Titus 3:12-15

Paul wraps up his letter to Titus with a summary of his travel plans and encouragement to the believers to be diligent in their work of providing for each other so that the necessities of life will be met.

Thought for the day:  Take care of each other.

Titus 3:8-11

In this passage Paul advises Titus that he must take a firm hand in his leadership.  There seems to have been a tendency for those within the community to take pleasure in arguing over minor, non-essential issues.  Paul wants him to focus on the major things and challenge those whose are diverting attention to the things that really don't matter.

Thought for the day:  The gospel message is simple.  Focus on the simple things related to knowing God and doing his will.

Titus 3:3-8

Paul paints a beautiful picture of the before and after looks like for the believer.  Before we were mired in the ugliness of sin and after washed clean with the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit to bask in a restored relationship with the Father through the saving grace of Christ.  To top all of this off he reminds us that there is still an eternity to come.

Thought: Thankfulness for the reformation power of salvation.

Titus 3:1-2

God's word consistently tells us to respect and obey our governments.  In this passage Paul adds to the instruction that we should be "always ready to lend a helping hand".  He also says that we should not insult or fight with our government.

Thought for the day:  This is an election year.  Pray for wise leadership in our government.

Titus 2:15

Paul is encouraging Titus to grow and stay firm in his leadership role.  Build courage, discipline and be firm as he leads the community of believers.

Thought for the day: Be a wise and strong leader.

Titus 2:11-14

Paul packed an incredible amount into this short passage: God's forgiveness, salvation for all, take on a God filled and honoring lifestyle, it starts now but whets our appetite for his return and we can be like Christ.

Thought for the day:  Do something special to honor God today

Titus 2:9-10

Paul turns his thoughts to the instructions for slaves.  They are to be exemplary in their work and in their relationship with there masters.  By doing so, they will reflect the character of Christ and bolster the message.

Thought for the day: Be an example of Christlike character and behavior.  Actions speak loudly.

Titus 2:1-8

The this section of the letter Paul begins to paint a picture of a God filled life and begins by describing the importance of mentoring.  The mature men and women are to set examples by living in a way that would honor Christ.  Then by observation the younger members of the community will learn what a lifestyle that honors God will look like.  However, the most important part of all of the mentoring process is that Titus, as a leader, must be there guide through sound teaching and righteous living.

Thought for the day:  Make sure that people see Christ in my lifestyle.

Titus 1:10-16

It is common for us to think that the perversion of spiritual truth is a recent problem but it is obvious to me that man's ability to mess up God's truth knows no time barriers.  Paul instructs Titus to "shut up" the false teachers.  It seems that a particular issue related to a bunch of made up rules that were creating burdens on the people.  I love the way the Message describes the false teachers - "They're real creeps, disobedient good-for-nothings."

Thought for the day:  Keep the message simple.  Don't be a creep.

Titus 1:5-9

Paul lays out a plan for how to continue building and strengthening the community of believers.  He focuses specifically on how to choose good leadership.  A leader should be well rounded as defined by three levels of relationship: God, family and community.  He must excel in all areas to be well suited to leadership.

Thought for the day: Aspire to the qualities that define a good leader -- Love God, Love Family, Love the Church.

Titus 1:1-4

Paul begin his letter to Titus in much the same way as his other describing himself as a slave for Christ.  He states one of his goals is to get out the "accurate" word of God and to raise hopes by pointing to a life without end.

Thought for the day:  Be about communicating the accurate word of God and pointing to a message of eternity.

II Timothy 4:14-22

Paul faced such adversity during his years of ministry and I always wonder if I would have the same level of strength in the face of that kind of difficulty.  Paul know that God was looking out for him and keeping him safe.  I need to have the same confidence in God.

Thought for the day:  God is with me.  He will protect.

1:8 Chalenge

The 1:8 Challenge period is officially over.  Much to my surprise, I was able to meet the challenge and did not even need to mulligan our pastor offered.  Now what?  My plan is to continue.  I probably will not continue to write this daily blog of the journey as my primary motivation was for some external accountability. 

It has been a great 56 days.  Of course how could it be anything else.  God's word is always nourishing and filling.  It is good for the soul.

Thought for the day:  Keep going!!!!!!

Day 56 - II Timothy 4:6-8

Paul is passing the baton to Timothy and reflects on his journey with Christ.  As he describes his approach to the finish line he is anticipating the shouts of joy and the applause from God.  He reaffirms for Timothy that the race is one well worth running and his confidence in the honest judgement of God.

