Amos 7-9; Ps 104; Titus 2

Scripture - You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. ²Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. ³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ⁶Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation - Paul is continuing to teach Titus how to train and develop leaders and those faithful to the gospel. Over and over in the new testament there is the theme of teaching sound doctrine. It becomes apparent that there are those that teach false doctrine. In fact Paul says in 1:11 that this false doctrine is ruining families. Here is the second chapter he tells Titus to teach from sound doctrine. Teach men to be temperate, self-controlled and sound in faith and to teach women the way to live. He goes on to talk about the younger men and women. The entire family must receive sound doctrine. Doctrine that does not hurt but stands to encourage and correct the behaviors of this world. Sound doctrine will build families to strong positions of faith.

Application - Continuing to teach principles that families can live by is the call and the directive of God. Thinking of entire families and how the doctrine will help them become stronger in faith and to leave a legacy is very important. Throughout our church we should see the fingerprint of God on the families as men become temperate, strong, faithful and serving and women become reverent, self controlled and honoring of their husbands and both are able to teach the younger the right way to live.

Prayer - Father help me to keep it real and keep it sound.

Amos 4-6; Ps 86; Titus 1

Scripture - Titus 1:15-16 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.
NIV

Observation - Paul is giving instructions to Titus in this book regarding the establishment of leadership and elders in the church. Paul says earlier that Titus was left to finish what was unfinished. Here in vs 15 Paul is giving Titus some much needed education on what to look for in leaders. He says that people claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. It is amazing what our actions tell about our beliefs. You could ask someone if they believe God and have them tell you yes - but with their actions you can tell they really don't. Interestingly enough my son Dylan has a great ability to spot these things. Dylan is quietly influential and can see through what people say to their actions. Because Dylan doesn't talk alot - he is watching the actions to determine a persons faith. The old adage "Actions speak louder than words" seems very appropriate here. You can claim to be a Christian all you want but what do your actions tell those around you. In many cases life actions are a stronger testimony than the words we say. Can people tell you are a Christian without opening your mouth. Or do you claim Him with your mouth and deny Him with your actions.

Application - As a pastor I know that I come under a higher scrutiny because of the position I hold, however, irrespective of that position - I need my actions to line up with my verbal testimony. In everything I do, I want Christ to shine through. I want my actions to scream to the world that I love God and am faithful to His son. My life must scream by my actions that my life is dedicated to the one true God. I never want my life to deny the Christ that I love.

Prayer - Father watch over me. Watch over the things I do both in public and in private. God I pray that my life be a living testimony of my love for You. Father help me to walk in the commandments that you have detailed for me in your word. Father you mean the world to me and I want the world to see you in everything I do.

2 Kings 1-3; Ps 82; 1 Tim 1

Scripture - 2 Kings 2:19-22 Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren." 20 And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'" 22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.

Observation - This land had been barren, not producing any results. Nothing would grow, no harvest would come. The city was placed perfectly - everything seemed to be well. But the water was bad and the land would not produce anything. Elisha says bring me a new bowl with some salt and throws the salt into the water and heals the water and the land so that it produces crops even to this day. The salt in this scripture represents purification. Salt is the medium by which preservation come and purification comes. Christ says we are the salt of the earth. Salt to bring flavor and truth to the dark and deceitful. In order to produce we must have purification and truth with light in the darkness. To make our land produce we must throw salt...

Application - For several years we have been working land to make it produce. Sowing and sowing and sowing and waiting for the harvest. The city is positioned perfectly. The land is perfect for harvest. It is pleasant for a move of God but the land seems to be barren and unproductive. I believe it is time for a salt treatment. I believe that the land needs to be purified and taken back from the enemy. The spirit of the anti-Christ (death) has attempted to claim the land but we must take it back. We must throw the salt on it and take it back for Christ. The land we are standing on is holy land. The place where we worship is claimed for Christ. It is perfectly placed and perfectly positioned for God's mighty move. Today I throw salt on the land and claim it for Christ.

