As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today, please allow this passage to guide your actions. Jesus did good to all. We must take on the nature of Jesus, seeking to do good. How can you help someone in your sphere of influence this week? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Today’s Reading:

Titus 2

I read this passage twice. I wanted to soak in the message. I’m interested to learn what you believe this passage means. 

I look at our society today and see some of the things happening that Paul is calling Crete out for. The question is, as Christians, are we willing to do the things that Paul tells Titus to do? Those instructions are for us as well. 

Life as a Christian should not be a laid back, cushy, let’s sing Kumbaya kind of life. It needs to be a Christ focused, others helping, self sacrificing kind of life. Is that what your life is? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Titus 1:12-16

12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Today’s Reading:

Titus 1

Paul’s charge to Timothy is valid for us. We must accept the charge to “Preach the word.” Do you follow the will and word of God, or do you keep holding Christ back for whatever reason? 

Take that leap of faith. Trust God with all of your heart and do not lean on your understanding. 

2 Timothy 4:1-2

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 4

Did you know that the term “everyone” may include you? The key is the quantifier. In this passage, the quantifier is those who want to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus. If that’s you, expect persecution. 

Jesus told His disciples, “if they persecuted Me, they will persecute you.” As you study your Bible, you will see a recurring theme, believers get persecuted. 

When persecution/troubles come your way, for Christ’s sake, remember the words of James 1:2, consider it pure joy. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 3:12

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 3

​The older we get, the more we long for the “good ol’ days.” The problem with the “good ol’ days” is we probably struggled more with disobedience, which is not something we should want to revisit. 

In this same section of the Bible, Paul encourages us to pursue things like righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Our pursuit of the fruits of the spirit (the pursuit of God), will help us “flee the evil desires of youth” and guide us into a right relationship with Christ, a fruitful life. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 2:22

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Living for Christ means enduring hardship. That can be difficult to understand for someone living in a western culture where individual freedom is stressed. You may feel as though your hardships are unfair. You think, “If God loved me, He would not allow me to experience this.”

Why? What about your life makes you special? Jesus Christ endured the cross. He was sinless. The gospel of John records Jesus saying that we will have troubles in this world. When these troubles come upon us, we have an opportunity to remain faithful. 

How do you respond to life’s difficulties not of your making? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 2:8-10

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 2:1-13

​What a wonderful reminder of the power of God that lives in us when we accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 1:7

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 1

In the 18th century, there was a Bible edited and printed specifically to be used for enslaved believers. Much of the Old Testament was excised, as well as passages like Galatians 3:28-29, which speaks of equality among all believers. 

However, passages like this one were used to emphasize the “rightness” of enslavement. Unfortunately, some people, today, continue to pick and choose passages from the Bible to suit their own purposes. 

Be careful, as you read the Bible, so you will not turn it into your personal “self help” book. The Bible is for us to learn how to honor God. Any other use is wrong. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 6:1-2

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 6

People of all stages in life have a tendency to practice ageism. Most do so without malice. Think about a time you “assumed” someone didn’t know something or couldn’t do something based on their age?

Our walk in Christ is a place where we can easily fall into the “trap” of ageism. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth. As Paul opens chapter five, he seems to double down on what he said in chapter four. 

This is what I believe we should do, treat everyone well, make no assumptions, and trust God in all circumstances. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 5

As Paul brings to a close chapter four of his first letter to Timothy, he makes this statement. Although he is talking about Timothy’s youth, I believe Christians at every stage should heed this charge. 

People need to see our steadfast faith in Christ. Some will put you down and disregard you because of your faith. So what! You continue to be the example of Christ for others. You do not know to whom God has you witnessing. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 4:11-12

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 4

Ponder these words about Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 3:16b

He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 3

There is much for you to ponder as you read 1 Timothy 2. I encourage you to dig in to a few commentaries to better understand the context of what Paul is telling Timothy and us. 

