The Daily Dose

God is in control…of what you “give” to Him

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.  2 Timothy 1:12

In today’s verse, Paul is talking about suffering because of the calling he was appointed to.  He tells Timothy that some of his other friends were ashamed of him for being in prison.  He says, “but I’m not ashamed because I know the One I believe in and I’m totally convinced that He will keep everything I have committed to Him until the day it is complete.”  Notice that Paul is not worried, afraid or concerned that he is being detained from his mission.  Even when other Christians were talking about his imprisonment and embarrassed by his suffering, Paul believes he is where God is keeping and caring for him.  He isn’t complaining about being in prison.  This is crazy!  Paul is locked up for doing what he was called to do and it doesn’t even seem to phase him, in fact, he is persuaded that God is keeping him right in the middle of the mess.

Notice Paul doesn’t say “I’m not worried because God is in control of everything that happens in life.”  He says I know God takes care of everything that I commit to Him.  He is not a believer that God is in control of everything and whatever happens, happens because of God’s control.  He is persuaded that everything that he gives to God to handle, God will take care of it. Paul never prays to ask God to get him out of prison, He just believes God has got him wherever he is because he has put his faith in trust in God’s hands.

This is the same thing for us today.  God will get us through whatever we are going through if we simply trust Him.  By committing every situation in life to His hands, He will see us through to the other side.  Instead of praying for God to take us out of the crisis, a better prayer would be to ask for His presence all the way to the other side.  God is not the reason for our suffering and circumstances.  Things just happen.  We are in a fallen world and sometimes life happens.  The good news is that when we commit our issues to God and become fully persuaded that He will keep what we committed to Him, He will always give us the victory.

This is the reason why it is so important to get all our concerns and desires into God’s hands.  When we take things to God in prayer, it “opens the door” so to speak for Him to come into the situation and work His miracles.  Even as simple as committing each day to God in the mornings before you go out into this crazy world gives Him entrance to guide and protect.  In this way, maybe we can avoid some of “life” from happening to us.  God watches closely over His children but let’s face it sometimes we get out beyond where we should be and cannot clearly discern or “hear” His direction.  Thank goodness we can turn around at any time, look to Him and cry out for help, and He comes rushing in to save us.  

So today I want to encourage you when you notice things getting rough around you, consider the last time you spent really pressing into God giving Him “control” over all your life’s circumstances.  Hand it all over today and watch the goodness of God come rushing in and “overcome” the oppression of the enemy.

Today’s scripture reading:  2 Timothy 1:8-12

No fear

Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:6 & 7

For years I have used verse 7 as a go to when feeling fear and anxiety.  I remind myself that fear is a spirit and it doesn’t come from God.  It is a great reminder to replace fear when it comes with God’s power, love and peace (sound mind).  Today I have considered it in a whole new light within it’s context.  Let me explain.

Timothy was afraid and by the sound of things he backed down from preaching the gospel.  It sounds like he was afraid of going to prison like Paul and who could blame him?  No one wants to suffer persecution for doing what is right and true.  However, Paul tells Timothy not to be afraid or ashamed of Paul’s sufferings.  Paul tells him he is called not because of what he has done (good works) but it’s all about God’s purpose and grace which was given in Christ Jesus.  He tells Timothy to stir up the gift of God on his life.  In other words, he is telling Timothy to get excited because he is fulfilling God’s plans and purposes.

We are to do the same thing right now.  We are not to be afraid or ashamed of the gifts and call on our life, but we are to use them to accomplish God’s plan and purpose not our own.  It doesn’t matter what the outward circumstances are, what matters is that God’s mission is being done.  The problem is that we need to take our eyes off ourselves and surrender our works to the call of God on our life.  Whether at work or play, wherever we are, the reason for being there is to get the job done, not to make ourselves look good.  It starts by stirring up the gift of God on our life.  What ever your gifts are, get excited that you are using them for the kingdom of God, right where you are.  Put away the spirit of fear and put on God’s power, love and confidence.  We will probably never face the persecution like Paul and Timothy did, but we still have the responsibility to submit our gifts to His call. 

Today I want to encourage you to not be afraid or ashamed of the gospel or the call on your life.  Recognize that the gifts on your life are there to complete God’s plans in the world.  He plans for all of us to have a part because He wants to share his glory with us.  God could do it all by Himself, in fact, He did do all the hard work in Jesus.  Now He gives us a part of His work by sharing with and loving others.  We are in this thing together, so put on the confidence He has empowered you with and lets get the job done!

