Three Lessons

October 31

Daily Bible Reading: Titus 1

Verse of the Day: Titus 1:4 – “to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.”

This short letter is to Titus, a Greek who was converted under the ministry of Paul. He was an associate and helped on some of Paul’s missionary tours. Paul may have established a church on the island of Crete following his first imprisonment. He left Titus there to minister to the church (1:5) and set things in order. This is a short letter (only 46 verses) that contains a variety of theological topics. 

Look for three important lessons in this letter as you read it. First, deeds will either deny or defend our teaching. Second, grace elevates godliness, not cheapens it. And finally, God’s kindness should change the way that we act. See if you recognize them in the three chapters of this letter.

Prayer: Spirit of the Holy One, open my eyes that I may see the multitude of lessons You provide for me in Your Word. Give me understanding as I read and apply it.

Be Ready

October 30

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4

Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 4:2 – “preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

Preach. Ah, that means a preacher, right? It is an admonition only to those who stand in the pulpit, doesn’t it?

Not fully. Paul is challenging his young student Timothy to be bold and ready to share at any moment. But the word translated preach in this passage can mean to publish or proclaim openly. It is not held only to those who we call Pastors. It is for all of us. We need to be ready at any moment to share the good news with anyone we come in contact with.

We need to be ready to take a stand, to be alert, to be prepared with the message of hope and salvation that the world needs. God can, and will, use us to be His mouth to those He places around us. Today, be ready, and watch what He will do.

Prayer: Father, I am standing ready and willing before You, use me as You see fit today. 

God Breathed

October 29

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3

Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy :16 – “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:”

Paul uses a Greek term translated “inspired of God” in this place which is made up of two words – one translates as God and the other translates as breathed. This term θεοπνευστος is difficult to understand in our terms, it carries two concepts.

The first concept is that they are breathed out by God. This shows the divine origin of the words. The second is that God inspired (or inbreathed) the words. This gives us the picture that God is present in His Word. The Bible is not a simple library of books, it is a supernatural collection of truth from He who is Truth for all mankind. It will make us complete (verse 17) if we will just let it.

Prayer: Precious Living Word of God, Jesus, through Your Spirit speak life into my soul that I may be able to spread the truth of life to others that I come in contact with. Empower me with Your Spirit and Word to minister for You today. 

NOTHING TO PROVE

Careful Handling of the Truth

October 28

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2

Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.”

It seems that our world today, in general, lacks biblical truth. It is not due to a lack of Bibles. What is lacking is people who carefully handle the Word of Truth.

We need more students of the Scriptures. We need people who study them to be sound in theology and interpretation of the Scriptures. And, this only comes from spending time in devoted study, not just a casual reading of the Bible. If we are careful in our approach to the Word, study it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and live what we learn, we will be able to teach without fear or shame.

Prayer: Most Holy God, Father of Creation, Giver of Eternal Life, may I take the time today to spend it with You and Your precious Word. I seek You to speak into my life, the life-giving words of Your Holy Scriptures. Teach me Your Truth, Your Promises, Your Plan, and Your Direction for my life as I speak teach for You.

What kind of Spirit Fills you?

October 27

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.”

σωφρονισμου. A Greek word that means an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, to moderation and self-control. Some translations use the words “sound mind” in this place. The Holy Spirit of God gives to believers spiritual gifts and then empowers us to use them. God’s Spirit does not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one that empowers us for the scope of ministry. 

It is by God’s Spirit that we have the strength or ability (power) to do the work of the ministry. It is by this same Spirit that we have the agape love that flows from God to do His work. And, because of this, He gives us the self-discipline necessary to minister in His name.

Today, prayerfully seek God to fill you with His Love, His Grace, His Mercy, His Power, His abilities to serve as He calls you.

Prayer: Holy Father, fill me, equip me, use me in Your service today. Guide me and direct me to walk and work in Your desired plan.

Only the Gospel

October 26

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 6:20 – “O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;”

The Greek word παραθηκην translated committed in this verse is used only here and in 2 Timothy 1:12, 14. It is the word used for a deposit, a trust or thing consigned to one's faithful keeping. What Paul was calling upon Timothy to guard was the truths that Paul entrusted to him in this letter. He was to guard against the false knowledge (Gnosticism) that had infiltrated the Ephesian Church. This system of teaching taught that a person received salvation only when they had “knowledge” of deep spiritual mysteries. Paul tells Timothy plainly and directly to stay away from this teaching.

The gospel is plain, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Prayer: Spirit, keep me focused on the truth, all the truth, and only the truth of the gospel message. Christ and Him alone.

Double Honor

October 25

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 5

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.”