However, there is no misunderstanding this passage. Pray for everyone. For whom do you pray? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 2:1-4

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 2

The closer you get to Christ, by faith, the more you realize how ugly your sin is. 

Around 53-54 AD, Paul wrote to the people of Corinth. In that letter he calls himself the least of the apostles, a humble statement. However, about ten years later, having walked closely with Christ, he makes the statement we read in this passage. 

Why the difference? Because Paul was more aware of the “filthiness” of his sin. As a result, he was better able to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of God. 

Psalm 51 tells us that God will not despise a contrite heart and a broken spirit. When you humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, He will lift you up (James 4). Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 1:15

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 1

Only a mature Christian will be able to correctly follow this passage. It would be too easy for the immature Christian to cross the line of discernment into the area of judgement. Yet, Paul teaches us that we must be willing to call out a fellow believers shortcoming. 

Unless you are concerned only with the things of God, you will fall short in this area. The tricky part is, you don’t get to sit this one out. You have to be there for your brothers and sisters in Christ. As we will read in James 5:19-20, anyone who guides a brother or sister back from these ways covers over a multitude of sin. 

This is why it is necessary to be in your Word daily. This is why you must pray daily. This is why you must be around mature Christians daily. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 3

​There’s a commerce expression that says, “Buyer beware.” As I read this passage I thought, “believer beware.” In my daily life, I experience “Christians” who do not believe there’s an enemy. They do not believe that any person will die and be eternally separated from God. This is not true. 

The very existence of God and His love nature requires there be an antithesis of Him. He gives us the freedom to choose or reject Him. If there is nothing for which we can reject Him, then His freedom is not real. 

Be careful that you have not convinced yourself that everyone will spend eternity with God. That mentality may cause you to not take the importance of sharing the gospel seriously. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 2

Prayers and persecutions! How’s that for a promise? Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world. His focus was not the trouble we walk ourselves into, but rather the troubles that come by being a believer in Jesus Christ. 

As I read this passage my thought was, “How are we handling the persecution.” How are you handling it? When difficult times come does your faith faulter or get stronger? I encourage you to be prayerful for your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all going through something. Take courage, hold on, be strong, remember where our help comes from. (Yes, I “stole” that from the song Good Grace.😏) Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 1

When the Bible gives you specific instructions on how to live, heed them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-19

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Praise God for His faithfulness. As I read this passage I thought about the peace we have in Christ. 

Many people live their lives in control, never yielding their life to Christ. However, one day their mortality will set in. When that day comes, if they have rejected Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, to where can they turn?

This is why it is important for us to live such lives that people see our lives and glorify God. Yes, if we have accepted what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, we are heaven bound. However, God has not called us to be self-serving. We must share the gospel in our words and in our deeds. Are you sharing the gospel daily? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Our freedoms in the US can get us into trouble as it pertains to living a life for Christ. We seek these freedoms as if they are synonymous with freedom in Christ. They are not. 

Notice how Paul’s words to the people of Thessalonica contrast the freedoms we enjoy in the US. The word “sanctified” means set apart, holy, different. In our country, we subscribe to the mentality of, “if it feels good do it,” “I can do what I want, I’m grown,” “go with the flow,” and many other ideologies that fly in the face of surrendering your life to Christ through sanctification. 

Take some time, today to do an inventory of your mindset. Are you focused on Jesus no matter what? Or is your life yours and Jesus is there as an ornament? If you’re honest, what you see might surprise you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4

This is a great ending to this chapter. As I read it, I thought of you and all of the people to whom God has allowed Son Hui and me to minister. We pray that God will be your source. We pray that as your faith grows in Christ, you will share Him with others whose faith will begin to grow in Christ.

On March 20, the Word Wednesday podcast episode will be about God and how He uses the ripple effect. This passage is an example of a ripple effect. Your life is the beginning of a ripple effect. Is your ripple effect one that glorifies God or glorifies you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3