Devotional Thoughts from God's Word

Powerful Reasons to Act Right

Administrator — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:23:03 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Theme: Paul gives two powerful reasons to act right.
Key verses: “…you will know how one ought to behave as a member of God’s family–the assembly of the living God, the pillar and foundation that support the truth–and I think you will agree that the mystery of godliness is great: He was revealed in the flesh, proven right in the Spirit; He was seen by the heavenly messengers, preached to outsider nations. He was believed in the world, taken up to the heavens in glory” (v. 14b-16)
What God said to me: Welcome to another day in the woods of TN! Do you see what a gift I’ve given you in allowing you to be here this week to write and to listen to me? Make the most of the time you have left. I have much to show you and create through you today. In this passage Paul was trying to paint the ominous picture of how huge a responsibility you have as a member of the Church. NOtice the broad strokes he takes with his sweeping words: “assembly of the living God”, “pillar and foundation that support the truth.” NO pressure, right? NO, on the contrary, you should feel much pressure. You should shape up and fly right. And then, in case it’s not convincing enough that you are responsible for upholding the truth of the living, almighty God, Paul lays another reason on Timothy and all those who come after him. He says the “mystery of godliness is great.” Yea, you think? Paul goes on to list six killer examples of just how mysteriously great Jesus coming to earth really was. Dwayne, that’s the truth I expect you to hold up and defend and share with the world. There’s no time for foolishness and pet sins which so easily distract and throw you off course. You have the mystery of godliness to contend for! Get going on it.
What I said to God: Wow, Lord, did I really just hear from You? Did you really just lay it on me as much as I think you did? I can’t hold up under such a load of responsibility. Is this the scrutiny by which I’ll be judged one day before You? I wonder how many in Your Church feel the weight and realize the tremendous expectations that You’ve set on us as members of Your family? Please help me to faithfully do my part to mentor and encourage others, as I myself depend fully on You. That’s the only way any of us can bear this load.

High Standards for Ministers

Administrator — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:21:29 +0000

Text:1 Timothy 3:1-13
Theme: Qualifications of elders and deacons
Key verses: “..if anyone is seeking a position as overseer in the church, he desires an honorable and important work. Here are the qualifications to look for in an overseer: a spotless reputation, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, sensible, respectable, welcoming to strangers…and gifted to teach” (v. 1-2). “He mustn’t be someone recently converted, or otherwise, he may become arrogant…He should also be respected…by people outside of the church so as to avoid the trips, traps and pitfalls of the devil. The same standards apply to deacons…” (v. 6-7) “Put these deacon-candidates to the test first, and if they come through without stumbling, then send them out to serve. Again, the same applies to women in key positions” (v. 10-11a). “Now deacons should live faithfully as the husband of one wife and be in control of their households, including their children. Those deacons who serve well will achieve a good standing for themselves in the community and have great confidence to walk in the faith that is in Jesus, the Liberating King” (v. 12-13).
What God said to me: Good morning, Dwayne. Glad you could meet with me, even though you hardly slept last night. It will be a great challenge to you today to stay focused and meet your writing goal. But I’ll help you and give you strength and creative thoughts. As for this passage, many a ordination sermon has been preached from these verses over the centuries. Yet, as old as this wisdom and direction is, it’s still fresh and vital today. It’s still the standard I expect from those who lead my flock, the church. So, how are you doing with living up to these standards? It’s always good to take a reassessment from time to time. You see, these qualifications aren’t just for those being considered as candidates–although that’s usually the only time this passage is ever referenced or given much thought. No, Paul wrote this to set the bar high for all ministers who help lead in the church, both men and women. At judgment, you will give an account before me, and I will judge you partly based on these requirements. So again, I ask you to consider: How are you doing with them? Are you living faithfully in every area of your life? Do you have skeletons in your closet that could come out and destroy your reputation and hurt the church later on? You know the answer to these questions, as do I. But it’s responsibility to act on anything I’ve shown you that’s not “up to snuff” for an elder like yourself. See you to it.
What I said to God: Wow, thanks for potentially lowering the boom on me early in the morning, Lord? No seriously, I am thankful that You would take time to remind me through Your written Word about your requirements of me and of those who lead Your family. My conscience is clear at this time, although I still struggle with hidden sins from time to time. But I am forgiven, and I so want to honor You and Your church for the rest of my days. Bless and protect my family today, please. Thank You for loaning them to me. And thank You for our local church, where I have the privilege to help lead and teach Your people.

