Encouragement

Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:12-16 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (13) Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (14) Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (15) Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (16) Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Observation:

Timothy was a young pastor. It would have been easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you.

Apparently Timothy needed some encouragement. Most likely, so do many people around you. Each day we have many opportunities to support and inspire family members, fellow workers, and even total strangers. People need help and affirmation all along the way. Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others: (1) Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us. (2) Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards. (3) Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them. Be patient with distracted or slow learners. (4) Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations. (5) Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified. (6) End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.

Application:

One day a guy vacationing in the Bahamas noticed a big crowd gathered at the end of the pier. As he got closer he observed someone preparing for a solo journey around the world in a tiny homemade boat. Without exception everybody was telling him all the things that could go wrong. Suddenly the guy felt an irresistible urge to offer some encouragement. So as the little boat drifted toward the horizon he began jumping up and down shouting, 'Go for it! You can make it! We're proud of you!'"

This man had what we need more of - the gift of encouragement. We need fewer critics and more cheerleaders: those who see over the heads of the nay-sayers and shout to someone launching out in faith "Go for it! You can make it! We're proud of you!"

Aren't you glad certain visionaries refused to listen to the crowd on the pier? That: (a) Luther refused to back down; (b) Michelangelo kept painting; (c) Lindbergh kept flying; (d) Papa Ten Boom said "Yes" to frightened Jews.

Next time you see somebody responding to the call of Christ, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets" (Luke 5:4), don't join the fear-spreaders and tell them about the great storms, join the faith-spreaders and tell them about the great catches. Shout, "Go for it," then commit yourself to pray for their success. When you do, you're exercising the gift of encouragement. Listen: "We all have different gifts… Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage" (Romans 12:6-8).

After 30 years of marriage his wife was ready to throw in the towel. "I have had it, living with you. You never tell me you love me anymore." The husband replied, "I told you I loved you when we got married - if I change my mind I'll let you know." Too many leaders expect their followers to run on autopilot, like the hard-hearted husband. They don't understand that people thrive on appreciation. They need it. Sometimes Christian organizations are the worst: "You're working for the Lord and He'll reward you." Yes, we're all working for that final pat on the back in the sky, but God expects us to pat others on the back along the way. Paul writes: "Encourage one another and build each other up."

Some people don't need encouragement. They're so strong and so busy that attempts at praising them would be nothing more to them than a pesky insect flying around their face. They'd brush it off with a look of confusion. There are also people who view praise with suspicion because others have taken advantage of them. With them, all you need to do is cultivate kindness. But most of us need encouragement - and lots of it. Phillis Theroux writes, "One of the commodities in life that most people can't get enough of is compliments. The ego is never so intact that one can't find a hole in which to plug a little praise. Compliments by their very nature are highly bio-degradable and tend to dissolve hours or days after we receive them - which is why we can always use another."

Prayer:

"Lord, there are many times that I need encouragement. I am thankful that at the right moment, you always send someone my way to encourage me. Either through a phone call, a text message, an email, a card, or in person. The words are so uplifting and refreshing. Help me to encourage someone today. Please speak to my heart someone who needs a little nudge of appreciation. In Jesus name, amen!"

Deceiving spirits

Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (2) Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. (3) They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. (4) For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (5) because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Observation:

The "last times" began with Christ's resurrection and will continue until his return when he will set up his Kingdom and judge all humanity.

False teachers were and still are a threat to the church. Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned against them (Mark 13:21-23; 2 Peter 3:3-7). It is not enough that a teacher appears to know what he/she is talking about, is disciplined and moral, or says that he is speaking for God. If his words contradict the Bible,
his teaching is false. Like Timothy, we must guard against any teaching that causes believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their faith. Such false teaching can be very direct or extremely subtle. Believers ought to respond quickly when they sense false teaching being promoted. The truth does not mind honest questions. Sometimes the source may prove to be ignorant of the error and appreciate the correction. But a firm warning may at least keep potential victims from the disastrous results of apostasy that Paul described.

Satan deceives people by offering a clever imitation of the real thing. The false teachers gave stringent rules (forbidding people to marry or to eat certain foods). This made them appear self-disciplined and righteous. Their strict disciplines for the body, however, could not remove sin. We must not be unduly impressed by a teacher's style or credentials; we must look to his teaching about Jesus Christ. His conclusions about Christ show the source of his message.

Many leaders and authorities today demand allegiance, some of whom would even have us turn from Christ to follow them. When they seem to know the Bible, their influence can be dangerously subtle. They are modern-day false teachers. How can you recognize false teachers? (1) They teach what is contrary to the truth found in Scripture (1 Tim 1:3; 1 Tim 1:6-8; 1 Tim 4:1-3). (2) They promote trivial and divisive controversies instead of helping people come to Jesus (1 Tim 1:4). (3) They aren't concerned about personal evidence of God's presence in their lives, spending their time on "meaningless discussions" instead (1 Tim 1:6). (4) Their motivation is to make a name for themselves (1 Tim 1:7). To protect yourself from the deception of false teachers, learn what the Bible teaches and remain steadfast in your faith in Christ alone.

