Journal Ps 126-127 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream…(a dramatic pause here)…

 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy!! Then “they” (the other nations?) said among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them!”

 

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad…

 

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Ps 126:1-3 and 5-6)

 

Observation: It is worth the effort to search and wonder how the Psalmist might have said what he writes out loud; to experiment with inflections and pauses until I might respond, “Yeah, that sounds right…”

 

Application: There isn’t much scripture that is an interesting read in a monotone and strict cadence, “da ta da ta da ta da ta da…” and so on.

 

Being the Living Word, I decided way back when that I needed to read the Bible with some life in it. That meant,

• Pauses where pauses might be needed
• Shouts or raising the voice in emphasis
• Whispers
• Fast in some places, slow in others, and
• Little comments here and there to keep the reader or listener attuned to the subject matter, or changes of speakers, etc.

 

Take the first line of Ps 126: “…we were like those who dream… (And then) …Our mouths were filled with laughter…”

 

I can imagine what the Holy Spirit is describing here. Israel is witnessing God restoring the fortunes of Zion and doing it without Israel’s input. The result was a “drop the mic” moment; jaws dropped; mouth wide open but without a sound.

 

And then the whoop and hollering started and Israel’s praise to God went amuck with laughter and joy!

Not only Israel, but the nations surrounding Israel could not but recognize what Israel’s God had done: “Then “they” (the other nations?) said among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them!” Were the other nations stunned? Amazed? In wonder? Shaking their heads saying, “Their God restored them again? How can that be?”

 

It makes a difference on how scripture is read, not only in silence, but especially out loud. Reminder:

 

(Paul writing to Timothy) “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture…” (1 Tim 4:13a)

 

Prayer: Father, your word is full of life. Therefore, keep me from sounding like dead nails rat-tat-tating when I read your word.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ps 124-125 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—

 

Let Israel now say—

 

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us…then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters.

 

Blessed be the Lord who has not given us as prey to their teeth!

 

We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers—the snare is broken, and we have escaped!

 

Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Ps 124.

 

Observation: Constructing prayer and praise can take time. It is not always spontaneous but can be the product of much meditation…especially if it is for public consumption…

 

Application: I was taken by the repetition of the first sentence: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…”

 

And then the Psalmist exhorted and commanded the people to repeat it. The emphasis may have resulted in a stronger and more vocal, LOUD response: “IF IT HAD NOT BEEN THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE…”

 

The predominant thought that occurs to me was this psalm was the result of much meditation, much thinking, much contemplation, and reflection on a specific occurrence.

 

I must work at meditation.

 

Even acknowledging that my attention span is trained by the universal TV standard, and I need to do better, I consistently fail. If I get in a good 5 minutes of prayer before my mind starts wandering off, I am patting myself on the back.

 

But, in the stark daylight of reviewing my performance, I know different.

That is why writing is preferable. Writing is good. Journalling is an exercise of health among disciples of Jesus. The proverb is true: “A short pencil is better than a long memory.”

 

Writing may feel like a wooden exercise; an exercise that “doesn’t flow with the Spirit” and isn’t spontaneous. What writing does is exercise the mind and creates disciplined thoughts; it trains for righteousness by creating skill:

 

“…for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness…” (Heb 5:13)

 

It organizes thoughts so that rambling doesn’t happen.

 

It supports the learning of and internalizing “sound doctrine.”

 

Writing keeps the preaching of the Gospel and learning of godliness consistent and repetitive.

 

Prayer: Father, imprint me with your Word, in my mind, my heart, and my writing. As I write and review, I get to see the growth in me that you initiate, and/or the consistency of your Word implanted.

 

Thank you for men who write. Thank you for the conviction of men who, while not doing it now, want to write. Help them carve the time out to serve the future generations.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

 

Vs 1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Vs 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants

look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,

till he has mercy upon us.

Observation

 

The psalmist knows his position.

The psalmist knows God’s position.

And the psalmist sees this as cause for celebration!

 

The psalmist is lowly … “as a servant”.

God is enthroned in the heavens … “as a master”.

 

Why would the psalmist celebrate being in the position of servant?

Because from his master, God, comes “mercy”.

 

Application

 

I do genuinely try to always celebrate that God is “with me” … Emmanuelle!

This is truly good news.

No matter what I’m going through God is going through it with me.

 

But do I genuinely always celebrate that God is “above me”.

God is my “Personal Savior” …  and Jesus calls me “friend”.

But do I celebrate That God is “my master”?