Interpreting Scripture through Our Filters

Administrator — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Theme: Guidelines for women
Key verses (from The Voice NT): “…here’s what I want to see…Women, the same goes for you: dress properly, modestly, and appropriately. Don’t get carried away in grooming yourself…Instead, as is fitting, let good works decorate your true beauty and show that you are a woman who claims reverence for God. It’s best if a woman learns quietly and orderly in complete submission…it’s not my habit to allow women to teach in a way that wrenches authority from a man” (v. 8-12a).
What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome to my presence. I’ve brought you up here to this tiny cabin in the woods to speak with you, to instruct and inspire you, to bless you. Listen, obey, and work it hard. Those are my mandates to you over these next 4 days of writing. As for this passage, you need to approach this with caution and careful prayer and study. Do not assume you will immediately understand such a difficult topic as thi s. There are at least four filters you will see this passage through. You may not mean to or even realize you are doing it. Here are the filters: 1. Teaching. As you try to figure out what Paul really “meant” you will immediately search your memory banks–both conscientiously and unconscientiously. You will try to reconstruct what you’ve heard teachers and preachers say about this passage and this subject over the years. Take note that you will mostly consider those teachers you trusted the most or agreed with the most. 2. Tradition. You’ll ask yourself, “What has my church and those people I’ve always trusted thought about these verses? How have they lived out what it says; how have they acted? Have the women I’ve respected the most adhered to the letter of this teaching? 3. Logic. What makes the most “sense” to you? You are bound to ask yourself that one. You will naturally try to discern what Paul really “meant” when you wrote it. If your intellect can’t understand and co nclude that it’s reasonable and logical, then you will tend to assume Paul couldn’t have been speaking literally, that somehow you need to rephrase what he wrote to suit your logical conclusions. 4. Preference. If you’re not really careful, you’ll try to interpret it based on what you personally like or dislike. If these verses are agreeable to you as they are, then you’ll probably find yourself accepting them easily. But if they go against your lifestyle or your wishes, then you will do everything you can to explain it away and change the meaning to fit your preferences. There should be a fifth filter that takes precedence over all the others. And that’s faith. Ultimately, what I want you to do is to take what my Word says in faith. You need to ask yourself, “Am I willing to accept what these passage says and obey it, even if I don’t understand it completely or particularly like it?” Remember Dwayne, study to show yourself approved before me, so you won’t be ashamed but rightly interpreting my Word.
What I said to God: Holy and awesome Savior and Holy Spirit, I thank You for meeting with me in this cabin today. I am desperate to hear from You and gain a heavenly perspective. As I write the Praise Portions and other devotional pieces this week, help me keep in mind these filters. May I take You at Your Word and willingly obey You, no matter what I think or how it may affect me.

Urging Prayer–First of All

Administrator — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:08:47 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Theme: The motivation and method of pleasing prayer.
Key verses: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved…” (v. 1-4a) “I was appointed a herald and an apostle…and a teacher…to the Gentiles. I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing” (v. 7-8)
What God said to me: How should you pray? With requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving. Why should you pray? That you may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Why should you pray like that? Because “this is good and pleases” me. Why should you listen to Paul’s urging? He was speaking with authority and vision, wanting all men to lift up holy hands. That was Paul’s greatest desire–that all men would come to know me in my fullness and eternal life. And Paul’s ultimate vision for these saved men was that they be in fervent, vertical prayer to his God. Prayer mattered to Paul. Prayer matters to me. Why aren’t you doing more praying then, Dwayne?
What I said to God: Holy Father, you are the God who sees and knows all. You know I’ve avoided talking with You the past several hours. Why do I seem set on putting my life on cruise control even for a day or an hour? Sin. Rebellion. Selfishness. Sin. Please forgive me of my sinful actions and thoughts, and for ignoring You and not praying to You. May my vision–and passion for that vision–be as Paul’s: to see all men be saved and then join in the holy act of pleasing prayer. What a peaceful and awesome sight that would be!

