Good Morning “No Judgment Facers.”  Today we are in Hebrews 9.

The writer continues to discuss the duty of the High Priest, the organization of the Earthy Tabernacle and the Holy of Holies or most Holy place.  He further compares the former High Priests and Jesus - our permanent High Priest.  

Once a year the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies with a blood sacrifice leading the way, as an offering to temporarily cover his sin and the sins of the people committed in ignorance.
As Jesus gave up His Spirit at the moment of His death He put an end to this ordinance - even the need for it.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭50‬-‭51‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus blood shed on the Cross, conquered sin and death once and for all.  Furthermore, it is no longer necessary for a High Priest to enter the Holy of Holies for us.  The veil in the temple was torn signifying we can come directly to Jesus - on our own.  Hebrews 5:16

Apart from Jesus we will face judgment for our sin.  Only His blood can pay the price.  “The payment for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus.” Romans 6:23  His death on the cross satisfied our death payment requirement.  We need only believe and receive it.

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When those who have received Jesus see Him, it will not be for Judgment, but to realize our salvation.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “New Covenant Beneficiaries.”  Today we are in Hebrews 8.

The writer of Hebrews continues to illustrate differences between the “Old Mosaic Covenant”, based on the Law, and “The New Covenant of Grace” by the Blood of Jesus.  The New Covenant” which Jesus spoke of in the Upper Room just prior to His arrest (Luke 22:20) was instituted when He went to The Cross and rose from the grave conquering sin and death.  

The Old Covenant was written on stone but the second or New Covenant is written on “hearts.” The inauguration of the New Covenant was entirely by the initiative of God, making it distinct from the first covenant. This covenant will not rest on the performance of people but on God Himself working on the hearts of believers.

We are partakers of this Grace even now.  However; the writer of Hebrews refers to a time yet to come, in the millennial kingdom - prophesied in Jer. 31:31-34,

“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.””
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We believe the Millennium/Thousand year reign of Christ will occur after the Tribulation.  Christ will return with the saints (those who died and were raptured knowing Jesus), and conquer the armies of the world who rose up against Him.  Then He will rule, and us with Him - for 1000 years.  In the Millennium there will be no need for the believer to teach believer because all will know Him in this age where Christ will be King Jesus.

What does all this mean for us now?  

Through the New Covenant, God gives those He draws (John 6:44), a desire to have a relationship with Him. Then, Holy Spirit provides the strength to be obedient (Ezekiel 36:27; Galatians 5:16).  The New Covenant is internal, Christ in us, not external!  It’s ALL Him.  We only need to respond (John 1:12; Romans 10:9). The New Covenant is relational - it’s because of this New Covenant we  can enjoy a relationship with God through Jesus.  May we never take this for granted.

If you’ve fallen behind in your daily study, jump right back in!  In The Word every day!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Completely Saved”.  Today we are in Hebrews 7.  

Completely saved… what does that mean?  In Chapter 7 the writer continues to explain to the Jewish Believers, and all readers that follow - why Jesus is THE High Priest.  Once and for all.  No more is there a need for the High Priest to enter the Holy of Holies, “behind the curtain” to offer sacrifices for his sin and the sins of the people.  Those sacrifices while demonstrating their faith only temporarily covered sin.  They were never sufficient to PAY for their sin once and for all! However; we now have a High Priest, who will never pass away, that through His once and for all sacrifice paid the price for all sin permanently - completely!  

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He paid for our sin, and now intercedes daily on our behalf.  What does that mean?  It’s like He is our defense attourney.  As Satan comes to accuse (Revelation 12:10) He stands in our defense.  

“Look at his sin”, Satan may say…

“Nope, I paid for that,” Jesus says!  

“What about that one”?  

“I paid for that one too,” He says!
“I paid for them ALL!”

So in Jesus and through Jesus, God sees us Holy and Pure.  Praise the Lord!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Elementary Graduates.”  Today we are in Hebrews 6.

