The Daily Dose

His Words are truth

In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.  Titus 1:2

Titus started out as the Pastor of the church in Corinth.  Like Timothy, Paul also calls him a son in the faith, meaning that he has personally trained and mentored him for many years.  In today’s key verse, Paul reminds Titus about a promise that God made even before time began.  He also reminds Titus that we know this promise is the truth because God cannot lie.  What God says, is and stands forever!  If it didn’t exist before, once God says it, it just began.  It’s not that God chooses not to lie because it is wrong or sinful, It’s because every time God speaks something new is created.  It is His creative power in action . . . His Words!

This is such a powerful revelation, because the promise that Paul is talking about is the promise of eternal life.  God set it up before time began that we would have eternal life.  He spoke eternity into existence and then it became a reality passed on to the people He created.  Paul tells Timothy, that they have been entrusted to teach the news about the promise of eternal life.  The reason was not only to bring others to the love of God through Salvation, but that the coming generations would know and continue to teach so that the message would not be lost in time and history.

Now, here we are, almost 2000 years later and the message is still true.  Sure, 2000 years seems like a long time, but compared to eternity it is just a drop in the bucket.  This message will be true and celebrated for all eternity.  Now it is our turn.  Now is it time for us to learn, train and teach the message of the truth.  The truth of eternal life, the truth of God’s love for His created people and the truth of the Salvation He gave to save His created people.  This is a big responsibility and one we should not be taking lightly.  We need a plan. A plan for learning. A plan for training and a plan for teaching others.  We cannot be the generation that lets this message die.  We must all do our part.

Today I want to encourage you to make a plan.  Start with growing closer in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.  Spend quiet time with Him each morning learning bits of scripture and talk to Him before you start your day.  Make Him the priority of your life.  Begin to filter out the voice of the world through media and other areas you have control over by asking the question “Is this God’s best for me?” Then start talking to Him about learning, training and teaching.  Ask Him to show you the best place to start.  Call on Him for guidance and open doors to opportunities.  Then be faithful to take steps in the direction He leads everyday.    Becoming faithful where you are today will open the doors of tomorrow and into eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Titus 1:1-4

He’s got your back

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  2 Timothy 4:17

In this passage, Paul lists the names of everyone who left him when it was time for his case to be heard in court.  He said nobody stood with him at his first defense, but all forsook him.  He prays that it will not be held against them.  It was not a good time in history to stand up at a trial in support of someone preaching the gospel.  It would likely end in being executed alongside the convicted Christian being tried.  Paul goes on to say that the Lord stood with him and strengthened him to preach God’s message to all the gentiles.  He states that he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, implying that as God stood with him, he was provided an escape from his first sentencing. 

We can place our hope in this truth even today, that God will do the same for us, no matter what we are up against.  He stands with us and strengthens us for everything we face in a day as we deliver His message to the people around us.  Whether it’s at work, school or home, God is always close to empower us to overcome obstacles, encourage others and show His love to those around us.  He will also deliver us from the traps, trials and tricks that the enemy throws at us.  You can personally believe that He will deliver you from every evil work and preserve you for His heavenly kingdom.

Today I want to encourage you to trust the Lord presence to go with you.  Whatever you are up against today, know that He is standing with you.  He will deliver you from the mouth of lions and He will strengthen you to be a voice in the world around you, for Him.  Then, give Him the glory and be thankful for His presence that goes with you. Rejoice in His leading and honor Him by preferring others above yourself.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:15-22

Not there yet

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.  2 Timothy 4:11

Have you ever had a friend that let you down?  Maybe they said they would do something or meet you some place, but then it didn’t happen?  Maybe you have had friends that walked away from you because you grew in different directions?

This happened to Paul.  Earlier in his ministry, Paul’s team split up over a dispute about who would go to encourage the churches with them. (see Acts 15) John Mark had been with them at some point, but was not able to handle the pressures of ministry, so he went back home.  He just wasn’t “there” yet in his spiritual walk. Acts 15:39 says that the tension became so great between Paul and Barnabas that they separated and into two different teams. 

Now here in 2 Timothy, at the end of Paul’s mission, Paul is asking for (John) Mark to come because he has grown to the point that he can be useful in ministry.  At the beginning, he wasn’t strong enough, but Barnabas worked with him until he grew to be a useful and productive member of the team.  It’s almost as if Paul regrets the “break up” of the team and wants to make it right now, at the end of his life.  He recognizes that John Mark may have disappointed him in the past, but he is still in ministry and has grown through being faithful in the little things.

The point is that if you are working with someone and they just don’t seem to be reliable, dependable or even beneficial to the cause or project you are working on, don’t give up on them.  They’re just not there yet.  Bring them along the best you can and love them where they are.  Give them small tasks that they can do until they become faithful in the small things.  In this way you can encourage them and watch how they are growing in the little jobs that you can easily clean up if they don’t get it right or even if the don’t show up for the task.