The primary function of the elders was to rule well. The word we have translated as honor (τιμης) carries a double meaning - he honor which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds, and also in writings outside of the New Testament the idea of financial remuneration. So, Paul’s statement of “double honor” can carry both of the connotations at the same time – respect for a job well done, and adequate pay for the work they do.

Do we pay this type of “honor” to our Pastors today? Do we respect them for the work they do (preaching and teaching), and do we pay them adequately for this work? Muse over this in your sphere of life today.

Prayer: Spirit of God, keep us in line with what You desire for our Pastors and their families. May we honor them doubly today. We lift them up in prayer and praise to You. 

Read, Encourage, Teach

October 24

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 4:13 – “Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.”

Paul here is encouraging Timothy in his role in the church at Ephesus. Paul has encouraged him to not let his youth deter him from fulfilling the call that God has placed upon his life.

Paul challenges him to hold fast to the things that are needed. Don’t neglect the [public] reading of the Scripture, this would be followed with exhortation (the encouragement to obey what was read), and also the formal teaching and instruction in the Word of God.

Paul urges Timothy throughout this letter (and in connection, all ministers of God’s Word, ordained or not) to be diligent in doing what God has called us to do.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I come to You today asking for You to work in my life and heart so that I may go out and share Your Word with those in my sphere of influence in this world, May I encourage others with Your Word today. 

Pray for Your Pastor

October 23

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 3:1 – “Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

The Greek word used here for bishop is επισκοπης and means one who oversees. In the New Testament, this term is sometimes translated as Elders. 

Elders were responsible for the internal affairs of the New Testament Church. It appears from the context in other places (Acts 14; 20; Titus 1) that there was a plurality of men in positions of responsibility in any given congregational unit. 

After the New Testament times, it became the custom in the church to select one of these Elders and name him the bishop, like our present day role of the Pastor.

Paul says it is worthy position and goes on to describe the qualifications and in his letters, the responsibilities of these men.

Prayer: Father, today may I spend time in prayer for my Pastor and leaders in my local church assembly. I hold them up to You.

Praying for Everyone

October 22

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 2:1 – 4 – “I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Paul is now beginning to elaborate on what will build up the church. He says that supplications (personal needs), prayers, intercessions (praying for the needs of others), and thanksgivings (an attitude of gratitude and praise for what God has done) should be a part of the ministry of the church.

He says that these expressions of prayer must be made for all men (the term used here means male and female alike). Of all ranks in life. Why? Because it is God’s Will for everyone to come to Him.

Prayer: Today I will spend time with You, Father, in prayer for everyone You bring to my mind. I praise You for this special time. Amen.

To Timothy (and me too)

October 21

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1

Verse of the Day: 1 Timothy 1:1 – 2 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Saviour, and Christ Jesus our hope; unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This is the first of three letters that we commonly call the “Pastoral Letters” of Paul. This one, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to give instructions on being a shepherd of God’s flock. Timothy was an understudy, a student of the Apostle Paul, and Paul left him at Ephesus to lead the fledgling church in that city.

Paul’s letter can be divided into three sections; chapter 1 is personal in encouragement and advice, chapters 2 and 3 speak to the ministry, and the remaining chapters speak to the one who ministers.

Prayer: Father, as we read this letter over the next few days, let us pray that God will help us to see truths that will encourage us and help us to encourage those who we know minister for Jesus Christ. Amen.

Praying for you

October 20

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3

Verse of the Day: 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you;”

Paul prayed often and fervently for many he had the privilege of working with. His letters are full of the reminders to the recipients that he was praying and remembering them before God.

Also, he frequently asked for them to remember him in prayer. And, when he does, the request is for the ability to continue to spread the Gospel and build the Kingdom of Christ.

Do you pray often for those you minister with and to? Do you spend time thanking God for them? And, in turn, do you request them to pray for you as you seek to build the Kingdom of God in your sphere of influence?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pause today and offer prayers of thanksgiving for ­___________. May You empower them to build Your Kingdom right where they are today. Amen.

The Lawless One

October 19

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2

Verse of the Day: 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming;”

The Greek word ανομος literally means “without law.” Thus, the word is depicting the man of rebellion who will be in contrast to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ displays righteousness, is the One who personifies true righteousness, the “lawless one” will be the exact opposite. He will personify rebellion against God and all the He is. He will rebel against God’s righteous law.

Many see this as the one John calls the “Antichrist” (1 John 4:2,3) and the “beast” (Revelation 13:1). He will come in open defiance of the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, thus displaying and being the fulfillment of evil and opponent of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

Prayer: Sovereign God, let me see through the teachings and leadings of the “lawless one.”

