2016 Reading Plan

For Relevant Readings this year we will continue to read through the New Testament in a year. We are going to change the order a bit though. Our new plan will split up the gospels throughout the year and grouping the writing according to authors. For example, Luke and Acts were both written by Luke, so we will read them consecutively. John's gospel, his epistles and Revelation will be read together, etc. Since Paul has written 13 New Testament letter, we will divide his writing into three categories: General Epistles, Prison Epistles & Pastoral Epistles. 

Here is the order we will be reading:

Rv20

John's gospel and epistles make much of God's love and goodness. His final writings recorded here make much of God's final and permanent judgement! There is a certain hell for all those who refuse to repent and believe. This too, is a letter written in love.

God is slow to anger and slow to bring about His final judgement, but God's love and justice demands this awful penalty against sin! It is hard to think about. It is sometimes hard to believe. But it is no less true! 

When I was a child I was often afraid of "going to hell". Sometimes that fear was prematurely placed on me by zealous christians using scare tactics. Sometimes the fear was well founded and being placed in my heart by a loving God. Fear of death should keep us from doing stupid things! Fear of hell should cause us to turn to Jesus.

Hell was not created for people. Only those who reject Jesus will be punished there. 

Rv19

Merry Christmas!

"Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God…Praise our God, all who fear Him, both small and great…Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory" - Rv.19

These verses will be the lyrics of the saints in the final days, and these should be the lyrics on our lips at Christmas! We celebrate Christ's coming to save us all today. Enjoy your time with God and family!

Jesus is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

Merry Christmas

Rv18

It is an abrupt thing to read revelation 18 on Christmas Eve. Babylon was destroyed for her sinfulness and refusal to honor and worship the One true God. Babylon wallowed in wealth and sexual immorality. She refused to worship God. It makes me wonder how similar Babylon and America are.

This is the time we should worship Jesus' coming! Christmas is celebrated because of Jesus. But I wonder. Will there be much worship happening today and tomorrow? Will we truly give honor to the things that are honorable, or will we simply shower gifts on ourselves? Giving more to those who already have more than 99.9 % of the rest of the world?

If we were to celebrate Christ's coming in a way that would truly honor Him, what would be different? How would we refocus our energy? It's something to consider. 

Worship Jesus today.

Rv17

John describes those who will be saved with two words, "chosen and faithful". Earlier in this chapter he refers to the "book if life" and says that names have been written in it from the "foundation of the world"!

To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege. Salvation is primarily a work of God and there is nothing we can do in ourselves to create a sincere desire for God. Wanting to know Him comes from Him. I believe those who have been chosen sense their need for God in a deep way. We long to know Him. We feel the guilt of our sinfulness. We know without Christ's forgiveness, we will not be saved.

I have also noticed that there are many who "claim" to know God, yet seem to have no desire to know Him. Every act of obedience is duty and not delight. Following God's word and ways is a chore and they are rarely enthusiastic about the things of God. It makes me wonder.

Faithfulness is a joy! Those who are chosen live a faithful life. Not from duty, but rather, from delight. We want to honor Jesus. We delight in His word. We hunger and thirst for God on a daily basis. We are seldom satisfied with the things of this world and are most deeply encouraged by the works of God.

What a blessing to be among the chosen and faithful.

Rv16

In the end, God will pour out His wrath on earth! And what will be the response of the people? They "will not repent or give Him glory!" Wow.

God's mercy and forgiveness are being poured out every day for those who will repent and worship Him. His expectation in NOT that we don't sin, but rather, that we confess our sin and seek His forgiveness. His anger is not against man's sin. His anger is against man's unrepentance!

We need to measure our hearts. Are we truly sorry for the sins that we commit? Do we cling to them as acceptable and hope God will simply overlook them in the end? Or are we grieved over our sin? Do we seek to confess and forsake sin every day? Are we conscience and aware of how our sin effects our relationship with God?

Make this christmas season a time of confession and worship! It's good practice. It's a good life habit.

Rv15

I can't remember the last time I heard a teaching on "The Wrath of God". Can you? We often talk of God's love, mercy and forgiveness, but rarely discuss His coming and certain wrath!

We have a saying in our culture: "Two things are certain; death and taxes." We should adjust this statement when we talk about God. Two things are certain; death and judgement! Either we will suffer the wrath of God or we will experience His mercy through Jesus.

This is what makes christmas so special. Jesus came as a man. Lived a perfect life. Died a sinners death, so we could escape God's certain wrath and judgement against sin. Jesus took God's wrath on Himself for us! If we believe, we will escape the wrath of God.

What better gift could we ask for than this? Merry Christmas. 

Rv14

We will all worship! Either we will choose to worship now or we will be forced to worship in the final judgement. I am grateful to be among the former! I can't wait to actually be in a choir that sounds awesome and my voice is adding to the volume.

This year we had a choir in our christmas production. Choirs are pretty uncommon in our church. I have to confess, the choir was amazing! In fact, there were times I wanted to hear them singing without anything else going on. Maybe I am old school, but maybe I am preparing for heaven's choir.

And what about harps? The most I've ever heard played at once was one. What will a multitude of harpist playing together in worship sound like? It will be epic! It will be the sound of joy and salvation for some, but for others, the sound of judgement and death.

Be a worshipper today.

