“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9)

October 26, 2011

Important qualification for pastors/elders. Like a relay race runner they must “hold firmly” the baton of the Word as it was passed to them. Their task is to pass it on without dropping it. How firm is your faith grip?

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:1-2)

October 25, 2011

Don’t go to worship, bring your worship with you. Too many of us arrive at services dry and grumbling, then we rate the worship of others, hoping their worship will ignite ours. Instead, “Come” worshiping!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)

October 24, 2011

Theopneustos – God-breathed. The Bible is a spiritual book and it is spiritually discerned. It is not only for knowledge but for practice. It is useful. Christ uses the Word to wash us and to conform us to His image, preparing us for our wedding day.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2)

October 23, 2011

Spiritual multiplication strategy. I teach you and you teach three and they teach three and we reach the world with the gospel. Two questions: Are you on the road for Jesus? And who are you taking with you?

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)

October 22, 2011

Wisdom understands that our time here is short, so don’t waste your life. Live for God with passion, power, and a sense of Divine urgency. If the “length of our days is seventy,” then stop thinking of retirement. Let God use you up and all the more till the end.

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28)

October 21, 2011

Anything can come in or out. There is no gate or filter for what this one allows in his mind, heart and body. There is no control for what he spews out either. But the Fruit of the Spirit is love… and self-control. Let the Spirit rebuild your walls and be the guard at your gates.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22)

October 20, 2011

Good leadership advice. Before promoting someone to lead, put them through a time of testing. See if they are FAT (Faithful, Available, Teachable), then set them apart and give them authority. Better to be short on leaders for a little while than to rush to raise up those who will disappoint and do harm.

“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1)

October 19, 2011

Shouldn’t the One who made man’s mouth receive our songs and praise? What words and songs fill your mouth? Have you taught your children and grandchildren to sing “Jesus Loves Me?” Their mouths only repeat what they hear from ours.

“The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:31-33)

October 18, 2011

We are the recipients of this New Covenant of which Jeremiah prophesied. It is Jesus the Christ that has redeemed us and given us these new minds and hearts.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

October 17, 2011

Christians are to pray for those in authority regardless of political persuasion. We should be marked by our identity in Christ, not by donkeys and elephants.