1 Timothy 4:14-16

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.  Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.  Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 

Observation

Paul wraps up chapter four with a personal note to Timothy on how he, as a minister, should live. Paul reminds Timothy that the elders have laid hands on him and have blessed him. That Timothy has received a prophecy. Paul is basically saying "remember why you started all of this, don't give up now". 

Then Paul goes on to tell Timothy dive deep into what he is doing. These are not mere tasks to checked off at the end of the day, but a way of living so that others will see his example and follow suit. Timothy is to be mindful all the time of where he is going and leading others, what is entering his heart and pouring out of it, and where and who his eyes are fixed on.

Application

This word encourages me to dive deep into the tasks that God has laid out for me. This is a direction God wants me to take for this season. Specifically, I believe God is telling me to spend the extra time studying scripture and reading commentaries. There are seasons when all I am doing is ministering to others, and then there are seasons where it is about becoming equipped for that busy season. I believe I have been give a season for equipping. Don't get me wrong, God is always equipping and always wanting us to minister to others, but some seasons allow for more of one than the other. I'm grateful for both.

Prayer

Good morning Father and thank You for the direction this morning in You Word. I choose to be a sponge and absorb everything that You would like to teach me. Thank You for loving me and instructing my heart.

1 Timothy 4:8-10 Godliness vs. Bodily Discipine

for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and  also  for the  life  to come.  It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.  For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 

Observation

Godliness is not our natural state. Our natural state is to think and act selfishly. Godliness is only accomplished through continual pursuit of God. The primary ways being through His Word, Prayer & Praise, and Biblical Community.

Paul compares the pursuit of godliness to physical discipline, the methods are similar, but the result of godly spiritual discipline is so much greater than all that we can imagine. Paul says it has a promise not only in this life but also into eternity. Bodily discipline cannot offer the same result. Paul is not demeaning bodily discipline, nor authorizing a lack of it, he is simply stating that there is a more important discipline with a greater reward. 

Then Paul emphasizes this truth by saying this is a trustworthy statement. He tells us to labor, strive, pursue, our Hope, which is Christ Jesus. If we do this we can't go wrong.

Application

This word is so encouraging to me this morning, because the world really emphasizes physical health. But the healthy standard touted in social media is unobtainable for so many (including me). It is ok for me to care about my physical health through exercise and eating right, but my highest priority is a pursuit of godliness; that is the discipline that matters the most. Through His Word, God reminded me today that I'm doing the right thing and to keep on. More than that though, it fills me a greater desire for more of Him in me.

Prayer

Father, thank You for leading me. Thank You for a passion to know and pursue You. You are the Living Hope and my Savior. I love You!

Mark 4:24-25 The Blessing Of The Word

So consider carefully the things you're hearing. If you put it to use you'll be given more to wrestle with-much more. Those who have listened will receive more, but those who don't hear will forget even the little they understand.

Observation

Jesus taught in parables many times and the crowd very often was confused. The disciples ask Jesus why He teaches in parables. Jesus tells them in Mark 4:11 that God has let the disciples in on the workings of the kingdom, but the crowd He teaches in parables. There is something incredibly special in knowing that God has chosen you to receive His Word, His Teaching, to eat the Bread of Life from His own hand. Psalm 119:103 says that the Word of God is sweeter than honey. His word tastes good....it tastes great!  Not only does it taste great it nourishes the Spirit. 

Mark 4:26-29 goes onto say that the Kingdom of God is like a farmer who is sowing seed. Even when he is sowing and sleeping the seed is growing into the light. He doesn't know how, and doesn't need to, for the seed to bear fruit. That is us with the Word of God. We just keep meditating on, praying through, devoting ourselves too, and even though we don't know how it happens the Word of God bears much fruit in our lives. Praise You God!

Application

I haven't always been passionate about the Word of God. When I decided to find out more about who Jesus is (14 years ago), for several months I read through the New Testament. At the end of it I could say that I liked Jesus and thought Paul was extremely difficult to understand and close-minded. I didn't pick up the bible again for another five or six years. Was I still a Christian? Yes. But I didn't think it too necessary to study the Word, most Christians I knew didn't think so either.

