Play Dough (Jeremiah 18, 2 Timothy 3)

The Israelites were bent on doing what they wanted to do with their lives instead of following God's plans for their lives (Jeremiah 18:12). Israel had seemingly forgot that God was the potter and that they were the clay. God had given Israel time to repent (18:5-10). However, because Israel would not repent, God announces judgment to come (18:16-17). Jeremiah 19 is yet another example of God being the Potter and Israel being the clay. We are no different than the Israelites. God has given mankind time to repent before the day of Judgment comes. Man tends to forget that God is the Potter and that man is the clay and that no matter what man chooses in this life, God is still in control. Take time to acknowledge today that God is in control despite the choices that you make.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17 represent two seperate idealogies. The godless are many in our day (3:1-9), yet the godly man or woman is hard to find (3:10-17). As you read through these two passages, do the characteristics of the first or second passage identify more to your life? What changes can you make to become more like a man or woman of God?

Am I like Jeremiah? (Jeremiah 15-17, 2 Timothy 2)

Jeremiah 15:1 contains some steep words from God's mouth concerning judgment against his people. God's mind had been made up and there was no one who could change it. God, however, would rescue only Jeremiah, if he repented, from the coming doom (15:19, NIV Compact Bible Commentary, p. 377). Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt in the past, He promises to come to their rescue once again to deliver them from their upcoming captivity in Babylon (16:2-15, NIVCBC, p. 377-78). 17:5-8 contrasts a man who trusts God with a man who trusts in himself and others. 17:19-27 contrasts a people who obey God's commands with a people who do not. The man who trusts God and and loves God will know and obey God's commands (John 14:21). What type of person are you? If you are the type who delights in God's Word (15:16), you are like the prophet Jeremiah.

Paul gives some practical insights that apply to all Christ-followers in 2 Timothy 2:1-7. He then tells Timothy to remember Christ (1:8). Paul's letter to Timothy is full of practical advice for a Christ-follower. As you read it, what advice stands out to you that can help you in your walk with Christ?

Testify! (Jeremiah 12-14, 2 Timothy 1)

In Jeremiah 12-14, God pronounces judgment on his people. In Jeremiah 13:1-14, God uses two illustrations to drive this point home (A linen belt and wineskins). Jeremiah cannot understand why the wicked prosper (12:1-4). However, I am sure God's answer brought comfort to Jeremiah (12:5-17). Even before Jeremiah questioned God, he demonstrated humility in his complaint by stating that God was "righteous" (12:1). Part of God's reply to Jeremiah's questioning included the fact that Israel's spiritual leaders were leading others astray (12:10, 14:14-15). One thing we can learn from this passage is that it is ok to question God. Have you asked God, a "why" question lately? What was your attitude like when you asked him? It is important to have an attitude like Jeremiah's and know that God is righteous before you ask him "why".

Because God has given us a "spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7), we should be able to testify and suffer for him (2 Tim. 1:8). We suffer for the sake of the gospel (1:11-12) and have nothing to be ashamed of (1:12). Have you shared Christ recently (at home, school, or work), and suffered for it? Read Matthew 5:11-12!

Scarecrows (Jeremiah 9-11, I Timothy 6)

Jeremiah 9-11 reveals Israel's unfaithfulness to the Lord. Jeremiah, being the prayer-warrior and man of God that he is, is about at his rope's end because of his nation's unfaithfulness to God (Jeremiah 9:1). I doubt many of us have cried over our nation's condition before God like Jeremiah did. Israel had broken covenant with their God (Jeremiah 11) and Jeremiah "identified with his people's sufferings" (8:21, MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 853). Jeremiah compares Israel's false gods to that of scarecrows (10:5) which "cannot speak or walk." What scarecrows (false gods) can you identify in your own life? I think the prophet Jeremiah and the apostle Paul would have made good friends with one another. Both Jeremiah and Paul speak of the importance of boasting in the Lord (Jer. 9:24, 2 Corinthians 10:17). As we remove the false idols found in our lives, I believe that we will find that we have more items to boast about in the Lord.

