Acts 4:36
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.
Mentoring is an essential need in the church. Being able to spot a young person with potential and nurturing them is a key gift. Barnabas had this gift. Two men in the New Testament, both better known than Barnabas, owe their success at least in part to the mentoring relationship they had with him. We know well the Apostle Paul. He was a mentee of Barnabas. What about John Mark?
A quiet event happened on the missionary trip when Paul and Barnabas were working together to expand the church. John Mark, one of the younger team members, deserted the effort and returned home. On a later missionary journey, John Mark wanted to rejoin the team. Paul refused to take John Mark. Barnabas would not abandon John Mark, a good man who needed sponsorship, encouragement and development. Paul was now well established. Barnabas chose to travel with John Mark.
A great mentor doesn’t win just by going with winners. He or she sometimes turns losers into winners. That’s what Barnabas did with John Mark. That’s what God needs with you; a believer with the vision, discernment and commitment to take on a mentoring relationship with someone who needs encouragement.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Advantages of Companionship
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
There is power in relationships. Together we can do better work. Together we can help each other in difficult times.
Take a thread and see how much strength is needed to break it. It’s easily doable. Take three strands of the same thread and twist them together. The task of snapping them becomes more difficult.
Three separate individuals are as vulnerable as one individual alone. In “relationships”, we are like the twisted thread. Better work, less vulnerability.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Advantages of Companionship
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
There is power in relationships. Together we can do better work. Together we can help each other in difficult times.
Take a thread and see how much strength is needed to break it. It’s easily doable. Take three strands of the same thread and twist them together. The task of snapping them becomes more difficult.
Three separate individuals are as vulnerable as one individual alone. In “relationships”, we are like the twisted thread. Better work, less vulnerability.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PRIORITY ON RELATIONSHIPS
1 Kings 19:19-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Call of Elisha
19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
In this passage, we see the beginning of the mentoring relationship between Elijah and Elisha. It is similar to the relationship Jesus formed with His disciples. In both cases they dropped everything and followed their mentor. Elisha and the disciples learned that following God’s will is worth infinitely more than money. Money and achievements will disappear in the end, but relationships will endure forever. This is why our Lord said we should spend earthly wealth on gaining friends so they will be with us in eternity (Luke 16:9).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Call of Elisha
19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
In this passage, we see the beginning of the mentoring relationship between Elijah and Elisha. It is similar to the relationship Jesus formed with His disciples. In both cases they dropped everything and followed their mentor. Elisha and the disciples learned that following God’s will is worth infinitely more than money. Money and achievements will disappear in the end, but relationships will endure forever. This is why our Lord said we should spend earthly wealth on gaining friends so they will be with us in eternity (Luke 16:9).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
SEE IN THE BEAMS
1 John 4:9-11; 20-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Loving One Another
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
The Scriptures teach us that the most important things in this life – and the next – are relationships. God demonstrated His interest … His love for humanity … most fully in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (the vertical beam). This love shows the greatest intention of God’s will for our highest good. John tells us that those who have entered into the love of the Father through His Son should naturally express this love in their relationships with others (the horizontal beam). In fact, those who do not love the members of God’s family should seriously question whether they really love God.
When we look at the Cross, we can see in the vertical and horizontal beams, these expressions of God’s love. He first loved us. Let us now love Him back and love one another.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Loving One Another
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
The Scriptures teach us that the most important things in this life – and the next – are relationships. God demonstrated His interest … His love for humanity … most fully in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (the vertical beam). This love shows the greatest intention of God’s will for our highest good. John tells us that those who have entered into the love of the Father through His Son should naturally express this love in their relationships with others (the horizontal beam). In fact, those who do not love the members of God’s family should seriously question whether they really love God.
When we look at the Cross, we can see in the vertical and horizontal beams, these expressions of God’s love. He first loved us. Let us now love Him back and love one another.
