Being Bold For Christ

⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
-2 Timothy 1:7

Timothy a young disciple of Paul is encourage to be more bold for his faith in Christ. Being a leader of his church, Timothy often struggles with ageism as the leads older individuals to Christ. Paul intrusts Timothy to take care of the flock without the fear of being judged as Christ gives all believers the power to be bold.


One of the biggest struggles for me as a christian is to forgo the ability to speak out and share the gospel. I tend to find reasons or revert back to being comfortable rather than make an individual uncomfortable by imposing my beliefs onto them. God grants me not spiritiual timidity, but gives me the power of love and self discipline. I should be able to do all things in Christ, even sharing my faith to strangers. As I'm going to missions, I need to go in boldness and allow the gospel to be spread in Indonesia. I expect God to do mighty works and change the country of Indonesia for His name. I believe our works will be used by God and blessed. Likewise I need this same mentality in San Jose, as missions is not somewhere I got outside my home, but everywhere.


Jesus help me to be bold in you. Help me to stand up in faith and proclaim in love and self discipline. Help me to please you and not men. 


I pray all these things in jesus name.
amen
 

S:  ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 

1 Timothy 6:6-10


O: Paul instructs Timothy to how to address the problems of money within the body of believers. Ephesus was a major port city in Asia located on the tip of Turkey. Being affluent in nature, the believers that came to know Christ in that region struggled with the issue of money. Likewise living in the silicon valley, we too can relate to the problems of money. 

A: Though money is not inherently evil, the love of money is an idol that we all face as Christian living in a wealthy part of America. I am at guilt for falling into the temptation of materialism and wealth. The ideal of wealth and power is ingrained in me. A man without worldly ambition is a man that is less desirable. Am I serving God or am I serving myself? There's so much temptation to do well in life that I forget the purpose of why we're in this world to begin with. I need to learn how to be contempt in Christ and what I have. I need to be a better stewart of God's money and give generously, but underline by giving wisely. 

P: Jesus, forgive me for replacing you with money. I just pray that you would help me not to lose my focus when serving you. I came here not on this earth to live like that of the world for money and power, but to do your works and build your kingdom. Help me to have a heart of a servant. Help me to be contempt. 

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Pray for Everyone

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—

1 Timothy 2:1 

Paul reminds Timothy to pray for everyone. I think my biggest problem is I don't pray enough. I'll claim that I'll pray for them over the week, but I don't follow through with it. When I do get a prayer request, I would pray for them on the spot, but rarely would I go about it and actually pray for that person afterwards. I need to be more aware and actually do pray for them. I need to set time for each members of my group and not just pray for them once a week. I'm rather ashamed. 

Jesus forgive me for the lack of discipline. I ask that you would help me be reminded of everyone in my group and outside my group. Help me to pray for even those people who are difficult to pray for.  I just ask spirit that you make it an urgency for me to pray for everyone not just myself.

In Jesus Name
Amen.  

Grant me your spirit

⁹ When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

2 Kings 2:9

Elisha knew that Elijah would be taken up by God at any moment. Even when Elijah told Elisha to stay put so that he would be able to go to heaven, Elisha did not listen but continued following him. Finally Elijah asked what he can do for Elisha. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit.


Elijah was considered one of the major prophets of the old testament. Right there next to Moses, Elijah was considered a righteous man with God's spirit in him. Though Elisha loved Elijah like a father, he knew that the power that bestowed upon Elijah was gifted from God. Elisha wanted badly to be better than what Elijah was. Just like Jacob wrestling with God all night to be blessed, Elisha wanted with his deepest desire to be blessed by God. He knew the importance of doing ministry with the spirit by only examining the great feats that Elijah performed through his reliance on God. With God all things are possible. I have this deep yearning to get closer to God. Though I'm struggling with fleshy desires, I need to fill that void with the only thing that can make me whole which is Jesus.

Jesus forgive me for not being sustained by you only. I just ask that you would give me triple portions of what faith Elijah had. I pray that you would use me mightly that I would be 100% obedient and follow your commands. Help me to love you unconditionally and not put any idols above you.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Pleasing God not Man

⁸ The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say that,” Jehoshaphat replied.

