tells Timothy to endure hardness like a soldier, now he tells him to endure hardness like an athlete. You know Rome was all about sports, so everyone knew how an athlete trained and what they endured to master their sport. Only the professional athletes could go for the big games. Also they were the only ones that could win and wear the crown of lawfully. Paul wants Timothy and us to train and endure the hardships to come to our goal.
There were so many hardships Timothy had to face every day because he was in training. We also face hardships, nothing like Timothy’s, but still they are hard for us and we have to stay in training. We may not be out on a race track to archive or goals but as lawful Christian soldiers our training is to be in one unit and strengthen our army. Just like an athlete we must stay focused on the crown. How are you today with your training and mastering your position as a Christian soldier in the Lord’s army? Amen.
NOV 21
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Do you know that farmers work from sunrise to sunset? Paul has gotten three different types of people that he is telling Timothy and us about.
“The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits.” (2Ti 2:6)
Here in this verse we are told knowledge of our fruits is very important, before we start a process of planting, labouring, and harvesting. The farmer has a lot of preparation before he plants his seed and he must know the time of the year to plant for the right seed to take root. Then his commitment of labouring with his grounds and new seedlings can only process a good crop. There is a smile on the face of the farmer when he sees his crop is ready for harvesting. But the poor man cannot do it all on his own; he needs help to reap the prize of all his labour.
So three different people Paul speaks of; a Christian soldier fully committed to serve in the army, also an athlete in training and focused on his goal with a farmer labouring sunrise to sundown to reap in his healthy fruits. All three of these positions Timothy needed to fill and so do we. His church needed the soldier’s commitment, the athlete’s training and the famer‘s labour. Out of these three do you know what position the Holy Spirit wants you to fill? Today bring it to the Lord in your prayer time. Amen.
NOV 22
WEALTH CONTROL
I am sad to say it, but there are Christian churches controlled by the wealthy.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches.” (1Ti 6:17)
Jesus met with a rich young man, and told him to give away his wealth if he wanted to go to Heaven. At first when the rich man heard of Jesus, he focused his time on the opportunity to meet Him, because he was sure he would benefit from their meeting. He was looking for more wealth not salvation, so after their meeting he was sad but not changed. His wealth was his God.
There are fewer wealthy people in our churches than in the world because generosity is not part of their agenda, that would mean they would have less and a smaller god. People that are wealthy have controlling desires because they want more not less. They want less work, less charity but full authority. Today in our churches, as in Timothy’s church, the wealthy hold their riches over the middleclass and the poor to have control in the church. These rich people are the ones Paul was referring to as “high-minded” not Holy Spirit filled. Paul continued the verse with, “Put your trust, in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;” How is your church being controlled? By those that are rich in the world or those who are rich in the Spirit. Perhaps you need to pray for this today so the Holy Spirit has more control. Amen.
NOV 23
GENEROSITY OF THE WEALTHY
Paul has mentioned two types of wealthy people, those desiring control, “high minded,” and those that want to use their wealth to help others.
“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” (1Ti 6:18)
Wealth can come to a person or persons from many areas. Some people give because they feel they must or give because they feel guilty when they see others in need, then there are those who find such joy in giving because they have been so blessed themselves. The strange thing about giving is there is no amount you must have before you can have joy in giving. The poorest of poor give with joy in their hearts because they have so little and still have something to share.
When we are so blessed with extra income or a financial gift such as an inheritance, we have the opportunity to communicate, in others listen and act on others needs. Here Paul says this is a sign of good works when we distribute our blessing. Whatever the Lord has blessed you with give out of love not out of guilt. Always ask the Holy Spirit in prayer where to give, because He can be your best account for giving. Amen.
NOV 24
GIVING THANKS FOR THE WEALTHY
The Lord brings wealth to the church because we still have to make payments to keep our doors open.
“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” (1Ti 6:18)
Paul was cared for in prison by the wealthy in the church because the Roman always got a bribe, there were gifts from everyone in the church, but only the wealthy could afford the bribe to the Roman soldier guarding Paul. God always provided for Paul’s ministry. Paul was unique to God, He had called him and He gave him the strength and provisions to finish his time of servant hood.
Wealth for a person who has a heart for giving will always have plenty to give. How your heart is today, is it a heart for giving or are you like the rich young man? He told Jesus, “I do everything right in the law,” the problem was the law was finished, because Jesus was to fulfil the law and finish it at the Cross. The rich young man didn’t need the law, he needed Jesus. In your prayer time ask the Lord where He wants you to give and have that joy of giving in your heart. Amen.
NOV 25
HANDLING RESOUCES
Perhaps you like to spend money as soon as you have it. Paul has something to say about that.
“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Ti 6:19)
I think Paul was saying, “Spend a little and save a little.” I like to go a little further, because Paul was also always thinking in the Spirit. When the Lord gives us a gift that is precious it naturally must always be accompanied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps it is to be saved until you are called by the Lord to use it. All resources must be handled carefully to serve the Lord and His chosen servants.