The writer continues with his thought regarding milk and meat.  Explaining further he says this: “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,”  Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He is not in any way suggesting we forget about Jesus, nor is he suggesting we stop confessing and repenting of our sins.  What he is reinforcing is the idea that we move on from salvation to maturation.  We build on the foundation - our salvation in Jesus.  We move on from sin we have already repented of.  The foundation is only the beginning, the base of the home - the rest is built upon it.

He changes his focus in the next passage to those who have heard the Gospel, been brought into the fold - so to speak.  They have experienced the Holy Spirit moving and beaconing them into a relationship, they have understood the Word of God, clearly understanding what’s at stake and yet said no… not for me.  

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Balaam was a man whose eyes were opened, he was enlightened (Num. 24:3), and yet with his eyes opened he went down to utter darkness.

We will come across those who though they know, though they experience, are not willing to die to themselves, be humbly submitted, and dive in.  It’s not an issue of understanding for them - they simply hold out. They will not accept Jesus.  Their resistance seems to challenge the doctrine of “irresistible grace” - or were they never really called?

There is much more here to be digested.  This is just a taste. Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Meat Eaters.”  Today we are in Hebrews
5.

We all grow up and mature physically. We no longer live on a milk diet.  It’s just part of the process.  We would think it odd if it was different.  Not only that, our bodies wouldn’t function well.  We need more to live, milk is no longer sufficient to sustain us.  We need more to function.  More for strength and endurance.  We NEED real food, solid food! Often for us that means MEAT!  

Here the writer uses that idea as an analogy regarding our spiritual maturity.

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Hebrews‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“By this time you ought to be teachers.”  This passage is convicting isn’t it? It doesn’t mean that one day we’re learning the basics and then boom, after conviction - suddenly I’m a teacher.  We cannot skip the growing process.  Offer an infant a piece of steak and they may go ahead and take it.  Without teeth and the ability to process it, you’re in trouble.  It’s not going to end well.

So what is the passage as a whole saying?  If we indeed are processing or applying all that we learn we should be moving on to the next thing - growing up.  Our lives should reflect that growth.  By continual application of the Truth we study, we grow up - then are able to determine good from evil, right from wrong.  We finally begin to get it!  

“…who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The constant use part can’t be skipped.  We don’t mature and get stronger without growth work.  Consider the weight room. Without work we’re not strong enough to push the big weight!  Try it too soon, and look out - someone is gonna get hurt.  Big weight strength takes years to develop!  

I absolutely believe the lack of daily Scripture study, followed by application, is the reason we SEE so many blurred lines in our world today - even within the church. The lines aren’t REALLY blurred!  We simply don’t have the Biblical maturity to see them as they REALLY are - black and white.

A teacher who can’t determine good from evil, right from wrong - especially in the seemingly grey areas is a dangerous thing.  That doesn’t mean throw up the hands and give up if we’re not mature enough to teach others.  It means we get to work so we can.  It’s the expectation.  Matt. 28:19-20 - make Disciples. Making Disciples requires, and assumes we know what we’re talking about.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Throne of Grace Approachers”.  Today we are in Hebrews 4.

The writer begins talking about resting - taking a Sabbath.  What exactly is a Sabbath? God rested on the seventh day, not because He needed rest, but He was showing us something.  We are to do likewise.  We need a refocus, press in to Him day. We ought take a day to grow closer, reflect and study His Word!  The writer makes it clear being in His Word should be a big part of our Sabbath, with his next movement:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Word checks us up.   Convicts us.  It cuts through all the fake smiley face stuff and gets to the real stuff.  As we daily spin through our busy lives… are we living Biblically?  Are we getting sucked into sin?  Are we missing opportunities?  All questions we should consider as we take time to be with Him.  As His Spirit convicts our hearts, and we need to repent and ask forgiveness - we are reminded He’s there for us!  