Avoiding a Tragic Shipwreck

Administrator — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:49:53 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 1:18-20
Theme: Faith in godly instruction and a good conscience are required to avoid shipwrecking our faith.
Key verses: “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction…so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith” (v. 18-19).
What God said to me: Good morning. So glad you would carve out time to meet with me this morning. Remember, there is nothing more important for you to do than what you are doing at this very moment: meditating on my Word and journaling what I show you. This is my desire and plan for you. There are two things you must always hold on to, Dwayne: faith and a good conscience. (Aren’t you glad I keep it simple and short?) Consider faith. Why is that so vitally important in keeping you on tract? Without faith it is impossible to please me. I saw Abraham’s faith and counted it as righteousness. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith will keep you focused and faithful. Even when you can’t see my hand, you can always trust my heart. Faith will turn your eyes above to things unseen, to heaven and hope. Faith, Dwayne. Never lose faith. Build yourself up in your most holy faith. It will be an anchor for your soul in the darkest of nights. And then the second thing you must hold on to is a good conscience. This does not mean trusting your heart (which is deceitful) or following your intuition or common sense. No, this means maintaining at all times the peace which passes all understanding. Stop right now and check your conscience. Is it clear? Is it good? You see, my Holy Spirit will not let you rest and will not let you enjoy peace if there is sin or anything displeasing to me. What a gift I have blessed you with! If in anything you are otherwise minded than following me, I will reveal even that to you. You are my child. Never let go of holy faith and a clear conscience–not even for a minute. They will steer you clear of the rocky reefs hidden just below the water’s surface. They will keep you from shipwrecking in your faith.
What I said to God: Holy Lord, thank You for speaking so clearly to me today. I praise you for showing me these simple qualities that can keep me from becoming another casualty on the sea of good intentions. Now, may I humble myself and listen carefully to you today. Help me keep a check on my faith meter and my conscience. Thank You for loving me enough to show me the moment I begin to go astray and head toward danger. I love You. Help me share Your love with someone else today who needs to know about You.

Unparalleled Grace for Unparalleled Sinners

Administrator — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:23:25 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Theme: God loves pouring his favor on the unlikely and undeserving.
Key verses: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service” (v. 12). “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him…” (v. 14-16a).
What God said to me: Dwayne, too often you take my grace for granted. You too are a great sinner. You too need my great mercy–in great amounts. I’ve held back much judgment and wrath from you. I’ve forgiven you for every sin you’ve ever committed or ever will commit. They are all under the blood of my precious Son, whom I watched suffer and die. You weren’t there. You can’t possibly understand the pain and the agony he went through. You can’t fully comprehend the love we have for you and for all mankind. Dwayne, I am calling to you right now. I am reminding you in no uncertain terms that my grace has been poured out on you. I favor you–not first of all because you deserve it, but because you don’t deserve it. Others will look at you and wonder, why you? You should look at you and wonder the same. It’s simply because I love you and have big plans for you. Stay humble. Shun evil. Seek my face. Even more favor is available. Trust and obey.
What I said to God: Father, God of the ages, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End, I worship and adore you right now. I lay my life before you. Please forgive me for my sinful thoughts and actions. I run a close second to Paul, the self-proclaimed cheif of sinners. And I had better be incredibly thankful and humbled by your great love and faith and mercy poured out on me and my family.

Don’t Throw the Baby (Law) Out with the Bath Water (False Teachers)

Administrator — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:02:12 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Theme: The Law is good; lawbreakers and false teachers are not.
Key verses: “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and irreligious…” (v. 8-9a) “and whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine, that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me” (v. 10b-11)
What God said to me: “Using it properly” is the key phrase in this passage. I expect my people–especially those who teach my Word–to study it carefully and handle it with fear and trembling. Teachers will be held to a much higher standard of scrutiny at judgment. Dwayne, never, ever assume your ideas and impressions and experiences are sufficient to teach others about my Word. Study to show yourself approved–a workman that does not need to be ashamed, righly dividing & discerning the Word of God. And beware of arrogance and self-righteousness. The men to whom Paul was refering had no clue they were condemning themselves with the very law they proported to know. They were living evidence of the need of the law! They were the very sinners who needed to heed what the law condemned. Yet, they only approached it with their self-righteous mind, rather than a humble, self-searching heart. Be careful that you don’t do the same. You have before–and you are capable of doing it again.
What I said to God: Precious and holy Lord, I bow my heart before You right now. I am desparate for You–to hear You speak, to know Your presence, to heed Your Word and believe Your promises. Help me embrace and teach the whole counsel of God–not just those parts that I like or that I think only pertain to others. May I see in Your Word my own sin and my total depravity apart from You.

