1Timothy Five

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
-----1 Timothy 5:1-2

Paul is writing this letter to his younger protege, Timothy. Apparently, Timothy potential was so high and his relationship with Paul so endearing that Paul will ask him to travel to meet with him before he dies (this happens at the end of 2 Timothy).

Timothy was sent by Paul to the church of Ephesus were he served as a church leader to counter false teachings that was popping up. This advice we see in how to interact with people is insightful only if applied.

Paul writes to Timothy but also to us. In a world where love should abound over all things. These relational guidelines are a must:

Older men are to be treated as fathers because of the wisdom of life experiences.

Younger men are to be treated as brothers because of the influence young can have with them.

Older women are to be treated as mothers because of they have sacrificed so much in their lives.

Younger women are to be treated as sisters because they are precious jewels to be protected at all costs.

"Father, help me interact with people in a way that glorifies You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Four

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
----- 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Our pursuit to a deeper relationship with God is referred to as training a few times in the new testament. Today as I think on these words a few thoughts arise:

1. Just because I was physically fit three years ago does not mean I will stay that way.

2. The accumulation of skipping reps or cutting short the exercise will eventually have an effect on me.

3. Getting rid of some excess weight will be easy at first but more difficult later.

4. To be healthy I need to change the patterns in my life (eating, exercise, sleep).

5. I am at my best when I stay away from junk.

The good news is that these thoughts also apply toward my spiritual walk as well.

"Father, help me train to reflect You in my life."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Three

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory."
-----1 Timothy 3:16

The story of God is the greatest mystery in the world. Love defeating sin. Captives set free when we deserved punishment. Jesus ransoming His life for the hearts of those He loves.

Let verse 16 wash over you today as you pursue the God you serve with reckless abandon.

"Father, help me see more of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Two

"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."
-----1Timothy 2:1-2

I am reminded today of the importance and the urgency to praying for those that lead this great nation. Public office can be such a polarizing position. When people agree with the call you make they can carry you on their shoulders shouting praise to you. When they disagree with the decisions you make, you are transformed into a blow-up punching clown.

Regardless if you are a Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Anti-war, Pro-War there are men and women in office right now that need more wisdom than is humanly possible. Paul instructs us to pray for these men and women. I may not be able to propose a bill on the senate floor, but I can pray for the ones that will do so. It is my part in the greatest democracy in the world.

"Father, help those in authority follow You today in the decisions they make."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy One

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
-----1 Timothy 1:5

Paul is instructing Timothy to stay in Ephesus and protect the church from the assault of false doctrines resonating in the community. Timothy was to have conflict with these people because their actions were creating controversies leading to dissension in the church.

What I find interesting is the goal was not being right but showing love to this young church.
Paul gives us insight to where love comes from:
a pure heart,
a good conscience and
a sincere faith.

Keeping the heart clean and your mind focused on good things will open your heart to seeing more of an opportunity to helping others. A sincere faith promotes a willingness to build God's kingdom and not yours.

"Father, help me pursue love today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-Four

"And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."
-----Luke 24:53

Worship is our response to the revelation of God. This is a natural reaction in the heart of believers. When we feel God's presence or see Him doing something amazing the Holy Spirit celebrates in such a way that we are aware that God is near.

The disciples here are a great example of this. What we must remain mindful of is seeing Him at work in and around us. We serve a living God who is at work doing the most amazing things.

"Jesus, please open the eyes of my heart that I may see You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-Three

"And the curtain of the temple was torn in two"
-----Luke 23:45

The symbolism of the curtain tearing in two is a great indication of the relationship God desires to have with us. No longer will there be a middle man when it comes to knowing what God wants you to do. No longer will there be a middle man when it comes to confessing your sins and seeking forgiveness. No longer will there be a middle man to evaluate if your offering is 'good enough'.

God looks at the heart of man. Because of the death Jesus experienced on the cross we now can enter into God's throne room with reverent boldness. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift.

"Jesus, help me understand more of the significance of the curtain tearing."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-Two

"An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him."
-----Luke 22:43

Jesus is agonizing in the garden. A familiar passage to me. I often go back to the last week of Jesus' earthly reign because it is so amazing to me that He would choose this path knowing the pain that lies ahead. It wasn't until recently that I saw the words in verse 43.

