The Daily Dose

 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

Unchained

And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.  2 Timothy 2:9

I love this phrase and it is such an awesome and sobering thought to consider.  The Word of God cannot be chained or locked up.  God’s Word has been released into this world and will go on forever, it cannot be stopped!  Glory to God.  It is up to me and you what we are going to do with it.  We can choose to get in line with it and share it with others, or we can choose to ignore it and never acknowledge that it is the one true standard for this world.  It really doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things how we choose, but it does matter to God.  He loves us and made every provision possible so we don’t have to be left in this dying world without hope.  The Word of God is the lifeboat to save us from this sinking ship (the world).

Even through the dark ages when the Word of God was only available to the ministers in the church, God protected and kept His Word from being destroyed or concealed.  For a while it looked like it was at risk and hidden from people, but God raised up courageous and faithful men and women who were willing to risk it all to get God’s Word to every person.  This passage reminds me of a scripture in Isaiah 40 that says: The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.  Glory to God!  I’m so thankful that God’s Word has been unchained and accessible to us even today.  Next to the blood of Jesus, it’s the greatest gift God has given to us.  

As wonderful and powerful as God’s Word is, there is an even more glorious truth.  That is the truth of the power within each one of us to release God’s Word into all our circumstances.  By speaking the Word of God over our lives and the lives of those we love, we are releasing the changing power of His word into all of life’s situations. We can line up who we are and God’s plan and will for others simply by speaking the Words that God says about us.  I’m talking about words like:  I am more than a conqueror, I have been made in the image of God, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and the greater One lives inside of me.  These words are powerful and can change the course of life that we are currently on.

Today I want to encourage you to rejoice because the Word of God cannot be chained, held down, hidden or squelched.  It is timeless and eternal.  It is protected and preserved, and it is alive and powerful!  You can believe God’s Word and live your life according to it with no fear that it will let you down.  God’s Word is the one absolute truth, and you can depend and trust every Word He said in it!  He will never go against His Word, in fact the scripture says:  God is bound by His Word, the Holy Bible. (Hebrews 6:18) You have the power and authority to speak and live by His Word and release it into all areas of your life.  Begin today to speak the truth of God’s Word and get in line with all the goodness He has planned for you!

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-14

Entangled

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  2 Timothy 2:4

Wow!  This is quite a vivid picture and one worth considering for a minute.  Imagine being enlisted in the military, called up to active duty.  Think about how you would prepare for that.  You would have your family, friends, finances, faith and fitness in order.  You would be sure that there was nothing left undone in your civilian life.  You would have all loose ends tied up so as not to be distracted from your full-time active service to your country.  Many times when called to active duty, you are required to move out of state or even out of the country. You cannot leave any lingering responsibilities or obligations.  You must be focused on your mission and you are set apart for it by moving your life to the base where you are stationed.

Imagine now if you are serving in your active duty position, but you left your family where they were with unfinished business that you were still trying to conduct.  As you focus on your military mission being part of a unit working together on that mission, you are being distracted because you are still trying to keep up with managing your affairs back home.  This is not going to please your commanding officer.  He is going to tell you to get your head in the game or don’t come back until you can give your full attention to the job you have been enlisted to do.

Do you see a parallel in this scenario?  We have been called up to active duty by our Commanding officer, the Head of the church, the Lord Jesus!  We have a mission that we are assigned to.  However, many of us are unaware that we are on a mission and have our focus on the concerns and cares on civilian (natural) life.  We have let the distractions of activity, entertainment, pandemic and etc. become the dominate focus of our world, forgetting that this is not what pleases the One who called us.

In today’s scripture, Paul is telling Timothy to toughen up and persevere through the hard times, just like a good soldier on mission would do.  When He is on His mission, he is not looking around at what he can do to fill his time.  He is focused on the mission at hand and he is focused on carrying out the orders of the commander because they are on the same mission together.  This pleases the commander.  The more he can trust his soldiers to carry out their assignments, the more pleased he is.

