Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

Psalm 120:1 
In my distress I called to the Lord,and he answered me.

Psalm 121:1 
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Observation:

The psalmist describes a life of distress and desperation. However he also describes a God who answers and comes to his aide.

Application:

Life has problems. The world is not a friendly place. People try to hurt us. Times of desperation and distress come. This isn’t something to be surprised by. This shouldn’t lead us to think something is wrong. Instead we need to know where our help comes from and call out to Him. We need to believe that he hears and furthermore that he answers.

A few things…

-Expect problems (A faith that teaches we won’t have problems if we obey is simply not true)

-Know we need help and where our help comes from. (Self-help and self-reliance are the opposite of Christianity. God doesn’t help those who help themselves. Instead he comes to the aide of those who cry out for help.)

-Remember He made heaven and earth. Whatever we are asking Him to aide us in can’t be more difficult than creation. If he spoke the earth into existence. If he hung the stars and planets in place, I think he can handle my relationship issue or my financial problem. If He can handle telling the ocean where to stop, I think he can defend me before my enemies.

Prayer:

Father, difficulties come. I know where my help comes from. I need you.

 

Scripture:

Vs 7 I, (Paul), have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Vs 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus …
Vs 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
Vs 16 … (Onesimus) no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother …
Vs 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.
Vs 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Observation:

Paul is sending Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, back to Philemon.
Paul wants Philemon to receive him back not as a “bondservant”, but as a “beloved brother”.
Interestingly, Paul makes his request by speaking of the heart at the beginning, middle, and end of his writing to Philemon.
Initially, Paul indicates that Philemon has “refreshed the hearts of the saints” by the sharing of his faith.
Then, Paul says that the sending of Philemon is the sending of “my very heart”.
Finally, Paul says that the warm reception of Onesimus by Philemon will “refresh my heart in Christ”.

Application:

It’s always so incredible to me to read of Paul’s transformed heart. A man who wanted people murdered for having the wrong thoughts, now speaks so frequently of “joy” and “love” and “heart”.
It is so clear that Paul is a new person in Christ. And now Onesimus, a slave, is a new person … a “brother”.
But a new creation must reveal and show himself to be new with new actions.
Philemon, if he has a “refreshed heart”, will accept Philemon back as a “brother”, not as his runaway slave.
Each of the three here, regardless of status, teacher, student, or slave, are “brothers”.
Paul tells Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul.
So, the question to me is, Would I receive the “lowliest new Cristian” just as I would a “hero of my faith”?
Would I treat people different? Would I distinguish my respect for any two Christians?
Paul, the teacher, says it would “refresh his heart” to treat all as brothers.
Another lesson from Paul for me here … Paul, the “superior teacher”, is sending what is useful to him away from himself to be useful for the sake of others.
Am I willing to do so?
Is it “refreshing to my heart” for me to experience loss so that others may gain?
Paul say this is the only “benefit” he wants … the “refresh of my heart in Christ” when brothers in Christ reconcile and pour themselves out for “the sake of Christ”.
What an amazing letter written by a man in prison.
Could I write while in prison that I am personally experiencing “joy” and “comfort” and “love” and a “refreshed heart”?
This is a man truly willing to be poured out.
Paul asks me to do nothing that he has not done himself.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for your Word.
Help me see all Christians as my brother.
Help me release who is useful to me for the benefit of others.
Help me have the benefit of a refreshed heart
In Jesus name
Amen  

Scripture:

Titus 3:3-7

³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

 

Observation:

Paul reminds Titus that every believer used to be lost. That every church person used to live a life apart from God that was defined by all types of emptiness and darkness. In vs. 4 Paul uses the word, “but”. Though this was the way of life before Christ, when He appeared and revealed himself to them, lives changed. Why? Not because of behavior shifts and personal sacrifices by the people. Instead believers are saved by His mercy, by the working of His Spirit, by the power and presence of Jesus and by the justifying power of his grace.

 

Application:

Three things…

 

-Don’t forget where I came from. Apart from Jesus my life was dark and empty. There is no romancing the old way of life. It was broken and depraved. (Remember)

 

-BUT! This in fact is the greatest message of hope. My life was a mess BUT, God intervened. My new life, my new existence is a result of this moment… BUT! Not a result of me changing my mind or having enough, or coming to my senses. It is because God saw my life, BUT had another plan! (With God there is always a BUT)

 

-Grace. Grace. God’s Grace. I can never forget his grace is what saved, sustains and leads me to the next step. I would be nowhere without HIS GRACE. May this be my story today and my hope.(My story is Grace)

 

Prayer:

 

Father thank you for seeing me in my darkness and changing everything with your grace. Had it not been for you, where would my life be? I am grateful for your mercy, love and grace today.