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-9

Legacy

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

What are you passing on to the next generation! What will your legacy be?  Are you leaving a large sum of money or setting up an organization to your memory? Maybe you’re passing down recipes and words of wisdom the future generation?  Or, maybe you have never even considered what will mark your time in this world after you are gone. It is definitely something worth thinking about and spending some time planning for.

In today’s text Paul is talking about the legacy that has been passed to Timothy from his grandmother through his mother. He says that Timothy’s grandmother and mother have passed their genuine faith to him.  What a great gift and legacy to pass on! True authentic faith.

Our faith is the most important thing and we should be making a conscience effort to ensure our children and those in the next generation are getting all the revelation from our time here.  Our children’s faith should begin where ours left off.  Their floor should be our ceiling. The next generation should be able to build on the foundation of the faith that we grew our entire life! This is how progress happens, by building on the foundation of the previous generation!  This is also how the message of the gospel has survived thousands of years, by passing from one generation to the next.

So what are you and I doing to secure this foundation for the next generation? How do we spend time cultivating and growing the awareness and consistency of this foundation?  By spending daily quiet time with God?  Listening to weekly teachings in church services?  Gathering in groups throughout the week to encourage in spur each other on?  These are all things we can be doing to grow our great faith, but in passing to the next generation, you must live the life.  Begin to teach and train your children and grandchildren today by walking in God’s word and being an example of His goodness.  No matter what stage of life you are in, you can make a purposeful endeavor to pass on your faith.

Today I want to encourage you to make a plan to impact future generations. What will you do to ensure the message of salvation passes from you to your children through their children and down the generations. As much as we love our children and grandchildren what a joy it will be to one day meet the generations before and after us who have passed their genuine faith to us! This is true legacy and what we should purposefully cultivate in our lives. We all will leave this world one-day, nobody gets out of here alive.  However we all impact our time here in different ways. Spend some time today contemplating how you are impacting the world around you and decide that you are going to pass your faith on to your future generations.

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

Enjoy and share

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.  1 Timothy 6:17-18

This chapter seems to be focused on wealth and riches.  I think it is safe to assume that the people in Timothy’s church were wealthy by the world’s standards because of the attention given to riches throughout the book.  In today’s scripture once again, we hear Paul telling Timothy to warn those with riches not to trust in the things their wealth can get them, but trust God because He is the One who gives them richly all things to enjoy.  He goes on to say that they should do good and be rich in good works instead, ready to give and willing to share.

The message is the same for us today.  Frist of all, we are to trust God, not our income and not our job.  Don’t be haughty or proud about the success you have.  Recognize that the blessing on your life whether it is through your job or other means is from God and Him alone.  Without God, we have no guarantee that our success will be protected and lasting.  However, if we trust God with all that we have and do, He will protect and His blessings will continue to flow.  Especially if we are using the blessings as He intends us to.  He gives us richly all things to enjoy, but He also wants us to share them.  Share them with others who have needs and others you just want to bless.  Share them with ministries and share them wherever the Lord leads you to share.  In sharing God’s blessings with others, you are doing His good works that He planned ahead of time that you would walk in.

Today I want to encourage you to first of all be thankful for the blessings in your life.  Don’t be boastful or prideful but be humbled that God has entrusted you with so much.  Next, look for opportunities to do His good works and bless others.  Lastly, enjoy the things God has blessed you with.  Whether its your home or your family, even your job.  God is taking care of you through these blessings and He plans for you to take care of His business too.  What an honor to not only receive from Him, but also be able to give back to Him through blessing others.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

 Fight the good fight

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”  1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight!  Let’s talk about “fight” for a minute.  What is the meaning of “fight” in this passage?  A fight is a confrontation of some kind, so what kind of confrontation is the apostle Paul speaking of here?  Is he talking about being ready to strike at others that oppose the message of salvation he is preaching?  Is he referring to being at odds with brothers and sisters in the Lord who have different views?  Is he talking about struggling with God to get Him to move in his behalf?  No!  To fight the good fight of faith is taking ahold of God’s Word as a weapon and fighting against your spiritual enemy and his lies.  We fight the good fight of faith against depression, oppression, lack of desire to move forward in life, discouragement, fatigue, and the temptation to give up.  We firmly stand on the solid ground of Jesus our foundation and fight to stay there!