1 Kings 22:8

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ

Galatians 1:10 


Ahab wanted Jehoshaphat to help him retake Ramoth Gilead from the king of Aram. Jehoshaphat agrees to do so only in the one clause that Ahab must first seek counsel from the prophets. Ahab fulfills his wishes and asks the four hundred prophets if they have God's favor in going into battle. The four hundred prophets lie and say that their battle will be successful. Micaiah was the only one who gave bad prophesy. At first Micaiah tells a lie in which he agrees with the other four hundred, but then states the truth from the Lord. Ahab will lose.


Speaking the truth is always a difficult thing to do especially if you don't want to hurt that person. Above being tactiful when delivering horrible news, God's truth is something that I shouldn't water down. I was convicted by reading Galatians 1:10 for SET's bible study. Our purpose is not to win favor of men, but it is to be a servant to Christ. When we speak, we speak with the authority of Christ not our own personal desires or self gratifications. Likewise, Micaiah eventually tells the truth and has the courage to tell the king that he will be in the wrong. I'm sure Micaiah had the fear that he would be put to death on that spot, but he had the courage to deliver the word of God. He knew the importance of God, and the greater fear that God instills in me. What God is speaking to me about this passage is to be intolerant for God's truth. Christianity today is too tolerant about many social norms. I am called to be a preserver of light. My attitute isn't that of someone who needs Man's approval, but only of Gods


Thank you Jesus for helping me set my way apart from the approval of me. You made it clear that that was something I needed to address by so many different sources throughout today. Help me not to fall into the temptation of seeing approval from men, but rather help me to only rely on your for acclamation. Help me have the courage to deliver news that is difficult to share.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Suffering for the Body

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24

Paul is saying that he rejoices in the suffering that was brought be delivering the good news. He also mentions that the suffering he endured does not compare to what Christ suffered for us on the Cross. Since Paul and Christ suffered for the church, as a Christ follower we also must endure what was suffered for Jesus' name.

Even though I've been making a big deal about sacrificing for Christ as a servant of Redeemed, it does not compare to what Christ has endured for our sins. I am grateful that Christ endured what could not be endured by us. It brings to perspective that the suffering I go through is a pale comparison to Christ's. Even if it is suffering Christ suffers along with us since it is endured for the health and unity of the ministry. Be joyful in suffering. Suffer for Christ has he has suffered for me.

Jesus thank you for your suffering. Without your sacrifice I would not be redeemed to enter into your presence. I am grateful for your free gift of salvation. I as Jesus that you would help me through my sufferings for the body. Help me to endure and to have joy in all that I do, as when I suffer for you, it builds up character.

Jesus Name
Amen

Help from Above

¹¹ Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.”

2 Chronicles 14:11 


Greatly outnumber by the Kingdom of Israel, Asa calls upon God to save them from eminent death. Even being outnumber and ambushed God routs the opposing heretic army and sends them into disarray. Asa then destroys several hundred thousand men in the assistance from God. 


Asa first acknowledged that he was weak and powerless without God. He knew he was up against something he couldn't defeat on his own. He also had faith that through God's help he would prevail against an impossible situation. As missions draws nearer, I feel like my life is being spiritually attacked left and right. I feel like I've been procrastinating on the things that I'm suppose to be doing.  Secondly, I feel like uneasy relationships am in are getting more difficult to deal with. I'm often times find myself losing patience and lacking in grace. Lastly, I need to give up singledom to God. I believe I did the right thing today in surrendering to God, as there are confirmations that God placed in my life to give me peace that it is all according to His will. God wants my full undivided attention. He wants me to let everything go and allow him to defeat the mighty army that I can't defeat on my own. He wants me to prevail and be blessed by the ordeal. I need to learn to let go and let God handle the situation. I need to trust God and go all in, in letting Christ be the Lord over my life.