Scripture:

Titus 1:9 – He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it.

Observation:

Paul is giving instruction to Titus, a young pastor, on qualifications for leadership and problems arising within the church at Crete.  After Paul reviews all the other necessary traits to be an elder, the final distinguishing characteristic of an elder is someone who holds firm to the truth in God’s word.  A church leader should also be able to communicate, encourage the flock with sound teaching and correct those who have opposing views.   

Application:

I must take Paul’s advice for Titus and hold on to the truth in God’s word that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul’s encouragement for Titus to lead the 1^stcentury church in Crete is every bit applicable to Good Life Church in Bradenton, Florida in 2018.  The gospel of Jesus is where we must build, start, continue and lead our church and discipleship.  When we begin to stray from gospel, we risk either too much grace (doing what I want because I’m covered) or too many works (legalistic religious activity to be saved) both of which are rooted in self and not the saving grace only available from God. 

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Let your Spirit guide me to be grounded in your word, able to clearly communicate your gospel with others and defend the gospel from false teaching  

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 the most 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.

Scripture:   

“But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

For people will be… (a number of things resulting in)…having the appearance of godliness but denying its power….For among them are those who (are) always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”  (Excerpted and cut up from 2 Tim 3:1-7)

Observation:   

Paul writes to Timothy: “Do not be surprised-you are going to see and experience difficulties.  These difficulties are because of being “last days” and just as important you will see particular, specific actions and attitudes from people.”

It is a distinction that needs attention today as well has 2,000 years ago.

Application:  

There is a distinction that I need to remember: The “Last Days” functionally began at the moment of the Ascension.    We have been walking in the Last Days ever since.

Knowing this in my head doesn’t mean I readily equate today as “in the Last Days.”  In fact I regularly think of “the Last Days” as something that is coming, not as something here–I am bound by being human and time bound instead of eternal but it is true nevertheless.

But I don’t think that is the tenor of what Paul is saying to Timmy (and us).

“Don’t be surprised at what you see, Timmy my boy.”  There are 18 specific characteristics that Paul lists to be aware of and then what may be surprising (was to me) that all of these have the possibility of not being outside the local church, but inside:  “…rather than lovers of God-having the appearance of godliness (but denying its power).”  Additionally Paul writes about folks who are “…always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”  (This is written about weak women but I think it certainly applies to all.)

What does this mean to me, the guy in the mirror?

Don’t be unaware of possibilities of sinful behavior all around me-including the guy in the mirror.  There is one particular person that I know that can influence me the most to succumb to any temptation: His name is ME.

Be aware of “the appearance of godliness” first and foremost concerning the guy in the mirror.  To be an authentic Christian is to lean on God’s Grace and His specific instruments of Grace we can identify.  Participation in a small group/life group is one of these instruments of Grace.

Be aware but avoid condemning/condemnation.  Condemnation is the province of God’s Justice alone, not ours.  As difficult as it can be, remember that Jesus died for “them” as well as for me.

Paul told Timothy: “Pursue godliness-let your progress be seen and testified of.” (paraphrased)  Humility, transparency, given to learning with a focus on knowledge with power-a changed life blossoming from the Gospel in all of its beautiful facets, and being able to speak of the Hope that is within you.

Prayer:  

Father, today I am wondering if I am playing the “appearance of godliness?”  The situation I have addressed and now am facing the consequences of is driving my heart in sad contemplation of whether or not I am honoring You with my decisions and actions.  I think I am but am uncomfortable enough to wonder.

Nevertheless, O God, I trust in Your Hand in this and every other aspect of my life today.  Help me to seek you fervently all the days of my life.  AMEN.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 1:5-7

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

Observation:

Paul reminds Timothy that God was moving in his family before he received Christ personally  and that the gift of God he possesses needs to be stoked in order to keep growing in strength and effectiveness. Finally he reminds him that the Christian life is directed by the Holy Spirit’s movement which manifests in power, love and self control. 