Rv13

It is difficult to grasp the end of all things and the revelation of the Beast mentioned in this chapter! What will it be like? When will these things come to be? How close are we to the end?

In my mind the climate is ripe for the end of all things. Things are not getting better. The world is not a better place. Our country is continuing to turn away from God and many countries have totally forgotten Him. Others continue to orient around false religions and gods! Christianity is loosing ground.

How about us? Are we adding to the chaos of faith? Do we have clarity of purpose in the way we live our lives? Are we rightly celebrating christmas and the hope of salvation. Are we rejoicing in the fact that our names are written in the "Lamb's book of life"?

I pray we are.

Rv12

Is Satan real? Absolutely! Does he desire to ruin and destroy the lives of God's people? Absolutely! Are believers in a battle every day to not get caught up in his destructive ways? Absolutely!

One primary way in which the enemy attacks is in our mind. He attacks with accusations. He is the "accuser of our brothers…the one who accuses them before our God day and night." He also accuses us, raising doubts about our faith and the reality of living for Christ. His methods are both subtle and aggressive, obvious and discrete.

Notice how to conquer him in verse 11. First and foremost the work of Jesus. (the blood of the Lamb) Second, the confession of faith. (the word of their testimony) And finally, being faithful even in the face of death. (they did not love their lives even in the face of death) These things are still true today.

Salvation is from Jesus. We need to confess our faith in Him and choose to live for Him boldly even when faced with death.

The battle is real. Prepare to fight today.

Rv11

Have you read today's chapter! Do you understand exactly what will happen and when? Well…neither do I. If you think you do, I am confident you actually don't. These are spectacular and unimaginable things. Things really hard to believe. Yet, I believe every word will come true.

The most spectacular, unimaginable thing to believe in all of scripture is the incarnation of Christ. Jesus was God and He became a man! And more incredible than that, He became a baby! A real live, vulnerable, needy, dependent, helpless baby! We celebrate this fact. We call it Christmas.

When I get to chapters like this I think, "I should study that out more. I should try to understand what is going on". Then I read and study it out more, and get even more confused than I was at my first reading. Then I remember Christmas. Prior comprehension of christmas is so unimaginable that I can only have understanding after the fact has occurred. And that understanding is still only limited!

If I could totally understand and comprehend God…He would likely really not be God. My brain is way to finite to grasp His infiniteness. 

Rv10

Take a look at verse 7, "God's hidden plan will be completed, as He announced to His servants the prophets". What is that plan? Is it still hidden? The answer is the church and the second coming of Jesus. AND it is only hidden to those who refuse to believe!

Paul writes a lot about the hidden or mysterious things of God! He says that Jesus came to make all things clear. What was hidden has, in this present time, been revealed. Ephesians 1:8 says, "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He planned in Jesus!" 

The final chapter is yet to be written and the Day is drawing closer and closer. Will this be the year, the month, the week, or even the day that Jesus returns? Are we ready for a true Christmas celebration? Christ is coming again. It is the grand finale.

Rv9

It is hard to get my mind around the final judgement. What will it be like when God's patience runs out and He releases His wrath on this earth? Reading these verses takes my mind into places it rarely goes. It is hard to think about. 

The bible is full of God's mercy and goodness. It mostly speaks of His patience and love. The entire bible is the story of salvation and redemption. We celebrate God's incarnation. Christmas is all about His coming. It is a time of joy! Then there is judgement! The final chapter. It will be horrible.

Amazingly, the people who will actually experience this judgement and wrath will NOT repent! This chapter records, "the people who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols…they did not repent…" Wow!

Today is the day of salvation. Let's be among those who practice repentance and faith!

Rv8

For centuries the sound of a trumpet has brought distinction and and meaning to all who hear. These final trumpet blasts will be the sound of judgement! It is a scary thing to actually consider.

In Iowa we have horns and sirens to sound the alarm! When we hear the sound, we know to take cover because eminent danger is at hand! In the same way (yet far more extreme), these trumpets will be the final warning on earth. God's judgement is coming. His patience has run its course.

Will we be living when the trumpets sound? Are we truly living in the final days? As we draw near to Christmas, (Christ almost silent entrance), let's not forget His final coming will be to judge. Right celebration keeps this in mind.

Rv7

I love this verse. "The Lamb…will shepherd them; He will guide them to springs of living waters, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." It reminds me of Psalm 23! "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." 

The time is coming when all of us will either be wonderfully cared for by the Lamb or horribly judged by Him for all eternity. Jesus is patiently waiting for all to put their trust in Him. 

Regret comes when we should have done something but we didn't. I hate regret. I love the feeling of having done something right. Living for Christ is always right. Helping others know Him is a great thing to pursue.

Live with eternity in mind.

troy

Rv6

What do you think about modern christian martyrs? Were you aware that there are still thousands of christians martyred for their faith each year? Some estimates are as high as 100,000, but even the most conservative estimates put the number into the thousands! Think about it. In 2015 thousands of people will be killed because they are christians.

Someone once said that dying for Christ might be harder than living for Him. Even though it was a "catchy" saying, I don't think it is very true. I believe christians who are "in danger" of being killed for Christ have counted the cost and likely are living for Him.