Today I want to encourage you to be patient and loving with those around you.  Encourage and help those who are not as spiritually strong as you are.  They still have something to offer.  They can be faithful in the little things.  Love them where they are and be prepared always to give them grace when they don’t quite get it right.  We all miss it sometime, help those who may be struggling with stepping into ministry one small step at a time. Soon you will be inviting them along on many of your ministry experience.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:9-15

Love His appearing

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.     2 Timothy 4:8

The older I get the more I love the thought of His appearing.  His coming to get me to take me home with Him.  It is ironic though, that my life here in this world has never been better.  When I was young and struggling, I wanted to keep His appearing far into the future, even at the end of my days here on earth.  Now, however, I long for the day to be with Him, not to escape the blessed life He has provided for me here, but only because He is my heart’s desire.

In the past I have read this passage and thought Paul was giving a sad farewell.  Now I see that he is actually excited that he is finished with his mission here in the world.  This is Paul’s victory speech.  He is ready to receive his reward.  No more prison life, no more taunting spirits and no more oppression from the enemy, he is ready to receive his crown of righteousness and he believes he will receive it from Jesus, personally.

What about you?  What is your heart’s desire?  Are you chasing after the approval of the world or are you pursuing your crown of righteousness?  Do you love the thought of His appearing or are you like I once was and hoped for it far into the future?  Let me just put it to you this way . . . the time of our departure is at hand. Have you fought the good fight? Have you finished your race?  Have you kept the faith?  Are you ready to receive your crown of righteousness which the Lord will give to you on that day?  Do you love His appearing?

Today I want to encourage you to write your victory speech.  Write out the mission and assignments you have completed for eternal purposes.  Then begin to look for Him.  Learn to love His appearing and think for the day when you will no longer be subject to the prison of life and no more oppression.  He is coming back for us, let’s begin to day to love the day of His appearing!

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

 The last word

Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

This is the last chapter Paul wrote to Timothy and you can hear the sense of urgency in his words.  He knows these were the last words he would be able to share with his spiritual son, Timothy. Since these are his last words to Timothy, we can conclude these are vital directives to the life of the church even still today.  He urges Timothy with these five points.

1. Preach the Word of God
2. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not
3. Patiently correct
4. Rebuke
5. Encourage your people with good teaching

The reason is because there is a time coming when:

1. people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. 
2. They will follow their own desires.  
3. People will look for teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. 
4. They will reject the truth.
5. They will chase after myths.

I believe the time is here that Paul was warning about way back then.  We can follow the directions Paul gave to Timothy and see results in the same areas.  By preaching (talking about) the Word of God, people will listen and hear sound and wholesome words/teaching. We can be prepared at all times to help people follow after God’s ways instead of their own destructive desires.  Patiently/lovingly correct people so they will not look for teachers who will only tell them what they want to hear.  Rebuke/stand against those who reject the truth and encourage good teaching so they will not be chasing after myths.

Recognize that these steps are a process and will happen over time and as the Spirit of God leads you.  Timothy was a pastor and Paul gave him these admonishing’s for his congregation.  Today, we can start by applying these steps in our own life.  Then walk through them with those God has entrusted to us to encourage and cheer on in their walk with the Lord.  From friends to family members, we can gently use this process to help those around us not to be led away from their purpose in these last days.

Today I want to encourage you to talk about the things God has shown you in His Word that encourages and build others up.  Be prepared at all times to lovingly correct, rebuke and encourage those around you with instruction in the right direction toward God.  Watch for traps that would cause you to no longer listen to the things that God is showing you in His Word.  Do not be led away by your own desires or teachings that don’t line up with the scripture.  Embrace the truth by looking each day for words of Wisdom from your heavenly Father and don’t be led away by myths or false teaching. By following this structure, you will be ensured to maintain your close relationship with your Father in heaven.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Equip yourself

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16&17

In this passage, Paul is teaching Timothy some things about the written Word of God.  God’s Word is the same for us today.  Nothing has changed in the purpose of God giving His Word to us.  We have God’s Word available to us on an even greater level today, so it is important to know why we need to spend time growing in it and renewing our mind every day.

Paul tells Timothy: All of the recorded Words that God has given to be written out for people are anointed with the very breath and life of God. These Words are beneficial and of great worth because they give us an absolute standard to line our lives up with.  God’s Words are good for admonishing and fixing the broken pieces of our lives, they should be used for  instructions to take the right path for godly living and direction.  These writings are given so that God’s family can be united and in agreement by believing and living by these words.  They also completely equip us for every good work that God wants to accomplish in the world.

