Devotional Thoughts from God's Word

Don’t Show Favoritism to Elders

Administrator — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:34:36 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 5:19-21
Theme: Confront sin in elders when the sin is proven.
Key verses: “…when a charge comes against an elder, don’t even acknowledge the accusation unless there are two or more witnesses. Bring any believers who persist in sinning before the community and publicly scold them so that all the rest will know to fear sin and its consequences…” (v. 19-20) “…Don’t back down, never decide a matter beforehand, and don’t do anything out of favoritism. Don’t be too quick to lay hands upon anyone or share in the sins of others–stay clean” (v. 21b-22).
What God said to me: Dwayne, I don’t demand a lot from you. I give you ample time to accomplish the work I’ve called you too. And I’ve given you the health and the intelligence and wisdom you need as well. But one thing I have always made clear to you that I expect is for you to meet daily with me and journal these QTs through my Word. This is part of my specific plan for your life. Why has it been almost a month since your last entry? I know you had a lot on your plate with the Intensive, but still, could you not have found a least a few days over the past 25 to journal? Repent and decide now to obey me and meet with me everyday this week. I have much to show you. As for this passage, the message is quite clear: I don’t show favoritism and neither should you. You are an elder and leader in my Church. You are held to higher standards than most. Accept that and be thankful for my grace to sustain and strengthen you through every temptation. Likewise, other elders are accountable as well. Pray for them; support and encourage them. Disciple them as often as you can. But never overlook their failures and sin issues. You will do more harm to them and to my Church by overlooking their sins than you ever could by condoning their behavior. It’s sometimes called ‘tough love.’ There’s a reason for that…
What I said to God: Holy Father and Savior and Lord, I praise You for loving me and for meeting with me this morning. Help me stay clean in a highly polluted world, and to pray and support other church leaders in every way I can. But also help me not to overlook sin, but rather deal with it in myself and in others as soon as it’s verified by two or more witnesses and by the Holy Spirit.

Honoring Church Elders and Leaders

Administrator — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:16:01 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 5:17-18
Theme: Certain church leaders should be honored and honored well.
Key verses: “Elders who leading well should be admired and valued. Double up on the honor shown them; care for them well–especially those constantly and consistently teaching the Word and preaching. For the Scripture agrees, ‘Don’t muzzle the oz while it is treading out your grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages” (v. 17-18).
What God said to me: This is an interesting passage Dwayne. My Son wasn’t honored while on earth. In fact, he made it very clear that you are to see yourselves as servants, not honored guests. Yet, here is Paul–who often abased himself and obviously strived to be a servant to all–here is Paul emphatically teaching the importance of honoring those in leadership in the church. Surely he knew he was incuding himself in that leadership league. The application here is simple: see yourself as nothing more than servant and expect no special treatment as such, but treat others who lead in the church with respect and special honor. Notice too, that he was only speaking of those who lead “well” in the church. Be careful here. Don’t assume you know how to discern who is leading “well” and who is not. Thus, you’d be wise to honor all leaders (unless they have moral or ethical failure). And one more thing: Pay your staff as much as you can. Never be stingy with my money when it comes to taking care of my servants. You honor them, and I will honor you.
What I said to God: Lord, thank You for speaking so clearly to me this morning. What a joy and blessing to meet with You and hear Your still, small voice again! May I never take it for granted. Please show me how I and our church can better honor our pastor and elders. They are all great men of God, and we are blessed to have them. Help me look for ways to let them know they are appreciated.

When Pleasure Takes Priority

Administrator — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:17:29 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 5:9-16
Theme: Younger widows should remarry if pleasure is their goal.
Key verses: “Don’t add younger women to the widow roll because when their desires for pleasure overtake them, they get careless in their devotion to the LIberating King. Their constant thoughts become, ‘I want to get married,’ and such thoughts disqualify them because they have tossed aside their first commitment to the Liberator. Plus, they get into the habit of being idle…” (v. 11-13a)”That’s why I think it’s best to have the younger widows remarry, have children, and take care of their households so that the enemy gains no opportunity to come with accusations” (v. 14).
What God said to me: Listen. Be still. Focus. Dwayne, you have the same problem some young widows have. You prefer pleasure over piety, your way over my way, your desires over other’s needs. I made you with natural human needs and desires. But be very careful not to allow them to overtake your first commitment to live for me. If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. Are you denying yourself today? Did you yesterday? You and I both know the answer to those questions. It’s better for young widows to remarry rather and follow their natural desires. I can still use them and bless them–as long as they fulfill their desires legitmately and morally within holy matrimony. I will use and bless you too–as long as you do the same.
What I said to God: Wow, I didn’t see that coming from this passage when I sat to read it this morning. Thank You, Lord and Savior, for meeting with me–despite me. Thank You for dying for me–despite my rebellion and depravity. Help me die to myself and my wants and ways today and all this week. I commit my way to You. You are my only Master; may my flesh not rule me. You’re the only One who deserves my allegiance and worship. I want to love You with my whole life.