 

Application:

It is always important to remember where you came from. Following Jesus wasn’t my idea. It wasn’t a system of faith and life that I discovered or made up. I received Christ in a moment of a divine plan that included millions and millions of people. As Jamie led me to Jesus, someone else led him years before. The same for that man or woman before him. Sometimes it is comforting to know that this faith, this way of life, did not originate with me. People, generations before me, walked in the faith and their influence was used by God so that I would believe. My faith did not start with me and it will not end with me. This is comforting. 

The next thing I realize is that I need to keep fanning into flame the gift of God in my life. I can not grow complacent, nor can I assume that simply being “saved” is the main goal. The Spirit, alive within me, has more to do. It doesn’t end with what is accomplished in my life. Therefore I must keep stoking the fire. How? Keep reading his word. Keep praying. Keep stepping out in faith. Keep pushing outside of the comfort zones of my life. This allows me to experience continued trust and growth in the Spirit’s work in my life. 

Finally, I can’t forget that I am completely reliant upon the Spirit. My life, calling and mission is impossible without the Spirit’s presence and power in my life. Not only does He demonstrate supernatural power in my life, but He also leads me to love and exercise self-control, far beyond my own personal attempts. How do I know I am growing? How do I know I am fanning into flame? Three self-inspection questions…

-Do I witness the supernatural power of God’s Spirit moving in my life? Do I sense and witness a strength and fortitude beyond my own flesh? 

-Do I Love like Jesus? Do I see past peoples faults and failures and love them like Jesus does? 

-Do I say no to the things my flesh longs for and yes to the Spirit’s leading. Am I controlled by anything more than the Spirit? 

 

Prayer:

Father I am reminded that my faith is a result of a multi-generation faith movement led by the Spirit. Thank you for that. I am reminded that growing stagnant is not an option if I want to grow and be effective. Finally, I need your Spirit today, as much as I needed Him on day one. May I see His power, love and self-control clearly at work in my life today. 

Scripture:

2 Tim. 2:2 

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men,[a] who will be able to teach others also.

 

Observation:

Paul challenges Timothy to entrust what he has been modeled/ taught to others who will be faithful to teach others. 

 

Application:

Here we go again. Just in time. The Lord has provided another verse at the perfect moment. As I sat in the cafetorium last night with the 14 men who will lead and sometimes carry the church into the next season I couldn’t help but smile. Each with unique gifts. Each with a deep desire to please God and to serve His church. It was so awesome to hear the elders speak and use the language of 1 Thess. 2:8. It was awesome to hear the deacons engage in a clear understanding of our mission and values. It was amazing to hear prayers that echo the prayers I have prayed for years. It was humbling to look out and see men who match the description of what I sensed God calling me to develop years before I ever moved to Bradenton. I am not the apostle Paul by any means, however for the last 6 years I have played the role of mentor and pastor in your life. All that to say, three things that you need to know. 

-What I have invested into each of you is of great value. The gospel of Jesus Christ is priceless. There is a reason Paul uses the word entrust. It isn’t something to pass around lightly or toss back and forth. It is a priceless investment that has been entrusted. Treat the gospel and the vision, mission and values of the local church (developed in prayer, fasting and bathed in the word) with great care and with the urgency that they deserve. 

-Identify faithful people to pour this message into. Sunday we proclaim this to the masses. However, Monday-Saturday is your responsibility to find people who are willing to take the next step, to be more than bystanders and consumers and invest the gospel at a deep heart level into their lives. Each of you need to identify at least one other person to start this process with now. Don’t make excuses of not knowing enough or being too busy. You were in that room last night because I believe in you and if your too busy to disciple someone, you are too busy. You don’t have to teach them everything, just everything you know and everything you do. You can’t teach them to obey what you don’t obey. You teach what you know. You reproduce who you are. 

-The goal is not for them to learn but rather for them to teach to others. We have not done our job when those who follow us do and say what we say and do. We have only succeeded when those we invest in are investing in others. There are some of you that are already doing this. However, there are some that are not. Instead of being discouraged by this, accept the challenge and start entrusting. 

The best years of our local church are ahead of us. I believe this with my whole heart. However, the mission of Good Life only lives on when we are faithful to obey Paul’s charge to Timothy in this passage. Remember our mission. To love enough to make disciples that love people enough to share the good news and our lives as well. The mission is not completed when you are loving people enough to share the good news and your life. It is completed when they are making disciples that love people enough to share the good news and life. The people I have invested in (many of you) are doing this. Now it is time for the next level to embrace this and live this. This is when we will see the movement go beyond the cafetorium and into the 490,000. 

