YOU ARE THE GUARDIAN: I Timothy 6:20-21

"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you." I Timothy 6:20-21

Paul was of course writing to Timothy, a young pastor entrusted with teaching and shepherding of the body of Christ. Paul exhorts him to guard them because they have been entrusted to his care. Timothy knew well what the Apostle meant because he had seen first hand the passion and conviction that Paul shepherded the churches entrusted to his care. 

The question now for us is, what has God entrusted to our care?  We, of course, have our spouses and children. I don't know about you but when I hear most people talk about their marriages it is mostly about their own needs being met. I think we are called to build each other up. We are called to protect our spouses. Does my love for my wife guard her? What about your children?  Are you guarding them? I don't mean being over protective. I mean are you teaching them to live by faith?

I also think it is important to remember that we have been entrusted with God's reputation. Whether I am working or volunteering I am a Christian. I am entrusted with God's reputation in that sphere. 

I actually think it is amazing that God has entrusted me with anything, let alone a marriage, children, the little league families and Scouting groups I am blessed to volunteer with. I can't forget that I represent Christ everywhere I go. Opportunities to see God work will present themselves we just need to remember to be ready. 

Father, help us to guard what you have entrusted to our care. Thank you for counting us worthy of your grace in our lives. Praise be to you in us today! 

GRAB SOME LIFE THAT IS TRULY LIFE: I Timothy 6:19

True story: A general contractor had just finished the foundation on the house he was building and was starting on the first floor. I gentlemen drove up and told him, "That looks real good but that's not where I want my house." The contractor looked at him and asked, "Who are you?" The gentleman said, "The owner of the lot you're building on!" 

"In this way they will lay up for treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." I Timothy 6:19

In the same way that the contractor started to build a house on the wrong lot, many people invest a great deal of their resources in things that will turn out to be off-target at best.

What is essential as far as God is concerned is what should guide our decisions. Taking hold of Christ. Living by faith. Trusting God with all that he has given us and seeking to be a servant of all, that is where life, life that is truly life will be found.  

So, if you find yourself sort of grasping at air, seeking fulfillment for you life, seek it where it is truly found. Life that is life, eternal life is found in Christ. Seek him. 

Father, help us to take hold of life in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

RICH IN GIVING: I Timothy 6:18-19

What do you have to give? Time or money. Maybe both. Who gives you time and money? God. 

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." I Timothy 6:18-19

The point is that God gives us life (time) and he gives us money (resources). The question is whether we use them to glorify God or not. I am not going to be sanctimonious and act like I balance this well. I try. I am learning. But, it is not always easy. 

A few years ago I was a bit convicted about my time. I found myself being inwardly upset when opportunities to help others came up. I found that I was missing chances to serve. The opportunities were all around me, at home, at work, with my children's activities and just random situations. What I didn't like about myself was that I was unwilling to step out in faith. I just wanted to be left alone. That had to change. 

I find that opportunities to serve, to give, to be generous with my time or money are scattered throughout my day, camouflaged by circumstances. I just need to remember that God wants me to be a giving person. 

Father, open our eyes to see the opportunities to share you love with others throughout the day. Praise be to you in us today!

HOPE IN GOD, NOT WEALTH: I Timothy 6:17

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." I Timothy 6:17

OK, folks, this is a very straightforward thought today. Trust in God, not money. 

Are you trusting in your money or in God? 

Are you thankful for all you have? Are you enjoying all that God has provided for you? 

Are you humble about your wealth? Remember, God gives and God can take it away. 

Father, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to enjoy all you have provided. Praise be to you in us today!

THE FIGHT IS ON! / I Timothy 6:12

The media portrays love as some kind of idyllic emotionally fulfilling experience where every need is met. Reality is not always so kind. Sometimes it is a dogfight and the fight is not with your spouse, it's with life and the world we live in! Christianity is sometimes sold as some kind of blissful state of peace and calm. The truth is that a lot of times faith is war. 