Jesus thank you for your grace you give even when I fail consistently. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to build character and be more dependent on you. I ask that you would help me overcome procrastination. Work in the relationships in my life, as you change not only the other person, but more importantly myself. And lastly, I ask that you would help me to surrender my singledom to you. Allow me to rely on you for comfort and longing. I also ask that you prepare the right spouse for me, as I know the person you provide will be a suitable helper to build your kingdom. 

In Jesus Name
Amen

Proper way of talk

Ephesians 5:4-6 NIV84

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

I think for guys it is so easy to bond with each other by telling crass jokes. Even if they're not directed at anyone it is still going against what god has commanded us to do. Which is essentially to keep it clean. In Ephesians we are called to quite telling obscenities but only speak of thanksgivings. Of course edification is the most meaningful way of conversing but I feel like only edifying and not speaking of anything else is hard. The most important moral of this verse is to control the tongue so it doesn't slip. Do our best not to receive gods wraith.

Thank you God for the grace that I always take for granted. Help me to control my tongue and truly change the way I speak. I know lately I have been failing to keep my comments clean but I ask that you send your spirit to correct and change my habits. I want to live in obedience so by you will be magnified .

In jesus name amen

Together

⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their work:
¹⁰ If one falls down,
    his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
    and has no one to help him up!
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

God created us to be social beings. He knew that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone even before Adam realized what he was missing in Eve. Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to work and rely on each other for support, this verse applies more to me in a spiritual sense. Essentially I need to allow other BASIC to help when it comes time to serve. When it comes to kingdom work, I have a tendency to handle the burden on my own. Either I don't trust the individual to complete the task, or I find working by myself more efficient. There's also a sense of self glorification that I take away from God. This is blatantly wrong...  Regardless of the case, I know my mentality of serving God alone is not the right one. I need to learn to let go of the task and allow others to help when, so that I won't be burnt out. At times I feel guilty for asking them to help, but I know God called and uses them for that purpose of working towards the same goal. There is more honor to God when two people work together to do his kingdom work. When I work alone I take away the collaboration of God's intent for his servants, which is to work together to glorify Him. In application... I need to communicate more, and allow people to help when they can. I got to remember the work I do is not for the glory of myself, but to glorify God through the collaboration of other servants. 

Jesus forgive me for taking away the spotlight from who you are. I am not greater than you, but when I do act alone it is in a way self righteous. I pray you help me to be first humble and have other brothers and sisters help me when there's a need to. It's through the Spirit I can accomplish these tasks. Thank you Jesus for being the ideal teacher. Disciple me and help me to grow in your ways

In Jesus Name

Amen.

One in Christ

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 

Ephesians  2:14-18

Hostility still lives in church. I thought I could escape the stresses of disagreements with people, but this isn't the case. People come to church with baggage and opinions on how things should be ran, or unload their personal baggage that rubs people the wrong way. Regardless it's up to Christ to break down walls of hostility and bring forth peace. Only through the spirit two are made one and only through the cross peace is brought forth.


Jesus, I ask that you bring peace to my life. I pray that you would crucify my pride and change me from the inside out. Help me to have peace and walk away from my fleshly desires of jealousy, and anger. Help me to focus only on you and no one else.


In Jesus Name
Amen.

Daily Bread

S:

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread. 
Proverbs 30:8

O:  Having a moderate amount of material possession can also be linked to having a healthy spiritual life. When we are in plenty, we tend to forget and drift away from God, likewise when we are in poverty we commit sins which also sets us apart from God. In a monetary standpoint, having enough to get by is a difficult thing to ask for. When we don't have enough to get by the next day, we have no choice, but to rely on God's daily provisions. By doing this we grow more like Christ.


A: The most difficult thing for me is to throw away the ideals of having money brings happiness. Sure one can be more comfortable with a hefty 401k / IRAs / pensions etc, but to jeopardize the relationship that I have with Christ is something that shouldn't compromised. I believe God does want to bless all His children, but He also knows that having too material blessings will only bring forth corruption and greed. I need to learn to be contempt with what he gives me knowing well that my current wages sustains me. Having enough for just my daily bread, but never enough to store and forget who provided it in the first place is the key to spiritual well-being. I also should not compare with others, so that envy and greed gets the best of me. This does not mean I should settle at where I am, but keep striving to reach higher levels to glorify God. 