 

The only way I could ever do this is to trust that He is “good”.

God is not just my “Master Shepherd”, He is the “Good Shepherd”.

 

Do I want this? … Or do I want to be shepherd? (While having “God with me”.)

I must want God as my master … if I want mercy.

 

And I must look to the “hands” of God …

The way a servant or maidservant look at those of their master or mistress.

 

The “hands” are the source of direction … and action … and protection.

The Master’s hands will direct not just me … but everything around me.

 

Do I want to determine my own direction? My own action?

Do I want to provide my own protection?

The history of the world … and my life … shows the foolishness of this.

 

Like a sheep to a shepherd … I should crave, and seek … lift my eyes up …

To the hands of the Master for direction, and action, and protection …

Because what follows is mercy … and then celebration!

 

Prayer

 

Thank You again God for your Word

Youi always give me reason to celebrate

Help me follow your direction Holy Spirit

And experience your mercy

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Ps 120-121 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.

 

‘Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.’ What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? Ps 120:1-3

 

Observation: To whom is the Psalmist referring. I think he may be talking about himself…

 

Application: I find myself (at times) reading the Scriptures and think that the Holy Spirit is referring to other people instead of the face in the mirror.

 

Sometimes, he is—but the context is fairly evident that is the way the narrative is constructed. But there are other times that the sentence construction is confusing.

 

Take the above reference: Is the Psalmist asking to be delivered from Bob’s (a made-up character) lying lips? Bob’s deceitful tongue? Maybe…but what good is that to a disciple? How do I learn to be patient, gentle, and all the other fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5) if I ask for God to shut someone else up?

 

Or is the Psalmist looking at himself and pleading, “O God, my Lord: Keep my tongue from being deceitful; my tongue from lying!” I tend to think it is about me, standing before the Throne and keeping myself to account than it is about someone else.

 

Why is that I wonder? Why would I want to hold someone else’s actions concerning me in complaint before the Throne of God instead of my own? Simple answer (at least to me)? I succumb to weakness and self-importance.

 

I am not in Jesus’ league of conduct, but, remembering Matt 4 and the 40 days Wilderness episode, when Satan came out to tempt Jesus, Jesus’ answers were “It is written…”

 

Here’s a thought: Were those answers dual in application? Did Jesus reply to Satan that God’s Word was preeminent in all things only to the Deceiver? Or did Jesus say it out loud to strengthen His own heart and mind with the Living Word? Hold on: Was this written down to give me an example to live by? Notice: this is a clue!!

 

Note: I didn’t come by this analysis easily. It was because of the Journal writing that I needed to wonder about what I was reading. It would have been easier to write in Psalms 121 about “Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” I need to wonder/ponder/meditate on Psalm 121 as well—without forgetting that “…all scripture is profitable…” (2 Tim 3:16)

 

Therefore, I remind myself: If I encounter a passage of Scripture that doesn’t quite make sense—keep at it for a while, thinking and rolling it around in the space between the ears. If it must be abandoned for a moment, pray that the Holy Spirit will connect the dots in the future.

 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your faithfulness. If I pray, “Show me…”, I can be assured that someday you will.

 

Please keep me from being anxious that I don’t know it all…keep me from acting like I do, as well. I want to walk faithfully in your Word.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

Philemon 7 – For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the heart of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Observation-

Paul is telling Philemon what an encouragement he is to him. The love of Christ pours out of Philemon to give Paul joy. Not only is Paul receiving joy but other brothers and sisters are given strength through Philemon.

Application-

Philemon’s life is changed by the gospel and the love of Christ. The love of Christ is the most powerful thing in the world that has the power to change hearts and lives. I need to receive the love of Christ and truly care, share the love of Jesus with others. If I am loving others well I am comforting those who need compassion. To be a good disciple to brothers/sisters I should always be an encouragement to them in their walk.

Prayer-

Father,
Thank you for the truth in your Word and the example of Philemon bringing joy to the apostle Paul. Let the power of the Spirit lead me to love others to encourage them and glorify you.

Journal Titus 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:   “But as for you teach what accords with sound doctrine…For the Grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age—waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.”(Titus 2:1 and v11-13)

 

Observation:  Sound doctrine to teach, specific training being espoused, having a confident vision for His Coming, reiterating why He died—to redeem us to be a people for His own possession:  these and so much more to have sober but joyous response of.  Then again, how do I do this?