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." I Timothy 6:12

Jesus told us the world would hate us in John 15:19. Faith in Christ is diametrically opposed to the way of the world. The world is all about self. We are told to love ourselves, to look out for ourselves and to be ourselves. "I got to be me!" "I did it my way!" The world blames God, religion and those who believe for much of the hatred in the world. A study by the Department of Homeland Security lists Christians as terrorists! 

We are in a fight! We are in a war! We are the enemy of the world! We can not be passive in our faith. We must take hold of the eternal life to which we were called. The truth found in the Bible about the value of life, the place of self and the need we all have to be forgiven is what we hold on to. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." 

Father, thank you that you sent your One and Only Son to die for my sins. Take hold of me as I seek to take hold of you! Praise be to you in us today!

THE VALUE OF GODLINESS: I Timothy 6:11

You can pursue a lot of things in life. We all want the best for our families, especially our children. My daughter just completed a class at our church and at the end there was a nice ceremony where the girls all dressed up and the fathers sort of blessed them publicly. My wife and my daughter took a bit of time finding the right dress for the occasion and she (of course) looked beautiful. But, it is not the dress that I value. Rather, it is the looked in her eyes, welling up with tears, as I spoke about the woman of God I see her becoming, that I treasure. 

"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." I Timothy 6:11

You can pursue money or things that cost a lot of money, but that does not produce the godly contentment that Paul encourages Timothy, and us, to seek. What does hold value is the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Striving to be righteous and godly in our actions, acting in faith shone in love, enduring trials and responding with gentleness, this is the pursuit that produces the riches of godly contentment. 

Father, help us to seek to please you and by faith to live content knowing you will supply us our every need in Christ Jesus. Praise be to you in us today!

A-TYPE CONTENTMENT: I Timothy 6:6

I would have to say that contentment is not easy for me. I have kind of an A-type personality so, I am a bit restless. But, I think the Apostle Paul was an extremely driven person. Maybe it was during the time he spent in prison, unable to go to all the churches he was deeply concerned for, where he learned the value of resting in the truth that God is Sovereign.  

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."                  I Timothy 6:6

Godliness with contentment is knowing you are where God wants you to be and what you have is what you need. If you need to be someplace else, God can move you. If you need something else, God can provide it. 

Just a few questions to ponder: 

Where are you now? 

What is it you need? 

If you are where God wants you to be, what is it he wants you to be doing? 

Father, show us yourself where we are, in what we are doing today. Praise be to you in us today!

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU SUPPORT/ I Timothy 5:22

"Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." I Timothy 5:22 

I think these are pretty stiff words of advice. Don't just jump on any bandwagon of support. Don't rush people into leadership. I have seen many a good person put into leadership before they were ready soon encountered circumstances they were not spiritually mature enough to deal with and down they went. Not always trapped by sin. Sometimes they just caught up in a teaching that wasn't quite right. In my mind the leadership that put them there shared the guilt because they were too quick to call them pastor and send them out to sink or swim.  

Be careful who you align yourself with. If they are caught in sin, you may end up with them. I have been asked many a time to go places with people and I knew that it was not right. Every time I am glad I say no. Keep yourself pure.

Father, help us to be wise in our support and strengthen us to remain pure in you. Praise be to you in us today!

WHO DESERVES HONOR?/ I Timothy 5:17

As a teacher I see it all the time. Students who have no respect for anyone. Then I meet their parents and it is apparent why. The idea of teaching your children to honor and respect their elders is long gone from our society. In a real sense I believe that much of the current generation does not know what an honorable person is, does and looks like. So, it is easy for them to be misled by someone with a strong personality. In all of life, including the church, it is very important to know who to honor as a leader.

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." I Timothy 5:17

In the church it should be pretty easy to tell who the leaders are. Who is serving, preaching and teaching? Notice that Paul goes beyond simply serving and says, "direct the affairs of the church well". He emphasizes that some minister "well". Who should be honored in the church? Those who serve well. 

What does this tell me? It tells me that I need to be an honorable man by serving well, not just serving to say I did it, but, serving well. It also encourages me to do all things well, as unto the Lord. As I go to work today, I need to bring honor to God by doing the tasks set before me well. 

