1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 ~ made holy by the word of God and prayer

 

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

    vindicated by the Spirit,

        seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

    believed on in the world,

        taken up in glory.

4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Keeping Spiritually Nourished.

Why the Ascension in Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1?  We know where Jesus went. We don't have to think He lives in Fiji and doesn't call. And we don't have to think Jesus went with Titus to Crete to see the Dispersion. The Ascension is feeding our souls with the idea this is for God's Purpose. This literally is a higher calling. 

John 1 begins with the wonder of God. Everything Jesus does in the Father's plan.

We are well to be kept Spiritually Nourished. 

Not depleted. Not to poke at every little thing. God of mercy over sacrifice. To keep what is important. To love well. Seeing and living in the bigger picture. And choosing when to be Brave to speak up.

We don't need smoke and mirrors to find all out. We try to live this Spiritual Nourishment with Joy: 

Philippians 4

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 

 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I have found when we are trusting in the Lord, we can do all things. In choppy water event times, it becomes pretty easy to be tossed about.  Jesus told us Days will come. And voilà. 

And the top of the charts for concern is what the Children of Israel felt going forth for 40 years in the desert - "Is the Manna coming tomorrow and how do I feel about Manna?" Is there a Biblical answer to this Biblical series of days? Yes. When Adam and Eve had themselves thrown out of Eden, the Scriptures tell us they 'joined the others." God prepared for them a place to go. Even after Eden was not open to them. How bad was the Exodus Desert? A cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. There was enough comfort the Children of Israel could leave Jericho, the oasis of Jericho. 

Imagine being Jacob. Leaving Israel for dire hunger and need. Leaving the Promised Land. Jacob probably wondered all the way to Egypt if stealing a blessing from Esau was a good idea.  God prepared such a place for Jacob, he realistically and with love blessed his sons.

The Lord provides a way out of the temptation to be coldhearted. 

The mystery of godliness. 

Adam knows he belongs to God. Jacob knows he belonged to God. David, living in a ditch with his family kidnapped, knew he belonged with God. Paul wrote he didn't know when he would be with his friends again, he would see how it would go with him. The circumstance of life, we have found collectively, can have wide variations. 

Critics loath the Bible. Loathe the rules, loathe anything seen as unkind and hypocritical. Like wars and killing. No one argues Ukraine shouldn't defend themselves.  No one is going to urge their Ukraine children to marry in with the Russians anytime soon. Very similar to the Bible. For good reason. Jesus fought bad opinions every day. Unpleasant parts of life are present.

Jacob stole his blessing and ran off to live with his uncle Laban. Laban taught Jacob what it was to be robbed by someone you love.  Jacob neglected to love the people God gave him,  Rachel died suddenly. More time with the group of people, Jacob declared, not the goal.  Reuben, and a few of the sons, had some blow back for being 'not the goal people." Bilhah, might have been trying to have the last ha.

It's very possible, as we tell the Lord, in the vast USA prayer life we have more meaningful goals.

How will stay with our goal to remain close to the Lord?

1. Sincerity. Who we are and where we are. 

We see so many harsh things in the Bible. In dealing with harsh circumstance, we are invited to be part of the Lord upholding the Universe with His Word.  God is not shocked when we feel life has shocked us.  Millenniums of life has occurred in front of the Lord. The Lord invites Aaron into the Holy of Holies and understands the price upon this.  God cleans up when we stay with Him and His Word. 

Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

Fight the Good Fight

Abraham argued with God to save people from His wrath. David let God know Uzzah should be alive. Mary and Martha spoke with Jesus about their hearts. Nicodemus wanted only to explore Jesus. But in the true search for Goodness, Nicodemus found Jesus to be real and Messiah.

2. Love the Lord God Almighty with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.

3. By seeing your Blessings, He provides.

Philippians 4:8  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

4. Love the Lord by reading His Word and fighting the good fight to know His nature. His Promises. His Determination and Will.

Numbers 23:19

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Numbers 23:19

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 1:2 

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us

5. Salvation is a gift of God. We cannot earn God's Salvation. We do not save people. We do what we can for Jesus to be presented in our lives.  Jesus and His Father save the world in Jesus Christ. 

Jesus told us all have fallen. For several decades, there has been a debate if we can look at a verse of God's Word and understand God. Jesus tells us God's Word is so important and so very all encompassing Jesus fills every iota and dot.  When we are distressed, a song praising God can find the right words to soothe us. A verse can change life back to Joy.  Always be impressed with God's Word. All He did was say, "Let there be Light." And there is.

The work of mankind is to Believe the One He has sent. Jesus Christ.

Matthew 12:17-19

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,

    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud,

    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

20 a bruised reed he will not break,

    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,

until he brings justice to victory

John 15:17

This is My command to you: 

Love one another.

We know James' journey to Believe Jesus. James believed his own journey would benefit others who journey. Not all, who wander or wonder, are lost.

James 1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Abba, Father,

We Give Thanks today, for Scott's Brother, Pieter.

He visited so many orphans and widows, the State of New Jersey

recognized his life and named a Group Home after him.

Love in All Aspects. 

Dwell in us to know every aspect,

season and flavor of our being.

Dwell in those we Love and pray for.

And in Your Goodness

Help us each day to Seek You First

in Jesus Christ we will finish well.