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He became flesh in Jesus and lived among us!  He gets it!  Don’t hesitate to lay it all before Him.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Daily Encouragers.”  Today we are in Hebrews 3.

With so many alternative voices in the world it’s tough to stay on track.  Being in The Word daily is key (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:9-11; Romans 12:2) Spending time each day in prayer and devotion with The Lord is also a must (John 1:9, Phil 4:6). Even Jesus, who was God, routinely went off to a solitary place to spend time with God the Father (Mark 1:35)!  Looking out the window instead of the mirror and allowing God to work through you to accomplish His Work also keeps you encouraged, grounded and full of Joy (John 15:11).  Putting the things God has commanded into practice builds faith and strength.

There’s something else too - something the writer of Hebrews mentions in this chapter.  Check it out:

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Did you catch it? “Encourage one another daily”.  Who are you encouraging in their walk each day?   We are all in the same boat!  God gave us each other - brothers and sisters in Christ to navigate through life together.  Do you talk about and do God type stuff with your friends - or just worldly stuff?  

You can change that.  It’s not found in the world.  The good stuff comes through Him.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Brothers and Sisters of Jesus”.  Wait what?  That’s not a term we hear everyday.  Today we are in Hebrews 2, and yes, that’s how the writer refers to those who know Jesus.

“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Get a load of this: Brothers and Sisters, as written in the original Greek, is “adelphos” — brethren, literally it means womb-mates. Out of the same womb!  Cool right?

We are forgiven - made holy through His blood shed on the cross for our sins (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). His Holy Spirit indwells us and washes us clean at the time of salvation (Titus 3:5). This is the most miraculous demonstration of love the world has ever seen!  The Truth of the Gospel.  God is sovereign - in control of ALL things (Ephesians  1:11; Romans 8:28). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). That is Truth you can count on, even stake your life on.  
It’s expected you will.

Do you believe?  True Faith is exhibited when times get crazy, and hard, and things happen.  Faith says, I know Gods got this!  I know He’s got a plan and it’s good, EVEN if that plan includes hard stuff (Jeremiah 29:11).

My perspective may not be His perspective as it pertains to what is defined as good… but I TRUST Him with that too.  That is why the writer of Hebrews can open with this reminder:

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t let doubt creep in and cause you to drift away!  Keep your eyes, your faith in Jesus.  He already proved His love.  He went to The Cross and calls you His Brother, His Sister!  He takes care of family!

Love you all!  Your faith is bolstered by digging into the Bible.  Not my words, but Gods inspired Word.  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Greater Than The Angels.”  Today we are in Hebrews 1.  

Although we aren’t sure who wrote Hebrews, the tone, among other things, suggests Paul.  Others argue ot couldn’t be Paul as he was the minister to the Gentiles.  By the text we know it was written to Jews.  Some appear to be believers in danger of falling away, others were not believing.  Some of the Hebrews were twisted up, believing that angels were equal to Jesus - even some suggesting the Archangel Micheal is more powerful.  

The writer spends the bulk of the first chapter making sure the reader understands Jesus is far superior to the angels.

“For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”  Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What’s more, as we get to the end of the chapter he makes it clear that even we, made in Gods image, through The Blood of Jesus - are superior to the angels.  “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Some today are inclined to believe we become angels when we die - we “get our angel wings.” Our loved ones become our “Guardian Angels.” To get there, some have misinterpreted passages such as  Mark 12:25 “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”.  

The context of this passage is marriage and is simply talking about husbands and wives at the resurrection.  Marks reference to angels is ONLY to make the point that we will NOT be married in heaven.  

We are created in the image of God - Angels are not.  We are Co-Heirs with Jesus - Angels are not.  They are forever locked in their 1 time choice - we are not. Demons, the Angels that rebelled with Satan, are not offered forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus - we ARE.  Becoming an Angel would be a step down and simply isn’t The Truth of Scripture.