Today I want to encourage you to “toughen up” and not be entangled/caught up in the cares and concerns of this world.  We do live here but we do not have to have the same mind set.  This is a temporary assignment and will soon be over.  I don’t want to be the one with all the excuses at the end of the mission as to why the mission failed, not to mention the many lives that were lost because my heart was some place else.  Become mission minded today and put away the distraction and cares of this life.  Begin by settling your business with the world.  Tie up any loose ends such as unhealthy relationships, debts and time wasting hobbies.  Then turn your focus to getting your assignment.  Spend time connecting with the “Commander” each day and offer your life up for service.  Begin your training and grow into your mission by spending time in the “play book” (scripture) and make your focus to be the reason you are in this world.  We are in a war here, so lets get untangled from the heaviness of life and run in the race we have been call to.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Connect, Care and Grow

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  2 Timothy 2:2

In this passage, Paul is telling Timothy to teach faithful people who will continue to teach others the message that Paul is preaching.  He wants Timothy to make disciples so they can go on to spread the good news and do the work of the ministry, just as Paul is teaching him. This message is also for us today.  You can hear Paul saying even to us right now, “The things you have heard and learned from me through the witness of the scriptures, connect with others and commit to teaching them.”

So how do we do it?  How do we teach others that truly want to learn and teach about a life of faith and grace in Christ Jesus?  The first place to start is with prayer.  Ask the Lord to lead you to those who are faithful and want to learn and then teach others.  Then ask Him for a platform or place to do this.  Leading a small group or Bible study is a perfect way to connect others.  You will find in leading and studying, you are learning right along with those in your group.  Bringing others together in a group setting inspires them to want to pass the message along.  By connecting with others in groups, you can commit to faithful people who will be able to teach the things you have heard and seen from Paul’s writings and in all the scriptures.

Coming together in a group setting whether it is weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, will not only help you to connect with those in your group, you will be able to care for the spiritual need of those in your gathering.  Leading a group is the perfect opportunity to love on others and walk through life with them.  The result will be growing closer to others and closer to God.  You will set up a circle of trust and form bonds that will last for all eternity.  Your ministry will be one that will enrich and complete the empty place in your life.

Today I want to encourage you to commit to telling others the things you have learned from the scriptures and teaching of Paul and all the books in the Bible.  Pass them on through groups and other connections you make.  Become a leader to inspire others to learn and grow in their daily walk with the Lord.  This is where true fulfilment comes in all areas of your life.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Be a refresher

“The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;”  2 Timothy 1:16

It’s hard to believe that there were some of Paul’s friends that were ashamed of him. Ashamed that he was in prison.  Even though he was suffering persecution for preaching the good news, some looked at his predicament with pride and judgment.  This man who had the greatest ministry of all time next to Jesus had “friends” that were embarrassed and ashamed of him.  If I think about it, I wonder how I would have felt.  I consider if I have ever had friends who were in a tough place and I withdrew from them.  I hope not, but it is still something to watch for.

Paul also speaks of a friend that refreshed him.  Onesiphorus refreshed him by visiting him often in Rome and in Ephesus.  He brought Paul encouraging words about the churches and was there to cheer him on in his ministry.  Paul gives us a hint of how this was accomplished at the beginning of this section in verse 13.  He tells Timothy to hold to a pattern or consistency of speaking sound words, or words that line up with the Word of God that Paul taught him. He says this is the way to stay in faith and love and not follow the example of those who turned away from Paul’s ministry.

We can be a refreshing to those around us still today.  Whether it is by visiting a friend or speaking words of encouragement and scripture to them.  Visiting and calling those who may be up against something or even just stuck in the ruts of daily life.  Our reaching out and connecting with them may make all the difference in what they accomplish in this life.

Today I want to encourage you to refresh others.  Either by visiting, meeting or calling, take time each week to purposefully encourage at least one person and make a difference in their life.  This is a good place to start in ministry.  Even if your schedule is demanding, if you make a concentrated effort to reach out and touch another life, you will not only be refreshing their world, but it will also make a difference in your world too.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 1:13-18