The day with dianne Louise

What is man that You remember him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him lower than the angels for a short time; You crowned him with glory and honour and subjected everything under his feet. Hebrews 2:5-8 The first sentence comes from Job. Job went on to say: 'you inspect him every morning and put him to the test every moment.' He was feeling God's scrutiny. We could approach this differently, laying aside Job's circumstances, as he was going through a trial. I see a father, looking over the side of a crib, lovingly examining every curve, every tiny hair, the colour of the skin, the eyes, watching his child breathe and loving the wonder of what He he created. God never takes us for granted. He lovingly, always is ardently in love with us, His children. The second part comes from Psalms 8:4 Jesus was momentarily made a little lower than the angels, for us. Our Father wanted us as well, His playrooms were devoid of His treasures. Jesus came to bring us ba...

We must, therefore, pay more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those heard Him. At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to His will. Hebrews 2:1-4 The message of salvation came to me, after an awareness of my sin. The joy of deliverance and salvation was so real. I was lifted up into a new place, a place of sonship. How could I spit in my Saviour's face and reduce all He gave me to something that fitted a less than life? How could I reduce His sacrifice when He gave His all for me? The modern man deified angels and concocts a gospel of feel goodism. It has nothing to do with truth. In fact it s a prison with padded w...

Now to which angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:13,14 Let us put angels into right perspective. They are ministering spirit and not powerful beings that rule apart from Him. They are sent to minister to us about salvation, to lead, guide and protect. Yet, Jesus has the honour of being invited to sit at the right hand of God, until He, God, makes the Son's enemies His footstool. What an honour! Why such an honour? He is the firstborn of the Father, come to do His will, and He did it brilliantly. He set us free! Amen!

In the beginning, Lord, You established the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands; They will perish, but You remain. They will all wear out like clothing; You will roll them up like a cloak, And they will be changed like a robe. But You are the same, And Your years never end. Hebrews 1:10-12 The writer of Hebrews plucks scriptures from psalm 102:25; Is 50:9; 51:6; Ps 2:7; Ps 102:26 and blends them to be a beautiful representation of Jesus. The whole Old Testament has Jesus threaded through it. Again and again prophesy speaks of Him. For me the bible is like a tapestry, beginning at the bottom, working its way through dark patches, shadow and reflection , exploding in the middle with the Son and the gospels and working to the top a sky full of the glory of Him. He created this earth to walk with us, it started well, went through centuries of darkness, then He Himself came and gave His life so that the end is filled with the Stars promised Abraham, the believers in this last...

For to which angels did He ever say, 'You are My Son'; 'today I have become a your Father,' or again, 'I will be His Father, and He will be my Son?' When again brings His firstborn into the world, He says, 'and all God's Angels must worship Him.' And about the Angels He says: 'He makes His Angels winds, and His servants a fiery flame,' But to the Son: 'Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the sceptre of Your kingdom is a sceptre of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; This is why God Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy rather than Your companions.' Hebrews 1:5-9 I especially love the difference between angels and Jesus. Our world loves to deify angels, raising them above Christ. Why? Because He said He was Lord and that we need to abide in Him. Whereas, our culture see angels and doing our bidding. In fact the biggest problem unbelievers have with Jesus is : 'what did He ever do for me?...

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed a Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became higher in rank than the Angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:1-4 One of the greatest mysteries in Christendom is: who wrote the book of Hebrews? Can I throw in my two cents worth? This opening reminds me of one other: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created throug Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in darkness, yet the darkness did ...

I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and faith towards the the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. For I have great and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Philemon 1:4-7 Paul is setting the tone to now approach Philemon about the liberation and forgiveness of his former slave, Onesimus, who had taken off abruptly and taken his owners possessions with him. It is hard to imagine such a good man having a slave in the first place, yet this was the culture back then and even though Paul was for the emancipation of the slaves, the choice was with the master, not Paul. Paul was approaching Philemon as a friend on behalf of one he called a son. This is a delicate matter and Paul handles it well. Being a man of such stature, to endorse the slave,...