Application:

The Word of God makes it very clear that there are "deceiving spirits" at work all around us. At work, school, entertainment, in our families, in the ministry, and even in the church. We must be aware of the deception of the devil. He is sly, subtle, deceptive and a liar. The truth is not in him. He is the father of lies, and we must always remember this. He has crept into the teachings of the church world down through the years. How?

Matthew 7:15-16
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (16) By their fruit you will recognize them..."

With the increase of deceiving spirits, we need Spirit-led, spirit-fed, discernment. Where we KNOW what is of the Spirit of God, and what isn't!

The first deception ever recorded was the one where Satan, disguised as a serpent, convinced Eve that God didn't really mean what He said. And he's still using the same tactic. You hear it in comments like:

(a) "If you're sincere, it doesn't matter what you believe." What if you're sincerely wrong? If your car brakes don't work your sincerity won't stop you - telephone poles and buildings will.

(b) "We must be careful not to offend anyone." What if people don't want to hear the truth or live according to it? Should we soften or edit the Scriptures based on what we think they can handle? If you love someone, wouldn't you interrupt their sleep to keep them from burning up with the house?

(c) "There is truth in the Bible, but not all the Bible is true." Paul writes that "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). And Isaiah says, "If they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). One hundred centremetres make one metre, otherwise we're all open to each other's interpretations and subject to each other's value judgments - and somebody's going to get the short end of the stick.

Now, when we become arrogant in presenting the truth, then Christ's cause suffers and Spiritually hungry people are turned off. We, who have received grace and mercy, must show it. But let's not compromise what God's Word says. Interestingly, when polled recently, the majority of today's young people (aged 16 - 29) said, "Give it to me straight. And if you don't live it, don't give it!"

Bottom line: God's Word is wholly, fully, completely and altogether true. So be faithful to the Scriptures!

Prayer:

"Lord, I know that there is so much deception in our world. Everywhere you turn. Deception is on the increase, so I need to walk in the Spirit more than ever. Holy Spirit lead me, direct my steps. Just like someone points, tunes their satellite in to get a clearer picture, I tune my ears to Your Spirit this morning. I stand still...and listen as you speak and guide. Help me to do this daily. May I spend DAILY time in Your Word, reading, meditating, memorizing and praying Your Word. In Jesus name, amen!"

Washed, Salted, and Swaddled

Scripture:

Ezekiel 16:4 And as for your birth, on the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you, nor rubbed with salt, nor wrapped in swaddling cloths.

Observation:

Ezekiel 16:4-6 Portrays Jerusalem as an abandoned baby girl, denied the cutting of the umbilical cord as well as the washing, salting, and swaddling that were all part of loving baby care in ancient Palestine. (The salting was a carry-over from the practice of preserving meat. Since salt kills bacteria, it was a fairly effective, though primitive, kind of hygiene.) But the Lord loved this "baby," Jerusalem, and by His all-powerful Word decreed that she should live. This part of the allegory points to Jerusalem's early years, as in Abraham's day when the city was an independent city-state, as is confirmed by the fourteenth-century B.C. Amarna Letters, a major Egyptian archaeological find.

Application:

I would like to share with you what Author Bob Gass says about this verse:

It has been said, "only one in ten people who make a commitment to Christ, are still serving Him five years later." How come? Ezekiel gives us some answers:

(1) You must be washed! Your spiritual protection against dirt, disease and death is "the washing of water by the Word" (Ephesians 5:26). It's not enough to step into the shower every morning - you've also got to step into the Scriptures. Jesus said, "Now are ye clean through the Word" (John 15:3). Sin will keep you from your Bible, and your Bible will keep you from sin.

(2) You must be salted! In Hebrew culture, they rubbed salt on newborn babies to toughen their skins, so they could be handled without bruising. Too many of us need 'special handling'. We're touchy. If we're corrected, we get defensive. Only when you've been 'salted' by mature love and non-legalistic acceptance, can you be really open and honest.

(3) You must be swaddled! When we're first born into God's family, we're vulnerable. We need to be covered and protected. That's the value of Christian fellowship; it wraps us up in the arms of love and says, "You don't ever have to go back to the old life again! You can begin afresh. You can be healed of your painful past. You can have good times and good relationships instead of bad ones." Have you been washed, salted and swaddled?