The Call of a Minister: Confrontation Rather than Comfort

Administrator — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:19:17 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 1:3-7
Theme: Sometimes our main purpose in ministry is to confront and correct.
Key Verses: “…stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to reach false doctrines any longer nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies…” (v. 3-4a) “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v. 5). “They want to be teachers of the law, but they don’t know what they are talking about…” (v. 7a)
What God said to me: First of all Dwayne, repent. Do you seriously think I will speak to you with sin in your heart? I know your secret thoughts and deeds–even if you hide them from everyone else. Confess and forsake them now. Then we will talk… Now, Paul told Timothy to “stay” in Ephesus. And the one and only reason Paul immediately gave was so he could “command” false teachers not to teach. Timothy’s main purpose and mission to remain in Ephesus was to confront strong-willed, highly opinionated and influencial people. Do you see the difficulty of this assignment? Can you imagine the struggle it must have been for Timothy to have to stay and do such uncomfortable and potentially explosive ministry tasks rather than going to be with Paul, his father in the ministry? Dwayne, sometimes we are called on to do inconvenient things in the name of ministry. “Church-work” is not always fun and fruitful. At times, you must get in the trenches on the front lines of battle and confront what is evil and false. A shepherd must protect his flock at all cost to himself. Timothy no doubt would rather have taken himself out of that volatile situation. But he had no choice but stay and be faithful to his calling–the calling of a true minister to my people.
What I said to God: Holy Lord, thank You for convicting and cleansing me first of all. And then thank You for still speaking to me in such a simple but profound way. May I be faithful not to run away from confrontation but to deal with falsehood and deception and confusion head on. May I not seek my own comforts and conveniences but instead seek what is best for Your people and for Your glory.

Knowing Our Place–and His

Administrator — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:01:15 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-2
Theme: The first thing to know is who we are and who God is.
Key verses: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
What God said to me: Dwayne, notice how Paul began this letter of 1 Timothy. He started it with his name. It wasn’t because he thought so highly of his own name, but because that was the standard way to begin a letter to someone. But what I want you to see is how Paul so confidently expressed who he was. He knew beyond any doubts that he was my apostle by my command. And he knew his relationship with Timothy. He didn’t waver on his responsibility that comes with having a “true son in the faith.” What’s most important is how Paul so clearly knew me and my role in his life and relationships and ministry. He set the tone right up front that I am God, Savior, Christ Jesus, hope, Father and Lord. This was much more than some common, mindless greeting. Paul carefully set the standard for all he would share with Timothy. Know your place, Dwayne. Know your mentorees and clearly state your role and theirs when you teach them. But always, always state for the record and never forget that I am your God, your Savior, your Lord, and your hope. Know your place. I have called you and love you dearly. Now go and make disciples.
What I said to God: Heavenly Lord and Father, I praise You for speaking to me. I adore You for your majesty and glory and for the Word You have given to us. Your written Word guides me and confronts my weak areas. I know my place–it’s at the foot of Your cross and in the hollow of Your hand. Help me embrace my calling and fulfill it with all my might in 2012. By Your grace and power and wisdom, help me mentor those You are leading to us. Bless this study through Timothy. Please help me stay faithful to journaling each day.

Perfect Peace

Administrator — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:57:48 +0000

“Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

What God said to me: Dwayne, do you have any idea how much I have blessed you? Even this morning, I heard your disgruntled thoughts. I heard you quietly complain about your lot in life. How foolish! If you only knew the thousands of times I’ve protected you and led you and cheered you on. Have you forgotten the joy and peace you’ve always enjoyed in my presence? What of that? What more do you need? After this many years walking with me, have you grown dissatisfied with me? DO you think you’ll find more happiness and thrill playing in someone else’s pastures? Who do you think am I? Who do you think you are? Think! Perfect peace is the most any one could ever hope for–and it’s yours for the enjoying. It’s available to you 24/7. Just fix your thoughts and your love on me. Trust me emphatically and completely. Quit your complaining. Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
What I said to God: Lord, I am so sorry for my discontented and complaining attitude. I am blessed way beyond what I could ever deserve or attain on my own. I deserve hell–yet because of the agony and death of Your Son, I get life everlasting and abundant. I have a godly family who loves me, and a church and ministry that You are blessing. I am highly favored by You. Truly, what more could I want or need. You are my all in all! Praise Your holy name!