The angel comes down and gives Jesus strength. I wonder what this looked like? Sometimes I get the image of Popeye eating a can of spinach and Jesus' forearms blowing up with anvils inside.

For me when I feel God strengthening me it comes in the form of peace. When I feel I am in agony it is usually due to a conflict I have in my life. Either with someone else or in my own heart. I believe God speaks, especially in moments of turmoil. And I believe as He is speaking we feel the protection of His shield. And it is good.

"Jesus, thank You for experiencing the agony I deserved."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-One

I love hearing people debate the return of Jesus. We tend to speak with such authority as if we have found a new angle to a discussion that is over 2,000 years old. I have wasted many of breaths, trying to convince others to see it my way. I am coming to the conclusion that we will all see eventually what will happen. Some will say, "I told you so." Some will say, "I was way off."

The important part here is the eager anticipation of seeing Jesus come back and restoring the kingdom. It will be Heaven on Earth and Jesus reign will be established forever.

"Jesus, thank You for coming back for us."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty

This morning as I read these words I am reminded of a simple yet profound thought:

"The truth shall set you free."

Jesus uses the truth as His defense here and the the religious leaders could do nothing about it. We rely to much on deception and manipulation to get our way. Maybe the issue here is our priorities? When God becomes the priority, the Truth always delivers.

"Jesus, help me rely on Your Truth today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Nineteen

"All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'.'"
-----Luke 19:7

Once again we see a familiar scene!

Man sees a condition, Jesus sees a heart.
As Jesus announces to Zacchaeus that they would be dining together the people could not see past what they saw in Zach's situation.

We are all sinners.
Some of us are blatant ones,
some are on the road to recovery,
some fight daily temptations.
Those who place their trust in Jesus have hope.
He is not finished with us!!!

"Jesus, help me see others through the lense of compassion."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Eighteen

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'"
-----Luke 18:13

Humility matters. Especially when it comes to reflecting the life Jesus lived. It can be so easy to live in the world of self promotion. In fact, if you do it long enough you may even start believe your own hype. I think that is what we are experiencing here with the Pharisee.

My desire is to be that of the tax collector. That I would remember the state I was in and the change I received because of God. And as others experience me they would see a life of gratitude and praise toward my Heavenly Father.

"Jesus, help me wear the clothes of humility over my own praise."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Seventeen

"Where there is a dead body, there the vulture will gather."
-----Luke 17:37

As Jesus speaks about the coming of the Kingdom of God we read a statement that parallels into many areas of our lives. Verse 37 reminds me of the influence that community will have on us.

There are two kinds of community: Constructive and Destructive. The amount of time we spend in those environments will navigate us in becoming these types of people. For example: If you stay in a destructive community long enough you will become a destructive person.

Be watchful of circling vultures in your sky. They may be warning you of what lies down the road you are traveling.

"Jesus, help me be a person that offers freedom, not bondage."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Sixteen

"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
-----Luke 16:13

Wealth has less to do with money than one will tend to believe. Our society will try to convince you that the pursuit of money will lead to stuff which in return will lead to fulfillment. Stuff leads to stuff.

Our choice this day is in which do we believe will bring us the ultimate fulfillment. God has made you wealthy by His immediate presence in our lives.

"Jesus, help me see the truth in Your word."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Fifteen

I am a sheep
I am a coin
I am a son
Jesus loves me enough to go searching for me when I got lost. And when He found me there was a great party in my soul.

"Jesus, thank You for finding and rescuing my soul."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Fourteen

"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
-----Luke 14:27

As Christians, we are all called to play our part in God's story. You have been gifted with tools that is to be used for something greater than helping you build 'bigger barns'. We are called to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. He has told us of the cost of following Him from the beginning... ALL OF YOU FOR ALL OF HIM.