Leadership in the church needs prayer and provision, to keep a healthy church. The church must be built on a good foundation, because we are living in the last days and all hell wants to see the church wither away or split with fear and faith. Paul says, “Time to come” knowing that dark days were ahead and the only way for the church to survive would be with the all the gifts the Lord has given to the believers. Back to the full cup, are you ready to offer some of your increase with a mission and movement of keeping the lighted candle of the Gospel in the future darkness? How do you feel about this today? Are you the same or perhaps something is changing in your heart? Amen.
NOV 26
HE IS COMING BACK
How strong do you believe in the rapture and Christ’s return?
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” (2Th 2:1)
Paul had the strongest faith in Jesus return, even though he knew his days were numbered with the Romans. The last hour before he was to die he waited on the Lord. No doubt was in his heart that when he was gone, he would be with Jesus. Here in this verse he says the same to the church. Paul was saying to the church, “Please believe me Jesus is coming back and there will be a rapture of all believers.”
To spread the good news to the church, excited Paul, he was joyous that he would see Jesus again. Are you joyous that we will see Him and that He will return to earth? Reading Paul’s letters he shares the wonder of the rapture and also the wrath. After the believers are gone what will be left on earth? Today we must seriously take account of these truths and pray. Amen.
NOV 27
ANTICHRIST REVEALED
Have you ever thought what the antichrist will look like? Because you are saved and have a beautiful picture of Jesus in your heart, have you any idea how beautiful the antichrist will be?
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2Th 2:3)
Paul tells us that, “The day will come when we will see the antichrist, not as a good man but a man of sin.” The falling away is what Paul is concerned about as he says, “do not be deceived by anyone.” He knew the church would slowly move away from the Word of God, and in time shut down. In time as believers are deceived they will rebel against God. The welcoming of the antichrist will be a social event that believers will commend.
The world will receive the antichrist as a new age leader of a one world order, and the church will agree. If you think this is frightening, you are right, for all believers this could happen. The “man of sin would be the man of the world.” Paul also calls antichrist, “The son of doom,” the doom of the church. Today you can pray for the Lord to tarry and give you the opportunity to spread more of the gospel and truth, to all who will listen. We can pray for the sake of our loved ones and family and their salvation. Amen.
NOV 28
WAITING FOR SATAN TO SAY WHEN
It won’t be long now, is the message Paul was sending in his letters to the Thessalonians. The church was young and needed guidance.
“And now you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time.” (2Th 2:6)
Only when Satan tells the antichrist to move into his position of the world as the great ruler, will the antichrist be revealed. Paul says, “We know what,” we know who (Satan) is always in charge of the world of darkness, and the antichrist. Satan is the evil being that first rebelled against God thinking to exalt himself above God, sitting in the temple of God, showing himself as God, but before any of that started to happen God cast him and all his followers out of Heaven.
Satan was not always evil rebelling against God; he made a choice that caused him rejection from Heaven and abiding place in hell. Satan wasn’t content in hell so he is always looking for a new place to live on earth. As he rebelled against God in Heaven he has done the same on earth which is ruled by God. Satan is prince of this world not the earth. He wants his antichrist to rule the world and the Lord has told us that will be after the rapture and all the believers filled of the Holy Spirit are residing back in their Heavenly home with Jesus. Time is short and we need to have all our loved ones saved, our bold witness for Christ needs to increase and our prayers also need to increase, before the antichrist is revealed and time has run out for salvation. Are your prayers today for the salvation of your loved ones, I hope so? Amen.
NOV 29
THE ANTICHRIST’S SHORT RULE
The antichrist will not be a ruler for what might seem a lifetime, no his time will be cut short when Jesus returns.
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” (2Th 2:8)
Paul never left us without hope, and neither did the Lord. In this verse we can believer in the wicked man of sin, antichrist, will be off his platform when Christ returns. When He returns He will knock the man of darkness down with the glory of brightness of the King of Kings and the proclamation of the Word of God. Paul tells us that the Word of will come out of the mouth of Christ and consume the antichrist.
All these things are not easy for us to understand or even picture how this will happen. We don’t need to understand what the Lord has told us as these things are beyond our understanding; we must hold fast to our faith and keep believing the Word of God. The Lord is extending the time of the antichrist to give mankind the opportunity to repent and expect Jesus. With the prayers of the believers the unbelievers still have time to repent. Today those prayers can bring your loved ones to Christ. Amen.
NOV 30
DO IT FOR JESUS AND YOURSELF
Did you ever think that all you do for Jesus will be forever, but what you do for man disappear?
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” (2Pe 3:11)
In this verse Peter is saying that all the monuments he is looking at through the Roman streets will dissolve. In other words all idols and all religions that are worshiping false gods will be gone, dissolved and disappear. There are buildings and creations that have stood and are today observed as ancient history, they will all be gone. The Day of the Lord will come with a melting fervent heat that not one of these ancient creations will survive. All believers that are taken up in the rapture will not miss material things they will be in Heaven on streets of gold.
Knowing the truth about the future would be a good time to invest in things eternal with Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter says, “What manner of persons ought you to be?” A question asking what are your priorities, are they holy and godly or are they fleshly and feeble. You will not have these opinions once the believers have been raptured by the Holy Spirit. You will be in hell on earth, mercy and grace will be gone from the earth and all God’s wrath will remain. Today you can make some changes in your priorities and opinions. You can begin with repentance and prayer. Amen.