 

Prayer:

Father, shower these men with confidence and grace. Help them know that they have what it takes and that what they already possess is enough. May they, using the gifts you have given them, begin and continue the process of entrusting to faithful people who will teach others. 

Scripture: 

1 Timothy 6:8 

But if we have food and clothing, with these things we will be content. 

 

Observation:    

Paul is giving warnings to Timothy as the temptations of life are real and the culture of this world is tempting. He gives the warning but also gives the pursuit of the man of God.  

Application:   

 It is amazing that God leads me to this passage this morning. I was just talking about how I was going to go buy a lottery ticket this morning and how I would spend the money if I won. (Mind you it is a 1 and 34 million chance I would. LOL) The Lord is so gracious and kind that if we just spend time with him in his Word he will lead us not into temptation and he will deliver us from evil. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path”, what a true word this morning. What did I think money would get me? What did I think I would gain from that type of money? What would have happened to me and my family if we would have obtained that type of money? So many senseless temptations come our way as the scripture says when we desire the money and love it more than God. 

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for leading me to your Word and leading me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. You are so good and I love you, Lord. May I pursue the right things and pursue obedience. 

Scripture:   

“As for those who persist in sin rebuke them in the presence of all so that the rest may stand in fear.  In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging doing nothing from partiality…The sins of some people are conspicuous (going before them in judgement), but the sins of others appear later.  So also good works are conspicuous and even the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.”  (Excerpts from 1 Tim 5:20-25)

 

Observation:    

This is one of “those” chapters; chapters where there are a number of rules Paul is giving out to guide the running of a local church from a “pastoral” perspective.  Because the pastoral perspective in the scriptures is blurred to an extent (How much of these kinds of instruction am I obligated to perform or supposed to ignore?—pastoral is a description of action, not a title), I need to be aware of them and apply as prompted by the Holy Spirit; but ignore them as “not my job?”  Never.

 

Application:   

A significant statement: “I charge you to keep these rules…

That was like a license to steal from a candy store in my past, as a rookie Christian.  Why?  Because these rules had to do predominately with other’s behavior and not mine.  I could cherry pick here and forget that Paul earlier addressed my pursuit of maturity (or lack of…).

To the Corinth church Paul wrote: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation…”(1 Cor 3:10)  Another version says “…like a wise master builder…”  The idea here is that we are built, layer by layer, “line by line, precept by precept” on our way concerning maturity in Christ.

I would like to consider myself mature but I know I fail in so many ways.  I have come to a conclusion for myself that there are some directives out of the Scriptures I am not ready, equipped, or perhaps responsible for just yet.  To be clear: I am not talking about “cherry picking” directives from the Scriptures; I am saying that there may be some directives that are in the category “Not yet, but soon” timing-Put “this” on before you put “that” on.

How do I find that out?  There are a couple of suggestions I can toss out there.  Use the spaghetti on the wall method of analysis for yourself:

Study systematically.  If you are bouncing around in the Scriptures–ok, not an issue.  Remember however you did not learn math, science, English, or any of your schooling that way.  Perhaps

Christ shouldn’t be learned that way either?  Just saying…

Find a friend in Christ to hang out with.  Discipling can come later but if you don’t have a friend/buddy in Jesus that you can talk deeply with, ask questions, listen to your thinking, etc., then you are missing a significant instrument of Grace in your life.

Find someone to help you with being disciplined in Christianity-another instrument of Grace.

Confess sin in your life, frequently and thoroughly.  Ask forgiveness from our Lord (because He is whom we offended first and primarily) and ask forgiveness from others whom we offended.  Repent.  Find out how to make the repentance stick.  By the God’s grace, get up every time and start again.  Pray.  Fellowship with other believers, avoid traps of temptation if possible.

From these and other processes, we can begin layering foundational learnings from the Scriptures, leaning on and hearing from the Holy Spirit, sharpening our discernment in all things-just like being “wise in Christ” means…

 

Prayer:  

Lord, you see my heart, the inner workings of my mind.  I am struggling with putting what I wrote just above in written format and, most importantly, in action.  I ask that You don’t make this just theory in me but solid work that comes out as good works.  Help me to be patient as You work this stuff out in me.  Please keep me focused.  AMEN.

Scripture:

 

1 Timothy 3:1

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

 

Observation:

 

Leading in the local church is both noble and a task. 