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that I have been washed, salted and swaddled. Please forgive me for the times I have been a little touchy and easily offended. That does not bring glory and honor to you. Help me to bring all of my cares, hurts and offenses to you and not to others who will side with me. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Avoid Sexual immorality

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 (TM) God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity. (4) Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, (5) not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God. (6) Don't run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God's concerns, and he will take care of them. We've warned you about this before. (7) God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful--as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV) It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

Observation:

Sexual standards were very low in the Roman Empire, and in many societies today, they are not any higher. The temptation to engage in sexual intercourse outside the marriage relationship has always been powerful. Giving in to that temptation can have disastrous results. Sexual sins always hurt someone: individuals, families, businesses, churches. Sexual desires and activities must be placed under Christ's control. God created sex for procreation and pleasure and as an expression of love between a husband and wife. Therefore, the sexual experience must be limited to the marriage. Besides the physical consequences of sexual sin, there are also spiritual consequences.

Christians are free to be all they can be for God, but they are not free from God. God created sex to be a beautiful and essential ingredient of marriage, but sexual sin-sex outside the marriage relationship-always hurts someone. It hurts God because it shows that we prefer following our own desires instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit. It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary to a relationship. It often brings disease to our bodies. And it deeply affects our personality, which responds in anguish when we harm ourselves physically and spiritually.

It is God's will for you to be holy, but how can you go about doing that? The Bible teaches that holiness is not a state of being that you must manufacture on your own with hard work and good deeds and constant fear of failure. Instead, being made holy occurs in the process of living the Christian life. If you have accepted Christ's sacrifice on your behalf, then you are considered holy and complete in God's eyes. Yet you must continue to learn and grow during your time on earth. The Holy Spirit works in you, conforming you to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Application:

Be grateful that God made you a sexual being. Sex wasn't a mistake He made when He ran out of ideas. When Adam first saw Eve he didn't say "I'll bet she's got a wonderful personality!" No, he said, "This is… flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). But when we don't understand God's original intent for sex, bad stuff happens. God doesn't want to destroy our ability to experience our sexuality. No, He wants to teach us how to enjoy it.

Saying "I'm reserving sex for marriage" may raise eyebrows and may get you excluded from the guest list of some parties. So be it! When there's physical intimacy without true commitment, count on it; somebody's going to get hurt. You need to resolve in your heart to read God's Word and follow His directives on the subject. And you need to do it now, before you get into situations where you're tempted to compromise your character, because then you've waited too late.

We all struggle at times with our sexuality, particularly in today's culture. Sex is such a deep part of us. And guilt about sex has a way of making us feel separated from God like nothing else. So in order to determine your values and set some ground rules, you need to vow before God, "I'm not going to allow my impulses to dictate to me, or sin to separate me from You. I choose to keep Your standards, to rely on Your Spirit to give me strength day by day. And if I do sin, to seek Your forgiveness, get back up and move closer to You." Count on it - that's a prayer God will answer!

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you for Your Word that stands the criticism and test of time and an ungodly culture. I am so thankful that Your Word will always help us, not hurt us. Help me to always strive to live a pure, godly life, keeping myself free from sexual promiscuity even though we live in such an ungodly world. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Thank God for DIFFERENCES

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 2:7 We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children.

Observation:

In trying to persuade people, we may be tempted to alter our position just enough to make our message more palatable or to use flattery or praise. Paul never changed his message to make it more acceptable, but he did tailor his methods to each audience. Although our presentation must be altered to be appropriate to the situation, the truth of the Good News must never be compromised.

When Paul was with the Thessalonians, he didn't flatter them, seek their praise, or become a burden to them. He and Silas completely focused their efforts on presenting God's message of salvation to the Thessalonians. This was important! The Thessalonian believers had their lives changed by God, not Paul; it was Christ's message they believed, not Paul's. When we witness for Christ, our focus should not be on the impression we make. As true ministers of Christ, we should point to him, not to ourselves.

That Paul and his companions "were like children" among the Thessalonians does not mean they were immature or untrained. Rather, Paul was making the point that, like children, they were honest, straightforward, and without guile in their presentation of the gospel and of their lives.

Application:

The Scripture for today describes true Christ like love. Paul shows us the best way to reach people for Jesus: Be kind, gentle, and loving. How did Paul do that?

He wasn't "aloof" but took each person as they were. God created each individual with individuality. Each person is unique, and special to God. So, we should NEVER be patronizing or condescending to anyone. But we should truly care for everyone.

Our culture tries to get everyone to "fit in" instead of embracing individuality. Thank God for different personalities, talents, abilities, passions, and loves. Those differences are what we should embrace, not be afraid of.

I spent many years attempting to be "like someone else" because I didn't feel like I was good enough. I was liberated whenever I just accepted who God made me to be. Today...I am very thankful for my personality, calling, abilities, talents and passions. I do not WISH I was someone else, I am very thankful for who I am and who God is still making me to be.