Now the question is, how?  How do we fight the good fight of faith?  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (spiritual), by casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (and His word), and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  This passage clearly points the battle or fight to our thought life. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep control of your thoughts.  You are the only one who can do it.  You must monitor continually and the only way to change a thought pattern is to speak out against it, to speak in a different direction than where your thoughts are going.  This is easy to demonstrate.  Start counting to 10 in your thoughts. When you get about half way there, speak or read something out loud.  Your thoughts will stop and pay attention to what your mouth is saying.  Now you understand why it is so important to speak the Word of God over yourself and your circumstances.  Words are our greatest weapon against the enemy if they are used correctly.  Romans 10:17 says that faith (in God) comes (or increases) by hearing and hearing the Word of God.  In order to hear it you have to speak it.

Today I want to encourage you to take inventory of your thought life.  Begin to recognize thoughts that are leading you down a destructive path.  For thoughts of discouragement or depression, speak scriptures like Psalms 43:5 that says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”  When you feel tired or unmotivated, speak a verse like Isaiah 40:31 that says, “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”  Search the Word for the scripture that you find most fitting to combat the thoughts you struggle with.  When I am struggling with oppressive thoughts, I like to just thank God for all the wonderful things He has done in my life, the things He is doing right now, and the things He is going to do.  You can change your thought direction simply by speaking words, God’s Words! 

 Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

What are you seeking?

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  1 Timothy 6:10

You’ve probably heard this scripture quoted before.  You’ve probably even heard it misquoted before either in the church or in the secular world.  It has been misquoted to say, “money is the root of all evil.”  However, that’s not what it says at all.  It says loving money is the root of all evil.  That in itself is a pretty serious quote.  I mean money is an essential in life and necessary for existence.  Without it, we cannot buy food, we cannot buy clothes, and we cannot buy a place to live.  So how can it be the root of all evil?

The context of this scripture gives us insight into what the verse is actually saying.  It seems that there were people in the church that thought godliness was a means of gaining wealth.  Paul contrasts this idea with the truth of “godliness + contentment = true great gain.”  Other translations actually say great wealth.  Paul says if we have food and clothes, we can be content. 

Now we know that money in itself is not evil.  It is an object and cannot force or persuade anyone in any direction.  Money takes on the personality of its owner.  Money can be used for good and is needed to ensure kingdom of heaven progress, so to have wealth or money is not evil and can and should be used for many godly purposes.

In contrast, this scripture says the pursuit of money over God is where all evil come from. It is the desire for wealth, power and fame that brings a person to run after money. Selfish ambition is the root of loving money. Money is deceptive and even Judas who walked everyday with Jesus and served in His ministry was let away by his love of money.

The solution?  It’s to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then He adds the things to you that you need to accomplish your mission in life. (Matthew 6:33) Rather than being money minded, the safer place to be is mission minded. Keep your heart and thoughts fixed on God and His mission for your life. Let that be the security that keeps you from growing the evil root of loving money.

Today I want to encourage you to think about what you are seeking in life.  Is it wealth and riches?  Is it the security that the idea of riches brings or are you seeking God’s kingdom first in all things and all areas in life?  If you do identify any root of evil that the enemy has tried to plant in your heart through a preoccupation of money, pull it out today and surrender all that you have over to the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus.  When you seek His kingdom and righteousness first, you will have everything you need to complete all that He has called you to do.  He will take better care of you than you ever could on your own.

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Timothy 6:9-10

Contentment?

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1 Timothy 6:6

What would it take for you to be content?  A new house?  A new job?  A new car?  What about a new life?  The truth is contentment doesn’t come from things.  It is not something that you attain in the natural world that makes you feel satisfied.  Contentment is a spiritual posture.  Real contentment is when you are fulfilling your purpose, knowing that you are accomplishing what you were created to do.  The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard of need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” It is clear from this passage that Paul found contentment in what he was doing not in what he was getting. We know that his life was not about acquiring stuff or being comfortable.  He was totally committed to the “call” on his life.  So, he learned that no matter where he was that God would supply his needs and get him where he needed to be.  He found that contentment was totally trusting in God and depending on him for everything down to the next breath he took.  He learned that giving himself away was where to find peace and contentment.  “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”  Matthew 16:25

For me, my thoughts of contentment are being alone and having quiet time with no interruption from the outside world, or spending time with my family and those closest to me.  However, when I really feel the most satisfaction in life is when I am reaching out to others.  Although it is often outside of my “comfort zone”, afterward I take great joy in knowing I was able to help someone else less fortunate or stood with someone as they were going through one of life’s struggles.  I discovered that the “me time” desire is a selfish one and only increases my desire for more “me time”. Then when others come along, I often get irritated because I just want my alone time.  As a result, I am never truly satisfied in that I tend to withdraw and become most interested in making myself comfortable instead of helping those who really have needs. I’m not saying there is never a time to withdraw and recharge.  It is important to take care of yourself too.  It is more about balance. “Me time” should not be the majority of time and “me time” should not be what I am always dreaming about.