P: God please continue to give me my daily bread, so that I constantly seek after you each day for instructions to live a Christ filled life. Forgive me for my greed and help me to remember that this time on Earth is only temporary to the everlasting paradise that awaits. Help me to count my blessings when envy distorts my views in this life. I pray that ambition to better myself never ceases as all things I achieve will be dedicated to glorifying you.


In Jesus Name
Amen.

Avoidance and Guard

S: ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them

Romans 16:17

O/A: There are two parts to this message that Paul is conveying to the readers of Romans. First is avoidance and second is being well verse in teaching. Instead of tackling the problem head on, Paul suggests that we avoid the situation all together. Be wary of those who cause divisions among the church. I wonder if the people that are causing divisions are considered apart of the church or if they're outside influences. The second part of this verse suggest that we should know the teaching first hand. If we fail to see what the Holy Spirit is pressing on our hearts then we don't know how to fully and correctly follow what Christ teaches us. 


As Pastor Bob said, "CG is full of mess, and those who serve will be in the mist of the messiness." Its a matter of being able to resolve and move on from these messy the most. This verse is challenging me to avoid confrontation all together for those who are making serving difficult. Rather than fall into their traps and complaints I need to watch my step and compose myself to better handle situations that might occur. Secondly, I need to know God's teaching well enough, so that I can distinguish rebuke from just mindless chatter. That means spending more time in the word and prayer.


Jesus, forgive me for my sinful ways of always trying to prove my point and win arguments. Your way of humility and avoidance is far better than confrontation and division. Help me to have peace when troubles occur and to be able to distinguish was is right and wrong through the Holy Spirit. Help me to tread through troubling waters and avoid Satan's trap to break up unity within the body. 


In Jesus Name
Amen

Do without boasting

S: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 27:1

O/A: Plans change and peoples expectations change as well. Since life is fickle I need to be aware of the possibilities of what I claim in the future might not come into fruition. I have often times claimed I will complete something only to lose interest or go another way. When I boast and change courses, not I only am I  losing face, but credibility to the people I made large claims to. I believe certain things should be confided as to be kept accountable, not all things are meant to be shared as boasting. God is telling me to share the weaknesses, keep on to what should is considered building up one's self . Paul states boast only about what christ has done in your life and nothing else.

P: Thank you God for giving me an applicable verse today. It is true that I shouldn't have pride in myself, but only in you christ. Jesus help me to be more humble like you. Help me to have the heart like paul and hold onto the nothing except the glory which is knowing you intimately.
In Jesus name
Amen

Think Before Speaking

S: ² It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
    nor to be hasty and miss the way. 

Proverbs 19:2

 O/A: Having zeal is a great thing to have, but without knowledge or understand one can miss the mark. I feel like I have all the right intentions, but because of my hastiness to fix things right away I tend to cause incidents for misunderstandings. Similar to my spontaneity, a person I can relate to in the bible is apostle Peter. In the early years of being a disciple, he would often times act brashly before calculating the consequences for his actions. Without a doubt Peter was sold out for Christ, but he did fail to fully comprehend Christ's teaching. In the process he ended up making a lot of mistakes that really questioned his intelligence. Not that Peter wasn't intelligent, but God didn't fully use him as he intended to until Peter started leading the church. It took maturity and patience for Peter to finally understand the concept Christ was trying to instill in him. He needed to be education, or rather needed the Holy Spirit to dictate his moves and direct his zeal. 


It's pretty evident that I need to work on this issue. To be properly informed of the situation, pray and seek counsel before taking actions.


P: Jesus forgive me for always rushing into situations without weighing out the consequences. Sometimes I do get myself into trouble even when I do have the right intention, but in process hurt people. Help me to be more careful and considerate, putting others before myself. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in me before I make brash decisions.


In Jesus Name
Amen