For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I fathered him while I was in chains. Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. I am sending him back as a part of myself. I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave- as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more ...

And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14 If we are devoted to 'good works,' then when the opportunity comes along we will see them and not miss them. Being ready to do good works is like the virgins that took extra oil with their lamps so that when the groom came their were ready. If I consume everything myself then I am not being a good steward. I am given what I am given to do good works. If my needs are met, before I waste money on 'fun thing,' larger TVs, lavish banquets etc I should ask the Lord, 'what is this for?' It may well be given to us so that we can meet a financial need in others when it arrives. He has a plan, it is our task to seek it out. I am placed in a work situation, a housing situation so that I will be a minister to my neighbourhood. I am not there just for me, it is not always about me, it is about us. I am salt and light and I need to switc...

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11 There are so many foolish things I can become entangled in. There is so much we cannot change by force of character. There are so many traps waiting to snare us in thinking wrongly about others, our lot in life and even God. How do we stay true to the truth that sets us free and not the 'truth' that snares? The times I struggle most is when so much is happening, good and bad, at times I am squeezed and my inner life wants to drift on the ocean amidst the fish and rest. This is the time to get into the river of God. His grace is sufficient for me. He is all I need.

But when the goodness of God and His love appeared, He saved us- not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 Praise god for grace. oh! how I need grace. Today I was cranky again and stirred up inside something fierce. Frustration at carrying victims, and the lack of team spirit. I have been banging on for 18months now about being a team and still have individuals jostling for their own space appear. To top it off my mother is back in hospital with the same stomach problems and they nagged at me. This morning I promised I would pray for her. I Did, the sort of hurried prayer that we sometimes do. However, I think deep down the real reason I was cranky is I should have been praying in earnest. It took m...

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. Titus 3:1-3 Isn't it interesting the stark difference Christ can make in our lives. If we see some of the old still there, we need to further dip ourselves in Christ, He makes all things new. In Christ we are able to walk in submission, gentleness, kindness and be involved in every good work. The challenge is to not slander anyone. Anger and frustration makes the slander arise, I know, this I deal with. Let the grace of God have its full effect. Amen! I must see what God is doing, keep my eyes on Him and fill my heart with Him. He is gentle and meek and it is His yoke I must seek. Amen!

For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works. Titus 2:11-14 When I fully comprehend the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, the extreme sacrifice, how He poured Himself out for me, I cannot live is lust or selfishness, I am called towards godliness and righteousness. I cannot partake in foolishness and wasteful living. Tonight I heard from a man in my connect group on how he had never had a truely horrible person in his life and that life had been good. He is older than me.  I thought of all the horrible people I have had in mine and realised how our experiences were poles apart, yet this man has a h...

To the pure everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their minds and consciences are defiled. They profess to know God but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work. Titus 1:15,16 When I think of purity I think of little children, how delightful their purity is, so clean and untainted, like crystal clear water. The opposite is true, I think of a young man I know who is a new Christian but still struggling with pornography. The jokes that come from someone on this side all filled with debauchery, lust and uncleaness. What went wrong? He was polluted by something he should never have been polluted with. Little children that are made sex slaves are subject to a world of extreme uncleaness at an age they should never have to cope. Their innocence is destroyed, they are robbed of a pure view of life. Recently I became involved with the development of a new skate park and happened ...

The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what  was left undone and, as I directed you to appoint elders in every town: one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. For an overseer, as God's administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those form Judiasm. It is necessary to silence them; they overthrow whole households by teaching what they shouldn't in order to get money dishonestly. Titus 1:5-11 Crest was reputed to be an unholy and immoral place. Titus would have had his work cut out for him. To find godly men in the midst of ...

Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to build up the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before times began. In His own time He has revealed His message in the proclamation that I was entrusted with by the command of God our Saviour. Titus 1:1-3 The word slave is one Payl uses, it has a stronger meaning than servant. In the era we now live in slavery is rampant and so is the move to set slaves free. Innocent people become slaves mainly out of their own naievity and the abuse of those who know better. However, in the times of Paul and before, families or individuals who were in debt, would willing submit themselves to slavery in an effort to pay their debt. Paul knew his debt. He knew his sin. Yet God in His mercy saved Paul from the path of destruction and therefore Paul willingly gave his life to the work of the cross. He who is forgiven much, loves much. Paul say...