So, I encourage you  to honor those who serve well in your church and also to serve well yourself, in all your life.

Father, help us to serve well in all we do and bring honor and praise to you today! Praise be to you in us today!

HOW TO TREAT OTHERS: I Timothy 5:1-2

When I first started teaching I was single and my approach and perspective toward my students was sort of as an older brother. After I got married and had children my point of view changed. I began to see them through the eyes of a parent. Now, part of my philosophy as an educator is that I try to treat each student like I would like my children to be treated. As a Christian and a leader Paul gave these words of direction to Timothy and they still hold good for us today.

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."        I Timothy 5:1-2

Paul's basic message is to treat each other like family, like a godly family, because we are the family of God. If something needs to be said, say it, but say it with respect and love. I have been in several situations as an administrator where I needed to "correct" someone. Delivery is everything. Sometimes teachers had much more experience than I did, but, they still needed "guidance". I tried my best to be respectful yet truthful. I even wrote up one of our long time security guards once. I did not do it with anger and gave him opportunities to do what was being asked by the district mandate. Just recently our school got a new principal (I recommend him and think he was a great choice). The security guard came up and said he wished I was the principal. 

So, I encourage you to treat others, no matter who they may be, in a godly manner. God will bless that and use you. 

Father, help us to treat others with love because you first loved us. Praise be to you in us today!

YOUR TEACHING AND THEIR LEARNING: I Timothy 4:16

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." I Timothy 4:16T

Sometimes I will be sitting on the couch reading my email or something on the computer and my youngest son will just walk over and peak to see what I doing. I think he's checking to see if I am playing video games. The point is he's watching. 

As a husband, father, coach, Scout leader and a teacher I am almost always in someones view. Watching my life and doctrine must be a constant. Doctrine is important because I act upon what I truly believe. What I believe about how people should be treated with come out in how I act. I find it interesting that this current generation is not as familiar with the golden rule as previous generations (ask a bunch of teen agers if they have even heard of it). It shows. I want my children to know that Christ laid down his life for them and that example is the example to follow. I need to follow Christ's example so that they might follow Christ's example too. 

Who's watching you? What is your life teaching them? What do you want to teach them?

Father, may our actions reflect you as we seek to live by faith in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

NOT USED BUT USEFUL: I Timothy 4:14

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." I Timothy 4:14

This is a simple question and answer devotional today. What's your gift? or What are your gifts? Are you using them? You are useful in the kingdom of God!

Everyone is given a responsibility within the church. That means you. What is the need you see? If you think something needs to be done it could be the Holy Spirit prompting you. Be prompted!

The only other word of encouragement is to be willing. Be willing to let God do what he wants in and through you, because, it is not about your abilities it's about his power in you. His grace, again, given to you. Be useful, be blessed!

Father, help us, by faith,  to step into serving. Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T MISS THE MOMENT: I Timothy 4:13

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." I Timothy 4:13

I'm off today and I went to my churches' Men's Study this morning. I began attending these early morning studies about a year ago. It has been a very encouraging experience. One of the reoccurring themes is leadership in the home. 

I'm not advocating setting up a pulpit in your home, but, I do believe sharing a verse and maybe a word or two is very beneficial. However it is that you place the Word of God before your family, do it, and do it on a daily basis. I once spent a few weeks with a family that the father read the Bible to his family at breakfast every morning. Here's the deal: you just need to take a step of faith and read the Bible yourself and with your family.

If you think about it there are plenty of moments where you can encourage your spouse and children if you are sensitive to the moments that God places before you. Last night when I prayed with my daughter she shared with me a few success's she hand in school. I caught myself sort of rushing out to get to bed myself. I stopped and sat down with her. I listened to her and encouraged her to continue doing what she was doing and let her know that I love her and am proud of her. Her tone when she said, "Thanks dad!" let me know that she was glad her dad approved of her effort. 

What will be the moments that God puts before you to share the Word of God, to encourage and teach your family? Are you looking for them? Be ready, they'll be there.

Father, help us to see the opportunities to lead our families when they happen and not just realize in hind sight that one just went by us. Praise be to you in us today!