Prayer - Father - Help me today. Let me take salt and purify the land and pray from hearts to be radically changed, radically transformed so that we might radically change a community. God I pray that you heal the land and let it produce in abundance.

1 Kings 17-19; Col 2

Scripture - Colossians 2:1-3 - For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Observation - Paul is in prayer for the churches at Colosse and Loadicea. He knows that the false teachers are at work with philosophy and worldly wisdom trying to move the Christians back to their old ways. He is praying earnestly and is praying for their unity that together they would defeat the false teachers. In intense spiritual warfare he is praying for the believer. It is the prayer that touches me today. He says "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love..." Paul makes a strong connection here that if their hearts are knit together in love they can over come the false teachings. If their hearts are knit together in love they can become stronger and attain the riches of God. If their hearts are knit together in love they are stronger in their faith. All too often our hearts are not knit together in love. While we associate with each other - we don't become "knit" together. I believe that it is love that conquers all things according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love requires that we go out of our way. Love requires that we make sacrifices. Love requires that we do something for someone. In our churches - people come in looking for something. They have been beat up by the enemy and by the world and are looking for something different. Too often we look right by them. If they don't engage us we don't engage them. If they don't talk to us we don't talk to them. That is not their role. The need to be knit together with us in love. Love...

Application - Today I begin strategically, emphatically, carefully and mindfully planning to love more people. The only way we can make a difference anywhere is to gain the strength that unity of knit souls together brings. We must do our best to make everyone feel love. We must put ourselves aside to transmit love to everyone we meet. We must focus our attention on loving our neighbor and our guests and begin the weaving process of their hearts to ours.

Prayer - Father help me to teach and to live love. Help me to show the power of hearts knit together in love. Help me know the power of God's love working through our church and our lives.

1 Kings 12; 2 Chron 10-11; Phil 2

Scripture - Phil 2:12-16 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Observation - This is one of my favorite scriptures of all time...The idea of continuing to work on your salvation and become what God needs me to be for His good pleasure. The idea that everything I hope to do and want to do is for God because it in some way blesses Him completely wins my heart. God is my father - like the scripture says "Abba Father" or daddy. Further - I love the idea of doing all things without arguing or complaining. Too often we do it but we grumble all the way. We need to be blameless and harmless for this generation. We must perform without the moaning and groaning. God is waiting for us to become the testimony He has called us to be.

Application - I must take the advice of the scripture here. For too long I have been in this place wondering what am I doing and why am I here. But God is rightly saying "You are here for my good pleasure". That should be and is plenty of reason. Now I need to work out the salvation portion and continue to be a blessing to God.

Prayer - Father you know what I am talking about. You know how I think. God I love you so much and want my life to be used for your good pleasure. Whatever that takes - God I am willing.

Song 5-8; Phil 1

Scripture - Phil 1:27-30 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Observation - let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, stand fast in one spirit, one mind, together and not terrified by your adversaries. I love these words - Paul casts vision and deposits faith in every letter. He is telling the Philippian church that there actions are so very important. Everything they do represents Christ. That together they should be standing in one spirit - having the same goal with the same purpose and the same Christ. They should be in the same mind with the desire for the same things. If we could get Christians today in the same city going in the same direction with the same purpose with the character to back it up we would have no problem filling every church in that city.

Application - While I can't affect every church in the city - I can affect mine. I take the personal responsibility to instruct us on the vision, desire and passion of God for our community that will change the hearts of our community to change the community. If we are all on the same page we will crush the adversary that tries to attack any one of us.

Prayer - Father - unity, direction, and passion to complete the task. God help me to communicate your vision to your people your way.

Ecc 7-9; Eph 4

Scripture - Ecc 7:21 Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you.