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 2 Tim 4:22 I know when the Lord is 'with my spirit,' it is uplifted, strengthened. What encourages the lord to do this? Personally I believe that when others pray for me, I am lifted high. I sense their prayers and rejoice in them. At times I am bathed in His love, other times joy, other times presence. I covert the prayers of others. Personally I know also that my worship lifts up my spirit, my prayers of honour and blessing to the Lord, listening to good worship music, walking in nature, in quiet peace, spending time in the word. I know when it is not there and I try to do the opposite becUse I want it there. Grace I covert, along with mercy. The healing balm of grace is so sweet, so gentle, so complete. Mercy I particularly want when I have erred and know but for the grace and mercy of God I am dead in my sin. Put this all together and you have the presence of God. Amen! Don't lose the presence, stay in the zone!

At my first defence, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me and all Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lions mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly Kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen! 2 Tim 4:16-18 When people desert you, it is very hard to release them as Paul has done. The sense of betrayal burns like acid. Yet Paul, like Stephen and his Saviour Jesus did just that. Paul was a part of Stephen's stoning. Perhaps what he heard and saw from Stephen was indelibly printed in his soul. I know it would me, and that imprint would call out to me to do likewise. Myself, I have only these examples to follow. Not having been witness to the events I must take them in faith. However, I must trust that the blood that sets me free will set others free. This morning as...

Make every effort to come to me soon, for Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalamtia. Only Luke is with me. 2 Tim 4:9-11 How would Paul have appeared to others in this time? An old man who had lost it? Almost time for him to leave? How would he have appeared to Timothy? To Luke? Paul was endeavouring to prepare Timothy for his departure, giving him sound teaching on personal behaviour and also teaching on leadership. How would Timothy have been at this time? Was he ready to let go of Paul and stand along, no longer having his mentor to encourage and advise him. Every leader will face such times, be it through ill health, opposition, factions or personal threats soon to be realised. How would we want to prepare those we love for our departure?  The changing of the guard can be a peaceful time or a difficult and emotional time, depending on the circumstances. However, what may come, in God'...

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8 I can relate. Whilst I am through the time where I thought my time had come I know how it feels. It was like being in a vat of grapes and having someone stop on me and crush me, squeezing out all that was within, so that nothing but skin was left. I was being made ready to love those God is bringing to me, the lost skaters, BMXers, scooters. Lovely, lovely lives that He cherishes with all that is in Him. I have sensed that love and it is so all consuming, so sweet.  When all that you have built and known seems to be stripped away and you are left alone and in pain, physically, emotionally and spiritually, t...

I solomonly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of His appearing and His kingdom: proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4:1-5 Sound familiar? It is important that we create atmospheres in our homes of godliness. What is the TV doing on when your are having dinner or attempting to talk? What truth is being promoted? Relationships are more important than entertainment. I watch the young people at the skate park spending hours skating and talking to each other. ...

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you,  and you know that from childhood you have know the sacred scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:14-16 Some of us have been raised in church, heard the scriptures, and whether we are willing to agree, they are a part of the fabric of our lives. Circumstance will endeavour to strip the memories away but in a quiet moment, when faced by the presence of God, they remain. Deep calls to deep! Just as every thread in a tapestry remains and adds to the finished work, so does God's word remain. That word is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, diving through the thoughts and intentions of the heart. I call forth that word...

But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all. In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Evil people and imposters will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. 2Tim 3:10-14 How good it is to have a mentor to follow, one that exhibits all Paul claims as his. In turn others look to us to provide this for them. Our society is faltering because those who should be leading have dropped the ball and been led into a side road of self-indulgence (lovers of self). The next generation then adopt corrupt standards, things them normal or acceptable because their parents, teachers and leaders so them. Let us be like Paul, able to claim such an example. Amen! Paul again visits the to...