But what about us? What will we live for today?As christians will our lives reflect that we would die before we would disown Jesus? According to Revelation, the end is near. May we be found living for Jesus and willing to die for Him if necessary.

Rv4

What will heaven be like? How often do we think about this eternal reality? Do we live our daily lives with this eternal reality in mind?

Personally, I don't think of heaven much. In fact, I think of it far too little. For me the subject comes up most often when someone dies or when I am sharing the gospel with an unbeliever. But is this how it should be? Shouldn't I think of heaven on a regular basis? Shouldn't I be living each day for this reality?

Someday I will retire. I don't think about that much either but I do think about that more often than I do heaven. This is sad. IF I ever do retire, it will be short lived (but hopefully productive) compared to my eternal destination. Reading today's chapter helps redirect my mind. I am so grateful for John's spectacular vision.

Rv3

"As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline." - Jesus

When was the last time we felt rebuked or disciplined from the Lord? If it is recently, take courage, you are a child of God. He does not have children He does not love. Therefore, He does not have children He does not discipline.

Love always disciplines for the good of the one loved. To not discipline is to NOT love. It is crazy how our culture has turned this concept around! So many parents today feel that love withholds discipline. Nothing could be farther from the truth! An undisciplined life is an unloved life.

To not feel God's loving parenting in discipline might be a sign that we are deceived about who is actually our parent. I never like being disciplined by God. I always feel loved by it.

Rv2

If Jesus was to write a personal letter to me today, what would it say? Would it be a letter of rebuke or encouragement? Would it be harsh or gentle? I think this is a good thing to think about.

I receive all kinds of letters (mostly electronic). Generally the letters are simple information; come here at this time, do this, can you believe this?, buy this, etc. Occasionally I will get a letter of substance; something personal, something thoughtful, something that i truly needed to hear.

As I read these letters today to the churches, I felt as though I was reading someone else's mail. A letter not intended for me, but letters that were personal, thoughtful and needed. Honestly, the Ephesian letter hit me the most. Especially this line, "You have abandoned the love you had at first."

There is nothing like first love. Time to get back to what really matters. 

Rv1

John begins this final letter in our bibles with a wonderful description of Jesus: "To Him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by His blood,". What a wonderful introduction and description!

We end every year reading Revelation. It is a great way to end each year and to think about Christ's second coming! It is also a great time to celebrate Jesus first coming at Christmas. This season is ripe with significance and meaning. Let's not get caught up in the activity of the season and totally miss the greatest thing of all…mainly Christ.

Certainly the time is "near". If John thought it urgent to write about Christ's return over 2000 years ago, how much closer are we today? Is this the final season to celebrate? Will this be the final advent? We do know this, we are one day closer today.

Live with the end in mind.

Jude

Harsh words for those who hang around "God's people" but only have their own agenda in mind! People described as "discontented grumblers, walking according to their own desires."  Do you know people like this? Are we people like this?

Unfortunately it seems that caring about others more than ourselves is a thing of the past! Most "christians" I know do whatever seems best for them. We spend our time, our money and our votes on the things that bring us the most personal satisfaction and gain. If we don't like something…we grumble and complain about it! We will seldom do what is inconvenient to us.

I wonder how many so called "christians" would be the audience of this book for Jude? Would he be pleased with our lives? Is this book for us or is it addressing someone else? Tough things to consider.

3Jn

Hospitality is a lost art in our culture, and unfortunately, also in our churches! When was the last time you invited a friend, much less a stranger, to have a random dinner at your home? 

John writes that hospitality is a sign of faithfulness, especially when we offer it to strangers! Can you remember the last time you were invited to a friends house for dinner? We have exchanged hospitality for "eating out". Our homes have become sanctuaries and not welcome centers. 

Recently, Pam and I invited a man and his daughter to our home for lunch. He specifically told his daughter, "this is a rare thing today and a true sign of christian hospitality." Although we thought the comment was a reach, it made me think of how rare this practice has become. 

The apostle John would not be commending the loss of hospitality (which literally means "lover of strangers"). In fact, I believe he would encourage us to "bring it back!"

Invite someone to your home for dinner…even someone you don't actually know! It is an act of faithfulness.

2Jn

Happy Thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for today. 

To "believe" is the seeds of the gospel taking root in our lives. To continue to believe is the evidence that it did.

This short letter is both encouraging and challenging. John was greatly encouraged to hear that "some of his children were walking in the truth", and to those same people, he encouraged them to "remain in Christ's teaching". In fact, he urged them to do so.

Faith is a journey that last a lifetime. Choose Christ every single day. He is the One we should be most thankful for today.

1Jn5

Loving God and keeping His commands is a privilege not a burden. If "loving" God and "obeying" Him is a burden, we need to reconsider our faith.

I am not saying it is easy to obey, but I do believe John is saying that when faith is real, there is a sincere desire to do so. Obedience is the overflow of faith. Maturity is the overflow of obedience.

God has blessed us with His commands. We will be blessed as we obey them. This is His command: love one another.

1Jn4

Who is the "antichrist" and how can we recognize him? John makes it clear that "antichrist" is coming and has already come. He says, in fact, many of them have come. Anti-christ could be anyone or everyone! Many have participated in the "spirit of anti-christ".