TRUSTWORTHY HOPE: I Timothy 4:9-10

"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." I Timothy 4:9-10

Every day in my classes students ask to "borrow" a pen or pencil. They promise to give it back at the end of class. If I don't make them leave a back pack or something as collateral, 99 out of 100 times they "forget" to give it back. People trust and hope in a lot of different people, stocks and the simple words of someone every day. Every day people are let down and their trust is proven misplaced. 

But our hope is in the living God! Our hope is not misplaced. Our trust is in the one Being in the universe that can not lie and can not change. Our faith is in the Savior of all men who proved his faithfulness by his death and resurrection. The old hymn says, 

"My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' Name." - Edward Mote

The truth is that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but, only those who believe enjoy the forgiveness and newness of eternal life. 

If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior I encourage you to rest in his salvation and hope in him alone. And may you find one person today to share the hope you have in Christ.

If you do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord, I encourage you to ask him to forgive your sins and make you a new person in Christ. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). 

Father, thank you for this hope we have in You, the living God and Savior of all men! Show us yourself! Praise be to you in us today!

TRAIN FOR NOW AND THEN: I Timothy 4:8

"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.' I Timothy 4:8

Like me I am sure you have been to several training's in your life. I have had training for coaching, teaching, and administrating, just to name a few. They all something in common: a limited time that the training will have value. 

But, the spiritual disciplines I learned as a young Christian have been my guides taking me through the victories, defeats, losses and gains that are part of a life of faith. 

Someone once said that God gave us two ears and one mouth which means we should listen twice as much as we speak. I don't want to be legalistic about time spent with God. That said, I do believe it is important to seek God and that reading the Bible on a daily basis assures me that I have heard from God on a daily basis. 

I am amazed that the God who knows all things wants me to pray,to call upon him and ask him for my daily bread. I was with some friends and my youngest son this past weekend for a Scouting outing. I watched my son ask me and another father's son ask him for some money for something. Of course we each knew from the moment we went into the general store/arcade we would give them some money, so we gladly did. God knows our needs and desires before we ask. He also plans to provide and has promised to do so. 

Seeking to be a godly person is not just a pursuit momentary peace, but a relationship with Christ that is eternal. All the spiritual lesson's we learn affect us now and in the life to come. God will take care of you now and then. 

Father, thank you that seeking you is not a limited experience. Thank you that walking with you blesses me now and for eternity! Praise be to you in us today!

DECEPTION AND TRUTH: I Timothy 4:1-2

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught my demons. Such things come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." I Timothy 4:1-2

I don't want to be too much of an alarmist, but, I am cognizant of the overt attention to things like demons and extraterrestrials in the media.  The skill of the magician is really his ability to deceive his audience into to seeing what he wants them to see, not what he is actually doing. 

Be careful where you get your truth from. Jesus is the Truth and he is the only way to the Father and eternal life (John 14:6). The Bible stands alone as inerrant and infallible. If you want to know if someone is teaching the truth (say me for example), you check to see if what is being taught is in sync with the Bible.

I short time ago my son and I where watching the PBS show NOVA. Well, they are of course pretty dogmatic in their belief of evolution. I am not. I happen to believe that the Biblical account of creation actually explains the reality we live in better than the idea that all was created by time plus chance. So, I taught my son the truth that God is the Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth, time and space. While I appreciate NOVA, it is not my source of ultimate truth. The Bible is. 

Father, thank you for your word. Help us to learn to apply your word to our lives. Praise be to you in us today! 

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: I Timothy 3:16

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
   He appeared in the flesh,
     was vindicated by the Spirit,
   was seen by angels,
     was preached among the nations,
   was believed on in the world,
     was taken up in glory."
I Timothy 3:16

Talking about the gospel in brief. This gospel requires godly leadership. To the world it is a mystery that is hidden from their understanding. But, to those of us who have believed it is a mystery that is being revealed, day by day, as we walk by faith in the saving work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

As a husband and a father, I am called to walk by faith with my family, day by day, seeking to be a godly man, a more righteous man. I revel in the mystery of godliness which is Christ in me, the hope of glory. 