For among them (those who hold a form of godliness but denying its power) are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim 3: 6,7 Today I see so many TV shows were the audience is filled with women. Why is it the women are attracted to the latest idea? Is it because many are idle and need to be busy working or because we are an inquisitive lot? Whatever the reason we have to be careful to be faithful to the truth. How can we discern those who wish to worm their way into our lives and homes? Look at the fruit of their lives. Before making a hero or an idol out of someone guard your heart. Don't allow it to embrace a fad or a face. Our hearts are meant to be lovers of God, where truth and righteousness dwell. We cannot prostitute ourselves with carnal lusts. Where is the power in that? I want the power of God in my life, nothing els...

GBut know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self- control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding a form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people! 2 Tim 3:1-5 Isn't it interesting that the reason difficult times come is because of how people have become wicked and self- centered? Are we looking at the times we live in? Yes! Next, what are we told to do with these people? Avoid them! Because they hold a ' form of godliness', then they must be church people. So, in the house we have problems. Oh dear! What are your prayers like? 'Lord bless me and mine, we three, Amen! Is this all there is? Is this the only reason you exist? When I become excited about what a God is doing through me at the ...

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they breed quarrels. The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap, having been captured by him to do his will. 2 Tim 2:22-26 Flee means drop everything and run, not stick around and watch through the window. The one who flees is running away from a pursuer. We are being pursued by our enemy. If he is not attacking us, he is attempting to seduce us.  Don't be deceived, he is constant. If you are not aware of him, perhaps he already has you in jail or you are, regardless of circumstances so focussed on God, nothing will dissuade you. Choose the latter. When I am ...

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonourable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Tim 2:20,21 This scripture seems to say, if you are currently only employed in dishonourable service, purify yourself from dishonourable practices and then you will become a special instrument that is set apart for good use. We can have layers of dirt on our souls. We can allow things to stay that never should be there. In the Old Testament even the patriarchs tolerated family members keeping their pet idols. We see Jacob do this with his wife Rebecah. We can be like this in our own lives. Pornography is a big example, but so is backbiting and gossip. What filthy things do we have smeared on our insides? Is there hatred, envy, strife, rebellion? Is there addiction? What do we give ourselve...

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having the inscription:  The Lord knows those who are His, and everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness. 2 Tim 2:19 The first part of this: the Lord knows who are His, comes from Nimbers 16:5 these were words spoken by Moses when Korah and his followers rose up in rebellion. Moses had holy fear and knew judgement was coming, and it did. The ground opens up and swallowed the rebels all alive. This was a scary show of holiness. We, God's people must be separate from the ways of the world, this is our mark, our tattoo. Having said, 'God knows who are His,' I am mindful that He knows who are destined to be His and who I have a role in bring through to Him. I am excited for Him, I am excited for the chance to love the lost. Wednesday is the day they come together, to be found, harnessed together to work for a common goal. My heart is bursting with love for these people and I pray for wisdom ...

Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourselves approved of God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching he word of truth. But availed irreverent and empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. And they words will spread like gangrene. 2 Tim2:14-17 How silly to sit around postulating and puffing ourselves up and doing nothing. Give me an action plan any day! I am doing something crazy. I am motivated to help develop a new skate park opposite my office. For a few weeks now I have put things up on Facebook and paid dollars to spread the word. Now, I have a meeting convening on and Wednesday afternoon at 3pm.  Have you ever mixed vinegar and bicarbonate of soda and seen the bubbling that results. Well, I have poured out the vinegar, the dollars to reach out and now I am inviting the ones hat have showed...

This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, For He cannot deny Himself. 2tim 2:11-13 To me to live is Christ, to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) Paul lived and breathed Christ,mHe was His mission, His purpose, His life. He is telling us here we must die to our own selfish desires and lives for the desires of Christ. When we truely live for Christ, then,Mae truely live. Note, we get to reign, if we endure. Taking Jesus as Saviour is not enough, He must be Lord. The book of Revelation tells us the prizes that await those who endure. If we take our eyes of earthy treasures and fix them on eternity, then we reap the reward. If we are unable to confess Christ and instead live in denial of Him, we cannot expect Him to acknowledge us in heaven. So many live their life their own way and refuse to acknowledge Christ as Lord. These enter ...

Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God's message is not bound. This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim 2:8-10 Jesus endured the cross to obtain a re-connection with the Father for us. He suffered horribly, but triumphed. Paul is telling Timothy he himself is willing to suffer for the sake of the elect, those that are faithful, those who believe. Paul's second imprisonmet was not like the first. The first was house arrest. The second, he was in chains in a horrible dungeon-like cell. At this time many deserted him. This was nothing new, Jesus had many desert Him. Why did Jesus suffer? For our eternal life. Why did Paul suffer? So that we may also obtain salvation. A common thread! Why do others suffer? Because they have a hope in the One...

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord gives you understanding in everything. 2 Tim 2:3-7 Today Tamworth has a running festival. I am a part of the Tri-freedom team. I was to run but my injury has precluded me, I have to walk. Do you know how frustrating this is for an athlete? I want to run. I am constraining my world to train, care for my body and stay focussed. In my Christian walk my eyes are on the leader, He is constantly saying to me: "Look at Me!" I must say it is a good view. Whilst I look at Him every knee must bow, every temptation, every distraction must bow. Praise God. Welł if I must walk I will look for people to talk to. Watch out!...

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  2 Tim 1,2 I remember the first time I had headr grace put differently. A friend and preacher once said that 'a grace' could be different to each person. How God's grace works in one is different to how grace works in another. The common denominator is, God, and His unmerited favour. For Timothy, the grace that is in Christ Jesus, perhaps is strength to lead, against all that his natural inclinations tell him. Grace for an naturally stronger person may well be humility; grace for the anxious, assurance and ability to step out in faith. His grace sustains us, lifts us, encourages us, remonstrated with us, inspires us, leads us to repentance (the best act of grace). Oh how I love grace and its friend mercy. Paul,is encouraging Timothy to teach faithful men who will go and teach ...

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you. 2 Tim 1:13,14 Paul is encouraging Timothy to be steadfast. In fact all the epistles encourage, admonish and praise the recipients, speaking of steadfastness, truth and justice. Why is this so important? We have an enemy who is intent of destroying anything that bears the mark of Christ. We deceive ourselves if we think we are safe because we attend a particular church, pray five minutes a day and generally try to be good. We need to bathe in the scriptures, seek the Lord as if He is our last breath, stay focussed on the goal of eternity, with the lost at every opportunity. Christianity is not for the slack or lazy, halfhearted. Yet if I have given my heart to Christ then, what is the problem? How can I give my heart yet walk unfaithfully? John Bevere has written a new book: 'Good or God,...

So don't be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prosumer. Instead share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. 2 Tim 1:8 The Jewish belief that bad things happen to bad people may have been something Timothy had to deal with, even though he was not a Jew, he was raised a believer and spent most of his life working as a missionary with Paul. His mentor is now in jail, is his his end? Perhaps Greek culture also believed bad stuff happen to bad people. However, there is a mistaken belief in Christendom that all will be roses in Christ and if it is not we turn our backs and walk. I don't know how it came to pass but Jesus Himself told us to pick up our cross and follow Him. The cross of each will look different across the body of Christ. Abraham believed in a future city, he believed God's word about having a son and that did not happen until he was 100; Jacob believed that if he worked for his uncle for seven years he would be able to marry...

I thank God, Whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, Clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am  convinced is also in you. Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement. 2 Tim  1:3-6 Timothy was one of Paul's travelling companions on many of his missionary journeys. He is reputed to have co-written some of the epistles, he delivered the letter to the Corinthians. Timothy had Paul's heart. How valuable that alone is, to have a faithful friend and believer, who allows themselves to be mentored. Timothy appears to have a tender heart and he is prone to stomach problems. He is no super hero but a faithful...