"Jesus, help me pull my weight in the family."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Thirteen

"What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
-----Luke 13:20-21

Keeping our eyes open for 'God at Work' signs is an incredibly rewarding event to experience. The things that God is doing is all around us. We get to see this when we live with the eyes of our hearts open. I long to make it a point to see Him meet the needs of others around me. My desire is that He would use me to do so.

"Jesus, help me see You working in the hearts of others today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twelve

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
-----Luke 12:48b

The free gift of God does come with a price. All of you for all of Him. As God grants us special gifts we must realize that it is for His glory and His purpose. One day we will give account for the stewards we were with the gifts and opportunities that God has granted us. My desire is to use the gifts that I have been entrusted with and remember the urgency in using them.

"Jesus, open my eyes to understand more of this verse today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Eleven

"Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and a house against itself will fall."
-----Luke 11:17

I understand the context around Jesus' words here. I realize He is making a case that He is not on Team Satan and is explaining the absurdity of the accusation. This morning however, I am reminded of a few truths that will occur when we are an active part of any team.

Here they are:
1. In order for a team to be a team more than one person must be committed to the same cause.

2. Any time there is more than one heart, there is the possiblity of more than one opinion.

3. The words of Jesus is true: Any team divided against itself will be ruined.

4. Constructive conflict resolution is important when striving for a goal.

5. Most teams that meet their ruin do so because of a lack of dealing with issues in a proper manner or in a realistic time (the damage is beyond repair).

6. It is entirely possible to be many hearts and one vision.

"Jesus, help me strengthen any team I am on because of the effect You are having in my life."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Ten

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
-----Luke 10:18-20

I wonder how the disciples took the declaration that Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Did Peter and John give each other strange looks? Did Bart chuckle a little only to catch himself as he straightens up to see Jesus looking at him? Did Thomas speak up from the back with a mumbled, "I DOUBT IT"? There was war in heaven. In that war events were set into motion that we experience still today.

Jesus lists some incredible authority powers here and reaffirms the disciples that nothing will harm them. But He says, that is just 'stuff', and to not brag about it. He instructs them that in it all, when they rejoice, let it be because they are God's children.

"Jesus, thank You for choosing to rescue me from the ordinary."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Nine

"Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him."
-----Luke 9:32

Talk about a wake up call. I would imagine seeing Jesus in all His glory would evoke a bit of a change. 'THEY BECAME FULLY AWAKE'. I tend to sleep walk through life sometime. I wonder if others do as well? What I find in scripture is when people experience Jesus something in their soul wakes up. They are changed.

Today, I will make it a point to keep my eyes open and stay awake to seeing Jesus at work around me.

"Jesus, open my eyes to seeing You at work."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Eight

“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have not root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”
-----Luke 8:13

5 Steps to ‘Rooting’ yourself in Christ

1. Daily reading and applying God’s word.

2. Looking for ‘God at Work’ moments around you.

3. Choose love over condemnation of others.

4. Pre-decide the choices you must make in moments of temptation.

5. Choose the way of Christ regardless of circumstances.

“Jesus, help me be soil that grows Your love and reflects a life of freedom.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Seven

“…she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears.”
-----Luke 7:37-38

This ladies brokenness over her sin is convicting to me. I believe the truth that we are saved by grace. However, at times I take this to unrealistic extremes. Here we see a scene of a lady that knows that the things she has done and realizes the One she has done them to.

To quote the words of John Piper: “Long before sin is a damage to man, it is a dishonor to God.” I do not wish to take sin lightly. It has the power to kill relationships, opportunities and dreams.

“Jesus, break my heart for the sins in my life. Help me find restoration and freedom in You alone.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Six

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
-----Luke 6:36

How about wearing the garment of mercy today as you interact with the uncertainties life brings. When pressure is applied in our lives what is inside our hearts will naturally flow. That is why reminding yourself to practice mercy is so important. God’s mercy has rescued you from slavery. Stop for a minute and think about that. GOD’S MERCY HAS RESCED YOU FROM SLAVERY.

Because He is merciful with me, I choose today to be merciful with the ones He sends me to.

“Jesus, help me have the kind of compassion You have for me with others.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Five

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
-----Luke 5:31-32

Stop for a minute and forget about the scene.

Forget about the religious leaders and their reluctance to live around 'sinners'.