In Your Mercy and Sustaining Love

we will walk the Path and Journey You have given us.

The Direction of Your Love

makes our weakness

the Strength of Jesus the Lord.

The Scriptures are real.

Life has Trouble. In Jesus Christ we overcome.

Daily with Jesus.

Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, 

even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Bless this Vastly Praying to Jesus Christ Nation,

The United States of America.

Bless us with Your Love and Help.

Bless Ukraine

dwelling peacefully beside their neighbor. 

Proverbs 14:22

Do not those who contrive evil go astray? 

But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.

Let us plan goodness

and find loving devotion

and faithfulness.

Bless those in new circumstances.

Bless those in ill health determined to find beauty and good work.

Bless those finding these days harassing and not the normal.

Bless families to share time and Love.

In Jesus, we make our prayer

and say Alleluia for His Answers.

Amen.

Roads of Heaven

We pray for God's Good Creation

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Jesus, God of Encouragement.

Jesus, Hope and Future.

Jesus the Lord

saves the world

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Acts 18 ~ showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus

 

Acts 18

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 

7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Paul is blazing a path. Not by himself, with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Paul left Athens after The Lord has caused Athens, the people who love to think about works of God, gods, in an uproar, with the idea the Unknown God has Heaven as an afterlife. 

Again and again, Paul is before the government, explaining why there is a new Heaven and a new earth. Even Claudius has felt the change, Claudius tightened down on any religion not promoting Roman gods. 

The text tells us Paul is strengthening the believers. He has Crispus believing in Jesus, and Crispus is ruler of the Synagogue. Unfortunately, Sosthenes, the other ruler of the Synagogue, is beaten by tribunals. This doesn't look good for Corinth becoming a Christian Church builder. 

We cannot underestimate what a miracle Christianity is. Jesus Christ, Messiah, Son of God. Alive. 

And we will look ahead at Sosthenes. God cares even for the sparrow.

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Matthew 19:26 

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Luke 1:37 

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Jeremiah 32:17 

‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

Mark 10:27 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Job 42:2 

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Genesis 18:14 

Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jeremiah 32:27 

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

Isaiah 46:10 

Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Luke 18:27 

But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Numbers 11:23 

And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord's hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”

Hebrews 6:18 

So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Mark 9:23 

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Matthew 17:20 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 11:24 

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Proverbs 3:6 

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, 

because God is love.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

2 Corinthians 4:4 

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Romans 8:28 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:31  

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

The first six minutes of the video, are the sights and places of Acts 18.

Abba, Father,

How do we pray with such joy and expectation?

Jesus told us to Pray and always have Hope.

Father, dwell in us, please help us to found Joyful to You.

Help us to seek You first.

Bless those I love and the People You've given me

to have You dwell in us all and Help us all Seek You First.

Bless families to be strong and congruent.

Thank You for Mothers. Lord Jesus.

Strong in Jesus Christ.

Father, it is in the heart, mind and soul of all of our prayers

 Your Kingdom is seen more and more on this earth.

We pray Thank You and Gratitude for the birds who were ill in 11 

of the United States

to end the illness of Covid and join in this like the bird recovery.

We pray for Covid to leave Europe and the world.

Jesus has said to me and to you, "Pray for more of God's Good Kingdom

to be done on earth as in Heaven."

What astonishing Good Fortune!

How Blessed we are to Serve the God of Love.

Love God, Love His Creation, Ask for This Marvelous Help!

Pray with Hope, Expect You to be Pleased and Thrilled

and filled with Love at this Prayer.

And in the Power and Glory of the Highest Name of Jesus,

we will begin to look and see more of God's Heaven on this earth.

For our Nation

For all Your Good Creation

and Ukraine.

Bless us all to Finish Well.

The Bible is being Incredibly Read These Years

Have All Hope.

Lift again tired dog path knees and straighten again

Hebrews 12:11-15

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, 

but later it yields 

the peaceful fruit of righteousness 

to those who have been trained by it. 

Therefore lift 

your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 

  and make straight paths for your feet, 

so that what is lame may not be put out of joint 

but 

rather 

be healed! 

14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; 

that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, 

and by it many become defiled.

Psalm 134

A Song of Ascents.

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,

who stand by night in the house of the Lord!

2 Lift up your hands to the holy place

and bless the Lord!

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,

he who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 102

He looked down from His holy height;

from heaven the Lord looked at the earth,

20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,

to set free those who were doomed to die,

21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord,

and in Jerusalem his praise,

22 when peoples gather together,

and kingdoms, to worship the Lord.

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26 They will perish, but you will remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,

27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.

28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure;

their offspring shall be established before you.

Psalm 111

2 Great are the works of the Lord,

studied by all who delight in them.

3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,

and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered

the Lord is gracious and merciful.

5 He provides food for those who fear him;

he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,

in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy;

8 they are established forever and ever,

to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption to his people;

he has commanded his covenant forever.

Holy and awesome is His name!

Let the Love God is Strengthen us to Joy.

Our Path to be in His Plan.

In the Wonderful and the 

Highest Name of Jesus Christ.

Amen in His Joy. Amen.

Jesus, God of Encouragement.

Jesus, Hope and Future.

Jesus the Lord

saves the world

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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