Monday, April 26, 2010
FORGIVE AND RESTORE
Hosea 2:21-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The LORD’s Love for Unfaithful Israel
21 “In that day, I will answer,” says the LORD. “I will answer the sky as it pleads for clouds. And the sky will answer the earth with rain. 22 Then the earth will answer the thirsty cries of the grain, the grapevines, and the olive trees. And they in turn will answer, ‘Jezreel’—‘God plants!’
23 At that time I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called ‘Not loved.’
And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’
And they will reply, ‘You are our God!’”
Read Hosea 2.
Hosea’s love for Gomer serves as a picture of God’s love for His unfaithful people. It also serves as an example for us to follow. Every believer will at some time be called on by God to seek out, forgive and restore a relationship which has been broken. Such actions require both the grace and love of God.
How must Hosea have felt when God directed him to reconcile with Gomer? Why did he do it? What relationship in your life requires such love? When God calls on you to seek reconciliation with someone who has hurt you, how will you respond? Remember, believers are acquainted with forgiveness. He first forgave us through the gift of His Son.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The LORD’s Love for Unfaithful Israel
21 “In that day, I will answer,” says the LORD. “I will answer the sky as it pleads for clouds. And the sky will answer the earth with rain. 22 Then the earth will answer the thirsty cries of the grain, the grapevines, and the olive trees. And they in turn will answer, ‘Jezreel’—‘God plants!’
23 At that time I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called ‘Not loved.’
And to those I called ‘Not my people,’ I will say, ‘Now you are my people.’
And they will reply, ‘You are our God!’”
Read Hosea 2.
Hosea’s love for Gomer serves as a picture of God’s love for His unfaithful people. It also serves as an example for us to follow. Every believer will at some time be called on by God to seek out, forgive and restore a relationship which has been broken. Such actions require both the grace and love of God.
How must Hosea have felt when God directed him to reconcile with Gomer? Why did he do it? What relationship in your life requires such love? When God calls on you to seek reconciliation with someone who has hurt you, how will you respond? Remember, believers are acquainted with forgiveness. He first forgave us through the gift of His Son.
Friday, April 23, 2010
WORDS OF WISDOM
Proverbs 13:20
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
We have been sharing this week on the need for believers to form healthy alliances. Solomon’s words point to both the benefits and the dangers in the alliances we form. These words of wisdom, I would say, are the bottom line!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
We have been sharing this week on the need for believers to form healthy alliances. Solomon’s words point to both the benefits and the dangers in the alliances we form. These words of wisdom, I would say, are the bottom line!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NUTURED ALLIANCES
2 Samuel 17:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Hushai Warns David to Escape
15 Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said to Absalom and the elders of Israel and what he himself had advised instead. 16 “Quick!” he told them. “Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him.”
These verses come from the midst of a story that has all the intrigue of a biblical “spy novel”. Read 2nd Samuel 16:15-17:23.
We all need allies and allies must be cultivated and nurtured. This cultivation and nurturing carries the cost of time, thoughtfulness and devotion. Allies are expensive, but genuine allies are valuable because they can’t be bought.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Hushai Warns David to Escape
15 Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said to Absalom and the elders of Israel and what he himself had advised instead. 16 “Quick!” he told them. “Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him.”
These verses come from the midst of a story that has all the intrigue of a biblical “spy novel”. Read 2nd Samuel 16:15-17:23.
We all need allies and allies must be cultivated and nurtured. This cultivation and nurturing carries the cost of time, thoughtfulness and devotion. Allies are expensive, but genuine allies are valuable because they can’t be bought.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
THE COMPANY WE KEEP
1 Samuel 30:26-31
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David Destroys the Amalekites
26 When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies,” he said.
27 The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, 28 Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, 29 Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, 30 Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, 31 Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.
Today’s devotion is not a test of pronouncing these towns in various parts of Israel. Rather the focus is on the building of healthy alliances.
By distributing part of the plunder of war to the elders in various parts of Israel, David wisely promoted goodwill with potential allies. He understood the importance of planning for the future and of building relationships based upon trust and mutual benefits that would serve him well in the years ahead. Believers who look for and participate in strong alliances build a store of relational resources that can be of immeasurable value in times of change or crisis.