 I decided to read the whole bible when I began to get heavily involved with RiverPoint. Although there were still several times where I couldn't understand what was being said, the Word became more alive to me. Soon after I decided to memorize scripture. So several times a week I would (and still do) review and meditate on scripture. Then I was taught the SOAP method of studying the bible, and the Word became even more alive to me. Today I'm passionate about the Word of God and I make consistent time each day to read and meditate on it. I have slumps, days when I don't feel like it or I seemingly get nothing out of it, but I can see where the Word of God has produced a harvest in my life. I don't know how it happened, I just know that I'm stronger, spiritually healthier, wiser, more compassionate,loving, encouraging, faithful, joyful, patient, kind, and self-controlled then I could have ever imagined. 

Prayer

Father, I am blessed to have received Your Word and to have eaten from Your own hand. I am blessed to know the freedom and refreshment that Your Word brings. Your Word is more precious than gold, it is sweeter than honey. May the SOAP group persevere in Your Word so that they too receive a harvest 30, 60, or even 100 times more than expected.

1 Timothy 4:1 Truth

But even so, the Spirit very clearly tells us that in the last times some will abandon the true faith because of their devotion to spirits sent to deceive and sabotage, and mistakingly they will end up following the doctrine of demons.

Observation

I don't know how you wouldn't and couldn't be deceived unless you are sanctified by the truth of God continually. If all that you ever have is regurgitated word, you are missing nutrients and getting the word seasoned by opinions and not truth. I'm not being critical of teachers of the word, I listen to teachers of the word several times a week, and I myself teach the word. What I am saying is that I would only know the truth according to their interpretation if I didn't take time to study it myself.

Nevertheless we need others to help us study the Word of God. We need them to show us how, to give us new insights, and to challenge us to go deeper. But that relationship should never replace our intimate, quiet time with Christ.

Application

For a long time I took what was said by a pastor as truth and lived according to what he said. That is very dangerous and a trap from the enemy. I would get so frustrated because I could never live up to the pastor's standards of Christianity. I associated my failure in his eyes with failure in Christ's eyes as well. Eventually I found myself imprisoned in the chains of depression.

Is it the pastor's fault? No, it was mine and by the grace of God I have learned so much from it. There will always be people trying to tell me what the most important thing is for my walk with Christ. I can either believe them, or take it to God and His word and find out what He wants from me. I have found and continually find blessed freedom in God's word. People are fickle, but God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

 

Prayer

Father, thank You for sanctifying me in Your truth. Please continue to do so. I long to know You more intimately, to taste and see that You are good all day, everyday. Father, please also let no unwholesome word come from my mouth as I teach others. I do not want to teach doctrine according to my own precepts, but according to Your word and Your leading. 

1 Timothy 3:15, James 5:9 Grumbling

but in case I am delayed,  I write  so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15 NASB)

Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (James 5:9 NASB)

Observation

The whole point of Paul's writing is for the edification of the church; that the church would know how to conduct itself as a household of God. One conduct not listed in 1 Timothy, but found in James 5:9, Jude 1:16–19, and 1 Peter 4:9, is that the church should not complain or grumble against one another. 

I know it seems odd that I would SOAP this Timothy scripture today and then pull my references from other books of the bible, but this is what God revealed, so I SOAP away. Grumbling and complaining against our brothers and sisters is easy, common, and one of the most destructive things we can do. Bitterness inevitably takes root and defiles many in the church. In fact, grumbling against your fellow Christian is a sin, and according to proverbs 6:16 God hates when dissension is stirred up among brothers.

Application

I'm guilty of grumbling and the conviction of today's word is a blessing. Towards the end of last year and the beginning of this one, I took my eyes off Christ and began to resent certain behaviors and even people in the church. Subconsciously I went looking for people who were unhappy and negative also, which only fed the junk growing inside of me. Although it certainly felt like sin, I never thought of grumbling as sin. Now that I know it is, I can and have asked for forgiveness and repent of it.

Grumbling can come from having more criticism then appreciation. At least for me that is where a lot of it can come from.  I'm also prone to be infected by those who are grumbling around me. Knowing these two insights, I can be mindful of the negative talk around me and also be taking my own frustrations to God.  He gives me my portion everyday.  If I need more appreciation all I have to do is ask, He has always shown Himself faithful to take care of my needs, including the needs of the heart.