Persevere

October 18 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1 

Verse of the Day: 2 Thessalonians 1:4 – “so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;” 

The word translated here as patience from the Greek (υπομονης) can also be translated as perseverance. It carries the connotation of a patient, steadfast waiting for, a patient enduring, a sustaining, and in the New Testament it is the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. 

God is calling us to not lose heart because of the events of today. Some days will be tough, don’t quit. Stand firm. Be strong and seek to see it through. Ask God d today to put His protective shield around you, steadying you in all that you face. 

Prayer: Father, I seek to be a steady influence in the place where You have put me. I can only do this by holding to Your Hand, seeking to persevere no matter what comes up. 

The Will of God

October 17

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5

Verse of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 – “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.”

Do you ever say, “I wish I knew what God’s Will is for me?” 

Different from other “gods” who appear to be arbitrary, mysterious, and changeable in what they want, Yahweh is consistent and very open. When we study God’s Word, we come to find His will portrayed to us in many places. Here is one place where the writer tells us this God’s Will for us, every one of us.

We are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. When we apply this to our situations, we can be assured that we are in the very center of His Will, no matter what the circumstances. Consider Job in the Old Testament, he lived this in his life. Do we? If not, that may be why we struggle finding His Will.

Prayer: Precious Holy Spirit, bring constantly to my mind the reminder to rejoice, pray and give thanks each moment of the day. 

Review of the Zondervan NIV Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition

Review of NIV Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition

I am doing something a little different on my Blog today, I am writing a review of the NIV Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition from Zondervan Publishers. I was sent this Bible to review by Bible Gateway for free as a member of BG² (#BibleGatewayPartner). The Life Application Bible has been in existence since 1988, but this Third Edition has expanded content and a new look. They have updated the historical information and expanded the notes. The copy I received was the Brown Leathersoft edition. I will start with the only negative I have at this time with the Bible. The edition I received was a fine thin paper, and with the gilding on the edges, I found it challenging at times to separate the pages. This might only be my fingers problem, and as far as the whole picture – it is easily lived with. Once separated, the pages were fine. Now to the good stuff---

Over the years of being a Pastor and Bible Teacher, I have heard of the Life Application Bible. I have casually glanced at it a few times, but having a favorite Study Bible, I did not see the need to purchase one. Having had an opportunity to review the Third Edition, I see that I have been missing out on a goldmine of study materials. I must say that this is an excellent one-volume resource for both personal edification and for preparation of lessons for helping others grow in their knowledge and application of God’s Word. It is an excellent resource to help you understand the context of a passage, along with important background and historical information. It has a goal of helping one see the relevance and application of the Bible to our lives today – making it very practical. As a Pastor, I loved the Lay-Flat feature of this version.

I was immediately impressed with the list of Bible scholars who contributed to the resources and notes in this edition.

I perused the many different features that can be found in this resource. Every page has multiple Notes – both as explanatory information and practical application. Every Book of the Bible starts with an introduction that includes a Timeline, an Overview/Blueprint of the book, the Megathemes found in the book, and a map that correlates the book to the Biblical narrative. There are hundreds of Charts and Diagrams spread throughout the text.

I found one resource highly interesting – The Harmony of the Books of Kings and Chronicles. This resource provides the reader with a view of the Kings of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, and how they related timewise with each other. Similarly, in the New Testament is a very well presented Harmony of the Gospels.  Part of this Harmony is a list of the Parables, Miracles, and Prophecies. A good comparison of the Four Gospels also helps the reader understand how the four accounts connect. There is a 365 day Daily Bible Reading Chart to help the student read through the Bible in a year.

My favorite resource in this Bible is the Master Index. It is a comprehensive index to people, places, and topics in the Bible. It makes it easy for the beginner and the advanced students of God’s Word to quickly find information.

I looked up my Lifeverse – Isaiah 40:31 and checked out the note on it. There were two – the first one reminded me that God’s strength and power never diminishes. The second one asks a series of questions – “Do you believe God loves you and wants the best for you? Can you relax, confident that his purposes are right?... Though your faith may be struggling or weak hold on tightly to it to experience the strength you need.” (page 1171) This is typical of the kind of notes that you find in this edition.

This Bible provides us with a concise resource to learn to apply the truth of Scripture not only in our own lives but to teach others. I highly recommend this Bible to Sunday School teachers. The wealth of information will help to escalate the level of your teaching weekly. The practical applications will help you make the Word alive and relevant. As they state, “A small change every day adds up to a changed life – and that is one of the very purposes of Scripture.” (page A19)