Guardian Angels - Yes!  Demons are Angels - Yes! We become Angels - no… and thank God for that.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Forgiven and Changed - Forgivers.”.  Today we look at the short letter to Philemon.

Paul writes to Philemon to encourage him to forgive and accept Onesimus as a Brother in Christ and fellow minister of the Gospel.  Why a letter?  Well, Philemon was a wealthy Clossian, and Onesimus was once his slave.  Onesimus ran away.  Based on Paul’s offer to pay back anything he had taken,  he likely robbed Philemon (Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬).

Onesimus gives his life to Jesus and is miraculously changed.  He ends up serving in Paul’s ministry and actually becomes one of the people chosen who deliver Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians.  Once a possibly a thief, he is now a servant for Jesus - by choice (Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭10-13‬).

Paul considers Onesimus his son, likely because it was Paul’s ministry that resulted in his conversion. He’s really grabbed ahold of Paul’s heart.  Paul would like to continue to serve with him but knows it’s right for Onesimus to return to Philemon and face him.  I believe there are some things we can grab on to and apply from this letter:

- No one is beyond the reach of Jesus.  Don’t count yourself or anyone else out.  God is in the business of transforming lives (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6). Then He is all about using the humble, transformed, broken (2 Corinthians 12:9a)!

- Transformation is just the beginning, it comes with expectation.  Expectation that we get to work.  It’s why He saved us (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 5:16). Onesimus got to work!

- Paul appeals to Philemon with expectation he will forgive and accept Onesimus back.  We forgive because He forgives us (Colossians 3:13).  

It’s reasonable to assume that Philemon did forgive, because this inspired letter was preserved. Either way the principle remains.

There’s always something we can grab on to and apply.  See what else you can apply from this short letter.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Reborn”.  Today we wrap up Titus with chapter 3.  

Paul reminds Titus that there was a time when they too were foolish and disobedient.  We all come from somewhere and were all sinners - still are.  We are all saved by Grace - period.  There is none righteous apart from Christ - none.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Never forget that although good works should be demonstrated if we are saved… they do not save us!  It’s only Jesus, it’s ALL Jesus - who washed us clean and renewed us by His Holy Spirit.  

As we purpose to love others well, with the Truth of Jesus - we must remember from where we have come.  We too struggled, and struggle still.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Example Setters.”  Today we are in Titus 2.

Paul starts this chapter by giving Titus some clear guidance as to what he should be teaching both older and younger men and women.  I’m left with a question though… if they have already been following false, distorted teaching why would they now listen to Titus?  I believe the answer is in Paul’s next movement.

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If we do not approach The Word of God and our teaching with seriousness, why would anyone take it seriously?  If we are to be counted as mature followers of Jesus, the example we set should be a good one.  Why would someone listen to and apply what you are teaching if you are not living what you teach?  What’s at stake?  What’s it all for?  It’s for those He’s brought into our midst.  We have a job to do.  

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Grace of God is so powerful and overwhelming!  Through Gods Grace we have the power to overcome all the sin that entangles us.  To be a living example of a life changed, that others might listen and follow.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Pure”.  Today we start the book of Titus.  

There was a problem in Crete.  In fact the very same problem Paul and Timothy were trying to deal with in Ephesus.  Similar to problems we have read about with other churches.  Some Cretan leaders were distorting the truth of Scripture.  They were blending the Word of God with Jewish customs and human myths for financial gain… sound familiar.  Clearly this was, and has always been a problem.  

Paul commissions and sends Titus to get things back on track and to appoint overseers/elders that are squared away.

As we have seen before the key to exposing the false teachers, is rebuking and speaking Truth with the goal of seeing them come to repentance.  

I started today by addressing you all as “Pure”.  How did that sit with you?  Did you feel a bit of conviction?  Did you think to yourself… me, what?  You obviously don’t know me, what I’ve done or what I think.  Maybe that’s true.  But there are powerful Truths in Paul’s closing words in chapter 1.