Observation - Oh - the wisdom of Solomon. Do not take to heart everything people say because you will definitely hear something that irritates you. This is especially true with leadership. As a leader people have all kinds of opinions about how things are being done and why things are being done. To the point of criticism. I love what Aristotle says "the sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing." As a leader makes progress and begins to move mountains physically and spiritually the critics will come out. What people say should not be what settles in your heart, that place is reserved for God's word and direction for your life. Only take to heart what God says - His word is true and infallible.

Application - To hear God's words of any other. Progress is wrought with accusers and objectors. The interesting thing is that it only happens as progress is being made - as Aristotle says "We can do nothing". I choose to do something. I choose to continue to move forward. I choose to make waves in the community and to continue to strive for excellence.

Prayer - Father shield my heart from the words of man and replace them with the words of God. Father your word and direction for my life are of ultimate importance to me and they are what I build my future upon. Amen.

Ecc 4-6; Ps 18: Eph 3

Scripture - Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.

Observation - Solomon is looking at this life and with all the wisdom God has blessed him with is looking at the life of a person that works for what he has and one that has abundance through wealth. The laboring man's life allows him to sleep in comfort and peace - while the man with abundance is up all night trying to figure out how to keep what he has. I know that most every one's desire is to be wealthy, thinking that the other half lives so well and has no worries. The fact of the matter - wealth without Godly principles and peace cause sleepless nights. While the wealth is not the issue - the condition of the heart that has the wealth is.

Application - Whether I am in poverty or wealth - abundance or lack - I should live like Paul describes "whether in abundance or lack I have learned to be content". Being content with what and where you are allows peace to invade your life.

Prayer - Father help me in this time of economic chaos to see your provision as plenty and to have the peace of a laboring man.

Ecc 1-3; Ps 45; Eph 2

Scripture - Eccl 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

Observation - Solomon is discussing the frustration of having to leave something that he has worked so hard to achieve to someone who potentially will squander the responsibility. There is a grave difference between earning something and being given something. I can remember back to my first car and how proud I was of that car. It was mine and I earned every dollar that paid for it. It caused me to respect it and to take care of it and to make sure that it was in good condition (even though it didn't run all the time). It was mine because I earned it. Many times people are looking for something they haven't put any time in to gain. The get rich quick and the fast anointing of God. People want all the glory with none of the guts. Solomon calls this vanity and evil. While none of us can earn our place in the kingdom - we can work for our relationship with God. We can put the time in to develop our relationship skills and our understanding of His word and the nature of the God we serve - the issue becomes taking on responsibility to fast before you have put in the time - cause you to be weak and ineffective. Solomon says that for ever time there is a season - its waiting for that season that is tough.

Application - I know that there are many things in store for me. As a competitive person - I don't always wait and put in my time to develop the necessary skills and temperament to fulfill the call. I am anxious to see the result and sometimes look for the given thing. It is the working it out that causes the deep development in life. I believe that this scripture has application to both my personal life as well as my ministry. Personally I need to wait until I have worked to develop the spiritual tools necessary to achieve God like results. Ministerially placing someone before they have developed the spiritual tools can cause a stumbling in their walk. It is all about the work and the timing of God.

Prayer - Father help me not to be the one that just wants everything given. That I can work for the skills to accomplish your goals. God I need your help to assist those around me in developing the skills to achieve your goals. God help us to wait and to develop and to form the spiritual muscles necessary to carry the load of ministry.

Prov 30-31; Ps 33; Eph 1

Scripture - Ephesians 1:19-23 What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Observation - I love what Paul is establishing here in these verses. He tells us that the church is the physical manifestation of Christ to this world. That we are to be filled with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit and that the church should represent Christ to the world. The church is His body and He is head over all things in the church and to the church. He has been given supreme authority over all things named and all things to come. Through the church there is power to transform, power to be successful, power to have dominion over all the accusers. Christ is embodied in the church and a church that understands that Christ is represented there will gain His feet, His hands, and His heart to affect the world.

Application - Modeling after Christ...The church should be the physical representation of Christ to the world. Our church should represent the physical attributes of Christ and the spiritual attributes of Christ. From headship to servanthood. To lead a church that is Christ to the community is not only the goal but the mandate.