Forget about the tax collectors and others sitting around the room celebrating a great feast.

Forget about the disciples and their standing on along side the walls, not really sure what religious people are suppose to do in this situation.

Think about the man that said these insightful words.

Jesus looks up at them and without apology gives us direction in dealing with diversity.

PEOPLE MATTER.

"Jesus, thank You for loving me when I should have been unlovable."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Four

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil."
-----Luke 4:1-2

Satan is relentless in his pursuit to attract you away from God plan in your life. He knows that your heart is the key to your allegiance. As Christians we have given our hearts to Jesus.

Here are some things to remember as you protect your heart:
1. Be aware of your energy levels. (When you are tired sin seems less severe.)
2. Be aware of patterns that lead you toward unwise choices.
3. Have people in your life that will ask you tough questions.
4. Be honest with those people.
5. Start every morning committed to building God's kingdom and not yours.

"Jesus, thank You for showing us how to handle temptation."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Three

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
-----Luke 3:8

I think if Jesus ran for the President of any country He would have added John the Baptist as His running mate. What great insight John displays in this statement. Better yet... what truth.

The true state of repentance is not committing the same sin that you just confessed. If you are looking for an expert in this area then find another blog. I tend to be really good at falling in the same old traps. John contends that having an uncle in the family of God is not enough. I have heard this reasoning from a lot of people that claim their allegiance to Christ based on the church their parents dragged them to when they were kids.

Our relationship with Christ is just that... a relationship. Jesus loves you to much to allow sin to remain in your life like a glob mustard on the corner of your mouth. Sin is a serious matter that I believe we over look because of the effort it requires us to produce change.

True repentance produces the fruit of a life that directly reflects that of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus, help me produce the fruit that reflects You."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Luke Two

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
----- Luke 2:34-35

Simeon nails it on the head here. As he prophesies about Jesus I am amazed at the accuracy of his statements. It is said that the Holy Spirit was upon him. I believe this offers great insight into the work of the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit does amazing things when we are acceptable to it's leading. Our job is staying aware in moments when it is time to experience the work of God in our lives. Simeon does it here and from hindsight we see the accuracy of what God revealed to His heart.

"Jesus, help me today experience the Holy Spirit where it is most at work."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke One

"As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy."
-----Luke 1:44

The expectancy of Jesus is a beautiful scene to encounter. Mary will stay with Elizabeth for about three months. I wonder how much the fact that she was an unwed mother to be played into this decision. Word of her pregnancy was out in town. I would imagine a three month vacation from the looks, the whispers and the conspiracy theories had to be a pleasant retreat.

John leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Jesus is near him. How excited do you get when Jesus is near? What are your immediate thoughts? There is strength in being in the proximity of Jesus. When He is near in scripture, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

"Jesus, restore unto me the joy of who You are."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Twenty Eight

"They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshipped Him."
-----Matthew 28:9

They fall at the feet of Jesus in fearful joy. I choose at the beginning of this week to make it a point to pursue Jesus. And the moments where He is evident I wish to fall to my knees and allow His presence to engulf me. Worship is our response to the revelation of God. Meaning when God chooses to give us a glimpse of His glory our response is simple... WORSHIP.

"Jesus, help me this week to making You my heart's cry."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Twenty Seven

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit."
-----Matthew 27:50

We have just encounter the shame of man kind and the beauty of God's redemptive story in one compassionate act. For the Chief Priests this seems to be a bad day. They just can't seem to get the right call. I found it interesting their reluctance of putting the money from Judas back in the treasury because it was considered 'blood money'.

Jesus shows us the extent of His love for both His Father and for us. We should carry this scene with us always. It should work through our decision process and the way we see other people.

"Jesus, THANK YOU."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Twenty Six

The stage has been set for the most significant act. This is the part of the movie when the music is either going super fast or we are listening to that slow motion kind of song. Jesus has been arrested, Judas has betrayed Him, Peter has denied Him.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Jesus will not get out of this one alive.
At least not for three days.

I am thankful today that He cared enough about me to pay the price that I could not.

"Jesus, You are indescribable."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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