“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. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You see the one who is dialed in with God sees everything through the eyes of Jesus.  Through the Holy Spirit - like a Jesus filter (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  The one who denies the Truth does not look at anything or reason anything through their Jesus filter.  They have no Jesus filter.  What they have is a broken, human, selfish filter so everything is viewed from that standpoint (Romans 8:5-7).  “What can I get out of it” - is at the forefront of their thinking.  Their actions demonstrate where their hearts are truly at - despite what their mouths may say.

Which one are you?  Somewhere in the middle maybe?  Paul is reminding Titus to make sure and put leaders in place that are grounded.  A leader that is “In it for himself,” is not fit to lead anyone.  

We all squirm when someone calls us pure… Salvation/justification based on our own purity is unattainable (Isaiah 64:6).  But, through the blood of Christ, our sins are forgiven (1 John 1:7), The Holy Spirit washes us clean (Titus 3:5), and the Father sees us as pure (Colossians 1:21-22).  Press into Jesus and let the Holy Spirit be your filter.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Itchy Ears.”  Today we wrap up 2 Timothy with Chapter 4.

Paul leaves Timothy with a little last encouragement and a charge.

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 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.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is much work to be done… let’s break this down a bit.

In order to be prepared to preach The Word in season and out of season Timothy had to be a student of It… remember, a workman approved who could handle it correctly.  

Our personal ministry should involve some rebuke, but with great encouragement - considering others before ourself.  Loving them like Jesus, truly broken over their pain.  At no point do we toss out other parts of Scripture for the sake of obeying another.  It ALL fits together.

There is a time coming, maybe already come, when people will want nothing to do with sound doctrine.  Instead, they want to hear things that make them feel good.  At a time when the world appears to be spiraling out of control, we want answers.  Our ears are itching for them.  At a time like this, when our lives depend on it… do you want The Truth, or do you want someone to tell you something that makes you feel good?  

There are PLENTY of groups and teachers out there that will tell you what you want to hear.  Making people feel good about themselves is big business.  The problem is, if I’m not convicted, why would I change?

Seek Truth!  Know Truth!  Speak Truth!  It’s up to you!  Don’t be content to be spoon fed!  

Love you all! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Thoroughly Equipped.”  Today we are in 2 Timothy 3.

Paul gets real right from the get go!  He lays out a whole list of things that describe a world primed for Jesus’ return.  The world and its people are changing - fast!  Check it out.  Do you think we’re there yet?

They have a form of Godliness but deny its power.  They know the Truth but it does not inform the way they live.  They talk it but they don’t walk it?  Do you see it?  Is that you?  

Our reminder comes at the end of the chapter.  

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You want to KNOW Him, and KNOW you are secure?  You want to be well prepped for anything?  Want to really be used by the God of all creation for amazing stuff!  Gods in the business of using broken, humble, willing tools… not necessarily those with no preparation.

Love you all!  Know The Word!  Know Him! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Approved Workers.”  Today we’re in 2 Timothy 2.

Paul continues to try to encourage Timothy in a desperate situation, reiterating many of the charges he gave him in his first letter.  

Anyone who has been a part of the AWANA program knows this verse…

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As Timothy grows in faith, Paul points out that an “approved worker”, is not ashamed of The True Gospel, or of Jesus.   A good accurate grasp of Scripture is key.  Not twisting or taking out of context but applying/living what It says.  We’re not allowed to change The Word of God to fit what we believe or how we are living. Instead we submit to It, allowing The Word of God to shape us.  Even in the midst of tough stuff - we’re to remain faithful.  Then we will be an example worthy to be followed.

“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.”n2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Flame Fan-ers”. Today we are in 2 Timothy 1.

Paul opens by reminding Timothy to hold on tight to the Faith and teaching he has.  

“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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This gift of God has been given to each believer as well - and has been offered even to those who resist it.  Fan that flame, feed your spiritual nature by digging in to His Word, being obedient to It and pursuing the things of God.