Thought for the day:  Interesting, how coincidental that on the final day of this eight week challenge and journey, that this would be the passage that I come to.  It is a journey and challenge worth running.  The thought of anticipating God's applause has to be a motivation to live for him. 

Day 55 - II Timothy 4:3-5

There will be times when people are more interested in fancy theories and words that make them feel good rather than the simple truth of God's word.  During those periods Timothy will need to be careful to stick with it even when his message may not be the most popular of the day.  There will be both good and bad time but the message must keep going.  Persevere.

Thought for the day: Keep my hands on the plow.

Day 54 - II Timothy 4:1-2

Paul reminds Timothy that God is always watching so he should maintain his intensity in proclaiming the message and maintaining his spiritual vigilance.  Keep the message simple and continue to pass it on.

Thought for the day:  God is watching.

Day 53 - II Timothy 3:14-17

Paul encourages Timothy to continue on with his heritage of a commitment to the Word of God.  He describes the scripture as useful for everything we need in our lives.  It should serve as a guide for our spiritual and personal development and as an essential tool shaping our lives to accomplish everything the Father wants for us.

Thought for the day:  Value the scripture, weave it into the fabric of everything I am and do.

Day 52 - II Timothy 3:10-13

A quick thank you not to Timothy...  Thanks so much for hanging in there with me through all of the difficult times.  You have listened, been steady and faithful, loving and patient.  Oh and by the way it will only get tougher but God will continue to rescue us.

Thought for the day:  Be thankful that God is always there to pull me through.

Day 51 - II Timothy 3:6-9

Paul warns Timothy about smooth talking men whose pervert the truth of the faith and more specifically are guilty of taking advantage of vulnerable women.  Paul is confident that the smooth talkers will not be successful and that everyone will be able to see through them.

Thought for the day:  Be careful to judge the words of men through the filter of the truth of scripture.

DAy 50 - II Timothy 3:1-5

As I read this passage of how Paul describes the approaching end time as would have sworn that it was an editorial from today's San Diego Union Tribune.  We tend to think that we have it some much more difficult, however, the things that Paul warns Timothy about or spot on for us today.  Everywhere we look the mantra of the day is, "Aren't I special and my pleasure and success needs to be the center of all".  The religion of me.

Thought for the day:  Stay true to what Christ call us to and lean on him.  Humility today.

Day 49 - II Timothy 2:22-26

This passage describes what a mature servant of God will look like and how he will act.  In summary: 1) chase faith, love and peace not juvenile things 2) Listen more talk less.

Thought for the day:  Be a good listener.

Day 48 - II Timothy 2:20-21

Paul wants Timothy to be a useful tool in Gods hands.  That can be used for anything at anytime.

Thought for the day:  Be available and ready to be used today.

Day 47 - II Timothy 2:19

A reminder from Paul:  God is sovereign, consistent and knows who belongs to him.  Now act like it.

Thought for the day: God is sovereign, consistent and knows who belongs to him.  Now act like it.

Day 46 - II Timothy 2:14-18

Paul turn his attention to the art of communication.  I love the phrase from the passage, "Words are not mere words, you know" (The Message).  To sum it up, don't gossip and nitpick, keep it simple, be truthful and don't feel the need to impress with "pious" talk.

Thought for the day:  Focus on delivering uplifting words today.

Day 45 - II Timothy 2:8-13

Paul emphasize the power of the gospel message based on the essentials of Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection.  Paul is in jail but nothing can chain the message of God.

Thought for the day:  Simple message - life, death and RESURRECTION.

Day 44 - II Timothy 2:1-7

Paul's advice to Timothy is to throw himself into the work of his ministry with special attention to teaching competent leaders who will continue to disciple others.  Realizing that there will be rough spots along the way, Timothy is encouraged to hang in there always being honest and diligent in his commitment to his ministry.

Thought for the day: I have been experiencing some rough spots myself lately.  Hang in, it will all become clear.

Day 43 - II Timothy 1:15-18

Paul expresses his thanks to those who have been supportive in his ministry.  He shares a special word of thanks to Onesiphorus who went the extra mile.

Thought for the day:  We all need those special people in our lives to love and support us and I am no exception.  My wife has been my greatest support.  I love her and thank God for her.

Day 42 - II Timothy 1:13-14

Paul instructs Timothy to continue in the work and stay true to how Paul set out the message for him.  Timothy should also take care to guard the message that has been entrusted to him.

Thought for the day:  The message is sound, precious and has been placed into my custody.  What will I do with it?

