2 Timothy One

"Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy."
-----2 Timothy 1:4

Here we gain insight into just how deep the relationship between Paul and Timothy was. Scholar's tend to think that these tears of Timothy's was due to the apprehension and imprisonment of Paul. With their relationship of mentor and protege anytime they parted must have been difficult.

Life brings more fulfillment when done in community with others.
The celebration of victories are sweeter and the agony of defeats is softened.

"Father, help me be a great friend today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Sixteen

As Paul wraps up his letter to the Romans he leaves space for personal greetings from some of the people he is doing life with. This group of people have helped start the momentum of the church. They risked their lives for the sake of the gospel. Some were placed in prison. Some died in those prisons. Epentus was the first of his kind in all of Asia. Needless to say, these people played a part in the story that was not safe in the least.

How about you? Are you following a god of convenience or the Lord of all creation? Is your willingness to serve Him as strong in the difficult situations as it is in the ones that require little thought, effort, and risk of comfort?

What about community? Are there people in your life committed to doing their part for the Kingdom? You are stronger when you are part of a team. The message we receive from Paul in Romans is because of this great community of believers. The power of two multiplies compared to the power of one.

"Father, thank You for placing a community of people in my life that make a difference."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Fifteen

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
-----Romans 15:5-6


Unity is vital for believers committed to being active in building God's Kingdom. It minimizes distractions and more easily creates momentum. One of the biggest challenges believers face is disagreements and conflicts with fellow believers. Conflict with others has a way of disrupting our worship of God. Paul prays specifically that we would pursue unity among one another so that we may glorify our Heavenly Father.

"Father, help me be a catalyst in uniting the body You have put together."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Fourteen

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters."
-----Romans 14:1

The challenge with understanding disputable matters is that we confuse them with moral imperatives. We tend to forget that they are disputable. This means that we can call into question an issues relevance or validity while remembering it is possible to see the issue from a different perspective, and neither perspective has to be necessarily right or wrong.

Paul writes about this in chapter 14. The importance should be in harmony and not causing another to stumble. We should take this advice to heart.

Moral imperatives are the biggies: Faith in Jesus Christ, Inerancy of God's Word, God first in all situations. Disputable matters have been and will probably always be exactly that: DISPUTABLE.

Sometimes being a friend is more important than just being right.

"Father, help me focus on the biggies and not fall into the trap that I always have to be right."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Thirteen

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."
----- Romans 13:11

Waking up from your slumber is a great way of simply stating: STOP SLEEPING THROUGH LIFE!!! As we live life fully awake we become more aware of the things taking place around us. We better see how we can meet the needs of others. We are more willing to being present in our relationships. All in all, we make a greater difference in the world when we are aware that we are a part of it.

"Father, help me wake up and see more of You at work."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Twelve

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
-----Romans 12:12

In a list of verb filled attitudes these three sing loudest this morning:

BE JOYFUL IN HOPE--Hope is an optimistic view of the future. As we look into the scope of our future hopes and dreams Paul is encouraging us to be excited about the direction we are heading. Storms last for seasons. Then those seasons end. Let your life be steered knowing your best days are ahead of you.

PATIENT IN AFFLICTION-- When experiencing seasons of affliction remember that He who began a good work in you will not stop until you are complete. That is not to say that all discomfort you feel is because God is doing it to you. As humans we stumble into our own discomfort all on our own. But remember that like the storms of life they are temporary. Especially when views with eternity in mind.

FAITHFUL IN PRAYER--Prayer is quite possibly the greatest tool that is least used by the common believer. Being a two way street, prayer helps us know which paths to choose. Plus, it is our way to tell God how majestic He is and listen for the leadings of His Spirit.

Paul starts this section off in verse 9, "Love must be sincere". Love is the reason for all of our actions. Love given without agenda is attractive and inspiring. Love the ones God sends you to today and you will see a significant change in their lives.

"Father, help me be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Eleven

"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
-----Romans 11:35

The question appears absurd when we phrase it that way. Most believers will admit that the gift of Jesus and eternal life is above and beyond what any of us deserve. But at times our lives speak a different message. There is a tendency in us all to believe that the things we think we need or should have is due to God withholding blessing from us. We can complain, harbor bitterness or outright speak against Him not giving us more. We live in a society that suffers from "Bigger Barn Syndrome". We always want more.