I Timothy 6:3-5 reminds me of the "health, wealth, and prosperity gospel" that is often preached about on television. This is a false gospel and it often lacks talk about the doctrine of God's wrath, hell, and Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Christ did not come to this earth solely to bless us and make us happy. Quite the opposite however is revealed in 2 Timothy 3:12: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

A Better Day (Isaiah 65-66 / 1 Timothy 2)

Israel had been praying for national deliverance and in Isaiah 65-66, God answers their supplication (MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 838, 840). God reveals to the nation that there is a better day coming. On earth, we have all seen infants die prematurely and old men not live out their days (65:20). However, this will not be the case in the "new heavens" and the "new earth" (65:17). "Israel's future kingdom will include a temporal kingdom of a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-10) and an eternal kingdom in God's new creation (Rev. 21:1-8)"(MBC, p. 841). There will be "peace like a river" (66:12) in this new kingdom. As I was eating lunch yesterday, I overheard a lady talk about life on this beautiful earth. The truth is that this present earth does not always look beautiful to people who are struggling. That is why this passage of Scripture is comforting. There is a better day coming and that better day includes a "new heaven" and a "new earth."

I Timothy 2:12 has often been a centerpiece in the theological discussion/argument concerning the role of women in the church. Many books and journal articles have been written about these matters. The most likely scenario in this case is that there were some women in Ephesus who were desiring to be "public preachers" (MBC, p. 1783). Paul did not say women could not run for a political office, hold key positions in the business world, or do other important tasks. Paul simply says that in the church, the role of the pastor should belong to a man. Paul states this rule on a theological basis that dates back to the creation of man and woman (Genesis 2:18. 3:1-7) rather than just forming his own opinion on the subject. This rule does not imply that men are any better than women. It simply means that from the beginning of time, God has assigned perfect and beautiful roles for biblical manhood and womanhood that should not be abandoned or replaced.

God's Clay (Isaiah 62-64 / 1 Timothy 1)

God's love for his city and his people stand out in Isaiah 62. His people reminisce about the past days in Isaiah 63:11-14 and question God concerning his relationship with their enemies (63:17-19). Isaiah is not saying that God made the Israelites sin (v. 17) but rather that He allowed them to stray off course. Even though no one is righteous (64:6) and no one seeks God (64:7), God is still in the process of forming something good (64:8). It is ok to question God on things you do not understand (64:12). However, it is not ok for the clay to be bitter with its Maker (45:9). Are you experiencing conflict with God? As you talk to the Potter, keep in mind that you are his clay.

Paul constantly kept in mind who he was before he met Christ (I Timothy 1:12-17). It is important that we always remember where we came from. This is the benefit of having a personal testimony to share with the world. People can argue against many things but it is very difficult to argue with one's personal testimony. This is especially true for those who knew who you were and how you acted before you met Christ. How long has it been since you shared your personal testimony?

He is Coming! (Isaiah 59-61 / 2 Thessalonians 3)

As I read Isaiah 59-61, I see grace at work. It appears in Is. 59 that the Israelites were no better than those nations that lived around them. Is. 59:15 says truth and peace were absent in the land while the next verse reads that God saw that there was "no one" to intervene. However, verse 20 changes tone as a Redeemer is promised! This grace is extended to Zion in chapter 60 and chapter 61 reveals who the Redeemer is (in light of the New Testament). Remember Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, read these words (Is. 61:1-2) about Himself in Luke 4:18-19. Likewise, Romans 3:10-11 in the NT reveals that no one is righteous and that there is no one who understands. We are no different than the Israelites and the nations around them. Left to our own means, we remain in sin (Romans 3:20). Praise God today that He sent a Redeemer by the name of Jesus to save us and the nations (Romans 3:21-31).

The Thessalonians had become complacent in their walk with Christ. Knowing that Jesus could come back for them at any moment, they began to take this idea to the extremes by just waiting around for Him (not working, being lazy). In his letter to the church of Thessalonica, Paul urges those brothers who are being slack to get to work. I think our American society operates opposite of what Paul had to deal with in his day. So I would pose this question to you. Are you working so much that you do not take time to reflect on Christ and His Second Coming?

Produce Fruit ( Isaiah 56-57 / 2 Thessalonians 2)

Salvation is not just for the Jew, but also for the non-Jew (Isaiah 56:8). This concept was a mystery in OT times that was brought to light in the NT era (Ephesians 3:6). The godly repentance that leads unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10) is that mentioned in Isaiah 57:15. God truly can be found in the lowest of lows (a humble spirit) and highest of highs (Heaven). Isaiah 58 teaches us that it is pointless to fast if we are not going to "maintain justice and do what is right" (56:1). This makes sense. Why would God want to bless our religious duties if we are not producing fruit with repentance (Luke 3:8). God calls those who do not produce fruit with repentance a "brood of rebels" in Is. 57:4. It is interesting to note that Jesus calls these same type of people a "brood of vipers" in Luke 3:7. When asked what to do, Jesus's response in Luke 3:10-14 was similar to the advice issued by His Father in Is. 56:1 and Is. 58:6-7. Micah 6:8 sums it up best: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but (1) to do justice, (2) and to love kindness, (3) and to walk humbly with your God." How are you doing in these three areas?