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus…
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9 NIV‬‬

The church leaders in Ephesus had lost their minds.  Greedy, gaining financially from the twisting of The Gospel, they were proud and thought they had it all figured out and those that followed them believed it.  The were drunk on power.  Paul reminds Timothy - it’s all by Gods Grace, through the Blood of Jesus.  Nothing he or we have done to deserve it.  Therefore pursue the Holy life He has called us to… that seems reasonable.  Romans 12:1. At ALL costs.

Love You All!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Content With just Jesus.”  Today we are in 1 Timothy 6.

Paul’s last instructions to Timothy include teaching about those who believe their relationship with God will somehow turn the tables and make them rich.  The Bible never promises, health or wealth… In fact remember Jesus says “in this world we will have trouble” (John 16:33). Suffering is a tool for growth, and blessing (James 1:2-5). Jesus is enough.  No matter the trial He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), and gives us the strength we need to get through (Philippians 4:13).  He knows our real NEEDS before we even ask, (Matthew 6:8) and provides REAL Fruit through The Holy Spirit - even in the midst of the trial (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul, who knows the struggle, (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) reminds Timothy…

“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why so much corruption and deception in our world?  Follow the money!  Money, in our world, provides temporary power.  Money is the tool we use to provide momentary fleeting pleasure and happiness.  We need some to live in the world we find ourselves in, but the things it provides are only temporary… fleeting.  So, we need more.  More money, more temporary stuff.  So, money has a way of taking the primary place in our lives.  Once it gets to that point, we’ll compromise anything for it.  

Remember Matthew’s words in 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

He is the source of all of the REAL Fruit we seek!  Everything else is a temporary manufacturing of false temporary happiness.  

Love you all!  Dig in to the REAL source and live it out!

Good Morning  “Maturing”. Today we are in 1 Timothy 5

Paul lays out a ton of instructions here - for how we should treat each other.  How should we honor the more seasoned ones around us.  How about our ladies, young men, Elders of the Church, Widows, what about those growing in their faith… any instructions for them?  Paul hits it all in this chapter - check it out.

We’ve got a thing or two to learn about how to treat the eldest among us.  Paul starts right off with them.

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬


From how we should care for one another to a warning regarding putting someone into ministry too quickly.

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭22

When someone is on fire for Jesus our first inclination is to get them into an important ministry role, make them a teacher, a leader.  Maybe some of that Jesus excitement will rub off on others.  

However; without the maturation that comes from grinding it out with Jesus daily, in real world situations, where their faith is tested - it’s largely head knowledge.  Head knowledge is easily deceived, twisted, and corrupted.  Mature heart level faith, forged by the Holy Spirit through The Word of God, tested by the struggles of this world -  cannot be shaken.  There’s a difference between “I know this about Jesus”, and “I know Him, and Trust Him.”

We cannot short cut the growth, the growing up in Jesus, the putting our childish ways behind us, parts (1 Corinthians 13:11).  Remember He will carry on to completion the Good Work that He began at Salvation (Philippians 1:6). It’s a process.  Along the way, grow, live accordingly, set the example, trust your elders to know when you are ready.  We ought be more excited about growing and getting ready than we are telling people we’re ready. When ready, we don’t need to tell - those around us see.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “All Who Are Training for Godliness.”  Today we are in 1 Timothy 4

Timothy begins this chapter by acknowledging where all the false teaching is coming from.  

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Wow! When it comes to the twisting of Gods Word, Scripture is clear… the source is evil. On the surface it may not seem that way, the teacher may even claim it’s Biblical -  but remember Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).  It may sound good, it might feed our flesh, but if it isn’t Biblical it definitely isn’t good. Remember it’s easy to get us to believe what we “want” to believe.  Much of Scripture is hard; mold and make us, knock off the sharp edges HARD!