John points out three questions to ask to determine if it is of anti-christ:

1. What does one say about Jesus? Anyone who says that Jesus is not God or anyone who diminishes the deity of Christ is of the Antichrist.
2. Is it popular thinking in "this world"? John points out that anytime the "world" accepts the teaching it is of Antichrist. Jesus clearly said that "the world" rejects His teaching. If it is highly accepted by all, it is likely not of Christ.
3. Is it new? I was once told that any "new" teaching is NOT "true" teaching. For centuries christians have been teaching, preaching, writing and studying the truth of scripture. There is nothing new under the sun. Any new teaching is false teaching.

These three questions will definitely guide us as we seek to follow Christ and appose everything that is anti-christ.

1Jn3

The apostle John was overwhelmed by God's love that enables us to be called, "sons of God". There is no gift that compares to it and there is no gift that has ever cost the giver more. We should feel loved and valued because of this great gift.

Today I am traveling home from Albania having spent over a week working with churches there. I got to celebrate with two different "Cornerstone" churches. The church in Shkodra celebrated its second anniversary and the church in Tirana its 20th. It was an incredible blessing to have the opportunity to celebrate with them both. (We could learn from them how to celebrate better.)

God is doing amazing things around the world with His children. My prayer is that all of us will get vitally involved with what He is doing. He gave us the amazing gift of salvation so that we could get vitally involved with His amazing work.

1Jn2

The "confidence" we have that we have "come to know Christ" is that we obey His commandments. The one who claims to know Jesus should actually act like Jesus! Imagine that.

Like James, John was confident that faith in Christ looks like something. It is one thing to say that we "know" Jesus, it is a completely different thing to actually obey His teaching and live like He matters. Many people claim to know Jesus, but very few people actually live like He is the most important thing.

If it was the "last days" over 2000 years ago, how much closer are we to the actual "last day"? Whatever our answer, today is another day closer to our last one. Will I live today as though I know and love Jesus or will I live today as a "lover of this world"? My desire is to  pursue the former.

Live for what matters today. What we live for is truly what we love.

1Jn1

Do you ever think about what it would have been like to be living when Jesus lived? It would have been crazy to have actually seen Him, to have heard His voice, to have touched Him! This was John's experience. This is how John begins this letter.

Notice what was of first importance to John. God is light…sinless. Those who walk with Him, must deal with their sin. It is possible for all of us to have fellowship with God through Jesus. This fellowship is impossible unless we are willing to confess and forsake our sin.

Dealing with our sinfulness should be the regular daily habit of our lives. When we confess our sin, He forgives our sin. Fellowship is maintained not through sinlessness, but rather through confession.

Don't cover sin today…confess it.

2Pt2

Freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but rather the power to do what we should. Are you free today? Then live for Jesus.

"These people promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to whatever defeats them." They are enslaved to the very sins they boast of enjoying! They cannot NOT sin.

God's grace teaches us to say no to such things. 

2Pt1

Salvation is the work of God. Godliness never comes without great effort on our part.

On the one hand, godliness is a "gift" from God. There is nothing we can do or say to earn it. God supplies His righteousness through faith in Jesus. We cannot add to or subtract from what Jesus did. Without the work of Christ we could in no way have a relationship with God.

God calls all christians to live "holy lives" and to "make every effort" to grow in godliness. Salvation is not obtained by our godliness, rather, maturity in our salvation is evidenced with our godliness. No matter how long we have been christians, we naturally drift away from "godliness". Maturity takes more than time. It takes effort.

Put in the work today to be godly. God has already done His part.

1Pt5

If you feel like God is resisting you, check your motives. Do you want God for Him? Or do you want God for you?

A proud person seeks God for their own selfish ends. They want God to make their life better. God exist for them, they don't exist for God. This is the heights of pride! Pride is nothing more than focusing on self! This is the type of person God resists!!

On the other hand, "God gives grace to the humble." Humble people see themselves as God's servants. They seek God for His glory and they desire to see Him exalted. Humble people want the best for others. They rejoice in the success of others more than their own selfish ambition.

The posture we have with God has everything to do with His response to us. Let's examine our hearts today.

1Pt4

Have you ever "suffered" for being a christian? I have sought to follow Jesus for over 35 years and I can't remember a time that I had to "suffer" because of Christ. There have been times that I was made fun of and times that I just didn't fit in, but I have really never had to suffer.

Christians all over the world are "suffering" for their faith. Many are being beaten, imprisoned and even killed. It is hard to imagine, but true. In fact, more christians are suffering today than even in the first century. Are we praying for them?

God has blessed us. Are we living boldly for Christ even though we don't have to "suffer" because of our faith? We should be.

Live bold today.

1Pt3

Nothing reflects God's design better than a highly functioning family! God made us male and female. Same in value, different in responsibility. We are to compliment each other in the way we function in obedience to God.

The bible is full of specific but different instructions for men and women. These instructions are a part of God's original design. As we fully embrace our roles, God is honored and the gospel is adorned in culture. 

Christ died for us all equally. He instructs us to live according to our genders in a way that honors Him. When we fight against these basic instructions we are actually fighting against God.

1Pt2

We are to be "living stones", working together to build a "spiritual house" that offers "spiritual sacrifices" to our God who is the "Chief Cornerstone and the Shepherd of our souls".

