1 Timothy 4

wow!
there's a lot that pops into my head when I read this one.

1.  The part about not needed to abstain from certain foods is interesting.  Koser anyone?

2. "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron."
This gives me even more reason to be dilegent with my daily reading.  Its the only way I can assure myself of not being led astray.

3. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
note to self:  write this one the chalk board in the kitchen and talk about it with the kids!

4. ⁸ For physical training is of some value...............I need to start workin out!


lots of good direction today.
I love it.

1 Timothy 3

Good instruction on how to run a church, effective then and now.  There is clarity here that elders and deacons should be men, which we do not follow in our church and I can't say I can explain the rationale for why we wouldn't follow these instructions.  Our women elders are excellent, but I'm just a little unclear.  I like the ending of the chapter, a simple synopsis of Jesus.  later knut

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh, 
    was vindicated by the Spirit,^[d]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations, 
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 2

I don't really wanna touch this one!
YIKES!

hahahahahaha!

1 Timothy 1

10 for the sexually immoral, for those parcticing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers- and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.

that is a pretty clear-cut line drawn against homosexuality.  Sometimes I start to be sympathetic to that community, and think that maybe they were just born like that.  But, Paul is clearly saying that behaviour is not on the right side of the line, and is a choice that is made by the person.
something good for me to keep in mind.

have a good weekend!

2 Thessalonians 3

¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”


I'm not sure of the intent in this chapter but I was just thinking of how this fits in with today's society.  As our society becomes more and  more entitled rather than willing to work we are drifting further from this instruction.  If everyone was following his roadmap for us there would be fewer people needing assistance and more people ready to freely offer it to those in need.  No need for government programs, people working hard and taking care of each other.

2 Thessalonians 2

⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 

I didn't get much here but I did like the image of how easily Jesus will dispatch of what I believe is the anti-Christ (correct?)  But was also confused to see that God is sending this powerful delusion.  what do you make of that?

2 Thessalonians 1

⁸ He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  ⁹ They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might


This makes me think about how serious it is when i don't do any thing to share my faith with people.  Especially for people I am close too, why would I risk the possibility of them being shut out from God by being silent to the truth I know?

1 Thessalonians 5

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Just a simple and good reminder I take away today, no matter the circumstance do not throw a pity party but give thanks.  Also remember Jesus could return at any instant, so I want to be ready and not drunk or acting in any other way I would that would make me ashamed.  Which means I should always be striving to behave in a Godly way versus some of my typical behaviors--not being stubborn with my wife, not getting a laugh at someone's expense at work or anywhere for that matter, not being focused money or things...you get the idea.

later knut

1 Thessalonians 4

³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;

I don't have any real take here, just reflecting on how maybe things today aren't a whole lot different than they were back when the bible was written.  It seems like drugs, sex and violence dominate the news.  But as I read this I imagined if they had the same media we have today maybe the news of sex crimes and immorality would have been just as prevalent.  Interesting how this book written so long ago is so relevant today.

knut  

1 Thessalonians 3

I got nothin'

1 Thessalonians 2

⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

I don't have much to say here, but in this chapter Paul talks about being blocked by Satan and the rough road they have had trying to share the gospel.  Yet they persist and they don't worry about pleasing others they stay focused on pleasing God.  I don't think I cut it based on that kind of standard.  I don't think I necessarily try to please people but I also don't like to ruffle feathers either.  Sometimes feathers need to be ruffled and I shouldn't be afraid to do it when it comes to speaking honestly about God's promises to us, just like Paul.

1 Thessalonians 1

 ⁶ You became imitators of usand of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. ⁷ And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia

Feels like suggestion that living your faith can be a form of evangelism.  Maybe that is ok for someone like me or maybe that's just rationalizing so I don't feel guilty?

Colossians 4

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.


Here is an area I know I constantly fall short.  I don't make the most of every opportunity to share what I know to be true in Jesus.  Why?  What am I afraid of?  I'm not sure, I think part of it is in my nature but when it makes me sad to know I may be missing opportunities to help friends find Jesus.  I pray that Jesus helps me develop in this area, learning how to share my faith in a way that grows His Kingdom.

Colossians 3

⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.^{[b] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other,

Do you ever feel like you are trying to put something to bed.........but, it keeps getting back up?
When I read these type of verses, I completely agree with the premise.  But, I find it hard to do in practice.  These things keep creeping back in.
I guess the morale here is to never give up trying, and keep your eye on the prize.

Colossians 2

Wow!
there's a lot in this one that doesn't seem to be right on the surface.  I think I need to do a little research on this one, to find out exactly what Paul is talking about in this chapter.  He makes several references that I don't get.....but, must be important.

Colossians 1

¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 


Just a good reminder that nothing we see (or don't see like the 'god particle' came to be by chance--He made it.  Joe Gibbs shared his faith at a breakfast in Des Moines yesterday that I took Luke too.  He said the same thing, when he was 9 he made his most important choice to believe in God.  Teachers were telling him about how life as we know it came out of amoebas by random chance occurrence and his Sunday school was teaching him about God's creation.  He recognized it couldn't just be chance, just like God says in this chapter He made it.  I believe that, can't understand it all but believe it all.


Have a great day!

Phillipians 4

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


This is something I don't do well.  I don't give him my every thought and concern I have on my mind.  Paul is pretty clear, don't be anxious about anything and in EVERY situation go in prayer put your requests to Him.  I've recently said I was going to try to improve my prayer life, I have but only a very marginal improvement.  Today is a reminder with any anxiety I feel I need to say a quick prayer to begin to make this like our chapter a day...to create a habit that is just a part of who I am.