Scripture
"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16)

Observation
Paul's charge to Timothy as little to do with others and everything to do with his own doctrine and behavior. He is to carefully examine his own behavior to see whether or not it is aligned with the truth God has shown him. It is not enough to know the truth, that truth must also govern our attitudes and actions. Timothy is also to give careful attention to what he is teaching others. He is not responsible for what they do with it once they receive it, but he is responsible to safeguard the  transmission of truth so that they have everything they need to live in a manner that pleases God.  If his life is in alignment with God's Word and his teaching is consistent and trustworthy, people will be saved.

Application
We often pay too close attention to the behavior of others when that attention needs to be directed inwardly. Paul teaches that my behavior is my responsibility. This is where the focus of my energies must be. It is of little concern to me whether or not others are living in a way that pleases God if my own life is in disarray. I must avoid the distraction afforded by the lifestyles of those around me and make certain that what I do is in line with what I know to be true. If I give careful attention to my behavior, I show myself to be trustworthy. If I don't, then my message is immediately discounted because no one will accept the testimony of a fraud or a hypocrite. For people to come to salvation, it is not enough for me to tell them the truth. I must model it for them as well.

Prayer
Lord, help me to live in a way that brings people into a saving relationship with You. Help me to respond quickly to Your voice when You bring correction and to let Your Word govern my behavior. I want to live in a way that reflects Your love and passion to my community. Help me to see myself clearly and to pay attention to the things that You say are important, letting the rest fall by the wayside.

 

Scripture
"Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord  , I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the Lord  opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17)

Observation
The king of Aram sent his army to capture Elisha because he was frustrated that God was revealing his battle plans to Elisha before the king could spring his trap. When his army surrounds the city where Elisha and his servant are staying, the servant begins to panic because they have neither the men nor the defenses to withstand the attack. Elisha, nonplussed, prays that God would open his servant's eyes to the unseen reality of the presence of the army of God. There are forces at work that we cannot see with our natural eyes protecting and contending for us. There is a mighty power at work that impacts the natural realm but is only discerned in the spiritual realm.

Application
I have to trust that, as Elisha said to his servant, those who are with (me) and mightier than those who are against (me). God may be challenged, but He will never be defeated. I may be challenged, but I will not be defeated. The only hope the enemy of my soul has against me, is that I would retreat in fear. I cannot be overcome by force, but I can be coerced to surrender if I give in to fear and doubt. God's power at work in the believer is mightier than any challenge hell can throw at them. We need not retreat and we need not surrender. What we do need, is the eyes of our hearts to be opened so that we can see what our enemy already clearly sees. That the army of God is arrayed in battle formation around us to preserve, protect and provide.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes as you did the eyes of Elisha's servant. I want the discernment to clearly see what is going on around me. Forgive me for the moments when my focus has been on my adversary rather than on my deliverer. I am confident in Your ability to overcome and to make me an overcomer with You. Thank You for constantly and consistently warring on my behalf. I am grateful that I don't face challenges alone, but with Your Spirit to guide and protect me so that I cannot be defeated. Give me the strength, courage and focus to persevere. Help me to be like King Jehosophat, praising You in the midst of challenge and thanking You in advance for victories to come.
 

Scripture
"Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, "My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?" (2 Kings 5:13)

Observation
When Elisha told Namaan  to bathe in the Jordan River to be cleansed of his leprosy, he was angry. He expected better treatment and a bigger deal to be made of his arrival. Instead of doing something exciting and dramatic, or asking Namaan to do something challenging and exotic, he simply asked him to bathe himself. His servants pointed out that Namaan would have been willing to meet any challenge the prophet presented him with in order to be cleansed. Why not take the simple step of obedience rather than demand a more difficult path?

Application
Sometimes Jesus makes things really simple. When He does, we need to obey. We are often willing to try  working harder or longer to make things happen because, like Namaan, we don't think things could ever be as simple as Jesus makes them out to be. He's not constrained by our  understanding or limited by our abilities. He can keep it as simple as He wants to. When I ask for a miracle, I should do what the miracle-worker tells me to do.

Prayer
Lord, help me to trust that You know what You are doing. I want to respond to you correctly the first time, not need to be reminded by others that Your way is better than mine. Help me to get it right when simple obedience, not hard work, is the answer. Forgive me for the times I have wasted time by insisting that I do it  my way rather than Yours.

Scripture
"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (1 Timothy 1:5)

Observation
Many in Ephesus had turned from the primary purpose of Paul's instruction in the faith and had, instead, turned to the study of endless genealogies and other, fruitless, pursuits. The effort they were putting into these, trivial arguments was wasted because it did nothing to bring people closer to Jesus. Paul clarifies for Timothy exactly what his teaching and time in God's Word was meant to produce. It should teach people to love purely, live righteously and believe wholeheartedly. This is the primary pursuit of those who teach.

