Turn our hardships into times of learning. (James 1:2-3)

James 1:2-3

New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

 

James doesn't say if you face trials, but whenever you face them. He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. The point is not to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook ("consider it pure joy") because of what trials can produce in our lives. James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let God equip you. (Hebrews 13:21)

Hebrews 13:21

New International Version (NIV)

²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

This verse includes two significant results of Christ's death and resurrection. God works in us to make us the kind of people that would please Him, and He equips us to do the kind of work that would please Him. Let God change you from within and then use you to help others.

Joe

Are you looking forward to your permanent home? (Hebrews 13:14)

Hebrews 13:14

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

We should not be attached to this world, because all that we are and have here are temporary. Only our relationship with God and our service to Him will last. Don't store up your treasures here; store them in heaven (see Matthew 6:19-21 below).

Matthew 6:19-21

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁹ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Joe

Jesus never changes ! (Hebrews 13:8)

Hebrews 13:8

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

 

Though human leaders have much to offer, we must keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader. Unlike any human leaders, He will never change. Christ has been and will be the same forever. In a changing world, we can trust our unchanging Lord.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

Remember the people who taught you... (Hebrews 13:7)

Hebrews 13:7

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

 

⁷ Remember your leaders. They spoke God’s word to you. Think about the results of their way of life. Copy their faith.

 

If you are a Christian, you owe much to others who have taught and modeled for you what you needed to know about the gospel and Christian living. Continue following the good examples of those who have invested themselves in you by investing your life through evangelism, service, and Christian education.

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember the reward that lies ahead. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Hebrews 6:11-12

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

¹¹ We want each of you to be faithful to the very end. We want you to be sure of what you hope for. ¹² We don’t want you to slow down. Instead, be like those who have faith and are patient. They will receive what God promised.

Hope keeps the Christian from becoming lazy or feeling bored. Like an athlete, train hard and run well, remembering the reward that lies ahead (see Philippians 3:14 below).

Philippians 3:14

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

¹⁴ I move on toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself.

Joe

Pray Boldly ! (Hebrews 4:16)

Hebrews 4:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

 

 

Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to "come boldly." Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because He is your King. But also come with bold assurance because He is your Friend and Counselor.

 

 

Joe

Nothing can be hidden from God. (Hebrews 4:13)

Hebrews 4:13

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

 

Nothing can be hidden from God. He knows about everyone everywhere, and everything about us is wide open to his all-seeing eyes. God sees all we do and knows all we think. Even when we are unaware of his presence, He is there. When we try to hide from Him, He sees us. We can have no secrets from God. It is comforting to realize that although God knows us intimately, He still loves us.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not fear death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Hebrews 2:14-15

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁴ Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had^] the power of death. ¹⁵ Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

Christ's death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ's victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our conduct speaks volumes about what we believe. (Titus 1:16)

Titus 1:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

 

Many people claim to know God. How can we know if they really do? We will not know for certain in this life, but a glance at their life-styles will quickly tell us what they value and whether they have ordered their lives around kingdom priorities. Our conduct speaks volumes about what we believe. What do people know about God and about your faith by watching your life?

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

To what are you devoted? (Titus 1:1)

Titus 1:1

New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

 

In one short phrase, Paul gives us insight into his reason for living. He calls himself a servant of God - that is, one who was committed to obeying God. This obedience led him to spend his life telling others about Christ. How would you describe your purpose in life? To what are you devoted?

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be prepared in season and out of season. 2 Timothy 4:2

2 Timothy 4:2

New International Version (NIV)

^2a.) Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; ...

"Be prepared in and out of season" means to always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you.

2b.) ...correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Paul told Timothy to "correct, rebuke, and encourage." It is difficult to accept correction, to be told we have to change. But no matter how much the truth hurts, we must be willing to listen to it so we can more fully obey God.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't be deceived by appearances. (2 Timothy 3:5)

2 Timothy 3:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

 

 

"Acting religious" includes going to church, knowing Christian doctrine, using Christian clichés, and following a community's Christian traditions. Such practices can make a person look good, but if the inner attitudes of belief, love, and worship are lacking, the outer appearance is meaningless. Paul warns us not to be deceived by people who only appear to be Christians. It may be difficult to distinguish them from true Christians at first, but their daily behavior will give them away.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flee from temptation. ( 2 Timothy 2:22 )

2 Timothy 2:22

New International Version (NIV)

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 

Running away is sometimes considered cowardly. But wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take. Timothy, a young man, was warned to flee anything that produced evil thoughts. Do you have a recurring temptation that is difficult to resist? Remove yourself physically from any situation that stimulates your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't play favorites. (1 Timothy 5:21)

1 Timothy 5:21

New International Version (NIV)

²¹ I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

 

 

We must be constantly on guard against favoritism, against giving preferential treatment to some and ignoring others. We live in a society that plays favorites. It's easy to give special treatment to those who are gifted, intelligent, rich or beautiful without realizing what we are doing. Make sure you honor people for who they are in Christ, not for they are in the world.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Take care of your family. 1 Timothy 5:8

1 Timothy 5:8

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁸ But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

 

 

Almost everyone has relatives, family of some kind. Family relationships are so important in God's eyes. Paul says, that a person who neglects his or her family responsibilities has denied the faith. Are you doing your part to meet the needs of those included in your family circle?

 

 

Joe

 

 

Regardless of your age, God can use you. (1 Timothy 4:12)

1 Timothy 4:12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹² Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

 

Timothy was a young pastor. It would have been easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you.