Paul uses the term, "living sacrifice" and now Peter describes us as "living stones". Two oxymorons to bring to light deep spiritual meaning. We are the building blocks of the church. Solid yet alive. Firm and secure. With Jesus as our example and the foundational "Stone" on which all of our lives are set.

God is the architect and we are to be cooperating with all He is doing as His "chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, personal possessions, and proclaimers of His praise." Our lives are to reflect the realities of all He has done for us.

This is a great challenge. It brings new meaning to being "rock solid"!

1Pet1

To all you "temporary residents" of this world…live holy lives. We were made to live in obedience to Christ. Easy to say, hard to do.

I have lived in Ames for almost 40 years. That is most of my life. In 30 years of marriage, my wife and I have lived in 11 different homes. All in Ames. Recently, while filling out a new passport application, I was asked to give my "permanent residence". Without hesitation I put my new address! I could almost guarentee I will be living somewhere else when my new passport expires.

Peter thought about his life on this earth as "temporary". His permanent address was heaven. He lived this life in a manner that reflected that he knew where he would live "permanently". He instructed all of us who have placed our faith in Jesus to live in the same way. 

His theme: Why live our lives for the things that won't last, when we can be living our lives for things that will never fade. We have an inheritance in heaven. Live in the light of that reality.

 

Jm4

If we can read this chapter and not be convicted, we likely are not actually engaging our minds with what we are reading!

Consider this verse 4. "Adulteresses! Don't you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?" What does that mean? Who are we living for? Are we living for God and what matters forever? Or, are we wanting God to make our earthly lives better?

Earlier in this chapter James clearly says that when we ask God for things so that our lives will be better, our motives are "evil desires". God does not exist to make our lives in this world great. He exist for His glory.

We are to "draw near to God, and He will draw near to us." He is the One who satisfies all of life. He is the One we should pursue. I love what John Piper writes in his books. He says, "God is most satisfied with us when we are most satisfied with Him."

Lots to think about.

Jm3

Don't have dull ears and a sharp tongue! Rather, let your actions speak the truth about your life. These two sentences would summarize James 1-3.

I always get to James 3 and feel so much conviction! Since I am a teacher and since I tend to speak a ton of words, I often feel guilty after reading this chapter.  NOT controlling my tongue is immaturity and sin. God help me be more guarded in the way I use words.

Our words can either build up or destroy, encourage or discourage, bring peace and unity, or division. Jesus said we will give an account for EVERY word that comes out of our mouth.

So convicting. Let's watch our words. Let's use words to help others not hurt them.

Jm2

"You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone."

This is a verse likely not in our memory packs! Why…because it causes us to struggle. So is salvation by works?! Absolutely not. In fact, James is making it clear that faith and works are inseparable. Later he will say, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

I love the tension that exist in James! I love the conviction that exists in James! James, the half brother of Jesus, was already frustrated by so called "Christ followers" who were not following Christ at all. No different than Paul who wrote on many occasions about the same kind of people. 

Faith has substance. It brings life. It is "perfected by works". It brings obedience into the lives of believers.

Hopefully, this brings tension into our world. Not doubt. But obedience.

Js1

"Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, … be a doer of the word and not a hearer only."

I have often used this verse without considering closely the context. Listening is a great skill and we all should be better listeners. But, listening to what? Clearly James is wanting us to listen to the "word of God"! And not only to be listening but to be "doing" it.

Think about the things we have heard lately from the scriptures. Are we doing them? Are we working hard to put into practice the things we are hearing? If we are, we will be blessed. (v. 25)

Only fools hear what God says to do and then don't do it! Be doers today.

Hb13

"Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have."

This chapter is filled with essential last instructions for its readers. None more applicable that this one. Why is it so easy to continually want more than God has already blessed us with? Why do the rich (us) continue to love riches and want even more?

What verses from this chapter do you think a third world pastor would want his readers to read? Likely not this one. More likely something like…"the Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Who's better off?

Hb12

"Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness…" These are two things that will not happen without vigilant pursuit!

It is common to have broken relationships and sin. Broken relationships are the result of sin. One way that we can demonstrate maturity in our faith is to pursue peace in all our relationships. Generally, if we deal with our own sin, the brokenness will go away.

Think about broken relationships in your life today. How is sin keeping that relationship broken? If we were to pursue "peace" what would need to happen in our lives? Generally speaking, isn't the answer "personal holiness?" Whether it is brokenness because of our sin, or brokenness because of a lack of forgiveness, we can still pursue peace.

This is a great challenge today. Paul wrote, "As much as it depends on you, be a peace with all men." (Rm. 12:18)

Pursue peace and holiness today.

Hb11

Faith in Jesus IS the substance of salvation! If we have faith, we have salvation. If we have faith, even though life might not go our way, eternal life is guaranteed!

"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Without faith it is impossible to know God. Without faith no good work or amount of good works amounts to anything. Faith is the work of God.

These men and women were people of faith. They were the people of God. Today we are the people of God who are to be living by faith! What have we done in our lives that it totally rooted in our faith?

Live by faith.

Hb10

"Once for all" and "perfected forever" are two of the most powerful phrases in this chapter!

Jesus did what no other priest could have ever done! He did what no amount of sacrifices could have ever atoned for! He abolished sin, works and the need for continual sacrifices. Now we can "draw near to God with full assurance of faith".