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

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.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Spirit of God living in us is our teacher.  Primed and ready to teach and train up.  The Word of God is our text book.  Spiritual maturity isn’t necessarily related to age, it’s demonstrated by application.  As in “BUT, SET an EXAMPLE.” Anyone who lives It, out, youth included, becomes a convicting example. Those who talk it but don’t walk it… not so much!  Get trained up.  Then live it!  Set an example for all believers.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning "Jesus Reflectors."  Today we are in 1 Timothy 3.  

Paul continues to give Timothy instructions for dialing in the church in Ephesus.  Here Paul begins to speak regarding church leadership - Overseers and Deacons.  Its clear expectations are high.  These passages help to clearly outline the Biblical qualifications for Pastors/Elders and Deacons.  Not every Elder is a vocational Pastor, but every Pastor is an Elder.  Look closely at the requirements and expectations God has for these roles.  It’s why leadership at EFC of E is set up the way that it is. We don’t make up these qualifications they come right out of His Word.

Maybe you don't find yourself in one of these official roles.  What’s the application for you? We’ve recently finished Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Remember this verse:

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We all represent Jesus, and are expected to grow to the point that we reflect Jesus in every aspect.  That’s sanctification. Shouldn’t we then ALL meet the minimum requirements of Overseers and Deacons?  Shouldn’t we at least purpose to do so through The Word of God taught by The Spirit of God?

We're all His ambassadors as though He was making His plea through us (2 Corinthians 5:20).  May we reflect Him well, and honor Him in all we do.  May our lives look different - that's the point. We should look like Jesus.  

The question is... do we?  

Love you all!  Dig in!  Look, and love like Jesus!

Good Morning “Holy Hands Lifted Prayer Warriors.”  Today we are in 1 Timothy 2.  

Paul gives Timothy some instructions for the church, some for men and some for women.  Remember the church in Ephesus was twisted up… Paul’s giving Timothy instructions to get them back on track.  Check it out. It all starts with prayer.  

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We've got to be people of The Word and people of prayer.  Notice who we're praying for.  All people?  Yes even those we don't get along with, but also for kings and authorities.  In our World that means our government - All of those who have been given authority over us by God according to Romans 13. We may not agree with, or be of the same party affiliation as our some of our government leaders but we should never cease praying for them.  We can always pray that God direct their hearts!  We can pray that they might receive Godly counsel, know and apply The Truth of Gods Word.

Continue reading to see who God expects to lead the prayer, and how they ought present themselves in the process.  

This entire chapter serves to help the church in Ephesus understand Gods order.  Our Lord through Paul lays it out in black and white. We must be careful not to do exactly what Ephesus was doing; feed our flesh by twisting it, adding to it, or taking away from it.

See also Ephesians 5:21-27

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Recognizers of False Teaching.”  Today we begin 1 Timothy with Chapter 1.

This distorting the Truth thing was wide spread - as it is today.  The leaders of the Ephesian Church were distorting, twisting, and adding to the True Gospel Paul had preached.  Paul sends Timothy in to clean it up.  This is Paul’s 1st letter to Timothy while he is there.  He gets right to it…

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Are you a student of the Word of God?  Are you getting there?  With each new letter or writing from Paul it becomes more apparent that this false teaching, twisting thing infected just about everybody.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise to us frankly - it’s what Satan did in the garden.  He’s not creative.  His tactics are the same.  In Genesis 3 God said don’t eat from that one tree, and Satan immediately distorts what God said.  “He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

Did you catch it?  God said one tree is bad, Satan says ANY tree, immediately making Gods command seem unreasonable.  Distorting seems to be contagious because then Eve answers with no we can eat from any tree  “but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬. Did you catch that?  God never said DON’T TOUCH it!  Eve added that.  

Do you know The Word of God well enough to recognize false teaching?  As wide spread as it is, we better get there.  

We are called to share It as well.  Share what?  Thats a good question.  We gotta know It if we’re gonna share it!  

Love you all!  Dive in!  Know it! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Producers”.  Today we finish 2 Thessalonians with chapter 3.

