Monday, December 24, 2012

Devo from 1 Tim.4:15-16

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.--1 Tim.4:15-16 Diligence---that is a word that needs attention by everyone, but in this context especially Christians. It is in the daily grind that we can get derailed. We are easily distracted, and life becomes distorted when we stray from living as God would have us live; and as we truly want to live down-deep. This is why it is so important that we turn our attention to the Scriptures early and often. How often? As often as necessary to keep us on track. The Bible contains the teaching and doctrine that we desire to live by as followers of Jesus. Yet, many tune them out. Oh, not intentionally. We tune them out by not going to the Bible on a regular basis. The Word is a rock, and it certainly is "a lamp unto our feet." We must be diligent (highly intentional and in tune), so others see our progress and that progress impacts them as well. We all need the encouragement to stay in the race. By watching your own life and keeping with Scripture and persevering you will save yourself a lot of heartache. Also, you will help a lot of sojourners in this walk of life as well. So, stay dialed in! Be diligent in the study and teaching of God's Word. Remember, diligence leads to perseverance; and perseverance is that quality that sees to it that we finish the race. Be diligent daily and finish well.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Fight of Faith

Paul instructs his young disciple Timothy so that he can fight the good fight of faith. It is a battle. It is daily. It is every believer's battle. We can't let our guard down for a minute. These battles are most often lost in the seconds of life. The enemy seeks to knock us out. He looks for an opening to get a jab in and eventually a fatal blow. He is patient. He will wait us out. Stay steady, hold on to faith and good conscience. How? Do the basics: devotion to Christ in study of the Word and in prayer,get an accountability partner to keep you focused, and share Jesus regularly with others to grow. These are how we stay strong. Some have rejected these and have consequently "shipwrecked their faith." Paul even names a couple of guys who were sent to the "dark-side" to be taught a lesson. Don't go there! Be preventive by not merely assimilating information from your study of Scripture, but applying the information. Hang in there!--{Devotion taken from 1 Tim.1:18-20)