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus: To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Tim 1:1,2 Paul recognised he was an apostle of Christ, by God's will. It was God who called him, ordained him and gave him a pathe to follow. His life was hid in Christ, in Christ he lived and moved and had his being. Timothy goes from 'my true son,' to 'my beloved son.' Paul's love for Timothy is evident. Grace and mercy, these two I cry out for often. Mercy for my sin and foolishness, Grace to empower me to the task at hand. And lastly, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the "knowledge" that falsely bears that name. By professing it, some people have deviated from the faith. 1 Tim 6:20,21 Knowledge puffs up! It makes us think we know something we don't. It makes us feel important. If it is not gained by revelation but merely by study, we can think we are clever, forgetting that it is God who gives us that ability. I am in no way dismissin this type of learning, I do a lot of it, but merely brining clarity around the knowledge that brings life. However, the lessons we learn in God are precious. Philosophy about what a Christian should or should not do is empty. What is God calling us to do? We waste time sitting and dissecting our Christian walk if we go away empty of vision but full of self satisfaction, because we had a discussion. What is the Spirit of God saying? What does He want us to do? Where is He going today? That is where we ...

Command those who are rich in this world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good and be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truely life.  1 Tim 6:17-19 I am grateful to live in this current age where several of the rich live to give, they are a part of the hope for the barren, down and destitute. Those who have embraced philanthropy have much fuller lives. Living just to spend on our own lusts and desires is futile. Just as the prodigal son discovered, living for lust is empty and without lasting fruit. Eternity is a long, long time and if we wish to enjoy it then we need to be wise with what God has given us in this life. We are not here to waste time on pleasures and things. We canno...

In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep the command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in His own time. He is: The blessed and only sovereign, The King of Kings, And the Lord of Lords, The only One who has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, none has seen or can see Him,  To Him be honour and eternal might. Amen! 1 Tim 6:13-16 Paul is charging Timothy with never giving up, fighting the good fight and enduring. Why? God is involved, He will bring it about in His own time. Each of us have a walk, a path, a destiny, designed by God. We have glimmers of it but the big picture eludes us. We want peace, joy and blessing, yet often, because we are in a war, we face trials and temptations. This morning, as I review the past week, or the past 12 years I see the trials and temptations I have faced, and gone through. God pr...

But you, man of God, run from these things ( the love of money), and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim 6:11,12 At times we do need to fight for the faith. I am back into warfare today. The pain is back and so is the fuzzy head and conflict with council. I am wanting to press forward with the fund raiser for the Skate park and council want me to provide 20m public liability. I have had a quote. It will cost $500-600. I already have a jumping castle want to charge for their time. I can see the profits been eaten up with costs. However, I must trust the Lord, because this problem is causing me to reach out to many more organisations than what I knew existed. I am amazed with what is available. I had a good conversation with a woman from a council that did produce what we want, in t...

If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarrelling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain, but godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 1 tim 6:3-10 Teaching that adds or subtracts from what Jesus taught i...

All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God's name and His teaching will not be blasphemed. 1Tim 6:1 As I read this another though rises up in me: 'he who the Son sets free is free indeed.' My Jesus set me free from the yoke of slavery. What is the difference? The yoke of slavery that Christ has set me free from is the slavery that is unseen, spiritual bondage. Bondage that is not seen, but felt, is the hardest to deal with, it is elusive. But when discovered, when light shines in the darkness and we can see, then we can deal with the enemy. Tonight I have had a revelation, I have ordered my life to someone else's drum. Who is that someone? My cage master! Tonight I am free to live according to Christ in me, the hope of glory. He is not legalistic. He encourages me to go for the life He has planned and destined for me. It is an adventurous life, full of purpose and joy as I stretch my God-given abilities. I...

Some people's sin are obvious, going before them to judgement, but the sins of others surface later. Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden. 1 Tim 5:24,25 If I be honest I try and cover my sins and shout my good deeds. Both are wrong and both come from a broken source. I knew unconditional love from a human for around five years. My grandfather, Cecil, he was in fact a step-grandfather. I lost him to death when I was five. I was then plunged into a world of harsh discipline, rejection, bullying for another 45 years. I learned to perform to get attension. Some children play up to get attention, I studied hard to beat the bully and at times succeeded. I must allow the love of God into all this brokenness. As He sets me free I do not need to shout my own praises or hide my sin, but rather, live life in the open. When I injured my side last Monday I was plunged into pain and self-pity. The attacks came think and fast, business issues, furt...