Prayer

Father, please forgive me for grumbling against my brother and sisters. I choose to let no unwholesome word come from my mouth, but only what is good for the edification of others. When I get frustrated, I will take those frustrations to You, trusting You for my healing and portion. Thank You Father for being the perfect provider.

1 Timothy 3:11 Respect

In the same way, the women  are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

Observation

Here we see that women were in fact in key leadership positions in the church. On the other hand, nothing is listed on what these key positions were or what they did. We know that women in leadership had to be qualified.  According to 1 Timothy 3 all leaders had to qualify to a certain set of standards in order for the church to reach it's mission.  Interestingly enough, the NLT version doesn't say women instead it is qualifying the wives of the leaders. I believe Paul is talking to women (not simply wives of leaders). "He is saying that people are watching you, younger ladies are looking up to you. Make sure that you are worthy of that respect." 

Paul addresses specific behavior on the part of women, ones that he knows we struggle with; backstabbing and gossiping. Moreover our temperament is addressed. Are we on an emotional roller coasters all the time or do we have a pretty consistent temperament?  Finally, we have to ask ourselves if we are faithful in all areas.

Application

Receiving respect from others has been a challenge for me in leadership from the beginning. At first it was because I was a was young and a woman, now it is because I have no musical training and I'm a woman. At least I think that is why. Usually, if given enough time, people generally come around. However, my behavior should not and is not based on whether or not they respect me. Paul didn't say act this was and you will receive respect, he says to act in a way worthy of respect. At the end of the day I have to be able to say that my actions were worthy of respect. 

Now the hard look. Am I a backstabbing gossip? I don't think I am, but the temptation is definitely there and if I am around people who constantly gossip and are critical I will easily get infected with the same junk. So I have to watch who I am around.

Do I have an even temperament? I think so, but this is probably a better question to ask those around me. I see any waver emotionally as justified, but others that I work with or live with would be able to give me a more accurate view of my temperament. 

Finally, am I faithful? Yes. It is only because of Christ though.  When the going gets tough I want to leave. It is Christ that anchors me to His mission.

Prayer

Father, thank You for molding me and making me more like You. We both know that I would be and have been a malicious, backstabbing, unfaithful, gossip. It is Your love for me that continues to transform me. You are incredible.

Mark 2:21-22 Old Habits

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” 

Observation

The question being asked is why aren't the disciples of Jesus fasting? Jesus gives a specific answer the the question by stating that He is the bridegroom and it would be wrong for anyone to do anything but feast while He is with them. But then Jesus addresses the underlying struggle of the heart. He says that the new things He is teaching can not be reconciled with the old habits of the past.

It is human nature to bring our past into our present. If you have grown up in church or been in church for a long period of time, you will bring your church experience with you to a new church. It will be the lens in which you view the church. The same can be said of other relationships and situations. But more specifically, we try and reconcile a new identity with old habits.  And when we do we find the garment just doesn't fit. Nothing we can do can make Christ fit in a box, our old habits, or anything else. We have been given a clean slate when we receive Christ in our heart, which means putting every habit under the microscope of Christ (taking every thought captive), and seeing how it lines up with His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Application

I have old thought patterns that still haunt me to this day. I know the truth of Christ and who Christ say's I am, yet I still will pray for God to conform me into an image brought on by what the world classifies as success. No matter how hard I work or pray to be successful according worldly standards, nothing seems to change. The revelation here is that I'm bringing old habits to a new identity in Christ. No matter what I do that will always be a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. So what do I do? I keep on asking God to renew my mind, help me fall more in love with Him, remain in Him, and understand and accept who I am in Him. Faith moved the mountain, but it didn't move the mountain instantly.  Sometimes the mountain moves a pebble at a time. 

Prayer

Father, thank You that I can't manipulate You. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You for the new identity I have in You and that I am tossed about when old thought patterns rear their ugly head.  This loss of peace lets me know that I am trying to put new wine in an old wine skin. Please continue to draw me deeper into You, renewing my mind, and teaching me what pleases You.

Mark 1:22, 27 Fighting from a place of victory investigation (part 1)

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.  The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” (Mark 1:22, 27 NIV) 

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19 NIV)

He appointed twelve  that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach  and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:14, 15 NIV)

Observation

In Mark 1, Jesus was baptized and the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove. Afterwards He was lead to the wilderness where he was tempted for 40 days and for 40 nights. After these two steps, the ministry of Jesus Christ here on Earth seemed to take off. In Mark 1 we read how Jesus taught and healed with authority. The people could see that He was not like the teachers of the law, the authority for which He taught made Him different. The word authority is defined as The power to determine adjudicate or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine (Dictionary.com). In Luke 10:19 and Mark 3:15, Jesus passes on that same authority to his disciples. His disciples have authority over the enemy. 