Now, I want to live that out in my life. I don't want to be "aloof" with anyone who is different from me. I don't want to "patronizing" or "condescending" to anyone that is different from me, even if they make me uncomfortable. To be honest, I need some people that make me feel uncomfortable. It is when I move out of my "comfort zone" that I truly begin to grow in my walk with Christ. So, today I am thankful for each person that challenges my Christ like love, and my comfort zone!

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for each 'different' person and personality that you have brought into my life. You are using them to move me to places I have never been. Please forgive me for the times I have been aloof, condescending, or patronizing to them. I will move beyond that today. I embrace the differences and am thankful for them. In Jesus name, amen!"

Two-Edged Sword

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Observation:

The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. With the incisiveness of a surgeon's knife, God's Word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil. The demands of God's Word require decisions. We must not only listen to the Word; we must also let it shape our lives.

Application:

The devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you've decided to live for Jesus. No, every chance he gets he's going to attack you. "Attack me where?" In your areas of vulnerability! "But I don't believe in the devil" you say. He'll be glad to hear that - he does his best work under the cloak of anonymity.

Paul writes, "Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). Notice the words, "so that you can take your stand." The armour is God's; the stand is yours! God's armour is for those who are willing to stand for what's important: like the salvation of your family, the success of your marriage, your walk with God, or anything else that's of value to you. The message is clear: suit up, stand up and hold your ground! Pay particular attention to Paul's words in Ephesians 6:17: "Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The sword referred to here is a large dagger used for fighting at close range.

Understand this: some days you'll have to go toe-to-toe with the devil. To defeat him you'll need to know how to use God's Word, which is described as "living… sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). Your Bible can determine with pinpoint accuracy what's going on in your life. When you come face-to-face with the devil it's the only weapon capable of rendering him powerless. So, prepare for attack by living in God's Word!

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to daily understand the power of Your Word. I need to read it, study it, meditate on it, memorize it and speak it. In Jesus name, amen!"

Strength to ENDURE

Scripture:

Colossians 1:11-14 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (13) He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Observation:

Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossian church that was similar to Gnosticism. Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in itself is empty. To be worth anything, it must lead to a changed life and right living. His prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: (1) that they might have complete knowledge of God's will and have spiritual wisdom and understanding; (2) that their lives would produce every kind of good fruit, even as they learned to know God better and better. Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated; it should give us direction for living. Paul wanted the Colossians to be wise, but he also wanted them to use their knowledge. Knowledge of God is not a secret that only a few can discover; it is open to everyone. God wants us to learn more about him, and also to put belief into practice by helping others.

Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met. Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them. His prayers teach us how to pray for others, whether we know them or not. We can request that they (1) understand what God wants them to do, (2) gain spiritual wisdom, (3) honor and please God, (4) produce every kind of good fruit, (5) learn to know God better and better, (6) be strengthened with God's glorious power, (7) have great endurance and patience, (8) be filled with joy, and (9) give thanks always. All believers have these same basic needs. When you don't know how to pray for someone, use Paul's prayer pattern for the Colossians.

Application:

Paul lists five benefits God gives all believers through Christ: (1) He has enabled us to share in his inheritance; (2) he has rescued us from Satan's kingdom of darkness and made us his children; (3) he has brought us into his eternal Kingdom; (4) he has purchased our freedom from sin and judgment with his blood; and (5) he has forgiven all our sins. Thank God for what you have received in Christ.

At 67, Thomas Edison watched as most of his life's work went up in flames. Standing in the ashes, he turned to a friend and said, "Thank goodness all our mistakes are burned up. Now we can start again fresh!" And you can too!

Every time you risk, fail, re-evaluate, and learn from it, you have another opportunity to begin again, only better than the last time. But be warned - giving up will always look easier than standing up, and giving in will always seem more attractive than digging in.

Championship-winning NBA coach, Pat Riley, said, "There comes a moment that defines winning from losing. The true warrior understands and seizes that moment by giving an effort so intuitive that it could only be called - one from the heart."

Listen to Paul, "We pray that you'll have the strength… that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy" (Colossians 1:11 TM). That strength comes from God, and can be found daily in His Word. Have you been reading it lately?

John Maxwell writes: "After you've been knocked down and had the will to get back up, the wisdom to plan your comeback, and the courage to take action, know this: You'll experience one of those defining moments - and it will define you as either an achiever or a quitter." Prepare for that moment, because it's coming. If you do, not only will you survive it, you'll go on to greater things. Why? Because God has greater things in store for you.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for the strength to endure any difficult situation. That strength comes from You. As I walk through this struggle, Your power becomes more evident in my life. I honor you today with my praise, thanksgiving and attitude. In Jesus' name, amen!"