What God has lavished on us is more than enough regardless if the season we are living in is abundant or appears scarce.

"Father, help me remember that You are all I need."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Ten

"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."
-----Romans 10:1

Paul reminds us this morning that there are people in our world that has not experienced the redeeming power of a relationship with Jesus. It is easy to surround yourself in a world of only believers. Your discussions are filled with accountability as you attempt to eliminate sin from your life. This is only half of the pursuit.

As believers in Christ we have been entrusted with the responsibility of declaring the "Good News" to whomever we are sent to. When was the last time your heart hurt for a friend that doesn't have a hope in Jesus? I hope and pray that you have a friend like that. This is where God allows us to help make an impact for His Kingdom.

"Father, open my eyes to see the people You are sending me to."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Nine

Romans chapter nine is a mystery to me. It's context eludes some of my understanding into my relationship with God. As I read today I am reminded of 3 things:

1. God is in control of all things. He is sovereign, just and compassionate.

2. His Word in inerrant and has life-changing power.

3. The complexity of my God is amazing.
He is not a little god. He wired the human brain and the function of the body. He sets instincts into animals as to when to hibernate, head north or south, feel the need to protect. He created a universe where all the planets and moons orbit in specific ways to counterbalance each other. All the while His desire to have relationship with me is steadfast.

Even if I do not understand all there is about my God, I will serve Him today none the less.

Jeremiah 33:3--- "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

"Father, help me life my eyes to You."


Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Eight

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?.... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-----Romans 8:35,37-39

A powerful reminder of the redeeming power of Christ. There is nothing that can defeat Him. With His coming back from the dead He established that even death could not take Him out. And if death could separate His love for us then surely nothing can.

What a poignant declaration at the beginning of each day, week, month, year. Today, right now there is nothing that can separate you from the lavished love of Jesus.

"Father, thank You for the beauty of Your Son."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Seven

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
-----Romans 7:24-25

It is easy to relate to Paul here. After his rant about his tendency toward suffering in the battle of sin he comes to the conclusion that he is wretched. It is easy to define yourself by your battle with sin. It is easier to stop after the first sentence of verse 24 and give up hope.

But this is where the beauty and power of God comes in play in our lives. When we feel we have lost hope and ask in desperation who will rescue us we have the same answer as Paul. "Thanks be to God--- through Jesus Christ".

Because of Jesus, we have the power to defeat the sin that so easily entangles us. The part we have to decide is being serious about relying on the hope that we have.

"Father, thank You for Jesus."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Six

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey-- whether you are slave to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"
-----Romans 6:16

"...you are slaves to the one whom you obey..."
We tend to think that our loyalty is like a buffet. Do the things you like, ignore the ones you don't. Paul writes here about the one we give our loyalty to is the one that we obey. In fact, he says we become it's slave.

It is important to remember that he is writing to a society where slavery is an accepted form of business. This has to do with the issue of dominance. Who is in control.

Paul makes it pretty simple. We can be slaves to either sin or obedience. One leads to death the other leads to righteousness. We make this choice every day in our actions and the reflections of our hearts.

What will you choose today?


"Father, help me learn more about dieing to sin and being alive in You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Five

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more..."
-----Romans 5:20

In 2 Samuel chapter 12 we read of the prophet Nathan confronting King David about his relationship with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband. Nathan tells an account of a rich man stealing a sheep of a very poor man. David being the shepherd type is outraged and declares a guilty verdict condemning the man to death. And then the story takes a dramatic turn.

Nathan's next words changes everything...."David, you are that man." All of a sudden what David thought had been done in private has now been exposed (sin has a way of exposing us at the worst moments). Nathan's rebuke will mark the beginning of the most challenging season of David's life. But there is something in Nathan's words that I find amazing. His rant starts off with.... "this is what the Lord says....". In God's words, He has given David kingdoms, the wives of kings, wealth, prestige.

AND IF THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN MORE (v.8)


Here is where we gain some insight into the character of God. He is on our side. His desire is for us to prosper as we grow in relationship with Him. Even in the most important area possible, our soul's. Where our sinned increased (understanding one sin is enough for our condemnation) His graced abounded. He has 'given more' than we ever deserved and will be able to pay back.

What a beautiful God!