Application

I'm researching what it means to fight from a place of victory. The revelation today is that I have been given authority through the Spirit of God to overcome the power of the enemy. What is still hazy to me is the discernment between between being refined by God (which can be painful) and the attacks of the enemy (which is also painful)? And since God is sovereign isn't He in control even when the enemy is attacking me? Isn't He using these attacks for my good and His glory? And what are the appropriate responses to these differences.

Prayer

Father I have so many questions. I ask for Your wisdom and discernment in these things. I have heard so many definitions from man, but what I really want is Your definitions. Lead me in Your truth for my heart trusts in You alone.

1 Timothy 3:6 The Price Of Leadership

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 

Observation

Leadership is a prized roll. It was in Paul's time and it is in ours as well. I think it is because by calling someone a leader you are designating them special in some way. The list that Paul gives for an elder of the church certainly would make an individual special (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7).  But people tend to rush into leadership because of the attention that it brings and the title received, all the while not really thinking through the price that must be paid.

A new believer can easily fall into this trap. They think that the leadership role that they just received is about them, when the mature believer knows the leadership role has very little to do with them and is primarily for the glory and kingdom of God. A mature believer in leadership knows the snares of satan and spends time in prayer and in God's word armoring up each day for battle. 

Application

There is a huge price to be paid as a leader that most people don't talk about. For one, you have a bigger target on your back. I have a large target on my back each time I lead worship or a small group. The enemy is always trying to devour me, but when you step up into leadership the warfare increases ten fold. My husband would tell you that the spiritual warfare that we encounter each day is the worse part of his wife being involved in full time ministry.  I became a leader in ministry shortly after being involved in church for the first time. I thought it would be no big deal because I have been in a leadership role in the secular workforce since I was 17. Wow, was I wrong. Ministry leadership put me in the fire of refinement full blast, and I'm grateful that God has held me through it all and has made me look more like Him because of it.  But I can see the wisdom in waiting for maturity to set in before becoming a ministry leader.

When people come to me wanting me to help them be a worship leader, I am always hesitant because of the price that must be paid. I warn them of the price, I tell them where their heart has to be, but still nothing seems to prepare them for the warfare they encounter. And every time one who has desired leadership is lost, disheartened by the church, burnout by the work, infected by the mess, and the walk away, my heart breaks.

Prayer

Father, thank You for holding me. Thank You for allowing me to lead others to You. Thank You for helping me persevere and cleansing me from the infection and purifying me from sin. I am the leader I am today because of Your faithfulness and not my own. I love You!

1 Timothy 2:9-15 A Woman's Role

Likewise,  I want  women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,  but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.  A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.  But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.  For it was Adam who was first created,  and  then Eve.  And  it was  not Adam  who  was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.  But  women  will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

Observation:

Here is the main question, is Paul referring to women in Ephesus culture or is he making a doctrinal statement about women in church? The truth is I really wrestled with this scripture. I have heard both sides. One church say's anything goes and another say's that women can't speak until they are out in the parking lot at church. I don't agree with either extreme viewpoints. I believe Paul is addressing both the women in the Ephesus culture and women in church. 

Paul is addressing women in Ephesus when he say's to not get distracted on the things that don't matter, I.e. how you look. Women were idolized in Ephesus, the goddess Artremis was a wonder of the ancient world. It was tempting to find their identity in how they looked, sound familiar?

But Paul is also addressing a woman's authority in the church. Paul is saying that women shouldn't usurp the authority given to the male elders of the church. Women don't need to prove themselves to be like men, because they are not like men. God has given women a covering in men. The husband is a woman's covering in the home and the elders are a covering for the women in the church. 