Day 41 - II Timothy 1:11-12

Paul acknowledges that his commitment to Christ and the message of salvation have resulted in many hardships but he absolutely has no regrets.  He is confident that God will see him through anything he comes up against while carrying out his ministry.

Though for the day:  Always stand my ground and God will always be there.

Day 40 - II Timothy 1:8-10

Encouraging words about our gift of salvation provided freely and completely through the work of Jesus.  When this is powered by the Father through the Holy Spirit then we should feel completely empowered to carry on with no embarrassment to speak for Christ.

Thought for the day:  Stand up for Christ and look for opportunities to share the great news.

Day 39 - II Timothy 1:5-7

Paul thinks back on the rich spiritual heritage of Timothy that was passed down to Timothy from his mother, grandmother and himself and encourages Timothy to keep the fire burning continue his rich ministry that has been fueled by those who have mentored him.

Thought for the day:  I have a rich heritage as well.  Parents (Carl and Ray), grandparents (Carlton, Lavada, Georgia) and a host of pastors and teachers who have provided a rich spiritual heritage.  I want to spend this day thanking God for the rich heritage he has blessed me with.

Day 38 - II Timothy 1:3-4

Paul expresses his love for Timothy, how much he misses him and how much he looks forward to their reunion.

Thought for the day:  I will pray for my parents today and look forward to a mini family reunion in April.

Day 37 - II Timothy 1:1-2

As Paul begins his second letter to Timothy he repeats his personal mission statement, "On special assignment from God".  He also starts with a challenge to Timothy to be bold with God's gifts.

Thought for the day:  Recognize, cherish and share the gifts God has given me.

Day 36 - I Timothy 6:20-21

I love the way Paul ends his letter to Timothy...
Guard the treasure you have been given with you life
Avoid showy religion
Avoid useless/excess talk

Thought for the day:  Be thankful for life in Christ and be real

Day 35 - I Timothy 6:17-19

It is unbelievable that from the beginning of time until this very moment we have failed to learn the lesson that materialism is empty.  God offers us riches beyond our wildest imagination and it costs us nothing yet provides us the opportunity to impact the world around us in extravagant ways.

Thought for the day:  Build a treasury that will last and gain a life that is truly life.

Day 34 - I Timothy 6:13-16

Paul charges Timothy to follow his instructions to the letter and not to slack off in view of what Jesus did while on earth and the fact that he may return at an time.

Thought for the day:  Live today like Christ will return before dinner.

Day 33 - I Timothy 6:11-12

The message is too run hard and fast from the pursuit of money and toward the pursuit of faith.  Seize the eternal life that is the result of faith.

Thought for the day:  Stay focused on the goal - eternity, Christ likeness.

Day 32 - I Timothy 6:9-10

As Paul continues to instruct Timothy about leadership and the potential dangers they may fall into, he elaborates on the danger of over emphasizing money.  Lust for money can take you down the wrong path and wreck your faith.

Thought for the day:  Focus on what I have in Christ not what I think I do not have materially.

Day 31 - I Timothy 6:6-8

Paul talks to Timothy about contentment and encourages him to live a simple life, one that is open and transparent before God.

Thought for the day:  I have been blessed and will be thankful today.  I have more than enough.  Be open and honest with God today.

Day 30 - I Timothy 6:2-5

Paul warns Timothy to be on the lookout for pretentious preachers, teacher and leaders who pervert the truth of God's words for there own benefit.  Their focus will be self promotion of themselves and their own ideas. 

Thought for the day:  Sound teaching and sharing of the simple truth of God's word is what He needs to make positive impact in the lives of people around me.  Share it simply.

Day 29 - I Timothy 6:1-2

Paul instructions on the behavior of the slave in the slave/master relationship does not have a direct application for us today.  However, we can use the principal that whatever controls our life is our master and how we handle and behave related to that master impacts the way a unbeliever sees us.

Thought for the day:  Make sure that those I am around today not who my real master is.

Day 28 - I Timothy 5:24-25

I ma not entirely sure what Paul was trying to communicate to Timothy but possibly a caution about rushing to quick judgement on someone.  Sometimes right and wrong are easily identified but at other times it can only be seen after a period of time.

Thought for the day:  Be careful not to rush to judgement.

Day 27 - I Timothy 5:21-23

These three verses seem a bit like Paul lost his train of thought for the moment.  However, he seems to be addressing some leadership qualities of Timothy himself.  He is instructed to be fair, cautious and circumspect when dealing with those in the church and in particular is not to be unduly influenced by his critics.

Thought for the day:  No real application jumps out at me from this.  Maybe today I will just thank God for my wife.