 

Application:    One of the best things that happened to me in my Christian walk is to discover the glorious, mind-boggling depth of the Scriptures and especially the Gospel.  There are reasons that the fathers in the Faith were enamored with writing about the Scriptures.  Look at John Owen, Jonathon Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon for example: the focus they had on various doctrines through their writings affects and assists to define Christianity today.

 

Learning about the subjects of the various principles that give Christianity its structure (called Doctrines) helps me understand the Hand of God in what I see, especially when I look into the mirror—it supports me in efforts to “rightly divide the Word of Truth” and to be ready in season and out to talk about the “hope that is within me.”

 

I totally recognize that I am a “jackleg” scholar wanna-be.  There is no way I could ever be like some of the guys I named above.  Being like these guys doesn’t drive me; being as God says for me to be is what drives me.  Scholarship without hands on, getting my boots on the ground and dirty, I think isn’t the Spirit’s point.  Learning with direction for good works is the objective.

 

I have written to myself before, mentioned to my wife once or twice, that the Gospel is a simple message (Jesus said the Gospel should be spoken of in simplicity so a child could understand it) but it is also complex and beautiful that I could study the facets of the Gospel for the rest of my days and still only scratch the surface of what the Trinitarian God planned before Creation began.

 

Prayer:   Lord God: Thank You for the Plan of redemption.  You love us that much is clear and without question.  Why You love us?  Well, that will absorb our contemplation for eternity; especially when I wonder why you love specifically me?  You called, you chose—and yet I wonder why?  Nevertheless, I worship You and toss my crowns (a meager count they are) at Your feet because You did something You didn’t have to do but did anyway.  What emotional, sober, calculating discussions You had that the choice of Redemption via the Cross was the result?  Mind boggling and without human reference.  Thank You forever, AMEN.

Journal Titus 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:    “This is why I left you in Crete so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…(there are qualifications): if anyone is above reproach; the husband of one wife; …children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

 

For an overseer, as God’s steward, (he) must be above reproach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine AND also to rebuke those who contradict it.”  Titus 1:5-9

 

Observation:   Are these impossible qualifications?  Because the Word of God is true and accurate, presumably not.  But these qualifications (and others in Paul’s letters) get questioned more than a bit.  What are the principles behind these two lists?

 

Application:   Unpacking Scripture (or not) can get us into all kinds of disturbance.

 

Let me be clear: I am NOT inferring either by explicit or implicit statements that Scripture can be twisted into something more palatable to my selfish, self-centered mind.  Paul wrote about that in 2 Tim 3 and I should be warned—“having a form of godliness…”  May it never be!!

 

I am saying that, if a scripture is NOT clear, there is a responsibility to engage trying to understand the Scripture there may be a question about.  At the end, there is always Deut 29:29 to fall back on: “The secret things belong to God…”  Be aware: the Holy Spirit may put understanding out a bit in the future while other things are learned first.  Patience, patience.

 

From my perspective, there is a single overriding principle alluded to in this section of Titus.  It is the public display of “Walking worthy of the Gospel; Walk worthy of the calling in which you have been called; Pursue these things, be immersed in them”; and etc.

 

In my Jesus Festival days it was described as being “Sold out for Jesus.”  That was 46 years ago.

 

During these 51 years I can testify that I did well, then didn’t do well; I ebbed and flowed with the tide of life and those circumstances.  All the time I tried to keep my feet moving ever so consistently (even if the movement was microscopic) towards the Kingdom.  However, I must be transparent and honest: I failed often.

 

I write the above as an encouragement—to me as a reminder to keep going, to anybody else for the same.  The references above are not only for leadership in the local church, it is for any of us who are looking for and chasing the Pearl of Great Price.

 

Taking a page from the Dos Equis philosopher: Keep walking worthy of the Gospel, my friends.

 

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, thank you for being patient with me over all the years; thank you for Your faithfulness in the light of my unfaithfulness manifested daily.  How can I ever thank you enough?   AMEN.

 

Journal 2 Tim 4 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books and above all, the parchments.” 2 Tim 4:3

Observation: Outside the Bible, what books and publications would I consider necessary to be sent for?

 

Application: Paul is in Rome (2 Tim 1:16-17and referred appreciatively about Onesiphorus) and remembered “oh, yeah, bring my cold weather gear because winter is coming.” (2 Tim 4:21)

But, while Paul was asking about his cloak, he especially wanted his books and parchments.

The question I must ask myself is “What extra books, articles, and publications can I not do without? What is the book list that I consider my “must haves?”

“Bring my books!” This may be the only place in the New Testament this request from Paul is seen, but I think it shows how important being a scholar is to being a disciple.