 

Application: 

 

Getting the opportunity to lead in the local church is an incredible one. The honor of getting to journey with Jesus in ministering to people and being a part of God’s work in their lives is so amazing. However, it is also a task. It is hard work. It is, many days, a very tough job. It is a role to aspire to but as we find in the rest of the passage, it isn’t a role for everybody. The scripture lays out clear requirements. As I read through the requirements it becomes evident that the people that are to serve in this role must posses three things. 

-Clear calling from God. 

-Clear evidence of HIs hand in their life. 

-Clear ability to influence and lead others. 

 

Prayer:

 

Father as I align myself to the requirements of this role I recognize quickly it is only by your grace. May you continue to shower your grace on others and may you raise up others to lead well. 

Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:7-9 Have nothing to do with irreverent silly myths.  Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.

Observation:

Paul is encouraging and reminding Timothy of the importance of having spiritual discipline. Spiritual discipline is to be done out of response to love for God not legal adherence to the law.  Godliness is of total value for how we live each and every day and our holds our hope of eternity in heaven with the Father.

Application:

I must take Paul’s advice for Timothy on the importance of having spiritual discipline in my life and understand this as truth giving this the full attention it deserves.  Our time is too valuable to be misled, lose our focus on the gospel and our response to follow Jesus.  While physical training is important, it is not to be accomplished at the expense of my spiritual health.  My present life, the life lives of others and our hope must be on Jesus.  I have to live this for myself daily and model to teach others.

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Let your Spirit guide me to fully accept and implement spiritual discipline in my life not out of legalism but in response to your love.   

Scripture:

1 Timothy 1:15
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Observation:

Paul begins his letter to Timothy and reminds him of why he charged his son in the faith to stay in Ephesus; to protect doctrine. He then continues about the grace of God and the law. He then gets personal. This statement is both clarifying and applicable. “Jesus came to save sinners, me being the worst”.

Application:

Wow. If we ever wondered why Jesus came, the answer is right here. Some would say Jesus came to show us the way to love. Some would say Jesus came to show us how to treat people. Others would say Jesus came to start the church. Others would say Jesus came to teach, preach, heal, etc. All of these were accomplished in Christ, however not the chief reason for the coming, suffering and resurrection of Jesus. That was done for salvation. Jesus came to save. Save who? Sinners.

Now a couple things…

-What is a sinner? Of course it has to be the people described in the verses 9-10.
“understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,”
This in fact is true. But we also find that this list is only part of the description of a sinner.

-Sinners are religious too. People who allow their religion to guide them towards judgment of others, blind zealousness, non-practicing theologians, Monday morning atheists. People who fill our churches, vote republican and quote scripture. When Paul refers to himself as the chief of sinners, he doesn’t do this lightly. He does it with a clarity that comes only from humility and true brokenness. When confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was physically blinded but spiritually enlightened of his true standing before God. Jesus confronted him and called him to a new life, made possible only through grace.

This is true for me today as well. I am nothing without grace. My sins are just as bad or disqualifying as the lists that make a church lady blush. However, I am not defined by that anymore. I am defined by grace. As I lead I must not:

-forget where I came from.
-allow the church to forget where we came from
-allow the church to church to rank sins
-allow people to disqualify themselves

Prayer:

Father I thank you for this morning reminder of why you came, who you came for, and that no one is too far gone.

Scripture:   

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or quarreling…

…Likewise (also) that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self-control; not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works…. (1 Tim 2:8-10)

Observation:   

Roles of men and women: Are there many subjects in God’s Word that are more explosive or contentious?  Maybe Election?  I can’t think of many others.  Yet, this is in God’s Word and so is required to be soberly considered for we will have to answer about this before the Throne on That Day.

Application:    

Isn’t God good?  I have to think so but really-could I have gotten a more controversial subject this morning?  I have to remind myself of certain doctrines and chuckle at the Goodness of God.

I am reminded that God is decent and orderly from the Scriptures.  Therefore, with that in mind, I see His tongue in cheek direction: “I desire that (everywhere) men should pray, lifting up holy hands-no anger, no quarreling among themselves…”  No kidding!  As I read the next statement, I better pray.  In fact I better practice praying and move from novice praying guy to at least a journeyman praying guy because the next statement can be volatile:

“Likewise (or in parallel), women should… (and the list follows)”

Could there be any other statement that can raise hackles like this found in the Bible?  More provocative or leading to strong, divisive argument?  I can’t think of any right now.