Today I want to encourage you to get outside of your comfort zone and reach out to others who may be hurting or struggling in life.  If you don’t know of anyone in that position, then just reach out by giving someone a word of encouragement.  If you don’t know who to reach out to, ask God to bring someone across your path today that you can help and encourage.  You will feel real joy and contentment that only comes by touching other lives.  That kind of contentment counts for all eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 6:1-8

Well compensated

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18

Have you every heard someone complaining about how much a pastor or church leader is paid?  Maybe you are someone who believes that ministers and church staff choose to serve and that they should be willing to do it for next to nothing.  The idea is absurd and quite frankly I find it very offensive when a church expects their pastor to work for little or no pay.  I understand when a church is small and can only support a leader for part time work, but the reality is, the pastor and leaders are working for God.  It is not only the greatest honor, but it is probably the hardest work out there.  It is 24/7 loving and caring for people and let’s face it, some of the people are pretty unlovable.

Paul talks about this problem in today’s scripture.  He says you shouldn’t muzzle an ox while it is working.  Sounds a little insulting, but it is actually a quote from the old testament.  It implies that the ox is free to graze because it need its strength for the work.  He goes on to say that the laborer is worthy of his wages.  Actually, the verse before that Paul tells Timothy to make sure that he honors the leaders in his church by compensating them well.  It is not about riches or wealth, it is about being worthy of the wages.  If you work hard at a job in the world, you are paid accordingly.  Why should it be any different in the church?  If the leadership feels it is too much, they can give back into the church or missions.

My point is, that God wants His laborer to be well cared for and the people of the church should be willing to honor their leaders and make sure all their provisions are met.  God is not stingy and doesn’t expect His minsters to work for nothing and we as believers should not be offended if the Pastor is well paid. He represents God to the people of the world, shouldn’t he look good doing it?

Today I want to encourage you to love and bless your pastor, leaders and teachers in your church.  If there is anything you can do to make sure they are being well compensated do it.  If not, find some way to bless them on your own.  Let them know how much you appreciate their life of serving others and pray for them to be bless in whatever they do.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 5:17-25

God’s family

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1 & 2

How do you talk to people?  Is it the same way no matter who it is or does it depend on who you are talking to?  Today’s scripture addresses talking with older and younger people.  It says we shouldn’t be harsh or impatient but to talk to them as you would your own parents. Likewise, younger in the same way you would your brother or sister.

Many times we judge a person by their age.  Either they are young and inexperienced or old and out of touch.  The truth is, that doesn’t matter on either side.  To conduct yourself toward others as God would have you is to be honorable and respectful no matter what age.  Paul and Timothy’s relationship is a clear example of this type of behavior.  Paul speaks to Timothy in these letters as his coach and even though Timothy is much younger than Paul, you can hear the love as he instructs Timothy.  Paul is the elder, but Timothy is learning from him with reverence and respect.

Of course this is the same example we are to follow today.  The reason is because we are a family.  God’s family.  We are brothers and sisters in the Lord.  The elders are like spiritual parents to us and younger are our spiritual siblings. We learn from our parents and we encourage our siblings. This is one of the reasons it is difficult for the body of believers to come into agreement, because we do not recognize that we are a family.  Yes, we say we are a child of God, but we are not the only child of God.  It’s time to wake up to the realization that we are no longer the child of God, we are the family of God and begin to love and cooperate the way a family does.  Think what it would be like if God’s family came together in agreement on His plans and each person took their place and did their part in the family.  What a different church we would be.

Today I want to encourage you to love those who are older and younger than you. Give them the love and honor you would have others give to you.  Then begin to encourage those around you to recognize that we are the family of God.  We are one unit in Christ Jesus.  When we became born again, we were born into God’s family.  Now that we have grown up in His family, our job is to bring others in, to love and encourage our brothers and sisters, and learn from our mothers and fathers.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 5:1-16

Hey everyone! I want to announce that I had two new books release this week. They are the beginning of a series of journals that I am currently working on. Each book has a daily read with pages for journaling. I am very excited about this series and ask that you will all keep it in prayer as you think of it. You can order the journals at amazon.com. Just type my name in the search field and that will take you right there. Thank you again for all your prayer and support and as always, I pray you are blessed in all you do.