Bold & Ready

As Paul’s ministry and life were coming to an end, he continued to pour into Timothy to ensure he was ready to carry on the work they had started. Reading this passage inspired me. 

On October 12, my wife and I will open our home to believers who want to live out the Great Commission with boldness. Over the next six weeks our core team will get ready to receive whoever chooses to join us on this journey. 

Christ has called us to make disciples in every nation (people group). Our new body of believers, the Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship, will do exactly that. 

Please join us in prayer as we pray that we would be a body of believers who are bold & ready to share this gospel as we go about our daily lives. 

If you want more information, please send me a private message, I do not prefer to have these groups spammed. Thank you for your prayers. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 4:1-5

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, rebukeand encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 4

Continue

Like many people, each year I choose/receive a word of the year from God. This year He gave me “Continue.” As the year has progressed I have found myself at many crossroads. 

Full transparency: I’ve wanted to stop ministry several times this year. Not for a noble reason, simply because I want to come home from work, recline on our new couch, and binge shows.

Praise God for His faithfulness! Every time I’ve thought that way, He has put a person in front of me to encourage me, He has provided a situation to encourage me, or, like today, He has opened His Word to me to encourage me. 

Paul tells Timothy to “continue” in the faith. Parts of yesterday were difficult for me. I have close friends who are hurting. That hurts me because I love them and am in pain watching them endure their hardships. Even though I understand that we all must endure hardship that our faith may be tested and found pleasing to God. 

So I continue!

What about you? How is your year going? Have you been able to stay on track with what God has called you to do in this season? Be encouraged in this moment. God is faithful. Do the work He’s called you to do. You will be blessed for it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 3:14-17

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 3

Flee and Pursue

Do you love the Lord? Take a moment to answer that question by searching your heart. Remind yourself of your thought life and your actions. 

This is a difficult exercise as it may expose areas in our lives that we have not surrendered to God. Paul tells Timothy, and by default us, to flee from evil desires and pursue righteousness. 

Seeking righteousness is not new to the believer. Jesus is recorded as saying we must seek first the kingdom and His righteousness. It begins with fleeing our youthful desires, then pursuing Him. 

I know people who continue to pursue their sinful desires while simultaneously pursuing God. Those people are fooling themselves. It is not possible to truly pursue God and pursue sin at the same time. That person is pursuing sin and tricking themselves into thinking they are also pursuing God. Jesus said no one can serve two masters. 

If God is your Master, you cannot joyfully pursue sin. The Holy Spirit will be throwing a “conviction party” all day every day. Sleep will not come easy. However, if sin is your master, you will rationalize your sin by saying things like, “the Lord knows I love Him,” or my personal “favorite,” “God knows my heart.”

A truly repented heart seeks the Lord with all its might. The pursuit of sin is not an option. What are you pursuing? 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

Campfires

When I was a boy I was a part of the Boy Scouts. Our troop went camping frequently. Since I have never been an outdoors man, these camping trips were a chore. The way I kept my sanity was by keeping the fire going at night. 

I would sit next to the fire for hours. When it would start to dwindle, I got more wood, then fanned into flames the embers that remained. Suddenly what seemed like an extinguished fire became a beautiful, blazing fire. 

Paul’s words to Timothy are a good image of that flame. When you accepted what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin, God placed His Holy Spirit inside of you. Now you can do all that God has called you to do. 

Are you a little down? Do you believe that “life” is getting the best of you? Fan into flames the power of the Holy Spirit. He is waiting to guide you to love and good works. Let Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Timothy 1:6-7

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 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

The Pursuit Of Righteousness

The way we live matters. God has not called us to talk a good life, He’s called us to live a good life. That is only possible if we live a life pursuing righteousness. 

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness.” This means seeking to do what is right. And it starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The truth is there is none righteous, not even one. We are only made righteous through His sacrifice which cleansed us from our sin.

Take some time today to do a life inventory. What occupies your time? What are your priorities? If God is not first on the list, you must rearrange your priorities. There’s nothing more dangerous in this life than a life that does not have God as priority One. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 6:11-12

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 6

Use Wisdom

One thing I say to people as they make decisions is, “use wisdom.” Paul’s words to Timothy in this passage reminds me of that advice. 

He is warning Timothy to be careful about interacting with people as some may lead him astray. This is something we need to be careful of as well. 

Jesus did hangout with people with bad reputations, but He never allowed them to adjust His behavior. He changed their lives. 

When you interact with people, who makes the biggest impact, you on their lives or them in yours? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 5:22

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 5

Looked Down Upon

Although Paul is talking about Timothy’s youth in this passage, the message can apply across a multitude of things. Regardless of our perceived shortcomings, we should not allow someone to look down upon us. 