Paul closes with a warning - stay away from any believer who is idle and disruptive.  The NASB says “every brother who leads an unruly life…”. The King James Version says “walketh disorderly”.  What is Paul talking about?  Is he talking about those that simply aren’t serious about life?  Partying it up?  Stirring up trouble?  “Unruly” would suggest they were out of control.  Likely yes, but there’s more.  It seems to be tied to them not providing for themselves and their families as well.  Check out the rest of what Paul says in context:

“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when I we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.””
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

From 2024-2025 the US spent a reported 1.8 Trillion Dollars on Welfare programs.  Those numbers are independent from social insurance programs like Social Security and Medicare which hard working tax payers pay into.  

Let me remind you the government really has no money, it comes from working people who pay taxes.  We pay for those programs.  Now, truly some are in need, and would work and produce if they could… but trillion with a T???  Let me also remind you that caring for those in need was never the governments job, it was the church’s (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Leviticus 19:9-10; Timothy 5:3-16; Ephesians 4:28; Acts 20:35).  

In fact our government (Franklin D Roosevelt) stepped in after the “Great Depression” looking to provide temporary assistance, a safety net for qualifying families in desperate need. It seems now, for some who take advantage - it has become an opportunity, a permanent way of life.

This isn’t political - it’s Biblical. There is nothing new under the sun.  Paul was addressing the fact that some were taking when they should have been producing.  It’s the same today!  

Some things to note about Paul’s teaching here.  

- He is talking about “Believers” here.  Why would we expect a lost person to live Biblically.  Free money or food, “I’m in!”  But the Follower of Christ should understand their responsibility, and understand that it’s really not free - someone is paying the bill!  

- He’s talking about Believers “unwilling” to work.  Some are not able.  The key here, as always, is - where is the heart?

- He’s saying don’t associate with them because we know “Bad company corrupts good intentions / morals” 1 Cor. 15:33

If you’re about the party, living your best life now, living off your parents or the government (other working people) or someone else… Paul says “you don’t eat!”  Wow… sound harsh?  Take it up with the one who inspired Scripture…

Love you all! Be a producer, a helper!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Restrainers”.  Today we are in 2 Thessalonians 2.

Remember… after Paul taught the Thessalonians about the Rapture and the 2nd Coming (The Day of The Lord),  some were saying Paul taught that the Rapture had already happened.  Paul is addressing those false teachings with this 2nd letter.  You see, the Thessalonians were suffering so much they believed they had missed the Rapture and were living in the Tribulation.  

To address that, Paul goes into further detail, describing what must happen before Jesus returns, this time to judge.  Let’s be clear, Paul is talking about several different events, which together can be confusing.  The Rapture of The Church (True Believers), The rise of the AntiChrist, The Apostasy or Rebellion, some of whom may claim Christ, but aren’t TRUE believers, The Tribulation, then The Return of Christ to judge.  He mentions them all in this chapter.  

He is urging the Thessalonians not to fear.  They have not missed the Rapture.  Until the Holy Spirit, who lives in every True Believer is removed the next things cannot happen.  

“And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

The Holy Spirit who indwells every believer - is the restrainer.  We are holding back the “Man of Lawlessness” (AntiChrist).  When we are removed (rapture), the AntiChrist makes his claim to be god, those remaining  turn and deny any faith they may have had (apostasy), which fuels 7 years of tribulation, and then the return of Christ to Judge.  This is the order Paul is laying out.

In some measure, even though our world appears dark already, our being here is keeping Evil at bay.  To be clear, it’s not us, but The Holy Spirit in us.  Paul is saying they, we must be taken out,  for end time events to begin.  That is the Rapture.  After believers that have already died are raised, He gathers us.  “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you know Jesus, no need to fear!  Let the Holy Spirit restrain through you!  You are Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)! Awesome that Father does this through us by His indwelling Spirit!!!


Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!