The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the scripture says: 'Do not muzzle an on while it is treading out the grain, and: 'the worker is worthy of his wages.' Don't accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. Public ally rebuke those (elders) who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. I solomnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favouritism. Don't be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder, and don't share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Tim 5:17-22 Elders were to be leader of good repute, they also had the role of teaching. They had to be above reproach. If they performed their duties well they were to be paid. If elders sin they are to be uncovered publically so that the church know its stance on sin and als...

Support widows who are genuinely widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, the family must learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command this also, so they won't be blamed. But if anyone does not provide for his own, that is his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. No widow should be placed on the support list unless she is at least 60 years old, has been the wife of one husband, and is well know for good works- that is she has brought  up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry and will therefore receive cond...

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father,myounger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and with all propriety, the younger women as sisters. 1Tim 5:1,2 People in our world constantly do wrong, make mistakes and fail us. We can become frustrated by their bad behaviour, lack of action, foolish behaviour. However, we cannot deal with anyone out of the base of that frustration. What would God have us do on their behalf? Firstly pray, see deeply into how He made them, what would He have planned for their life? This is a lesson I have had to learn in business. What is God saying about my employees? When faced with hardness of heart, arrogance, pride? Firstly they are Gods children and He has a desire for them, what is it? Now I must humble myself and seek God's ways. I cannot act out of the flesh because it will only destroy. Therefore bad behaviour in others is good for me, it brings me closer to Him. In the text above Timothy is being aught how to relate to all age gr...

Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Tim 4:16 To pay close attention to our lives, we must slow down and live purposefully. The modern buzz word around church is 'intentionally,' I am a bit over its overuse, if you are I apologise. How do we manage our hearts? Our thoughts, our actions? By living with thought and purpose. When my heart gets yucky I pull away and make myself sit in the Lord's presence. I don't like dirt in my system. I watched an interesting video by Rick Warren today. He said that because his work is primarily cerebral he relaxes in his veggie garden. Rather than try and make myself sit tonight I pulled out my painting gear and did a painting. It was good. Painting allows my inner self to process. I want to be in the best possible place for the women's conference here in Tamworth. It starts tomorrow night. I have unchurched coming and on Satur...

Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophesy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practise these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Tim 4:12-16 I think we could say: let no one despise your age, for whatever age we are, be it young or old, we can start to think: 'who will listen to me?' If we have been commissioned by God for a task and it has been confirmed by prophesy and the laying on of hands, we need to tuck that anointing into our belts and walk the walk we have been commissioned to do. When I moved back to Tamworh in 2012, I beli...

For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. 1Tim 4:4,5 When God created in the beginning, He said, "it is good!" We, then, can trust, that everything He made is good. We can receive everything created with grateful, thankful heart. These verses follow on after Paul's teaching those who were teaching false doctrine and abstinence from certain foods. Paul is saying all food is good, even that which Jews held not to be good. The Lord actually showed Peter this truth through a vision. The vision was used to show him not to be partial as to who He would invite into salvation. This can be found in Acts 10:9-16. Food being sanctified by prayer is something Jesus showed us, He blessed the food before eating. We can give thanks for the food we are about to eat and ask God's blessing upon it. This involve Him, thanking Him for the provision and asking Him for ...

If you point these things out to the brothers (that in the latter times some will depart from the faith following strange doctrines), you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and good teaching you have followed. 1Tim 4:6 I am drawn to the concept of being 'nourished by the words of the faith and good teaching.' I have been fighting an enemy that has come to demoralise and disturb me this week, it has been a troubling attack on my mind. Yet I continued reading th word, studying it and listening to good messages, but it all seemed to no avail, until this morning. I recognised the mindset and began to praise the Lord for what He is doing and the opportunity to serve. Somehow, in all God is doing, the enemy was feeding me a negative slant. I then realised I must decide to be nourished by the words I read and hear, I must be engaged. Likewise, I cannot be involved in negative prayer, negative fellowship, negative talk, negative conversation. Ph...