Application
Paul taught with a specific end in mind. There were things that he would be able to observe in his listeners that would tell him his teaching was having the desired effect. Conversely, the absence of the same things would show that he was not being fruitful. Teaching that does not work to produce one of these three things is not worth the time, energy and effort that is being afforded it. Anything else we work to develop is a waste of effort. We must teach people to love one another purely, as Christ loves us. We must teach people to live in a way that reflects the grace, values and actions of Christ himself. We must help people to develop such a deep relationship with Jesus that they believe wholeheartedly whatever He might say to them. This is the pursuit of a pastor, or teacher or anyone who undertakes to disciple others, and it must be mine.

Prayer
Lord, help me not to become distracted by other topics that might tickle the ear or be appealing to people, but not produce change in their lives. You have not called me to entertain or educate. You have called me to share a transformational gospel that will change people's lives. If what I do and what I teach does not produce that kind of a radical realignment of values and behaviors, then I am not doing an adequate job and I need you to show me how to do it better.

Scripture
"The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." But Jehoshaphat said, "Let not the king say so." (I Kings 22:8)

Observation
The king of Israel surrounded himself with "prophets" who would only tell him what he wanted to hear. He closed himself off from the one prophet in the land who had the ability to rightly discern the Word of God. Because he was unwilling to humble himself and listen to the correction the prophet would bring, he closed himself off from any true instruction. He was surrounded by lies and embraced it as truth.

Application
We can't dictate truth, nor can we change it when it is not appealing to us. Just because we refuse to listen to the truth does not make it any less true. The king of Israel was going to continue to hear a negative report as long as he persisted in worshiping other gods and sacrificing to idols. You cannot expect that bad behavior will be met with favor. He knew the truth, but suppressed it because he did not want to yield himself to it. It is always better to allow people to speak difficult truths to you than to live in your own self-deception. The isolation that the king created for himself may have kept him from hearing harsh words, but it also cost him his life. Better the temporary pain of correction than the permanent pain of destruction.

Prayer
Lord, help me to be a man who is quick to receive, and act on, correction. I don't want to surround myself with sycophants who will only tell me what I "want" to hear. Give me trusted me and women in my life who will have the courage to speak words to me that I may not like. I want to have a heart that is quick to change course when what I am doing does not please you. Help me to live in a way that brings glory to you and encouragement to others.

Scripture
"Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

Observation
God's Word is not intended as a guide or an external influence, it is meant to infuse every fiber of my being. The picture of the prophet Ezekiel eating the scroll is an apt metaphor for the role the Bible is meant to play in my life. It is not enough to  read it, it must be absorbed and internalized in order to provide nourishment and encouragement. It has to live in me. It should govern my thoughts and actions, and that can only happen as it is digested over time.

Application
God's Word must be a priority in the life of the believer. Without a steady diet of Christ's teaching we begin to look to other things for our nourishment. There is much in life that can add flavor to our lives, but the Word of God must be the primary, foundational component. I have to let it judge my thoughts and attitudes. It is not enough to read as an activity or even as a spiritual discipline. I must engage with God's Word in a way that transforms me from the inside as it "dwells in me". Behavior modification is never the goal. Our goal is a transformed heart that leads to a change in behavior. This is only made possible as I submit myself to Christ's instruction and chose to live accordingly.

Prayer
Lord, help me to continue to engage You in Your Word. It is a great gift and the most effective discipleship tool I have ever been given. I want to give it the primary place in my life. Holy Spirit, as I read, convict me of the things that don't please you and I will change my attitudes and behaviors. Thank you for the way it safeguards me against failure and pain. Thank You for loving me enough to communicate clearly with me.
 

Scripture
"Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." (1 Kings 17:9)

Observation
God appointed a widow to care and provide for Elijah during the drought before the drought ever began. He knew what the nation would go through, and Elijah in particular. The drought and accompanying famine were the direct result of Elijah's prophecy, and yet, God made sure that he did not feel its full effect. He made something out of nothing. The widow had a small amount of flower and a small amount of oil. God gave her a willing heart and provided for her, her son, and their unexpected house guest. God lines up the provision before we even know about the need.

Application
Most of us who face famine with a little flour and oil, hoard it. God's  miraculous power was brought to bear in her life as she gave it away. It is a difficult thing to give out of our lack, but it is only there that we see God's provision. Elijah obeyed God in delivering a dangerous message to a dangerous man. God honored that obedience and cared for him in ways that defied convention. He is visited by angels and cared for by a poor widow on the brink of starvation. We look to the wealthy to help out of their excess. God looks for the willing to help out of their lack. I need to respond to people as if I have enough for both of us, trusting God to make up what is lacking. If I don't offer him anything, he can't multiply it. The widow was starving, she was making her last meal. When she gave it away it became her lifeline. God provides. Nothing is impossible for him.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your generosity and Your provision. Nothing is impossible for You and no need is to great for You to meet. Use me to meet the needs of others. Help me to be generous with my time, my money and my affection. Forgive me for the selfish thought patterns that have led me to hoard what should be given away. All I have is Yours. I trust You to give me what I need to live and to walk out Your will for me. You are greater than our economy and stronger than our stock market. You are not driven by oil prices or confined by the strength of the dollar. You are the God who provides and I trust you.
 