There was a time in my life where it was insinuated that the larger your personal library, the more you were a dedicated follower of Christ. I have since repented from the buying of books for display purposes only. However, not from buying key books, books that I will use and refer to over and over.

Every year I thin my collection out. It is getting harder and harder, and I still have too many books, more than I could ever read. But the longer I go, I find I have some books, important at the time I obtained them, are now out of print—and the more contemporary books on the same subject are not as good as the old ones.

I attempted to list the most important to keep books and those I will carry with me wherever I might move—the minimum few. I started with listing 10 books and found that I “had” to make it 20, then 25—and I stopped listing them because I was not using good decision-making skills…

The point I am trying to make is that disciples study…and read. Disciples skills should include having critical study and reading skills, especially navigating the Bible.

Remembering that “all scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Tim 3:16), study is part and parcel of the expectations of being a disciple. Part of effective study is standing on the shoulders of saints that came before us.

Therefore, get a list of books you cannot do without.

Prayer: Father, after last night’s debacle, finishing this posting seems so hypocritical—stumbling over my own sin, getting angry with my wife.

Even acknowledging my sin and bowing my head to your undeserved grace in forgiveness, I feel like I must atone for what I did. I write this to be transparent with others because everyone messes up and must run to the foot of the Cross.

Needing books is a fact. Needing to hear the preaching of the Gospel is a fact. Preaching the Gospel to myself is a requirement. Not thinking more of myself than I should is your statement to my ego and pride.

Amen.

Ricky two-shoes.

Scripture

VS 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

Vs 2 For people will be lovers of self, …

Vs 5 having an appearance of godliness …

Vs 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

Vs 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,

Vs 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

VS 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Observation

Paul is giving Timothy a warning and explanation for the times of difficulty he sees going on around himself.

Paul also gives Timothy an encouragement to continue in faith what He knows to be truth … “salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”.

Application

In Paul’s long list of treacherous behaviors and troubles, he starts with the key … “people will be lovers of self”.

Strong words, but it’s been the same from the beginning.

Adam and Eve did not want to trust God’s definition and knowledge of good and evil.

They wanted to determine good and evil themself!

And it’s been the same ever since.

So, in what ways am I acting as a “lover of self” that Paul warns against?

There are 2 ways Paul warns me that may “appear” right to others, but in fact just reveal a “love of self”.

First, and to recall so many admonitions of Jesus … (what offended Him perhaps more than anything),

Was to be a “lover of self” while “having an appearance of godliness”!

(A good working definition of “Pharisaical”.)

Second, how am I “always learning” …

(I have access to more “Christian resources” than ever before right at my fingertips.) …

But where am I learning … but not actually coming to the knowledge of truth?

One of these is a public behavior … “appearing godly”.

The other is a private behavior … “always learning”.

So, to have the right outcomes from Paul’s perspective here,

I must begin with the proper “private” action that then leads to the proper “public” action.

But where should I start? … “God breathed profitable Scripture”!

With this and from this, I must accept “teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness”.

So, then the question is? … Do I accept this?!

Where have I accepted teaching, reproof, correction, and training?

When have I admitted I am wrong in something?

How have a displayed a course correction in my actions and thinking?

Then when I do this and accept these “private” things from the Word of God …

It is then that I am ready for the “public” things …

“that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

So, where am I “equipped” and “competent” for “every good work”?

(Is there any better description for the man of God than equipped and competent?!)

God will lay good works before me this very day …

They’ve been prepared from the creation of the world …

Will I walk in them?

May I be equipped and competent to do so!

Prayer

Thank, You, Father for Your Word

May it be “profitable” in me

Help me Holy Spirit to receive correction and training

Give me eyes to see and competence to walk

In the good works you put before me

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal 2 Tim 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:1-2)

Observation: What are my directives, sir?

 

Application: I am reading a war novel on the side.

This statement has the flavor of being final orders before the big battle. Paul goes on, instructing and reminding Timothy,

• “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
• No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
• An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
• It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

 

Remember Jesus Christ. Risen from the dead. The offspring of David…as I preached in my gospel (for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal). BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND! Therefore, I endure EVERYTHING for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Tim 2:3-10)

Being on a war footing is a common theme in the Bible, certainly in the New Testament. Being an athlete is another. So is being a farmer.

What do these discipleship themes have in common? They all have a singular objective that calls for discipline, sacrifice, and planning. It is an attitude of determination to be developed.

Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, saying,

“I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.

But the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I HAVE SET MY FACE LIKE A FLINT, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.” (Is 50:6-7)

Luke described Jesus in this way,

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he (Jesus) set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51). “Set his face…” in this context could be translated “…was resolute…” or “…firm…”

That is the kind of determination disciples are encouraged to develop. Candidly, this is tougher than it reads, for there are obstacles in the way every day, mainly the cares of this life.

“But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife [as an example—my note], and his interests are divided.” (1 Cor 7:33)

It is the “divided interests” that trip me up, maybe others as well.

How, then, am I to pursue growing as a disciple?

Prayer: Father, you see my heart, and the hearts of those who may be reading this posting.

Ignite a passion to grow as a disciple. Help me pray for faithful men for my life that I may grow to be formed in the image of you, according to your word.

Amen.

Ricky two-shoes.

Scripture

2 Timothy 1:7-8 – for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed about the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Observation –
Paul is writing to Timothy to encourage him with the gifts God has given him to be strong in faith. As Timothy will face challenges, Paul reminds him that he has received the holy spirit which is the power of God and His Love. The spirit of God is not one of which will make us fearful of uncertainty. God’s indwelling spirit will give us self-control against which we would not have in the flesh. Paul continues to tell Timothy to have the spirit lead him to uphold the testimony of Christ unashamedly. Timothy must be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel just like Christ and Paul is not in his own power but by that of the spirit.

Application –
As we navigate increasingly uncertain times in the world today, I must remember and be encouraged the word Paul shared to Timothy. I have to let the power of the spirit give me strength to not be fearful of rising hostility to my Christian faith and witness. As I contend for the faith, the spirit must lead me to have self-control and do it out of love to be a witness so others can see Christ through me. I have to continue to be an ambassador for the Christ and should not be surprised about suffering in the name of Jesus rather to rely on the spirt to give me the right things to do and say when facing persecution.

Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and let me draw encouragement from Paul’s message to Timothy. Let the power of the spirit give strength in my faith to be obedient to you. Give me self-control in challenges so I love you and love others to point them to you.

Journal 1 Tim 5 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: So, I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.” (1 Tim 5:14)

 

Observation: Interesting observations by the Holy Spirit can be found in the strangest places in Scripture. One is found here…

 

Application: Before anyone goes all worldly on this and thinks this is neanderthal, I was caught by the reference,

• “…and give the adversary no occasion for slander.” (1 Tim 5:14b)

 

Is there a conflict with being bold for Christ and avoiding potential issues of slander?

• “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses…” (2 Cor 3:12)
• “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” (Phil 1:14)

 

Sure, there is a conflict. Most (I think) would categorize it as the difference between being “fearless” and being “fearful.”

 

Personally, what I don’t want is to manufacture “scripturally” an excuse for not being bold in the name of being circumspect, cautious, prudent, or wary—which is my way of justifying no actions on my part.

 

Usually, when I am in situations of a “ministry” moment, the first thought that rattles around between my ears is whether I will be ridiculed and personally embarrassed.

 

I kind of “get” why the first teaching/directive in the continuing education of disciples is “go out and witness…Tell everyone you see what Christ has done…”—except, in many (most) cases this is where the emphasis stops.

 

As the Holy Spirit indicates by the hand of Paul in the previous chapters of 1^st Timothy, godliness is the goal of our instruction because it is of singular value for this life and the life beyond.

 

What is needed, then, is to not neglect some subjects in favor of majoring in subjects that are near and dear…and comfortable. That is called “having a bias.”

 

The writer of Hebrews says,

• “Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity—not laying again a foundation of:

o   Repentance from dead works, and of

o   Faith toward God, and

o   Instructions about washings (must be a Jewish thing),

o   The laying on of hands,

o   The resurrection of the dead, and

o   Eternal judgement.” (Heb 6:1-2)

 

I reference Heb 6, not because this is the “approved” checklist of a catechism (teaching plan), but to point out that a systematic approach to maturity is way better than the “shotgun” approach I grew up with. Of course, being totally transparent, I would have rebelled (and did) to any rigid course compliance back when I was a new Christian—much to my dismay decades later. Don’t make the same mistake.

 

As pursuit in godliness in Christ is gaining momentum in your life, the possibility of giving the adversary an opportunity to slander or to gloat in failures will lessen—and as boldness in Christ develops, it will have solid ground under your feet to work with.

