With My Own Eyes

2 Tim. 4:2 (NIV)
Preach the Word;

Being a pastor requires me to wear many hats–sometimes all at once.  Sometimes I forget which hat(s) I am wearing or where I put one of them.  It can get overwhelming.  But then I am reminded of this simple statement from Paul to Timothy:  “Preach the Word.”  Suddenly, my job becomes very simple.  All the hats point back to this.  I am grateful for this clear reminder.

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22;
Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12.

²² Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.

One of the greatest examples of this is Joseph literally running away from Potiphar’s wife in the book of Genesis.  It is interesting that so much of the entertainment industry that we voluntarily embrace is designed to entice us to run toward youthful lusts.  This is clearly a case where to be a follower of Christ requires being radically counter cultural.

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8.

2 Tim. 2:3-4 (NIV)
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.

The Bible makes it clear that we are involved in a violent cosmic conflict–the ultimate battle between good and evil.  Satan is constantly at work in an effort to steal God’s glory through bringing death and destruction here on earth.  But Jesus invaded the territory of the enemy and won the ultimate victory on the cross.    As Christ followers we are entrusted with the mission of enforcing that victory until He comes again.  This calls for living with a war time mentality–a life of focus, sacrifice, courage.  May we live as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21;
Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5.

Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
Teach us to make the most of our time,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

One of the ways we can worship God is by the way we utilize the time we are given.  Is the usage of our time self-centered or God-centered?  Is it spent on temporal things or invested in eternity?

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2.

⁶ Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. ⁷ After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. ⁸ So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. ⁹ But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 25:28.

1 Tim. 4:7-8 (NIV)
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. [8] 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.

No matter how sincerely most of us would try to do brain surgery today, we would fail.  Brain surgery requires the discipline of years of training.  Godliness is the same way.  Many of us sincerely try to be godly, but we fail time and time again.  Godliness, like brain surgery, requires the discipline of training.  The daily disciplines of immersing ourselves in God’s Word, prayer, as well as others, have a cumulative effect which position us to effectively pursue godliness.  If you have been frustrated in your sincere efforts in trying to be godly, would you take the time to establish the daily spiritual disciplines necessary to train yourself to be godly.   Nothing worthwhile in this life comes without discipline.
Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24.

1 Tim. 1:2 (NIV)
To Timothy my true son in the faith:

If you are really serious about growing in your faith you must have two relationships:  (1) You must have a “Paul” – a mentor, someone who challenges you spiritually and can pour into your life what they have learned; and (2) You must have a “Timothy” – someone you can challenge spiritually and can pour into their life what you have learned.  This is how disciples are made, one person at a time.  Do you have a “Paul”?  Do you have a “Timothy”?

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 28:1-29:32; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 86:1-17; Proverbs 25:17.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

This is great news in light of the fact that we have a very real enemy, far more powerful than we are, seeking to devour us.

Here is the rest of today’s Bible reading:  Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16.