Day 26 - I Timothy 5:20

Sin is a struggle for all believers and if not held accountable and corrected will devastate our spiritual life.  Accountability to others is a key factor in the ability to maintain spiritual vitality and keep our lives on track.

Thought for the day:  Listen for the counsel of others who are trying to keep me on track.

Day 25 - I Timothy 5:19

Paul turns his attention again to the treatment of leaders within the community of believers and deals with unfounded accusations and gossip that can occur.  Paul knows that words can be very damaging and instructs Timothy to insure that complaints have a solid foundation and are backed up by at least two or three others.

Thought for the day:  Don't listen to idol gossip and complaining against leaders or anyone else for that matter.

Day 24 - I Timothy 5:17-18

Paul instructs on how church leaders should be taken care of.  The community of believers should do everything possible to enable them to exercise their gifts of preaching, teaching and leading.

Though for the day:  Support the church financially so that our leaders will be enabled.  Treat them as I would want to be treated in my vocation.

Day 23 - I Timothy 5:16

Paul has spent quite a few words now regarding widows within their church, what there role can be in ministry and how to care for them.  In this verse he changes his focus a bit by encouraging the families to take care of their own so that the task of care does not fall totally on the community of believers.

Thought for the day:  Thank God today for the members of our home group who have chosen to act as an extended family for those both outside and inside our group.

Day 22 - I Timothy 5:11-15

Not sure really what to say about this passage.  It is obvious that political correctness was not a driving force in the first century.  Paul is doing all he can to aid Timothy to lead in a way that will provide spiritual health to the community of believers under his care.

Thought for the day:  Do not give critics a foothold to find fault.

Day 21 - I Timothy 5:9-10

These instructions for signing up widows to help with the special ministry of offering assistance may be directed at a very specific circumstance in the community Timothy was leading.

Thought for the day: I am happy not to be a sixty year old, once married widow but God can still use me.

Day 20 - I Timithy 5:3-8

Now Paul turns to how the community of believers cares for their extended families with special attentions to widows.  How we care for our extended family says a great deal about our faith.  Caring for extended family pleases God immensely.

Thought for the day:  Faith begins at home.

Day 19 - I Timothy 5:1-2

Paul now advises Timothy regarding some important skills needed within the community of believers.  His advice is simple, respect everyone young and old and give special honor to the older members of the community.

Thought for the day: Be careful to treat everyone I come in contact today with respect.

Day 18 - I Timothy 4:15-16

The path to spiritual growth and maturity is not a sprint but a marathon.  The task requires continuous immersion in and commitment to the process.  The results will be seen in the impact you can have on the world around you.

Thought for the day: Keep you hands on the plow.

Day 17 - I Timothy 4:11-14

Paul encourages Timothy to continue exercising his gifts in ministry with particular attention to teaching, scripture and counseling.  He reminds Timothy that one of his primary teaching tools is his life: his words, his demeanor, his faith, his love and his integrity.

Thought for the day:  My actions will speak louder than my words.  Represent Christ with my actions.

Day 16 - I Timothy 4:6-10

As Paul continues his mentoring work with Timothy he now turns to the process of spiritual growth and conditioning.  He counsels Timothy to continue in the sound faith that he has been taught and grown up with.  This sound foundation is a solid basis for judging truth as he encounters a variety of religious thoughts masquerading as spiritual truth.  It is clear that Paul sees spiritual growth as a process that requires daily nurturing and we cannot be lazy in our attention to our spiritual growth.

Thought for the day: I want to be thankful for my spiritual heritage and be diligent throughout the growth process.

Day 15 - I Timothy 4:1-5

Paul instructs Timothy to be careful not to let smooth talking, convincing liars divert him from living a life under the direction of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  Vigilance is key to not being led astray by the convincing and charismatic arguments of those who may have strayed from the center of the faith.

Thought for the day:  Stay centered on the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Day 14 - I Timothy 3:14-16

It appears that Paul is concerned that his training may overwhelm Timothy and he takes a break to remind Timothy that the basics of the faith are simple.  Christ came, shared he life with us, returned to the Father.

Thought for the day:  Keep it simple.  Christ came and shared his love and is waiting to come again.  All the rest is noise.

Day 13 - I Timothy 3:8-13

I am struck by the seriousness Paul has when it comes to determining who will be allowed to take key roles of responsibility within the community.

Thought for the day: I want to be the kind of man that is qualified to serve.