Wow!  That certainly covers it all.  The importance of God’s Word is to bring all of His people into agreement to live victoriously in the world and accomplish all that is in God’s heart together, not separately.  Although, at this point in time, there are many denominations within the body of believers, these should not serve at dividers, but rather distinguishers of their part of the body.  By using our differences as strengths, we can work together to bring more people into the Kingdom and more laborers for the harvest.  Each of us doing a part with the giftings we have, working together in one accord.  God’s Word being the common ground and absolute authority to lead us in the path of His purpose.

Today I want to encourage you to spend your own quiet time in the Word of God.  Take some time to think about the purpose God gave us His Word and contemplate how you can apply that Word in your life today.  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to the places you have been equipped for by that Word and fulfill the mission and assignment you are given for today.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

He will deliver you

You have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. Out of them all the Lord delivered me.                  2 Timothy 3:10 & 11

Timothy was a student.  He learned from Paul the ways of ministry and what a great teacher Paul was!  The lesson that I believe Paul is telling him in this passage is that in ministry, stuff is going to happen.  In fact, in life, there is always going to be something, whether good or bad, we are going to walk through situations.  We can choose to do life with God’s help or without it, but trust me, it is much easier with the guidance of His love and Spirit?

The part of this passage that stands out the most to me is Paul saying the Lord delivered him out of all his troubles.  He doesn’t say that God removed the problems from his ministry, he says God brought him through those circumstances.  Like going through a storm, it doesn’t just go away, it moves through an area.  The storm may do damage, but mostly, it is just a lot of clouds and wind as are most trials we go through on a daily basis.  The good news is that God is our shield and protector.  He has got us covered and gives us wisdom and insight to navigate us through each crisis no matter how great or how small.  The important thing to recognize is that He will deliver you out of all of them!

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you are going through, God has a plan to get you through it.  He probably will not remove it, but He certainly could.  The more likely result will be He will walk through it with you.  This is the greatest way He gets to be a part of your life.  Most of us are prone to press into Him when things are tough and that is when He is ready to pick up the pieces and lead you though, step by step.  He will never fail, you only need to keep trusting and taking the steps of faith.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

 Last Days

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 Timothy 3:1

What a great warning.  I love how this chapter starts.  The Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul makes this announcement to Timothy and to all the church, including us today.  The first thing he says is “know this”.  I’m so thankful He wants us to know.  God isn’t trying to hide His plans or the circumstances surrounding His moving on the earth.  It is almost like Paul is telling Timothy to be watching for these things to start happening, but actually he is talking to us today.  When we look at the things he lists in this chapter, we can see why he wants us to be aware of the meaning when we see these things happening.  Paul says:  I want you to understand that perilous/dangerous and evil times are coming.  It seems strange that Paul would point this out to Timothy, because they were already living in some treacherous times.  Especially being part of the church. From persecutions, oppression and executions, they lived in an extremely brutal society.   Not to mention the twisted and immoral “anything goes” civilization of the Roman culture that they were being governed by.

I’m pretty sure this warning was meant for us today because we are living in perilous times for sure!  So, in the next 3 verses, Paul lists the things to look for in the last days.  They are:

1.men will be lovers of themselves 2. lovers of money 3. Boasters 4. Proud 5. Blasphemers 6. disobedient to parents 7. Unthankful 8. Unholy 9. unloving 10. Unforgiving 11. Slanderers 12. without self-control 13. Brutal 14. despisers of good 15. Traitors 16. Headstrong 17. Haughty 18. lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 19. having a form of godliness but denying its power

That’s quite a list, but I’m sure we all have seen every one of these attributes in people around us, even just today.  In fact, some people actually pay to go watch movies with all of these evil things in them.  (Well, they used to back when you could go to the movies)  My point is most of these qualities are common everyday occurrences and nobody even gives it a second thought.  It is just the times we are living in. 

That is my next point.  The times.  This scripture clearly says the last days, proving that there is going to be a last day.  Some think it will be because the environment gives out, but the truth is, When God says its time, the last day will come.  I’m not trying to be a discouraging voice, in fact, I am looking forward to that last day when all the evil mess we live in the middle of will come to an end.  You can be excited about that day too.  Just know something better is on the other side of the last day here.

Today I want to encourage you to know that perilous times are not only coming, they are here.  This thing is wrapping up fast, and if you are not sure what that means for you, now is the time to secure your future and eternity with God our Father in heaven.  It’s not hard, in fact you can do it right now by praying a simple prayer and inviting Jesus into your life to be your Lord and Savior.  When you ask, He will come in and change you and teach you all that you need to know about the coming last days.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Vessel of honor

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  2 Timothy 2:20

This is a scripture I am familiar with, and maybe you are too.  I have never written about it or even used it in a practical application.  Mainly because I didn’t really get it.  I have actually heard others refer to themselves as clay pots, but it never made sense to me.  I think they thought it was a form of humility, but in reality, I don’t think they actually understood what they were saying.  Now that I am looking at this passage more deeply within its context, I think I am beginning to understand.