All of us have a need for fellowship, encouragement and accountability. Given a choice, few people would opt for the years of isolation experienced by Robinson Crusoe as over against the family ties enjoyed by the Swiss Family Robinson. The body of Christ provides a network of personal and group alliances that are critical to our physical and spiritual well-being.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David Destroys the Amalekites
26 When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies,” he said.
27 The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, 28 Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, 29 Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, 30 Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, 31 Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.
Today’s devotion is not a test of pronouncing these towns in various parts of Israel. Rather the focus is on the building of healthy alliances.
By distributing part of the plunder of war to the elders in various parts of Israel, David wisely promoted goodwill with potential allies. He understood the importance of planning for the future and of building relationships based upon trust and mutual benefits that would serve him well in the years ahead. Believers who look for and participate in strong alliances build a store of relational resources that can be of immeasurable value in times of change or crisis.
All of us have a need for fellowship, encouragement and accountability. Given a choice, few people would opt for the years of isolation experienced by Robinson Crusoe as over against the family ties enjoyed by the Swiss Family Robinson. The body of Christ provides a network of personal and group alliances that are critical to our physical and spiritual well-being.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
PERFECT UNITY
John 17:20-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Prayer of Jesus
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
The divine alliance that is manifested in the Trinity is the same healthy alliance God wants among believers. The mystery that is encapsulated in the truth that we are in Jesus, and He is in us, is really beyond our comprehension and exceeds all that we could ever have hoped or guessed. The Bible tells us that on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayed not only for His disciples, but also for those who will put their faith in Him through the hearing of their message. His petition to the Father was nothing less than a request that believers, you and I, might experience unblemished communion with one another and God Himself.
Take a few minutes to meditate on the personal implications of Jesus’ high-priestly prayer on your behalf. Are you living in perfect unity or are you falling for Satan’s scheme that divides us?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Prayer of Jesus
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
The divine alliance that is manifested in the Trinity is the same healthy alliance God wants among believers. The mystery that is encapsulated in the truth that we are in Jesus, and He is in us, is really beyond our comprehension and exceeds all that we could ever have hoped or guessed. The Bible tells us that on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayed not only for His disciples, but also for those who will put their faith in Him through the hearing of their message. His petition to the Father was nothing less than a request that believers, you and I, might experience unblemished communion with one another and God Himself.
Take a few minutes to meditate on the personal implications of Jesus’ high-priestly prayer on your behalf. Are you living in perfect unity or are you falling for Satan’s scheme that divides us?
Monday, April 19, 2010
GOING IT ALONE
1 Samuel 22:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David at the Cave of Adullam
1 So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. 2 Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.
3 Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, “Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me.” 4 So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.
5 One day the prophet Gad told David, “Leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah.” So David went to the forest of Hereth.
A story is told of a boy who valiantly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to move a heavy log to clear a pathway to his favorite hideout. His dad stood quietly nearby, watching his son straining against the load. Finally he said, “Son, why aren’t you using all of your strength?”
Confused and a little angry, the boy responded, “Dad, I’m using every last little bit of strength I have.”
“No, son, you’re not,” his dad quietly responded. “You haven’t asked me to help.”
David possessed the foresight to know that he couldn’t go it alone. He sought to build others’ trust in him. Form healthy alliances. Encourage others to step forward and help you. God never designed us to go it alone.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David at the Cave of Adullam
1 So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. 2 Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.
3 Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, “Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me.” 4 So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.
5 One day the prophet Gad told David, “Leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah.” So David went to the forest of Hereth.
A story is told of a boy who valiantly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to move a heavy log to clear a pathway to his favorite hideout. His dad stood quietly nearby, watching his son straining against the load. Finally he said, “Son, why aren’t you using all of your strength?”
Confused and a little angry, the boy responded, “Dad, I’m using every last little bit of strength I have.”
“No, son, you’re not,” his dad quietly responded. “You haven’t asked me to help.”