Day 12 - I Timothy 3:1-7

Paul is instructing Timothy not only what type of leader he needs to be but what to look for in finding key people to surround himself with.  I am grateful for our pastoral and elder leaders at Green Valley Church.  They are all great men who fully measure up to the set of leadership qualities Paul describes here in this passage.

Thought for the day:  We all need to aspire to these leadership qualities and today I will pray for our Green Valley Church leaders.

Day 11 - I Timothy 2:11-15

I have to believe that Paul must have been dealing with either an ongoing or potential issue in the community.  Taken out of context this could be seen as a bit of an inflammatory comment particularly in our contemporary "politically correct" culture.  That being said I cannot forget about what Paul said as well just a couple of verses earlier when he said that "I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God".  It does seem to me that Paul places on men a leading role for spirituality but that certainly was never meant to downplay the equally important role women play in the continuing development of spiritual maturity within a community or family.

Thought for the day: Be a spiritual leader.

Day 10 - I Timothy 2:8-10

Paul wants men and women to make prayer as a primary tool and integral part of their daily lives.

Thought for the day: Pray, pray, pray.

Day 9 - I Timothy 2:4-7

I think Doug could do a whole series from these four verses. 
1. God wants everyone to be saved
2. There is only one God and mediator
3. An atoning sacrifice to set us free
4. Not everyone knows the story yet
5. Telling the story is our appointed work
6. Salvation is simple and the truth is plain and simple

Thought for the day:  I will be around people today who need to be told the story.  Appoint me someone specific today.

Day 8 - I Timothy 2:1-3

I was reminded of the quote from Vince Lombardi as he began his coaching career with the Green Bay Packers, "Let's start at the beginning.  This is a football".  I think Paul wanted to remind and emphasize to Timothy the importance of prayer.  Pray how: anyway you know.  Pray for who: everyone you know.  P.S don't for to pray for our leaders.

Thought for the day:  Pray, Pray, Pray

Day 7 - I Timothy 1:19-20

Wow, would not want to be Hymenaeus or Alexander!

Thought for the day:  Don't drop my guard against Satan.  It is easy to make a mess of things if I am not diligent.

Day 6 - I Timothy 1:15-19

I get a sense from this passage that there was constant pressure to water down the essential truth of the message and to be diverted from the central truth about who Christ was and why he came.  I do not have to guess what Paul means when he tells Timothy that they are in a fight for the gospel. So are we.  Major on the majors and not the minors - focus on Christ and the main mission to "save sinners".

Thought for the day: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners - case closed.  Does much else matter?  Keep a grip on that and it will be hard to go wrong.

Day 5 - I Timothy 1:12-14

Paul confesses to Timothy the depth of his feelings of inadequacy to minister outside of the grace of Christ.

Thought for the day:  Don't forget that my significance lies completely within the grace provided through Christ both eternally  and daily.  Be thankful, today, they I have been given opportunity outside of what I deserve.

Day 4 - I Timothy 1:8-11

It seems that Timothy may have been struggling with the best way to deal with sin and irresponsibilty among some of the believers within the community.  Paul encourages him to do deliver the necessary counsel but he should do so in humility and with a loving attitude.

Thought for the day: As a believer, I have a great story and message but to be effective in delivery, attitude and humility are key.  Look for opportunities today to share the message in love.

Day 3 - I Timothy 1:5-7

The dreaded curse of humanity - selfishness.  It was an issue 2,000 years ago and continues today.  No one has to teach us how to be selfish but we spend a lifetime learning how to live a Godly life uncontaminated by self interest.

Thought for the day:  Live selfless and genuine today.

Day 2 - I Timothy 1:3-4

Paul encourages Timothy to stay in Ephesus and keep on top of the believers there. Some are wavering and need encouragement to stay firm

Thought for the day: Stay focused and centered on the essentials of faith and obedience.

Day 1 - I Timothy 1:1-2

Paul describes himself as an apostle on special assignment. That applies to me and all believers as well.

Thought for the day: Don't forget that I am here on special assignment and remember that "I am an ambassador for Christ".

The 1:8 Challenge

On Sunday, January 8, our pastor Doug Kyle, challenged us to eight weeks of commitment to the Word of God. Each day for eight weeks we have been challenged to "say it, meditate on it, do it". I have chosen I Timothy as a place to start and focus on a small part of the letter from Paul to Timothy each day.

My goal is to document my daily journey with posts here. Each day I will read the chosen passage, say it out loud, choose a key thought to meditate on throughout the day and watch with anticipation what God will do. "Who knows" what might happen.

I do not take this challenge lightly and hope to finish well!