These are powerful words filled with grace and truth. How can we not delight in this amazing gift today?

Hb9

"But now Jesus has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself." Only through faith in Him can we be "cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve a living God."

The writer of Hebrews is making it clear that former sacrifices were only preliminary signs of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Only His sinless sacrifice can truly take away our sins. "He entered the most holy place once for all." Nothing we can do and nothing we have done will save us. Only what Jesus did!

Ultimate salvation is still coming! He will return and someday bring "salvation to all those who are waiting for Him." Maybe it will be today.

Hb8

The "old covenant" was inferior to the "new" in that it was dependent on sinful men who were unable to fulfill it's requirements. The "new covenant" is superior in that it it totally rooted in Jesus! Jesus did what no man could have ever done. He perfectly kept the law and provided a sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

This new covenant is in no way dependent on us! The old covenant was never kept…ever! Every man was guilty before God under its laws and regulations. Even the priest! But Jesus kept the law perfectly and has established a new covenant that enables all of us to have peace with God.

Under the old covenant man receives judgement and wrath. Under the new, for those who believe, man receives mercy and forgiveness! This is good news. Thank you Jesus.

Hb7

Jesus is the "guarantee of a better covenant". He is the high priest forever. "He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

Think about what is being said here. Jesus is our representative before God. He is our lawyer. He is the one who is presenting our case to God. Not on our merits, but rather on His! We stand before God because of what He did for us, not because of anything we did for ourselves.

He died once for all! His sacrificial death did away with our need to continue the practice of priestly sacrificing to atone for sins. He was the perfect sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away our sins.

Good news today.

Hb6

Harsh words from the writer of Hebrews today! Let them sink deep into our souls. What does it mean to "fall away"? What does it mean to "be burned in the end"? 

I also love it that in this same chapter we have the incredible hope of Jesus. He is called the "anchor" of our souls. He is describe as "safe and secure". He is the great High Priest who stands before God on our behalf.

So what is the challenge of Hebrews 6? It is to put our hope in Jesus and to pursue living a life that reflect that our foundation is rooted in faith in Him. To press on to maturity in faith. To be no where close to the possibility of rejecting Jesus.

The more I trust Him, the more trustworthy He becomes. The more I seek Him the more I discover how much more there is to discover. No one has arrived. Hopefully we all are in progress.

Hb5

Because we are all sinful, we should be able to "deal gently" with the sins of others. Yet, we often are harsh and judgmental with those who struggle with sins different than our own!

I am not saying all sin is the same. I am not saying that God sees all sin equally. I am saying we are all sinners and will stand before a Holy sinless God condemned without Christ! Because we are all in need of God's grace, we should be able to shower grace on fellow sinners.

Good pastors are gentle and show grace toward sinners because they realize their own need for grace. Good christians are full of grace toward others because of their understanding of their own need. Judgement comes purely from pride and a misunderstanding of our sin!

Hb4

"All things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account." God sees into our secret moments and He even knows all of our thoughts.

Therefore, we should either deny His existence or run into His presence with confession and repentance. The writer of Hebrews clearly states the later. He says, "let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time."

Our sinfulness should not cause us to "hide" from God, but rather, to run to Him for forgiveness, grace and mercy. It is not God's wrath that keeps us from sinning. It is His love and mercy. We sin less because of His grace in our lives. Fearing God is delighting in His presence.

Hb3

God desires our hearts to be soft and receptive to His words. When we find ourselves resistant to the scriptures, we in fact are hardening our hearts to God.

Belief is fragile. We need to nourish and foster our own belief and the belief of others. The world, our own flesh and the Devil are constantly waring against faith in Christ! We need God's Spirit. We need each other.

What do we know God wants us to do that we continue to resist? If we resist God's word, our hearts will become hardened. As we obey God's word, our hearts continue to soften.

Submit to God's leadership today. Get ourselves surrounded by others who will encourage our faith.

Hb2

Through His death Jesus destroyed the one holding the power of death — the Devil — and freed everyone who trust in Him from the power and fear of death!

Jesus came to give life to all those who would trust in Him. He also came to free us from the fear of death! Death is not the final chapter. In fact, death is the beginning of real life. Eternal life with Jesus.

Today I am performing a funeral. Death is an ugly thing. We will all face it. Who can face death without the hope of Christ? I am so grateful for that hope today.

Ph1

Are we useful to God? God's desire is to use us to do His will. Often He doesn't use us because we are useless rather than useful.

Someone once said, "Don't pray, "God use me!" but rather pray, "God make me useable."" If we make ourselves usable to God, He will delight is using us for His purposes. There is no shortage of things God is doing in and around our lives.

Onesimus' means useful. He was a run-a-way slave who definitely was not very useful to God or his master. When he became a christian everything changed. The meaning of his name became an identifier rather than a constant reminder of his rebellion. 

Troy means, "place of the curly haired people." Not much there. But God has given me a new name…"christian". That is something to live up to. We should all be living to be "like Christ."

Hb1

Angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve christians". We have angels watching over us! This is an awesome thought.

When I was a child my mom always talked about my "guardian angel". She says I must have had several of them, otherwise I would be dead! I had a tendency to live on the edge and enjoy the thrill of the moment and the rush of adrenaline. Her confidence was that "my angel" would protect me.