David possessed the foresight to know that he couldn’t go it alone. He sought to build others’ trust in him. Form healthy alliances. Encourage others to step forward and help you. God never designed us to go it alone.
Friday, April 16, 2010
TOUGH WORK
Galatians 6:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
We Harvest What We Plant
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Is there any tougher part of being a believer than exhortation? Friends, family, co-workers err and need correction. That can be tough work. People sin and need “exhortation”. That’s usually excruciating work. Balancing justice and grace, consequences and forgiveness, restitution and restoration can be confusing. When believers are angry at and/or disappointed in the offender, the situation becomes even tougher.
Before exhorting anyone, the believer needs to engage in self-examination. People fail, and believers are often compelled to intervene and deal with the consequences. Paul reminds us, gentle restoration handled by spiritual individuals defines the biblical approach to this very tough part of being a believer.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
We Harvest What We Plant
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Is there any tougher part of being a believer than exhortation? Friends, family, co-workers err and need correction. That can be tough work. People sin and need “exhortation”. That’s usually excruciating work. Balancing justice and grace, consequences and forgiveness, restitution and restoration can be confusing. When believers are angry at and/or disappointed in the offender, the situation becomes even tougher.
Before exhorting anyone, the believer needs to engage in self-examination. People fail, and believers are often compelled to intervene and deal with the consequences. Paul reminds us, gentle restoration handled by spiritual individuals defines the biblical approach to this very tough part of being a believer.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
BLESSINGS
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 (New Living Translation)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Blessings for Obedience
“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God:
3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed.
4 Your children and your crops will be blessed.
The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed.
5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed.
6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.
As Paul exhorted Timothy in yesterday’s devotion, today we hear Moses exhorting the nation of Israel to obedience to God’s commandments. Blessings are the product of obedience.
As God is no respecter of persons, any nation would benefit from this exhortation. And any nation, any people, any person who is not being blessed in this fashion can trace their shortcoming to a lack of obedience to God’s Word … to sin. “All have sin and come short of the glory of God … Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” I can only imagine how much more our blessings could be…
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Blessings for Obedience
“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God:
3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed.
4 Your children and your crops will be blessed.
The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed.
5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed.
6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.
As Paul exhorted Timothy in yesterday’s devotion, today we hear Moses exhorting the nation of Israel to obedience to God’s commandments. Blessings are the product of obedience.
As God is no respecter of persons, any nation would benefit from this exhortation. And any nation, any people, any person who is not being blessed in this fashion can trace their shortcoming to a lack of obedience to God’s Word … to sin. “All have sin and come short of the glory of God … Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” I can only imagine how much more our blessings could be…
Monday, April 12, 2010
GOLDEN VESSEL
2 Timothy 2:15-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
An Approved Worker
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Exhorters are people who spur others on to higher levels of achievement. This was Paul’s role with Timothy. Paul exhorted Timothy to be a gold vessel in a great house … clean … polished … ready to be used by the Master for a noble purpose.
Is there someone you know who you might be spurred on in Kingdom work by some exhortation from you?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
An Approved Worker
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Exhorters are people who spur others on to higher levels of achievement. This was Paul’s role with Timothy. Paul exhorted Timothy to be a gold vessel in a great house … clean … polished … ready to be used by the Master for a noble purpose.
Is there someone you know who you might be spurred on in Kingdom work by some exhortation from you?
Friday, April 09, 2010
OUR TRUE WORTH
Hebrews 3:13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
Encouragement is to believers what wind is to a sail – it moves believers forward. We need to move forward ‘every day’.
It is the beginning of the season of our national pastime … baseball. Dave Dravecky, former baseball great, wrote in his book, “Worth of a Man”, that we should validate a person’s worth before God. He wrote, “It’s easy for us to confuse our true worth with our sense of worth. While the Bible teaches that our true worth never varies, since it’s based on God and not on us, our sense or feeling of worth can vary tremendously.” The problem is our feelings don’t always align with the truth.