As we saw in the previous verse, God knows those who belong to Him.  It goes on to say let everyone who names Jesus as their Lord depart from iniquity or quit living in sin.  Now this is the very next verse that says there are vessels of gold and silver, but also vessels of wood and clay.  Then in the very same breath it says some for honor and some for dishonor.  Taken in the same order, we can conclude that the vessels of gold and sliver are for honor, leaving the wood and clay for dishonor.  This answers some of my questions about studying and working for God’s approval . . . to become a vessel of honor.  Sure, God loves me if I don’t, but if I continue to live in the filth of my sin, I am a vessel of dishonor, a jar of clay.

The conclusion:  There are two types of vessels in Gods house.  Honorable ones and dishonorable ones, but the choice is up to you and the choice is up to me, what kind of vessel we are going to be.  If we choose to study to show ourselves approved unto God and depart from iniquity, we are becoming His vessel of honor.  If we choose to hang on to old sinful and worldly habits, we are choosing to be a dishonorable vessel.

We can continue to read on here and see a list of items that we need to eliminate from our lives to be a vessel of honor.  Such things as youthful lusts, foolish and ignorant disputes, strife, quarreling.  Instead, we are to pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Be gentle to all, able to teach, patient and humbly correcting those who are in opposition so God will give them repentance to know the truth.  Then they can come to their senses and escape the traps of the devil to do his will.

Today I want to encourage you to be a vessel of honor in God’s great house.  By giving God your best and spending time sitting with Him in praise and thanksgiving, you are growing closer to the heart of God.  Not because of what you are doing, but because of what He is doing in your heart and life during that time.  Getting to know the character of who He is through His word and His peace, you are studying to become a vessel of gold and silver.  Sit quietly with your Heavenly Father today and thank Him for all the things He has done in your life, all the things He is doing in your life and all the things He is going to do in your life.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Seal of approval

Work hard (study) so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

How do you get good at doing something?  Whether it’s your career, your family or being a Christian, the answer is the same.  You study, practice and then work at it.  The more you do it, the better you get at it.  Paul told Timothy to work hard and study to receive God’s approval.  In that way he will not be ashamed but confident in teaching the Word of truth.  But let’s go back to this approval part.  Paul is telling Timothy if he wants God’s stamp of approval on his life and ministry, he should work hard at studying God’s Word and God’s ways.  As he does, he will become strong enough to carry God’s seal.

In the natural world, if you want your employer’s approval, you work hard and learn about the job you are doing so you can do it well.  If you want your family/spouse approval, you work hard and learn about what makes a family and marriage successful to do it well.  I guess I never considered being approved as a Christian or being approved by God. I always just consider that He loves me just the way I am.  Yes, that is true, but love and approval are two different things.

In verse 19 of this chapter, it says by having a solid foundation of God then you are able to stand strong and are sealed (with His stamp of approval).  God marks you as His own and now that you belong to Him. It also says you need to walk away from old sinful habits.  This is where you need the firm foundation that you have worked hard to build.  By studying the Word of God and then applying it in your daily life, you are now able to stand up and turn away from evil.  If you do not renew your mind with God’s Word and teaching, you will not be strong enough to name the name of Jesus as your own and remove sin from your life. 

Lastly, I want to talk about study.  What is the most effective way to study God’s Word and apply it to your circumstances?  Maybe you find it hard to understand the Word of God or maybe you have trouble staying focused when reading it.  The first place to start is to schedule a quiet time each day that you can spend with your Father.  A time with no distractions to take your attention away from tuning in to the things He wants to show you through His Word.  You can use a devotional such as the Daily Dose or you can read through a book in the Bible by reading a chapter each day.  However, before you begin to read, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself through what you are about to read and that your heart and mind would be open to understand what the scripture is saying.  It will make all the difference to make this request.  Then be ready to write down anything He reveals to you through your time spent with Him.  This is probably the most critical step in your foundation.  Through out your day, listen to worship music and quietly thank God as you have opportunity for His goodness and all the blessings He has placed in your life.  Listen to podcasts and messages as you have opportunity each day.  Make your relationship with Him the priority and you will be guaranteed to be strong enough to carry His seal of approval.  You will not be ashamed to share His message because your confidence will be based on that connection of love you have with Him.

Today I want to encourage you to study to show yourself ready and able to carry the seal of God’s love and approval in your life.  Make spending time with Him the priority of your day.  Decide that you are going to purge the evil out of your life by learning more of His ways and plan for you and carry His seal as a child of God everywhere you go.  You are His representation here in this world, present yourself in a way that accurately displays His love and goodness as you get to know Him better each day.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-19