When I was growing up I frequently felt “less than.” When you’re the youngest of five competitive boys and you usually lose at whatever the game of the day is, you can get an inferiority complex with the quickness. 

It took me years to overcome that complex. In fact, it was the words from my brother Michael that set me free from the bondage of feeling inferior.

What holds you back from being the person God has called and equipped you to be? Let this serve as your reminder not to let anyone look down on you because of that. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 4:12

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

The “Good” Life

The desire to lead a body of believers is a noble thing. If you are considering this, be mindful of Paul’s words to Timothy. You must be above reproach. 

Most of you receiving this text or reading this on our website have no desire to lead a body of believers. Cool! But this is still for you as well. 

Think about the pressure your Pastor and Church leadership are under. They must be above reproach. As a human, that’s difficult. Therefore, they need our constant prayer. 

When’s the last time you dedicated time to pray for your leadership? Most people take their Spiritual leaders for granted. We pray for everyone else, but we are not diligent in praying for those who probably need it most. 

Make praying for those who guide you toward Christ a part of your daily prayers. They get attacked just like we do. Let’s cover our leadership with prayer. It’s the right thing to do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 3:1-3

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach,faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 3

Pray For All People

I love God’s timing! At the end of last year I put this year’s reading plan together “randomly.” At the time I thought, “I bet God’s going to show up through this random plan.” I was right. 

Yesterday my friends Grace, Alex, and I went to an outlet mall in Orlando, FL and prayed for people. I cannot say the people for whom we prayed were blessed, but at the risk of being wrong, I can say that the three of us were richly blessed. 

Reading this passage lifted my spirits even more. As believers we are to pray for each other and for people who may not know Jesus Christ. I cannot say how our prayers impacted the people we prayed for, nor can I say how the image of us praying for people impacted those who witnessed our praying as they walked by. But what I can say is, at some point we will be back out again, praying for people and serving our God who has called us to be light in this dark world. 

If you want to join me as I go out to pray for people, send me a private message and we can make that happen. I’m certain Alex and Grace would be happy to go with you as well. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

 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.

Today’s Reading:

1 Timothy 2

The Closer You Get

Years ago someone shared with me what I’m about to share with you. Paul’s statement in this passage was at least the third time he referred to his place with followers of Christ. 

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, he calls himself the least of the apostles. In Ephesians 3:8 he calls himself lower than the least of the Lord’s people. In today’s passage, he calls himself the worst of sinners. 

Each of these statements were made in succession as Paul’s walk with Christ developed. The closer he got to Jesus, the more aware he was of his sin. Thus, he went from the least of the apostles to calling himself the worst of sinners. 

This is true with us. As we walk closer to Christ, focusing on Him, we become more aware of the sin that separated us from His love. Take time to praise God today for His redeeming sacrifice that took you, a sinner, and made you righteous in His sight. 

Now that’s something to lift your hands in praise about! 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

God Is In The Peace

Recently I was talking to a friend of mine who needed to make a decision and was wondering how to discern whether or not she was following what God would have her do. I told her to consider the decisions and see which one gave her peace. 

In this passage, Paul calls Christ the “Lord of peace.” If He is the Lord of Peace then it makes sense that when you need discernment for a decision, you should seek His peace. That’s what I do and He never lets me down. 

If you struggle figuring out where the peace is, remember, you do not have to rationalize the peace of God. It just is! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 3

Stand Firm!

Please make sure you read the entire chapter of 2 Thessalonians 2, it will help you better understand this text. 

In Christ, we are called to stand firm in His word and what we believe. Contrast that by what Paul says earlier in this chapter about the lawless man and the people who will be entangled by his lies. 

A day is coming when what you believe will be revealed. Only God and you know your true heart posture. Make sure you’re being authentic. On that day, it will be too late to get right. So get right now. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 2:15

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 2

The Agape Fam

I have some friends whom I love dearly. We affectionately call our selves the Agape Fam. We pray for each other and contend for each other when the need arises. 

As I read this passage, they were my first thought. Paul had a great love for every church he planted and the ones he did not. His desire to love and pray for believers is a desire we should seek to emulate. 

Who do you contend for in prayer? How does knowing you have a group of people praying for you and for whom you can pray help you in your walk with Christ?

If you are a “lone wolf” type Christian, I encourage you to seek Godly friendship. We were not created to live alone. In fact God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” 

Find your tribe, and watch how God will move in and through your life. 

Agape Fam—SHOUT OUT! 

Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Thessalonians 1:3

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.

Today’s Reading:

2 Thessalonians 1

Keep Encouraging

I have a friend with whom I am going to do ministry with in the coming days, months, and years, God willing. He is the embodiment of an encourager. A word from Jayden will lift your soul. His energy is infectious. As I read this passage, I thought of him. 

God saved us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. That’s the best news anyone could ever hear. When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice, we are supposed to share that Good News with everyone who crosses our path. That can be a daunting task. 

Therefore, God places encouragers in our lives, like Jayden. Do you have the gift of encouragement? If so, make sure you spread your gift among the believers and the non-believers. You never know the ultimate impact of your encouragement. 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

Good Enough?

When I was in the Army we had a saying, “That’s good enough for government work.” The problem with this saying is it confirms that whatever was done has not been finished the best it could have been. It gives people the “right” to do less than their best. 

In Christ, we should never say, “That’s good enough for service to Christ.” Like Paul writes to the people of Thessalonica, we need to do our best and then do even more. 

Have you been doing the minimum for Jesus? Spend time meditating on your walk with Christ. We are called to make disciples teaching others to obey everything Christ commanded us to do. Is that what you’re doing? If not, it’s time to get to work. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 4:1

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4

A Simple Prayer

As I read this passage, I thought about you. How amazing it is to have people who love the Lord and contend in the faith for their family, friends, and strangers. 

I pray that you will take time daily to pray for others and to share the gospel in word and deed. 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 Fatherwhen our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3

You Are My Joy

For 18 years I have shared a scripture with people daily. It started with my wife and has extended to the 140+ people I am sharing this with today. 

I pray for you. I contend for you. And, most of all, I genuinely love you. 

As I read this last verse in this chapter, you all were my first thought. I marvel at how God has allowed me, a sinner, to be able to pour my overflow into your lives. When you share your lives with me, I always smile. 

We serve a gracious and merciful God. Whatever you’re going through always remember, there’s an old, bald guy praying for you. He loves you and is ready to jump in to support you to the best of his ability. He’s not “Superman,” but he’ll do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 2:20

20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 2

Be Imitatable 

Multiple times in his writings, Paul talks about imitating righteousness. We see it in this chapter again. 

Here’s a question for you to ponder: Is your life imitatable in Christ. It’s not enough to be saved and love the Lord. You must also live a life that inspires others to be drawn to Christ. 

Some of you will say, “No, my relationship is only between me and God.” To you I will say, “How do you reconcile Jesus’ lesson found in Matthew 5:13-16.” You cannot both have an isolated relationship with God and obey Christ’s direction found in that passage. 

And that’s not the only time we are called to live an example of a Christ-like life. 

When we live a life of isolation we are telling God, “Not me, Lord. I’m not available for you to use.” Which then begs the question: if you have that mentality, how do you reconcile John 14:15. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Reading:

1 Thessalonians 1

The Benediction

The last time I lived in South Korea I preached the English service at a church in Seoul. I did this for about a year. At the end of every service, the Lead Pastor over this part of the congregation would pronounce today’s benediction over us. 

As I read it today I was reminded of the struggles I faced during that time in my life. Not struggles for following Jesus, struggles for losing my focus on Jesus. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, guided me back to His feet. This morning I realized that He did it by using the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 

I walked myself into those struggles and God walked me out! PRAISE GOD! He did not have to do that!

If you know me well and ever wonder why I’m so crazy in love with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit remember this passage and be reminded that God’s faithfulness, not mine, put me on the path to Him. 

Do you have a struggle that you walked yourself into and now you don’t feel worthy of God’s love and forgiveness? Stop that thinking immediately. God is Omnipresent, He knew you were going to do the very thing you did. Return to Him because He’s sitting there looking you in the face waiting for you to repent. Take that step of repentance. You will never regret it not even for one second. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 13:14

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Today’s Reading:

2 Corinthians 13

Sufficient Grace

I have a friend, whom I love dearly, named Grace. This morning I’m thinking of her as she recently reminded me how important it is to take time alone to allow God to replenish us. 

In this passage, Paul reminds us that in our bodies, we are weak. He shares of his “thorn” that seemed to serve as a reminder of his weakness. 

The truth is, like Grace, we all need to take time to reengage the Father and allow Him to be our strength. It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives, including ministry, and forget that Jesus often told His disciples to “come away” with Him so they could pray. 

Would you join me in praying for Grace and any other person who is taking time to recharge. 

When is the last time you did that? Maybe this is your “sign” to take a “me day” and let the Father minister to you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 7b-10

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Today’s Reading:

2 Corinthians 12