In a sense she was right. If one job of angels is to minister to believers, then they should keep them alive until they have a chance to repent and believe. But, if guarding us until we believe was there main purpose, then my protection would have been gone long ago and I would not be here today. Angels are still ministering to me today!

I love this thought. I have to think about it some more.

This brings new meaning to the song, "Angel watching over me."

Tt3

"He saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy." 

There is no personal effort or hard work that can accomplish salvation for us. We cannot earn it and we are certainly NOT deserving. Nothing we have ever done is worthy of salvation. Nothing we could ever do will merit salvation.

Salvation is a gift…period. Rooted in God's mercy. Mercy is "when we don't get the punishment we have earned." 

Our sin has "earned us eternal death". God's mercy has given us salvation.

I am so grateful for God's mercy today.

Tt2

God's grace not only saves us it "instructs us to say "no" to godless and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in this present age."

God's provides grace so that we can be forgiven and saved. Salvation comes at the moment we repent and believe, yet grace is continually poured out on our lives so that we can live godly lives. It is God's grace that enables us to say "Yes" to God and "No" worldly lusts!!

It takes grace to be born into God's household and it requires continual grace to live as a child of God. I am so grateful that God's grace is unlimited.

I need it.

Tt1

"They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works." These are strong words from the apostle Paul.

My experience is that these words are as true today as they were back in the first century. There are plenty of people who would call themselves "christian", but precious few who actually follow Jesus.

Notice the words Paul used to describe his "following" of Jesus. He said he was a "slave of God"! He is not describing an abusive, overbearing relationship, but rather a total submission to the One True God. God does not exist to make his life better. He exist to obey God.

Faith is believing the truth about Jesus. True faith is walking in obedience to His Lordship. Actions either confirm or deny our words.

2Tm4

We have all heard the saying, "It's not how you start, but how you finish that matters." In this final letter the apostle Paul is celebrating that he was finishing strong. He had run the race. He had kept the faith. He had finished the course. He was confident his reward was coming.

On the other hand, Demas fell off the path to pursue the world. What a sad reality. What a contrast. Who would abandon the gospel and the great apostle to pursue the insignificant things of this world? Oh wait…maybe we all have at times. Maybe we are all tempted. Maybe we are all in danger!

The older I get the more I desire to "finish strong". It doesn't get easier with time. Today is a great reminder.

Praying we all finish strong.

2Tm3

Are these the last days? For sure we are closer today than we have ever been! The things Paul used to describe the "last days" are definitely all true of today.

If Jesus was to return today, what do we wish we would have been doing? What would keep us from doing that? If the answer is nothing, I would suggest we get on it. 

Paul's encouragement to Timothy was to "continue in what you have learned and firmly believed." He instructed Him to live in his day free from relationships that would distract him from devotion to God and to follow hard the teaching of the scriptures.

What would keep us from following these same instructions?

2Tm2

What role do we play in others understanding the gospel? How long has it been since your faith affected the faith or belief of someone else? Paul seemed to think that our role was essential!

We know that only God saves and that no one ever comes to Christ apart from the work of His Spirit. Yet, Paul eagerly and tirelessly shared the gospel everywhere he went. He commanded Timothy to "pass on the message to other faithful followers who would teach others." He even went to far as to say, "I endure all things for the ELECT: so that they also may obtain salvation."

If "election" didn't require evangelism then why was Paul so consumed with sharing the gospel? Why would he encourage Timothy to do the same? Why would he encourage all of us to purify our lives so we could be "useful" to the Master? The answer is simple: God's miraculous work is almost always done when His followers are "doing His will".

My dad always says, "I have found it interesting how many people discover they were "elect of God" after I share the gospel message with them." Share with someone today!

2Tm1

What does it mean to serve God with a "clear conscience"? Simply put, it means that there is no one who can say, "You wronged me but never did anything to make it right." It is taking responsibility for our sin.

Without a clear conscience guilt will continue to rob our joy. It is one thing to ask for God's forgiveness, it is a completely different thing to seek the forgiveness of others. If we desire to serve God, He will lead us to have a clear conscience. Making things right is a big part of walking in faith.

In Paul's first letter to Timothy he explains that "some having rejected a clear conscience and have shipwrecked their faith." One way our love for God is expressed is in our willingness to work for right relationships with others. Especially those we have wronged. Having a clear conscience is a freeing reality.

Work to bring relational healing today.

1Tm6

Is there any question that we are NOT generous if we don't give at least 10% of all we earn away? God loves a generous giver. Generosity begins where responsibility ends.

Timothy was to teach the "rich" to be generous. Biblical "rich" would be anyone who has more than what is needed to meet their basic needs. We are all very rich. The pattern for God's people was to give a tithe of all they had back to God. It was not a "free will offering", it was a requirement. (Not dissimilar to taxes.) This "tithing" practice continued even when other "taxes" were required by the government.

Generosity says, "God has given me everything. Everything I have is His. What should I do with His money?" Most of us don't think that way. We are generous to ourselves and quite stingy when it comes to God. How does our giving compare to our spending? What place does giving have in our budgets?

Let's be generous. We are rich.

1Tm5

Widows have a special place in the heart of God and should have a special place in our hearts as well. God's church is to be a place where godly widows feel cared for and loved.