Application

My initial reaction when reading this scripture verse was to hear and a believe that women have less value in the church then men. As a woman in leadership I felt rejected and a little angry. Does God want me to stop teaching and leading? It is confusing to me because God has given me the gift of teaching and leadership. I've been in leadership since I was 17 years old. So I took these questions to God in prayer. God revealed that He has given me a covering with my handsome hubby,Tim, and with Dan and the Elders of RiverPoint. This was confirmation to keep on going forward.  Nevertheless, I still felt like I needed to understand this passage in more detail. So I read commentaries and Charles Swindoll's take, but I still was dissatisfied with the information given.  So I took my questions on the scripture to Pastor Dan. He really is one of the smartest people I know, especially when it comes to the Word of God. He is explained the different theories and then where he personally stands. It helped me so much! 

Prayer

Father, thank You for the covering I receive from my husband and from the elders of RiverPoint. Please bless them with Your wisdom and leadership each day.  I love You!

1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pray For Your Leaders

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties  and  prayers, petitions  and  thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 

Observation

The social climate in Ephesus at the time this is written is volatile to say the least. Charles Swindoll states in his book insights on 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, that "Ephesus would be the hardest place to lead a quiet and tranquil life, let alone a quiet and tranquil church."  It was a busy and powerful city, containing one of the ancient wonders of the world, the goddess Artemis. Artemis worship was a huge tourist draw and brought in a substantial revenue for Ephesus. 

In addition to being located in this cultural melting pot, the Christians also faced persecution from Nero. Christians were being rounded up, tortured and killed. Praying for these leaders was not the easiest thing to do. I imagine Timothy and the other elders had to fight the urge to be angry quite often. A quiet and tranquil life must have looked like a pipe dream. 

Application

I need to pray for my leaders, especially those that I don't agree with. Instead of ridiculing their leadership, my call is to stop and pray Ephesians 1:17-19 over them. If Paul and Timothy can do it under extreme duress, surely I can as well.

Prayer

Father I lift up President Obama and our city leaders. Please enlighten them to the hope of Your calling on their life. Give them a desperate need for You, that they would seek Your counsel in all that they do. Father, I pray that through their leadership we would live a peaceful and tranquil life. Thank You Lord.

1 Timothy 1:18-19a Clear Conscience

Timothy, my dear child, I am placing before you a charge for the mission ahead. It is in total agreement with the prophecies once spoken over you. Here it is: with God's message stirring and directing you, fight the good fight, armed with faith and good conscience.

Observation

This message about the mission of The Lord being a battleground, is not the only one of its kind that Paul gives the Ephesians Church. He gives a very descriptive example of what it means to armor up for the spiritual battle that we are engaged in (see Ephesians 6). This message, however, is personal as if to encourage Timothy specifically. Timothy's leadership is challenged, and Paul reminds Timothy to draw his strength from the mission and message of Christ. That it would not be men's wisdom that would direct Timothy, but the mission and message from God that would direct him.

Paul instructs Timothy to be equipped at all times with faith and a clear conscience. I find it interesting that Paul tells Timothy to be armed with a clear conscience, because he doesn't reference a clear conscience when he speaks of the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6. I wonder if a clear conscience is necessary equipment for the battle when you are a leader, and that is why Paul mentions it here and not in other places. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it ;).

Application

I see the absolute value in being armed with a clear conscience. I will make decisions based specifically on keeping a clear conscience alone. I have learned some of the tactics of the enemy, and messing with my conscience is one of them. For example, If I stay home from work because I'm tired, and not because I have specifically heard that direction from God, I'm wracked with guilt and condemnation about it all day. If I don't do something that I should probably do, even if no one else sees it as a big deal, or if everyone else is understanding, if I have based my decision on how I feel and not on the mission and will of God, I become open season for the enemy in my mind. 

Prayer

Father, I desire that everything I do be directed by Your mission stirring in me. Keep me instep with You, armed with faith and a clear conscience. Thank You Lord.

1 Timothy 1:15 The Worst Sinner Of All

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Observation
Even though 1 Timothy is written some 20 years after Paul's conversion to Christ it is clear that Paul understands what direction he was heading when Christ rescued him. Paul was hunting Christians. Moreover, Paul was a party to Stephens stoning.
Paul was relentless in his pursuit of Christians, until he had a "come to Jesus" moment. In that moment, his eyes were enlightened to a different calling on his life, he was convicted of the pain he was inflicting, and was forever changed. Now he uses his old nature as an example of God's incredible grace.