2 Thessalonians 2:2 introduces "the man of lawlessness" or otherwise known as the antichrist. The antichrist is in complete opposition to Christ and His purposes (2:4). Our focus is to remain on Christ and our steadfast hope is to rely on His Word (2:15) though the "power of lawlessness" (2:7) is already at work. What ways do you see the spirit of the antichrist active in our world today and what Scripture can you identify that runs counter to this spirit's goals?

We really live (Isaiah 45-46 / I Thessalonians 3)

Isaiah 45:1 and 45:13 teaches that God's will was to raise up Cyrus to rebuild His city, Jerusalem so that men would acknowledge there is no God besides the Lord of Israel (v. 6). This action was for the benefit of Israel (v. 4) and the nations (NIV CBC, p. 371). Truly, there is no God like ours (46:9). There is no one else who can tell the end from the beginning and whose purposes stand the test of time (46:10). Every new day, God is weaving yet another beautiful strand into His grand narrative using our lives, our nation, and our world. When we look back one day, we will look back with awestruck wonder. Fortunately, for us, we have been given the Bible, and God has already revealed some things that will happen in the end times. We should not however focus on the end times more than the Lord himself. God raised up Cyrus in his lifetime to do what God had planned for Cyrus. The question you should ask yourself is "what is God raising me up to do?"

Yesterday, I wrote about how Paul and his boys (a group of God-fearing men) lived it (see entry). Now in I Thessalonians 3:8, Paul says, "we really live." One of Paul's boys was Timothy and Paul had sent Timothy to the church of Thessanolica to encourage the church in their trials (v. 2-3). Because the church of Thessanolica was also living it (the Christian life), Paul could say "we really live." This church was "standing firm" (v. 8) in their faith and this made Paul extremely happy. In your trials, are you standing firm or is your faith wavering? Maybe you need an encourager like Timothy to come into your life? Or maybe you just need to recommit yourself to the Lord's ways? When "we live it", "we really live!"

We lived it (Isaiah 43 - 44 / 1 Thessalonians 2)

Isaiah 43 is a prophetic word about Israel's future deliverance from the nation of Babylon. Previously, God had delivered Israel from Egypt by a great exodus through the Red Sea (Exodus 14, Isaiah 43:2). God had dried up the river so his people could cross, but in deliverance from Babylon, God promises to bring water out of a dry place (Is. 43:18-21). God used two different modes of deliverance for His people using the same items (water and land). Our One God has many different ways He can deliver us! We all once were steeped in sin to the point of no return, however, through Christ the blind can now see and the lame can now walk! What hole do you find yourself in where you can pray and witness yet again God's hand of deliverance?

In I Thessalonians 2, Paul is basically telling the church, "we lived it." Paul and those who ministered with him were not fakes. Paul's crew (v. 6) was like that of a good mother (v. 7) and a good father (v. 11-12). They tirelessly worked (v. 9), lived holy lives (v. 10), and were not concerned with man's praise (v. 6). Now compare yourself to Paul and his boys. How do you act in church? Do you find yourself caring for (v. 6) and encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ (v. 7)? And do you do a lot of work for or at the church (v. 9) with a good attitude (v. 10) working as for God and not for men (v. 6)? These are all good characteristics of a good church member.

Am I a Thessalonican? (Isaiah 40-42 / 1 Thessalonians 1)

The previous chapter (Isaiah 40) states that nations are like a "drop in the bucket" (v. 15) in God's eyes and that "God is sovereign over the nations" (v. 21-25, NIV Compact Bible Commentary, p. 369). In chapter 41, we see some of the outworking of above mentioned verses. 1.) God stirs up the Persian King Cyrus to come save his people 2.) God had promised to raise this deliver up many years beforehand 3.) God was doing this all on behalf of his beloved chosen people, Israel (NIV CBC, p. 370). In Chapter 42, a new servant is mentioned (v. 1-4). This just happens to be the "messianic Servant of the Lord" (NIV CBC, p. 370), Christ Himself! Likewise, this Servant would rescue God's servant Israel out of their own blindness (v. 7, 18-19). This Servant also rescues us out of our own spiritual blindness! In what ways have your eyes been opened since you first came to know Christ as Savior and Lord?