 

Prayer: Father, steady plodding reaps results (Prov 21:5a TLB—my first bible. The ESV states “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…)

 

The above to keep in prayerful mindfulness that observable change doesn’t happen overnight, it takes diligent application (and with partners and the local church) to succeed.

 

Make it so in my life, Father, please. Thank you for the men in my life and my wife to make me further into a Man of God.

 

Amen.

Ricky two-shoes.

Journal 1 Tim 4 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: (Paul speaking to Timothy) “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

 

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness…godliness is of value in every way, as (because?) it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. (The (previous?) saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance)

 

For, to this end, we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living God (who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe).” 1 Tim 4:6-10

 

Observation: It appears that, of all things to fiercely pursue as a disciple, godliness is right at the top of the list.

 

Application: Is this the only wall plaque that Paul promotes?

 

“…train yourself for godliness…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” (1 Tim 4:8)

 

Maybe so, for when he tells Timothy, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance…” (1 Tim 4:9), verse 8 seems to be what makes reading and reference sense.

 

Train for godliness. What am I supposed to do with that directive?

 

What other directive can be found in the Old or New Testament that has the following beneficial results plainly laid out?

 

• Godliness is valuable.
• In everything I do, I should consider godliness is valuable to me in EVERY way.
• Godliness holds promise

o   In the present life and

o   In the life to come (heaven; you know, after the end of my days).

 

Paul hammers on this some more to Timothy in Chapter 4:

• “Practice these things. Immerse yourself in them, SO THAT all may see your progress.” (1 Tim 4:15)

 

Not only make pursuit and practice visible, but Paul also continues:

• “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” (1 Tim 4:16)

 

“Don’t coast. Be purposeful. Be intentional in discipleship…” is how I think of the above.

 

It is hard. People are pulled in so many ways; there are reasonable actions being proposed and initiated all over the place. Like many, I see it on TV, Media, non-profit organizations, wars, rumors of wars, etc. It is difficult to be convicted of a path and set upon it, hoping it is not the “ministry du jour.”

 

I know it is for me.

 

Prayer: Lord God. Again, you challenge me to walk (and write about) a path. It reminds me of what you are building: “…to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone what is the Plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God (who created all things), so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he (God) has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Eph 3:8b-11)

 

Goal. Objective. Mystery. Eternal Purpose. Christ. The Cross. The Gospel. Your glory forever and ever. May your Kingdom reign in me today.

 

Amen.

Ricky two-shoes.

Scripture

Vs 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

VS 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

VS 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

VS 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Observation

Paul is encouraging Timothy to be prayerful for everyone … all people.

What’s interesting is who the first people he says to pray for …

Kings and those in high places.

The Israelites were a people under forced rule and authority of an outside empire … a source of persecution.

Yet, Paul is encouraging prayer for them.

Why?

Three things …

First, because it’s “pleasing in the sight of God”.

Pain wants to please God.

Second, because God wants us all to “come to the knowledge” of who He is and salvation.

Paul wants what God wants.

Third, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way”.

Application

Do I want to please God?

Do my wants line up with what God wants?

Maybe it’s not that simple …

Of course, I’d say I want to please God.

But perhaps I’m trying to do that in ways that ultimately please myself!

Take Paul’s transformation for example … it’s fascinating.

I think when Paul was going around persecuting and killing Christians, he would say he is pleasing God.

But really, he was doing so in a way that pleased his own thinking and perceptions of what God desired.

Paul’s wants and God’s wants obviously weren’t in line with each other … even though he was adamant that they were.

So, what made Paul go from persecuting to praying?

“The knowledge of the truth” … Paul met Jesus who said, “I am the Truth”!

Paul came to see the knowledge of the truth and not the knowledge of his own tradition and religion.

God wanted all people, even gentiles, to know who God is …

And this would change everything about Paul’s life …

Even his very interactions with God, not just his interactions with others.

His very prayers themselves changed …

So, for me, do I have a full knowledge of the truth …

Do I pursue it?

This will lead me to see what pleases God and not just what pleases me?

And my behaviors will be an outflow from that.

I will pray for what God wants.

I will live the way God wants … “peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified in every way”.

Kind of seems like a dream life, actually.

But I can’t get it by praying for my dream life … selfish prayers.

I need to start with “knowledge of the truth” and then pray for “others salvation” …

What may flow from that … is my dream life … peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified.

And it may just be what God wants, too!

Prayer

Thank you, again, Father, for Your Word.

Help me live the Truth.

Help me want what you want.

May it please you

And give me peace

In Jesus name,

Amen