Q: How does the moon give glory to the sun? A: By reflecting its light onto a darkened earth. Similarly we give glory to God by reflecting His light to others. Like the moon, we have no light of our own, so we give our very lives to Him in praise. Q: What offering should we bring after giving Him our hearts? A: The first part of all: the first day of the week, first part of every day, and the first portion of every dollar. In this way, we reflect that God is first.
Paul taught Timothy how to respond to EGR (Extra Grace Required) people. He told him not to quarrel, be kind, teach and finally just “be patient” (be forbearing, enduring). In other words, put up with them. Paul goes on to say that when we are gentle with EGRs, perhaps God will change their hearts and they will “come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.” If you don’t know any EGRs, look in the mirror, it may be you.
Paul taught Timothy the power of discipleship multiplication. Paul told him to teach those who are “trustworthy” and “able” to teach others. Pour your life into a few reliable men, teaching them what I taught you, and challenging them to do likewise. This is the divine plan for reaching the world with the gospel. With whom are you investing your life?
Understanding that life is short, we live with a sense of urgency and purpose, not wasting the day because night is coming soon. We also strip away the things that don’t matter and focus on the eternal things that last. Such is the life of wisdom, of one who lives knowing that tomorrow is not promised.
A city wall controls both the coming and going of people. Its gates protect from unwanted entry, as well as keeping safe those who should remain within. Self-control is like a wall. It closes the eye, ear, and mouth gates to harmful things. In like manner, it controls what comes out too. Self-control is the 9th attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23). Are your walls broken down? Or have they been rebuilt by God? Who guards your gates?
Paul told Timothy to treat church members like family. The Spirit inspires a culture of mutual respect in the family of God. One that recognizes the unique way fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are to be treated.
Paul taught young Pastor Tim to focus his ministry on these three things. This is a good word for today’s pastors. With the pull and tug of so many needs, pastors are called to “focus” on reading, encouraging and teaching the Word of God!
God promised Jeremiah a New Covenant, one written on human hearts instead of tablets of stone. Isn’t this the New Covenant we have in Christ?
Pray for presidents, governors, senators, congressmen, judges, and all those in authority. A good word as the election day approaches.
Jeremiah encouraged the Jewish exiles in Babylon to thrive in the city to which they’d been sent. This is a good word for the Church. Don’t just work on church stuff, but be a blessing to the city to which you’ve been called. Be a City Church that works for the “peace and prosperity” there. Be Salt and Light in Jesus’ name. And grow and multiply! Because you’re called to do this too!