Joe

 

(Amanda, I cannot believe it has been 11 years since you went home to be with Jesus. Dad loves you.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual leadership must begin at home. (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

1 Timothy 3:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. ⁵ For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

 

 

Christian workers and volunteers sometimes make the mistake of thinking their work is so important that they are justified in ignoring their families. Spiritual leadership, however, must begin at home. If a man is not willing to care for, discipline, and teach his children, he is not qualified to lead. Don't allow your volunteer activities to detract from your family responsibilities.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So...you want to be a leader? (1 Timothy 3:1-13)

1 Timothy 3:1-13

The Message (MSG)

 

Leadership in the Church

 ^1-7 If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.

^8-13 The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on. No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine. Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs. Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.

 

It is good to want to be a leader in the church, but the standards are high. Paul enumerates some of the qualifications here. Do you hold a position of leadership in your church or would you like to be a leader some day? Check yourself against Paul's standard of excellence. Those with great responsibility must meet high expectations.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are sinners saved by Grace. (1 Timothy 1:15)

1 Timothy 1:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

 

 

Paul calls himself "the worst" of sinners. We think of Paul as a great hero of the faith, but Paul never saw himself that way, because he remembered his life before he met Christ. The more Paul understood God's grace, the more he was aware of his own sinfulness. Humility and gratitude should mark the life of every Christian. Never forget that you too are a sinner saved by grace.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes...God can forgive you too ! (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

 

1 Timothy 1:12-17   New International Version (NIV) 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. People can feel so guilt-ridden by their past that they think God could never forgive and accept them. But consider Paul's past. He had scoffed at the teachings of Jesus and hunted down and murdered God's people before coming to faith in Christ. God forgave Paul and used Paul mightily for His kingdom. No matter how shameful your past, God also can forgive and use you. Joe

Don't you have better things to do with your time? (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12)

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12

King James Version (KJV)

 

¹¹ For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

¹² Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

 

 

A "busybody" is a gossip. An idle person ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities like gossip. Rumors and hearsay are tantalizing, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders. But they tear people down. If you often find your nose in other people's business, you may be under-employed. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test Everything ! (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ Do not scoff at prophecies, ²¹ but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

We shouldn't make fun of those who don't agree with what we believe ("do not scoff at prophesies"), but we should always "test everything," checking their words against the Bible. We are on dangerous ground if we scoff at a person who speaks the truth. Instead we should carefully check out what people say, accepting what is true and rejecting what is false.

Joe

3 Commands (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three command - be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks - often goes against our natural inclinations. When we do God's will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Look for opportunities to express God's love. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

1 Thessalonians 3:12

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹² And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.

If we are full of God's love, it will overflow to others. It's not enough merely to be courteous to others, we must actively and persistently show love to them. Our love should be growing continually, If your capacity to love has remained unchanged for some time, ask God to fill you again with His never ending supply. Then look for opportunities to express His love.

Joe

Grow through your sufferings. (1 Thessalonians 3:4)

1 Thessalonians 3:4

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.

 

Some people turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth. But God doesn't promise that. Instead He gives us power to grow through our sufferings. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.

 

Joe

 

 

What do people think of God from watching you? (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

¹¹ You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.

¹² We gave you hope and strength. We comforted you. We really wanted you to live in a way that is worthy of God. He chooses you to enter his glorious kingdom.

By his words and example, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live in such a way that would be worthy of God. Is there anything about your daily life that would embarrass God? What do people think of God from watching you?

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The truth of the gospel must never be compromised. (1 Thessalonians 2:4-8)

1 Thessalonians 2:4-8

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

⁴ In fact, it is just the opposite. God has accepted us to preach. He has trusted us with the good news. We aren’t trying to please people. We want to please God. He puts our hearts to the test.
⁵ As you know, we never praised you if we didn’t mean it. We didn’t put on a mask to cover up any sinful longing. God is our witness that this is true. ⁶ We were not expecting people to praise us. We were not looking for praise from you or anyone else.

As Christ’s apostles, we could have caused you some expense. ⁷ But we were gentle among you. We were like a mother caring for her little children. ⁸ We loved you so much that we were happy to share with you God’s good news. We were also happy to share our lives with you. You had become very special to us.

 

In trying to persuade people, we may be tempted to alter our position just enough to make our message more palatable or to use flattery or praise. Paul never changed his message to make it more acceptable, but he did tailor his methods to each audience. Although our presentation must be altered to be appropriate to the situation, the truth of the gospel must never be compromised.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turn, Serve and Wait (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

⁹ The believers themselves report the kind of welcome you gave us. They tell about how you turned away from statues of gods to serve the living and true God. ¹⁰ They tell about how you are waiting for his Son to come from heaven.

God raised him from the dead. He is Jesus. He saves us from God’s anger, and his anger is sure to come.

 

 

All of us should respond to the Good News as the Thessalonians did: turn to God, serve God, and wait for His Son, Christ to return from heaven. We should turn from sin to God because Christ is coming to judge the earth. We should be fervent in our service because we have little time before Christ returns. We should be prepared for Christ to return because we don't know when He will come.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gospel comes with Power ! (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

1 Thessalonians 1:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power...

The gospel came "with power," it had a powerful effect on the Thessalonians. Whenever the Bible is heard and obeyed, lives are changed! Christianity is more than a collection of interesting facts; it is the power of God to everyone who believes. What has God's power done in your life since you first believed?

Joe