Honoring Others–Esp. in Our Own Family

Administrator — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:51:55 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-8
Theme: We must show honor to everyone who deserves it.
Key verses: “Respect an elderly man. Don’t speak to him sharply; appeal to him as you would a father. Treat younger men as brothers, elderly women as mothers, and younger women as sisters in all purity. Honor widows, but be discerning about which ones are truly widows. If any widow has children or grandchildren, then…teach them that it is their spiritual responsibility to care for their own family…” (v. 1-4a) “…if someone is not providing for his own relatives and especially his own household, then he is denying the faitth and is worse off than an unbeliever” (v. 8).
What God said to me: Dwayne, look around you. Behold what a beautiful day I have given you. Listen to the birds sing in surround sound, HD quality. Know you are blessed and loved and honored and favored today. You are my child. I love it when you meet with me in this quiet place. You’re a rich man–albeit undeserving and far from perfect. Humble yourself under my mighty hand. Still your soul and listen to my voice right now. Think of the elderly men you know at church and in your community. Are you honoring them. What about the younger men? How are you encouraging them as you would you own brother? Widows are especially dear to me. How are you helping them? What are your thoughts and motives toward young women? Do you really see them as sisters to help? Or do you look lustfully on them as objects of your gratification? I know and see your thoughts. I know your motives better than you do. I accept nothing less than purity from you and unconditional love. You take good care of your widowed mom and your mother-in-law. I can’t tell you how important they are to me. You honor them and I will honor you beyond belief. Teach others to do the same, both through your example and your words.
What I said to God: Father God in heaven, You have placed eternity in our hearts. We are made in Your image to show forth Your glory and walk in purity. Thank You for reminding me of Your love for me this morning. I know that as I honor and care for others, You will always take care of me and my family. Help me not seek filthy lucre. I do not desire to be rich and famous. But I do want to take good care of my family and leave them in great financial shape when I’m gone. I trust You to help me do that.

Boldly Insisting on Growth

Administrator — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:27:48 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Theme: Paul never stopped encouraging Timothy to set the example for others.
Key verses: “So go out and insist on these things. Teach them. Don’t let anyone belittle you because you are young. Instead, show the faithful, young and old, an example of how to live: set the standard for how to talk, act, love, and be faithful and pure. Until I get there, make sure to devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching” (v. 11-13). “Cultivate all these practices; live by them so that all will see how you are advancing and growing” (v. 15).
What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome to another gorgeous day that I have tailor-made for you (and for all my other children around you). You are no longer “young.” You’re almost 48. By human standards, that’s middle-aged at best. But you can remember when this passage meant so much to you as a teenager and college student. In fact, you used to quote it and sign it with your name to encourage other youth to follow me. Despite your age you can still encourage younger men and women to use the gifts I’ve given them. Who are your Timothys, Dwayne? You have several you’ve invested in over the years. Where are they now? I know, but do you? When does your responsibility end with them. Paul continued to disciple Timothy to the end of his life. I have many more for you to influence and impact in the future. I’ve invested much into you from your youth; thus, I expect you to pass on what you know to others. Paul told Timothy to insist on godliness, and to put his spiritual and leadership growth on display for all to see. Don’t think for a minute that Paul would urge such bold actions from someone so young, if Paul didn’t mean to give him strong and constant support as he lived out those instructions. Paul didn’t leave Timothy vulnerable to the wolves. He prayed for him, wrote to him, advised him, and continued to stay close to him. Who do you need to do that for this week?
What I said to God: Wow, Lord, I sure didn’t see this one coming when I sat down to journal this passage today. Thank You for speaking so clearly and precisely to me. I have heard Your voice; now I am responsible to heed it. I pray specifically for Jody, Kevin, Keny, Cody, Jacob, Stephen, Justin, Greg, Jesse, Chris, Antoinette, Maggie, Mark, Chris, Jackie, Allen, Alan, David, Joseph, Marlin, Steven, Carter, Ricky, and John. I know there are others but these are the ones who have come to mind today. Some of these I’m discipling now. Others were in the past. Help me check up on them and see how I might encourage them in their walk with You. Lord, this is a great responsibility, but I will do my best to be faithful with Your help and grace.