Application
There are times when I feel like the worst sinner of all. Unlike Paul, however, it is not something I boast about, but instead being the worse sinner of all brings with it feelings of shame. This condemnation is not of Christ.
Paul, has a healthy view of who he is, because his view is seasoned with the grace of Christ. He knows where he was heading and celebrates that Christ can save those who are going in the worst possible direction. He not only celebrates it, but uses it as an example to to encourage others.
This is probably one of my favorite bible verses, because it teaches me the difference between conviction and condemnation.

Prayer
Father, I am the worst sinner of all. I am proof of Your incredible grace, mercy, and love. I want to, like Paul, spend the rest of my days telling the world how You save even the messiest of sinners.

Psalm 40:16, 1Timothy 1:14 Being Filled Up

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

Observation
Both of my scripture readings today spoke of being filled. I know that it could not be a coincidence, so I decided to observe and apply what it means to be filled by The Lord.
To be filled by The Lord, you must first be empty. You can empty yourself in various ways. It could be confession of sin, or casting cares, or even serving others.
Then you go to The Lord and you say "please fill me up with Your perfect portion". In psalm 40:16, it speaks of all who are searching will receive a "filling" from God.
Finally, we must know that God's portion for us is generous and praise Him for it. He is always supplying more joy and gladness, faith and love, then we could ever imagine or deserve.

Application
I take in so much junk throughout my day. I try to pour out to God, but there seems to be a remnant still there defiling what is good in me. Extended periods of quiet time with prayer and fasting are good for me because of the deep cleaning of the soul that it provides.

Prayer
Father, I empty myself before You. I ask that You fill me with Your joy, gladness, faith and love. Fill me so that I may pour out Your goodness on Your people. Fill me so that I may pour out Your love back to You. Saturate me in Your love my Lord.

1 Timothy 1:2 (NLT) Because of Christ

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,

Observation
Christ called Paul to a life of service. Paul's work as an evangelist across Europe and Asia changed the world. Christ's work through Paul is still changing the world today. Paul is under no illusions, however. He knows that the only reason he can do what he does is through and for Christ. I say for Christ, because if it was for Paul's own fame he would have abandoned this plan of sharing the gospel long ago. Surely his first beating would have knocked it out of him. But because of the strength given through Christ, Paul is able to share the gospel.

Application
When do I feel inadequate? Every time I look at myself. When I look at Christ, I can see that He has given me strength to do His good work. He has appointed me, like Paul, and calls me trustworthy to share His good news. Pretty awesome task. If I were to do this for myself, I would have quit long ago and gone back to my selfish ways the first time someone got mad at me or criticized me. But Christ is the who and the how of my mission and He is totally worthy.

Prayer
There is no one like You Lord. You call the weak to lead the strong, the foolish to confound the wise. I can't pretend that I understand why You chose me and why You have called me trustworthy to share the gospel, but I'm forever grateful. You are worth it my King.

1 Timothy 1:5-7 (MSG) Hot Air

The whole point of what we're urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

Observation
Timothy is the protege of Paul. He has travelled with Paul on missionary trips and is now in Ephesus, teaching the gospel. During this time, Christianity is illegal and Christians are martyred. So there is no official meeting place, instead there are numerous small groups. In some of these small groups leaders are teaching more about genealogies and myths and not about the true message of the gospel, Love.
Timothy is young, and I imagine, the other leaders of the groups treat him with little respect. So Paul, being his father in the faith, writes this letter which is to be distributed to the various small groups. Paul is warning the groups that if you spend all your time arguing facts but do not apply love, then they are just hot air and have missed the message of the gospel.

Application
It can be very easy as a small group to miss the point of the gospel, when you love knowledge for the sake of knowledge, or love how others perceive you because of your knowledge.
You have to love knowledge of the word, for the sake of Christ. The driving purpose for the study of the word is to KNOW CHRIST and BE KNOWN BY HIM. I heard a pastor once say, "to the depth that You are willing to fall in love with Christ, is the depth of change that you will experience." This is my driver. The vision statement for my life is to KNOW HIM and be KNOWN BY HIM. When I open the bible to study and memorize scripture, it is for that very purpose; that I may be found in Him.

Prayer
Father, it is the cry of my heart to fall more in love with You everyday. I want a deeper and more intimate walk with You. I want to hear Your voice, for it is sweet. I want to behold Your form, for it is lovely. You are the lover of my soul.