Scripture
"For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." (Colossians 1:29)

Observation
Paul had a clear assignment from God that he was meant to fulfill. God not only gave him responsibility,but the power and the strength to see it through. It was not that Paul didn't have to work diligently, but that God's power would come to rest upon him as he labored. He was striving according to God's power, not his own, and when he understood who was supposed to be doing the heavy lifting, he was effective and fruitful.

Application
I can work hard with God or without God. I can strive according to His power or according to my own. If I want to be fruitful,I have to remember that I am always far more effective with Him than I am without Him. The mark of a healthy life, is not how hard I work but how fruitful that work is. I don't have an axe to grind or a battle to fight. It's His axe and it's His fight. My job is just to allow Him to work through me. My primary responsibility is to abide in Him and let Him provide the strength and encouragement that I need. When Peter and John appeared before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4, the rulers took note that they had, "been with Jesus." That's my responsibility and that's my role.

Prayer
Lord, help me to be grounded in you.  I know that I am never stronger than when I am with You and I am never more productive than when You guide me. Forgive me for running ahead and fighting battles that You aren't even concerned with. I what to strive according to your power and not my own. I want to know that Your power is working mightily within me and to see the fruit that comes from it. Help me to be patient, humble, content and effective.

Scripture
"Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, "Lord, there is no one besides You to help  in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord  , You are our God; let not man prevail against You." (2 Chronicles 14:11)

Observation
Asa and Judah were confronted by an enemy they had no hope of defeating. The Ethiopians had a two-to-one advantage in men and arms, and yet, Judah had no choice. They had to fight. Unwilling to surrender, Asa did the only thing he could; he called out to God for help. Because he trusted God, and His promises to Judah, he was willing to put his entire military might at risk to battle his enemies. He advanced in the face of insurmountable odds because he knew that God helps, "in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength." And He did. God honored Asa's prayer and routed the Ethiopian army.

Application
Whenever there is a conflict between the powerful and those who have no strength, God will always side with those who have no strength. This is why He tells us that if we humble ourselves, He will lift us up. Whenever I try to rely on my own strength, I am battling on my own. Whenever I approach God in humility and acknowledge by need and dependence on Him, he fights for me. I am better off remaining in a position of "weakness" than I am assuming a posture of strength. Paul wrote that God's power is "made manifest" in my weakness. In the places where I lack strength, God's strength makes up the difference. I can have the confidence to fight the strongest foe and to win the most lopsided battle as long as I remember that Christ is my strength. It is in those moments that the Scripture' "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," comes to life.

Prayer
Lord, nothing is impossible for You. There is no obstacle You can't remove, no battle You can't win and no enemy You can't defeat. I would rather rely on Your strength than be left to my own. I confess that I am powerless without You and that I cannot be defeated with You. Lead me forward and I will follow. Thank you for assuring my success and safeguarding my way. I like my odds.

 

Scripture
"Now Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen from all the tribes of Israel to put His name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonitess." (1 Kings 14:22)

Observation
This is the legacy of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever rule Israel. Though he knew God's clear prohibition against it, he married a woman who was not from the people of Israel and who worshiped others Gods. Now, when he has died and his son has ascended to the throne, the nation is led astray to idol worship by a man whose mother worships idols. Solomon's decision to operate contrary to the wisdom God had given him not only led to his demise, but his legacy was one of desolation and destruction. He was celebrated for all he had accomplished, but what he built did not last beyond his lifetime. A divided nation fell into idol worship and under the power of the Egyptian army because Solomon embraced pagan practices rather than separating himself to God.

Application
We have no idea how impacting  our disobedience can be. Solomon did not see the destructive nature of his sin in his own lifetime, but he was not protected from it. Every sin has a consequence. It was his family and his nation who paid the price for his failure to remain separate. His desire to embrace the pagan practices of the cultures God had told Israel to remove completely, and his lust for the woman of different lands put an idol worshiper in the position of power behind the throne and led God's people astray. There is no room for compromise. While we are clearly charged to engage the culture in which God has placed us, it is to that we can be agents of change and a positive influence affecting healing and restoration among broken. When we surrender to the influence of the culture we are meaning to restore because what it has to offer becomes attractive to us, we have lost our positions as leaders in the community. It terms of relationship, we must be fully engaged with our community. In terms of value systems, we must be altogether separate.

Prayer
Lord, help me to affect the proper balance between being "in the world" but not "of it". I want to be fully engaged with the people in my community so that I can offer help when they are in need and words of hope when they struggle. I don't, however, want to align myself with unhealthy values systems that will compromise my witness and my effectiveness. Please give me the wisdom and the discipline to be fully engaged with the world and yet remain fully submitted to you.