The Thessalonicans possessed a real and vibrant faith (I Thes. 1:1-10)! Key in on verses 3 and 8-10. These Thessalonicans worked hard and long while maintaining a spirit of love (v. 3). They had a reputation (v. 8-9) and a testimony (v. 9-10) among the people. Would you consider yourself as being similar in spirit to a Thessalonican?

In God We Trust (Isaiah 30-31 / Philippians 4)

While reading Isaiah 30-31, an easy comparison could be made between the nation of Egypt and the United States Armed Forces. Egypt was a mighty nation and many looked to them for protection (30:2, 31:1). However, Egypt was not God (30:3). We tend to forget that God is a "jealous" God (Joshua 24:19) and that He wants to be worshiped alone as God. We tend to forget that battles and people and nations are all in the palm of His hand as He directs history to work in accordance to his sovereign plan. I am a great fan of the US military and am thankful to all those who have served and currently serve our country. In fact, many of my friends have followed this course for their life. However, my trust is not in our great military, but rather in God who can grant our military success or failure. Psalm 20:7 reads, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Where is your trust? Even the back of our dollar bill reads, "In God We Trust."

Philippians 4 is chock full of sound advice. We are to find ourselves rejoicing in the Lord and enjoying His peace (v. 4-9), being content in all situations (v. 12), relying on his strength to get us through this life (v. 13), while at the same time viewing the Lord as the Provider of all of our needs (v. 19). How do you stack up in evaluating your life in these categories?

Christ-likeness (Isaiah 28-29 / Philippians 3)

In Isaiah 28-29, God brings about two judgments. The first judgment is pointed toward the Northern Kingdom of Israel (ch. 28) while the second judgment is pointed toward Judah (ch. 29). Only Judah, however, would be delivered due to God's promises made beforehand to King David. God's people were doing great in terms of religious duty (29:13). However, God was not concerned with their outward form of religion. His main concern has always been the heart of His people. How is your relationship with God? Notice the question is not if you walked an aisle, gave your tithes and offerings, or if you sing in the choir? What has God been teaching you from His Word and how have you begun to obey Him hese matters?

Even the apostle Paul admitted that he was not perfect (Philippians 3:12). Paul knew this journey in life was not about a destination, but a transformation (Philippians 3:21). What specific ways are you becoming more like Christ?

Attitude Adjustment (Isaiah 26-27 / Philippians 2)

Isaiah 26 is a picture of the inhabitants of Judah praising God for the establishment of his kingdom. God freeing Israel from her enemies was like a battle with Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1). A few of my favorite verses from the Bible come from Isaiah 26. 26:8-9 captures the essence of what it looks like when God comes in first place in our lives. 26:3 has been a big help for me in times of trouble while 26:12 may indeed be my favorite verse in the Bible. In 26:12, God is the One who receives the glory or who is credited with anything good that takes place in our lives. Just like God delivered Israel from her enemies, He can do the same for us. What enemies are you facing that you need God's help with? These enemies need not have to represent people but rather could come in the form of idolatrous desires of the heart such as unforgiveness, hatred, or lust.

There is much to say in the world today about "attitude." There are some who promote finding the positive in everything while we all know of those on the opposite end of the spectrum who advocate extreme pessimism. The real question we must ask ourselves is what does the Bible have to say about "attitude?" Philippians 2:5 teaches us what our attitude should be like while 2:6-11 shows us how this attitude looks in reality. Does your attitude resemble that which is found in this passage?

High Point (Isaiah 23-25 / Philippians 1)

Isaiah 23 mentions the defeat of one of Israel's historical enemies, Tyre. Tyre was the last nation mentioned in a long list of enemies whom God would defeat for the peace of Israel and for the peace of the nations. Isaiah 24 begins with an "apocalyptic vision of the destruction of all nations and humankind" (NIV Bible Compact Commentary, p. 365). These actions by God bring Isaiah to a point of high praise for his King (25:1-12). Isaiah 25:8 reminds me of Revelation 21:4. I think we all, like Isaiah, look forward to the day where there will be "no more tears." Have you allowed a future vision of what God says is to come (Read Revelation 21-22) bring you to a point of high praise?

Trip Lee sings a song that sums up well the book of Philippians. In his song, he raps the words, "Our life is nothing but Christ is all. So conduct yourself worthy of his righteous call." This is exactly what the apostle Paul is saying in Philippians 1:27. To watch the video by Trip, click on this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rny8qet-IQ