The church is God's family. God's people are to treat and care for each other like family. If our churches are not providing and caring for each other, we are not functioning as God desires. 

Christian living is not just about caring for ourselves and reaching the lost. It is about caring for others in the church and especially those who are placed in vulnerable positions.

1Tm4

"Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; preserver in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers."

What do we pay attention to? What do we work hard at? Is it what we do? Is it what we know and teach? Right behavior comes from a right understanding of truth. Paul encouraged Timothy to know what he believes, to teach the truth and to live the truth. Someone is always looking to us for leadership. Are we providing it?

Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity! These are great challenges for us all. Set the pace in these areas. Be an example to others who believe.

1Tm3

"Great boldness in the faith" comes from faithful service to the Lord. The longer one serves, the more bold they become in its significance.

In this chapter Paul is talking about the importance of character in church leadership. Qualified leadership, marked primarily by character, is essential to a healthy, fully functioning church. Quality leadership is at the foundation of a healthy church. When leadership lacks character the church suffers.

Serving as a church leader is not easy. In fact, it is difficult. One benefit of serving in this way is "great boldness in the faith". That boldness come through faithfully serving the truth. The more we serve, the more confident we are in "Who" we are serving and the truth of the gospel.

We should all find a place to serve in our local church. It matters. For the church and for us.

1Tm2

Pray for those who don't believe today to come to a believing faith! God's desire is for "everyone to be saved". Yet the bible clearly teaches that most will not be.

Paul lived his life to share the good news with everyone he came in contact with. His desire was that they would be saved! Most of the time he was rejected, but often God did something amazing when he shared. The same is true of us.

Don't let the possibility of rejection keep us from sharing. Especially don't let rejection keep us from praying for others. If we love someone, we should want their salvation more than any other thing.

Let's keep praying for the salvation of others.

1Tm1

The closer we draw to Christ, the more acutely we are aware of our own sinfulness. We never totally escape our desire to sin until we leave this body and world.

Paul, late in his life wrote these final books to his "true son in the faith" Timothy. In this book he describes himself as the "worst of sinners". He didn't say he WAS the worst! He said he IS the worst. Compared to what? He definitely would have not been the worst in comparison to anyone here. We would have likely considered him "the least sinful".

Paul's closeness to Christ only made him more aware of his sin. The closer he got, the more aware he was of how far he was away. Yet his desire was to pursue Christ even harder! He knew it was the best way to live his earthly life.

What is our desire?

2Th3

How important are right friendships in our relationship with Christ? I would say they are vital. We tend to become "like" the people we choose to be with.

In this passage Paul urges believers to "keep away from" and "not associate" with "brothers" who do not follow his teaching. He went on to say, "Don't treat him as an enemy but warn him as a brother." But what is the context? What were these brothers doing?

In the direct context it seems like they were "not working" but free loading on others. They were not doing their part to make the whole better. They were not following Paul's instructions or his example. Possibly they were "all talk and no action" kind of people.

Be the kind of christian other christians don't have to avoid.

2Th2

Salvation comes only through God's Spirit. It is that same Spirit that makes us "holy". 

We cannot save ourselves and we cannot make ourselves righteous before God. Salvation and righteousness are gifts from God through His Spirit. We receive these gifts when we believe.

Jesus is coming back. Paul is clear on that. He is also clear on "who" will be delivered from destruction when that happens...Only those who have believed and put their faith in Jesus.

I am so glad that God has given us such a wonderful gift!

2Th1

Fire and brimstone! These terms used to describe bible teaching is some churches. How long has it been since someone talked to us about hell? Do we actually still believe that those who reject Jesus will spend eternity in destructive separation from God and will continually receive punishment? The apostle Paul believe it.

In this chapter he writes, "God's angels will be taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." He goes on to write, "These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord's presence and from His glorious strength…"

Jesus spoke of hell more than heaven. Why? Because God is serious about punishing all sin! He has provided forgiveness through Christ and anyone who rejects Christ will have to give an account to God for all of their sins. 

Fire and brimstone preaching might just be what we need more of. It is often the most loving kind of preaching because it sounds a clear warning for those who don't take Jesus seriously and for those who take their sin lightly. 

1Th5

Two verses. Four words. A lifetime of instruction. "Rejoice always! Pray constantly." These two verses though short are packed with challenge. So is the next verse, "Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

As I step back from these final instructions in this book and think about their meaning, it becomes pretty clear what kind of people we are to be. As christians we are to be joyful, prayerful and grateful. Always. Nothing that happens is outside of God's control and nothing that happens can do anything to take away our salvation.

Jesus is coming back. It won't be when we expect it. (Maybe today) It will be in a time just like today. It will be sudden and it will be final. Then we have eternity! Live for what matters forever today.

1Th4

"God has not called us to impurity but to sanctification." The struggle for purity is not new! Even in the first century one of the most gripping and defeating sins was the sin of sexual immorality. God is calling us to live pure lives.

So many lives are devastated by impurity. It begins with our thoughts and eventually becomes our lifestyles! From the beginning of time, God was calling His people to set a different pace. To have lives and relationships that are honoring to Him and each other.

Paul gave a strict warning to anyone who would reject the call to purity. "Anyone who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who gives us His Holy Spirit."

Live pure lives.