Have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness for : The training of the body has a limited benefit, But godliness is beneficial in every way since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Tim 4:7,8 As someone who values the training of my body, this scripture brings a warning: don't neglect your spirit in favour of you body. I think I must put my spirit first, body and soul second. Yesterday I went swimming out of time, that is not my usual time. I went at 5:30pm and the crowd was horrible. Initially I shared a lane with an elderly man, that went fine. He left and a woman took his place, that went fine, but then a guy decided to join. Three in one lane is a crowd and disrupts rhythm. A little annoyed, I said, a little, I tried to get out of the pool using my arms to lever myself as I have done befor, before I started swimming faster. My arms collapsed and I fell heavily on the side and hit my left ribcage. I ca...

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. 1 Tim 4:1-5 We are in the latter times and deception abounds. Many churches are changing their doctrine and some are rewriting the bible to incorporate their beliefs. The comfort I have is that a genuine seeker looks for truth and is not satisfied with that which is false. I am mindful of someone wanting to buy a pair of Nike runners, there are many counterfeits around. If someone really knows the original they will not settle for the fake. The fake does not last, nor are they ...

The mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, Vindicated in the Spirit,  Seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Tim 3:16 The above is a poetic exposition of the gospel. I love how Paul refers to the life of Christ as: The Mystery of Godliness. Jesus was the epitome of godliness. He came in the flesh, dwelt among us and walked in purity, never once submitting to sin. What a man! He was vindicated in the Spirit, the Spirit descended upon like a dove, God Himself spoke form heaven at His baptism, and again at his transfiguration on top of the mountain. He was ministered to by angels after being tempted and again in the garden before his crucifixion. When He was born Angels appeared singing glory to God in the highest. All the spirit world knew about Him, the enemy feared Him and mankind mostly missed the point. Yet those who believed He gave them power to become sons of God. Glory!!!!

Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, nor greedy for money, holding the mystery of faith with a clear conscience.mand they must be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their household competently. For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 3:8-13 Deacons serve in church. Not all churches still carry the label but there are still teams of those who serve. Deacons do not teach, they may be able to but the office is one of servant hood. I have been a pastor, but currently work as a servant. I have run DivorceCare courses which themselves teach people but my love for people has me serve. At work I am an apostle of sorts as I am pioneering and...

This saying is trustworthy: "if anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work." An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy- one who manages his house competently, having his children under control with all dignity. (if he cannot manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap. 1Tim 3: 1-7 I wonder if this criteria would also fit a politician, it seems it might. I am watching politicians be judged harshly and they are dropping like flies. The latest was a woman who had served her people since 1995. (20 years) She had become  a little arrogant and ...

A woman should learn in silence in full submission. I do not allow a woman to teach or have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. For Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues in faith, love and holiness, with good judgement. 1Tim 2:11-15 In the day when Paul wrote this we have a few cultural issues: in the Jewish faith women were subjugated, in the Christian faith women were welcome into the general assembly; Timothy is managing a church in Ephesus where the worship of Artemis is rife. Artemis was a female goddess and prostitution was a part of the temple worship, the domination of men through sexual behaviour was prevalent. When women who had been caught up in the worship of Artemis became Christian they had to unlearn a few things and learn a godly way of behaviour.  The word used for 'teach' was a word Paul used only once and carried a m...

Also, women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm they worship God. 1Tim 2:9,10 I am grateful for this modern era where anything goes but most of all both men and women are comfortable in denim jeans. I don't always wear jeans but they are my comfort choice, apart from black tights and tops in winter. Who really notices what we wear? Does it matter? Well yes, modestly is important. However, the modern men and women continually accept less and less. Paul does not mention this, but attitude and motive in wearing what we wear is important. If a woman dresses to attract attention and all her body language is saying: " look at me," then she is improperly dressed for a church gathering. Needing to heavily bejewel ourselves can also be a cry for attention. Why do I go to church? I go to find the Lord, to worship Him, not mys...