I am not getting into any of the specifics in 1 Tim 2 (or any of the Pauline gender imperatives) except for this: If this is the Word of God, God-breathed Scripture, then it has to be something to pay attention to.

Some thoughts:

*         Men: Pray.  Pray seriously and fervently.  Look to your own progress in Biblical maturity and conformity to the Word of God-let your progress be seen and testified of by all-and, if married, especially your wife.  Be full of care not to lord authority over anyone including members of your own family and local church.  Practice patience.  Encourage seeking of God and asking the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.  Guys: if you are not excelling in the pursuit of God, don’t try to hold someone else to a standard you aren’t attaining.  All you should be doing is suggesting, pleading, etc.  Everyone has clay feet: scrub hard on your own feet first before scrubbing on someone else’s.

*         Women: Pray.  Pray seriously and fervently.  Look to your own progress in Biblical maturity and conformity to the Word of God-let your progress be seen and testified of by all.  Practice patience; take your time but be persistent in looking to the Holy Spirit for any necessary change.

Having tried once upon a time to point out to my wife that she was not conforming to the Word, I quickly found that didn’t work well at all.  So my decision (cloaked in chicken feathers) was to focus on the man in the mirror and whenever the subject came up between us (accidental or on purpose) point to the Word of God and asking as good of questions that the Holy Spirit put in my mouth-trying to avoid the foot that was consistently there concerning this (and other) subjects.

Our response/reaction has been addressed by one thing: the Cross of Christ.  All of those called by His Name have been set free of fear: Sin does not have dominion over us.  We can seek Him who is the Counselor of Peace for direction and if in anything we think different than the Word on, God will reveal that to us IF we ask Him to.  Like in Colossians 2 last week: don’t be taken in by philosophy or deceitful but plausible arguments.

Prayer:    

Father God, You are good, better to me than I deserve.  I ask for help that I don’t get puffed up and stupid on this subject for the same sin affects me as well as others-no matter which gender.  The cheat sheet of conduct lists: Fruit of the Spirit; “think of these things” list; and so many others in the NT can be a quick reminder of where I am in You-if I pull these lists out and ponder them.  I want to be immersed in Your Word.  AMEN

Scripture:

Colossians 4:12-13
Vs 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 
Vs 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

Observation:

Paul gives reference to many fellow workers for the gospel as he close his letter to the Colossians.
Here, though, for Epaphras, he gives an effusive description of what he is doing.
This is way more than, “Epaphras says ‘Hello’”.
Paul can’t help but let them know he is a “servant of Christ Jesus” and “struggling for them” and “worked hard for them”.

Application:

I am not sure I have ever heard this name, Epaphras, ever mentioned in the 1,000’s of gospel messages I’ve heard in my life.
Yet, I am also not sure if I have ever heard a better two sentence description of a person in my life.
We name our kids after Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and Paul … but I’m thinking now Epaphras needs to make a comeback.
Paul (the guy who says pray without ceasing) describes Epaphras as “always” struggling in his prayers. Yet, not even for himself.
He prays “on your behalf”!
Paul (the guy was says he worked harder than anyone) describes Epaphras as “worked hard for YOU” … AND those in Laodicea … AND this is Hierapolis.
Paul also, as he often does, has an interesting juxtaposition.
He says Epaphras is “always struggling” so others may “stand mature and fully assured”.
And what does Epaphras want them to be fully assured of? “All the will Of God”!
I struggle in prayer for myself.
Can I be so mature in Christ and so fully assured of the will of God, that I would struggle in prayer for others?!
I suppose sometimes … but “always”?
Me “struggling” for others “full assurance”. … This is a worthy endeavor.
Two thousand years after this man’s life, here are two sentences written by the major writer of the New Testament that encapsulate an actual life well lived.
This wasn’t a command or a desire or a hypothetical example.
This was a real life that Paul saw and spent time with.
May I, too, be a servant of Christ Jesus.
May I, too, always struggle in pray for others full assurance.
May I, too, work hard for others in my city and those surrounding it.
Thank you, Epaphras, for your example and legacy for Christ.

Prayer:

Thank you God for your word
Thank you for the examples you give me of others
Help me Holy Spirit to live in obedience to all your will
Open my eyes to pray for those who need your assurance
In Jesus name
Amen