Hope That Struggles

Administrator — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:47:33 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 4:8-10
Theme: Hope in the future should motivate us to work hard in the present.
Key verses: “…godliness benefits all things, holding promise for life here and now and promise for the life that is coming” (v. 8b). “This is what we work so hard for! This is why we are constantly struggling, because we have any assured hope fixed upon a living God who is the Savior of all humankind–especially all of us who believe” (v.9-10).
What God said to me: What was Paul “struggling” for? What was he and Timothy working hard to accomplish? In context of this letter to Timothy, Paul seems to be saying they are working hard to be godly and to train others in godliness. Dwayne, a lot of people work hard to do those very things. That’s nothing unusual. In fact, there are many pastors and church workers who struggle and work hard for me everyday. The bigger question and the more important truth to see is not what Paul struggled to accomplish, but rather why he struggled. That’s where many so-called ministers fall short. They don’t really know why they struggle as they do. They wear themselves out trying to do good and be good. But they lose sight of the real motivation that will refresh and encourage them along the way. Paul knew he had a hope in a promise of life. His hope was fixed on me–his living God and Savior. Paul had the right motivation. He wasn’t worrking for me, as much as he was working because of me, because of the absolute assurance that life comes from me. Life for Paul was much more than mere existence. It meant being full of joy and hope for all eternity. Now notice one more thing Paul said. He said godliness holds promise for life here. It wasn’t just some pie in the sky idea for Paul–something he would experience in the sweet bye and bye. Paul held to the hope that life was his to claim right now. Dwayne, if your form of godliness doesn’t bring you life and real tangible hope in the here and now, then you are not truly godly. Godliness brings promise and promise brings hope.
What I said to God: Thank You, heavenly Father, for speaking so clearly to my spirit this morning. I confess my idolatry. I confess my straying thoughts and fixations on this world. Help me guard my heart and fix my eyes on the prize–on Jesus the Christ. May my hope be securely motivated out of Your promise of life, and may Your promise of life motivate my struggle to be godly and train others in godliness.

Spiritual Boot Camp

Administrator — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:45:48 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-8
Theme: we are responsible for our training in the Truth.
Key verses: “…brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (v. 6-8).
What God said to me: So, you assume I have little to say to you today? You think there’s little in this passage that you need to hear and grasp today, aye? One question for you: are you godly? Have you arrived? Thus, you have no need for further training? Clearly the answer irehousing have not arrived in your spiritual growth. Paul may seem to be “preaching to the choir” when he says this to Timothy, because Timothy had already demonstrated his desire to grow in his faith. However, Timothy still needed to be reminded, admonished and recharged about his discipline. Dwayne, I love you enough to tell you you get lazy and overconfident all too often. You must search my scripture and pray and seek my face. There are no shortcuts to living in my presence. You know how hard it is for you to strain to lift weights in the gym. How much harder should you strain to unearth gold in my Word? Beware of socalled new and cool ideas and philosophies of ministry and prosperity. Follow hard after my Truth that’s contained within my written Word. Push yourself to meet consistently with me. Meditate day and night on my Word. Rebuke the devil so he will flee from you. Godliness is profitable in all things. Go get godly.
What I said to God: Jesus Savior, Author and Finisher of my faith, thank you for meeting with me and so powerfully reminding me of my great and constant need to grow in your Word. Forgive me when I don’t push hard and discipline myself in godliness. My mind runs astray on ungodly thoughts so often. Help me focus on you and you alone today. I love you, but I know my deeds and thoughts must support those words.

When Abstaining Is Evil

Administrator — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:09:19 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Theme: Requiring people to abstain from certain foods and from marrying is a satanic scheme.
Key verses: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (v. 1). “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving…For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer” (v. 3-5).
What God said to me: Dwayne, this is a deeper passage than first meets the eye. Search for the somewhat hidden meaning here. Ask yourself: Why did Paul call merely keeping people from certain things a doctrine of demons? Why is teaching such things clear evidence of having abandoned one’s faith? Why am I so offended by such false teaching? Think about it: In saying people couldn’t marry, those devilish teachers were opposing my greatest earthly institution. Marriage is the best illustration on earth of Christ and the Church. I created marriage; therefore I sanction it. And then consider the teaching of not being able to eat certain foods. This is left over from the Old Testament teachings. So what could be so terrible about some still clinging to those beliefs? Why call them hypocritical liars from deceiving spirits? Just as I instituted marriage to represent Christ and the Church, allowing my people to eat anything they want represents my New Covenant, which invites and includes all people–Jews and Gentiles. To say people must abstain from certain foods that I created is to reject part of my creation. Jesus died to redeem all of creation–thus all of creation is good and acceptable. You’re no longer under the law, but grace. So Paul saw these teachings against marriage and certain foods as an affront to God’s grace and His creation. That’s the kind of stuff only demons can be blamed for initiating.
What I said to God: Father, I admit, I haven’t fully grasped this passage today. I’ve never thought of marriage and eating at such a high God-honoring level. It begs the question of how might I be misrepresenting Your creation? What am I rejecting that You have clearly ordained? And on the converse side, what I participating in that might be an affront to Your creation and Your plan for Your created people? I should return to this passage and continue to meditate on the implications. Thank You for Your patience to teach me–even though I’m slow to catch on and even slower to make application!

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.