Father, help us to walk by faith and lead our marriages and families by following you. Praise be to you in us today!

BE BLESSED BY SERVING: I Timothy 3:13

My family and I have been attending our church for a few years now. We know a few people. I really enjoy the teaching and there is a great youth group. The deal is this: When we go on Sundays we don't really connect that much. I attend the men's study on Wednesday mornings but, it is when we have served that we feel most connected. Attendance does not equal partnership. 

"Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." I Timothy 3:13

I don't know how else to say this except that the deeper my involvement in church, the deeper my relationship with Christ seems to grow. What Paul is talking about is more than the superficial idea that someone looks up to you as a leader. The idea is that serving Christ's people draws you closer to Christ. 

After washing his disciple's feet Jesus told them that they should do the same for others. Then he said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:17). Going to church and hearing about Christ's love and getting a warm fuzzy isn't the same thing because that is not putting you faith in action. There is a blessing that can only come from serving others. That does not mean you have to serve as a Overseer or Deacon, you just need to serve. I saw the guy who sets up the coffee for church talking with/encouraging someone the other day while he was setting out the coffee. And tomorrow morning when I get up early and go to the men's study I am blessed to be able to grab a cup of coffee! 

What's the to do? Just serve. 

Father, you have given each of us a gift a service in our church. Help us to find our place and serve. Praise be to you in us today!

GAIN WITH HONESTY: I Timothy 3:8

There is a law for contractors that you are not allowed to pay for job B with money from job A. The law is there because people see large amounts of money and think it would be all right if they just spent a bit on a new truck or new car or whatever. I saw many an up and coming contractor fall prey to the temptation to borrow from job B to pay for job A because they spent the money from job A already. I saw one man go from one of the top contractors to swimming in ponds at golf courses for lost golf balls. It was that bit of greed that got him.

"Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain."              I Timothy 3:8 

Remember, making a lot of money is not evil. Making it dishonestly is evil. My father had a business partner that he met through church once. They were going to build and sell some spec homes (houses built on the speculation that someone will buy them once they were built). My dad put up some of the money to buy land and sold the homes. Dad actually sold a few dozen homes before they were even built. As they started building the homes the partner started buying new cars and trucks and all kinds of things. The problem is he was using the money that was designated to pay for building materials to pay for the cars and trucks and stuff. The partner ended up fleeing the area and leaving my dad with a huge problem of promised homes. Dad dealt with it, honestly. 

As a husband and father, like a church leader, I must not be someone who is pursuing financial gains dishonestly. If I do, I put my family in danger. I need to be a person who seeks to act honestly in all things. Paul says to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around you waste (Ephesians 6:14). The soldiers belt would sort of hold the uniform together. Truth holds a lot of things together. 

Seek to live honestly. God will bless that. You will be at peace.

Father, help us to seek to provide for our families with honesty and integrity. Praise be to you in us today!

WHAT CONTROLS YOU?: I Timothy 3:8

If you have ever swam in the ocean you should be familiar with rip tides. They are currents that kind of go sideways. They can be pretty strong. You could be swimming along and the next thing you know you are a hundred yards down the beach. Alcohol, can sort of do the same thing. If it controls you, it may put you in a place you should not be.

"In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain." I Timothy 3:8

First of all, let's remember the verse does not say NOT to drink. Secondly, it does not say to drink all you want. The issue is control. Who or what is controlling and or motivating you? 

As a husband and father it is imperative that Christ reigns in you and through your, in your family. The goal is to be Christlike. To love and serve our wife and children. If the desire for wine is distracting you from being godly, put it to death. 

What the Apostle is emphasizing is that a person who is given to much wine is not controlled by the Spirit of Christ but by the wine. I know someone who loves to have wine with dinner. Not one glass, but, several. He has done it his whole life. Still, the wine controls him. Soon, he's running at the mouth, saying just a bit too much and he does not listen well either. he is definitely given to much wine and it's not good. 

So, what controls you? As a husband and a father, you need to be controlled by Christ. 

Father, help us to be led by the Spirit. Praise be to you in us today!