Believers should ‘every day’ help other believers align their feelings with the truth.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
Encouragement is to believers what wind is to a sail – it moves believers forward. We need to move forward ‘every day’.
It is the beginning of the season of our national pastime … baseball. Dave Dravecky, former baseball great, wrote in his book, “Worth of a Man”, that we should validate a person’s worth before God. He wrote, “It’s easy for us to confuse our true worth with our sense of worth. While the Bible teaches that our true worth never varies, since it’s based on God and not on us, our sense or feeling of worth can vary tremendously.” The problem is our feelings don’t always align with the truth.
Believers should ‘every day’ help other believers align their feelings with the truth.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
MUTUAL BENEFIT
1 Samuel 18:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Saul Becomes Jealous of David
1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.
Sometimes life leaves us bleeding and grasping for breath. Not every day is a sun shiny day. In the rough and tumble days we need reassurance from God and others so that we may remain faithful. David and Jonathan had a relationship of mutual encouragement. They covenanted to be there for each other and this relationship served each man until Jonathan’s death.
Encouragement in good times shows care and thoughtfulness. Encouragement in tough times reflects character.
Consider ways that you can encourage another. Be thankful to others who take time to invest in your life by encouraging you.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Saul Becomes Jealous of David
1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.
Sometimes life leaves us bleeding and grasping for breath. Not every day is a sun shiny day. In the rough and tumble days we need reassurance from God and others so that we may remain faithful. David and Jonathan had a relationship of mutual encouragement. They covenanted to be there for each other and this relationship served each man until Jonathan’s death.
Encouragement in good times shows care and thoughtfulness. Encouragement in tough times reflects character.
Consider ways that you can encourage another. Be thankful to others who take time to invest in your life by encouraging you.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
GOD – THE ULTIMATE ENCOURAGER
John 14:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus, the Way to the Father
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
After Israel experienced the seventy-year captivity, God spoke to them through the prophet Jeremiah about His plan to prosper them and not to harm them; to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Similarly, Jesus comforted His disciples on the night He was betrayed by encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled, but to trust in Him.
God is an encourager and He uses people for this purpose. Who has encouraged you in your past? Did you express your gratitude? Who have you encouraged lately?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus, the Way to the Father
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
After Israel experienced the seventy-year captivity, God spoke to them through the prophet Jeremiah about His plan to prosper them and not to harm them; to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Similarly, Jesus comforted His disciples on the night He was betrayed by encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled, but to trust in Him.
God is an encourager and He uses people for this purpose. Who has encouraged you in your past? Did you express your gratitude? Who have you encouraged lately?
Monday, April 05, 2010
ENCOURAGEMENT
Acts 9:27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
No other New Testament character illustrates the ability to encourage more strongly than Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.” The apostles were afraid of Saul. He had a reputation of zealotry and cruelty. It is no wonder they questioned his confession of faith in Jesus Christ. As a Pharisee, Saul had hunted down and prosecuted followers of Christ.
It was Barnabas who stood in the gap beside Saul, leading him to the apostles and testifying concerning his conversion and bold preaching for Christ. Barnabas encouraged the apostles to bless Saul’s ministry.
We, like Barnabas, can offer words of support to a family member, coworker or peer. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way toward motivating those around you. Look what Barnabas’ support did in the ministry of Saul (Paul).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
No other New Testament character illustrates the ability to encourage more strongly than Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.” The apostles were afraid of Saul. He had a reputation of zealotry and cruelty. It is no wonder they questioned his confession of faith in Jesus Christ. As a Pharisee, Saul had hunted down and prosecuted followers of Christ.
It was Barnabas who stood in the gap beside Saul, leading him to the apostles and testifying concerning his conversion and bold preaching for Christ. Barnabas encouraged the apostles to bless Saul’s ministry.
We, like Barnabas, can offer words of support to a family member, coworker or peer. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way toward motivating those around you. Look what Barnabas’ support did in the ministry of Saul (Paul).
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