Prayer - Father help me today to not only bring you into the church but to model the church after your son. To use Christ as the example and the purpose for our very existence. Amen

Prov 25-25; Romans 15

Scripture - Romans 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

Observation - The Roman church was wrought with individuality and competition to be the best. The instructions given here by Paul tell the strong to bear the burdens of the weak and to go out of your way to please your neighbor. Today that same is true. In modern society there is a distinct push to be the best, to beat everyone else, to out pace and out do everyone. The individuality of our nation has divided and separated people. Paul as well as Christ instructs us to not only bear the burdens of our neighbor but to serve our neighbor, go out of the way to please them - do something for them - serve them when there is no reward for us. These kind of actions cause a harmonious culture where all needs are being met. We must take our focus off of our needs and place them on someone else.

Application - As a pastor - I not only need to live selfless service - I must find a way to teach selfless service. There are those that are weak all throughout our community and the only way to make a Godly impact is to find and bear their burdens. I must find those burden.

Prayer - Father help me to find those burdens that you are concerned with. The burdens that you would ask to be addressed. Father help me to look at life today in terms of others needs and desires and weaknesses and build them up.

Prov 22-24; Romans 14

Scripture - Prov 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity,Your strength is small.

Observation - In the verses written 5 before this one - Solomon links strength to wisdom by saying that "a wise man is strong, yes a man of knowledge increases strength". It is evident that as we increase our Godly wisdom and our knowledge and understanding we have the strength to endure every adversity. The adversity that comes our way is planned to test our strength. Too many times we crumble under the adversity when in fact we should be looking at adversity as the gauge of our strength in the Lord and our knowledge and understanding of His ways. Adversity is our weight machine that allows us to continue to build our strong spiritual muscles. Fighting the adversity, becoming angry in the adversity only proves our lack of strength in the Lord. James says to count it joy when you fall into adversity and Peter says rejoice in the trial. They both testify that the trial serves as a test of our perfected faith in God. Remembering that "All Things Work Together For Good" allows us to look very differently and what we face each day.

Application - It has become abundantly clear that EVERYTHING that I have faced in my life - personally, professionally and ministerially has been for a purpose - I know that we are on the brink of breakthrough and with it comes new adversity and new challenges - today I will look at every challenge and every adversity as a test of my current level of strength.

Prayer - Father - give me the wisdom and knowledge to be strong in the adversity. Give me the tenacity to push through and the compassion to restore the lost to you.

Prov 19-21; Romams 13

Scripture - Rom 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.

Observation - Paul is giving instruction here to obey earthly government. While this scripture does not authorize a Christian to obey when asked to sin - the command is there to bring order in the kingdom. Paul is speaking to the church in Rome that has one of the strongest governmental powers of the time. The fiercest army and the strongest non-christian leadership. The church must have been trying to discern the purpose for non-christian rulership. Paul simply states that God has a purpose for Godly and ungodly government. Following them will allow God's purposes to be fulfilled. He says that rulers are a terror to evil. Throughout the old testament God used ungodly rulers for a season to chastise a sinful people and bring repentance.

Application - In a recent class we had a discussion on obedience. One of the taboo words of the 21st Century. The bible says to prefer obedience to sacrifice. We are a people called to obedience to both God and those that rule over us that are appointed by God. In the church it is our pastors and our leaders, in society it is our president and government. Our job is not to abandon either when we don't like what is happening - our job is to pray that God's purposes would be fulfilled through those men and women. That we are able to submit our lives to those that God has placed over us - that I am to submit my life to those over me in the Lord. God has placed some great people over me in both government and in the church and it is time to see the purpose of God fulfilled.

Prayer - God help me today to submit to the authorities you have placed over me. God you have appointed men and women in our church leadership as well as in our governmental bodies to lead and guide and cause a change. Father I pray that today and everyday I embrace your purpose for my life and follow with honor.