"Father, You captivate me with Your grace."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Four

"Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trust God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."
-----Romans 4:4-5

At the time of it's writing this verse was a revolutionary thought. The idea of faith in God being enough to be considered right with Him was so contrary to popular belief. Before it was a delicate balance of atonement of sin with a priest serving as a middle man in between you and God. After the death and resurrection of Christ we now have a personal relationship with God based on our belief in His promise.

Now our good deeds are in reaction to the love that we have experienced by God's great compassion. It is out of the overflow of a grateful heart that we find our desire to pursue His kingdom and His smile.

"Father, You are so compassionate with us. Thank You for Your relationship."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Three

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."
-----Romans 3:20

Paul will work around this concept throughout the book of Romans. The belief that faith is what make us right with God is revolutionary to the church of his time. A common line of reasoning against Christianity is that it leads to lawlessness and that people can not live in that kind of system. Paul explains here what the role of the law is in our lives. Let's use a sports illustration (I am sure I am borrowing this illustration from someone):

If you are playing a football game the goal is to put more points on the board than your competition. The only way to get points is to score a touchdown, a field goal or a safety. Get none of these done by the end of the game and you still have a score of 0. But what if you did not get any penalties (offsides, false start, holding, kicking, biting, scratching, etc.) Shouldn't you get some points for that? Nope, that is not how the game is played.

By not getting any penalties you have a better chance of getting down the field and scoring points because of a lack of hindrances or set backs.

The same applies in our lives. The law makes us aware of how we are to live a life in pursuit of God with as little set backs as possible. There is no saving power in the law. Our relationship with God is about the heart and where we place our trust.

"Father, thank You for making everything glorious."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans Two

"A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
------Romans 2:28-29

When I was going through school I observed many different kinds of groups. We all tended to categorize everyone. Jocks, Preps, Skaters, Ropers, Stoners, just to name a few. I am sure you have experienced the same. What was interesting was when one person from a particular group attempted to act like someone from a different group there was always one word for that type of person, POSER.

A poser is someone who acts like one thing on the outside and are different at their core. Paul alludes to this at the end of chapter two when we says (paraphrase), a man that dresses like a Jew, walks like a Jew, is even circumcised like a Jew, is not necessarily a Jew.

This all deals with matters of the heart. Your heart reveals the real you. David is known as a man after God's own heart. And this is a good thing for David. On the outside he did some pretty horrendous things, but God measured his life through the motives of his heart.

What Paul is writing about here applies the opposite for David.

It is possible to have a dirty body with a clean heart and God's blessing with be with you.
It is possible to have a clean body with a dirty heart and God's presence will not be found anywhere around you.

"Father, help me keep my heart clean today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Romans One

"I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish."
-----Romans 1:14

The spreading of the Good News of Christ is one of the most important things we do as Christians. We have been entrusted with the privilege in helping promote the Kingdom. Paul's use of the word 'obligated' is one that we tend to minimize. For the most part, we like to show kindness to those that will help us in return. We offer grace to those that can tell of our greatness. We reflect love to those that are 'acceptable' by our standards.

In verse 14 Paul declares that his desire is to talk about Jesus to the socially acceptable and non-acceptable (the cool kids and the geeks). This message the church (at large) still has not fully grasped. There is a tendency to treat non-believers as if they are the enemies, and we should avoid them at all costs. Paul reminds us that our part to play in God's story here is reflecting His love to the people He sends us to. No matter who that person is.

"Father, help me see people the way You do."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Thirteen

"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
-----Hebrews 13:6

To be honest my fellow man can do a lot. Just watch the 10 o'clock news and you gain insight to just how far man is willing to go to get what they want. Conspiracy, assault, hate, murder to just name a few from last nights top stories. Man has been attacking their neighbors and brothers from the beginning of our story. Four chapters into the creation of us and we see Cain murder Abel because of rage filled jealousy.

Today I am reminded that what man can do to me is always in the short term. Man's attack will never hold up over the protection of God. And though current circumstances may appear dark. To quote the psalmist declaration: "Though this sorrow may last through the night, joy comes in the morning."

"Father, thank You that Your protection is all we need."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Twelve

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
-----Hebrew 12:1

Sin is like a web. The author of Hebrews points out. It has the ability to bind us from moving and living. It's destructive power effects relationships with acquaintances, friends, family and most importantly, God. Not because God destroys the relationship but because we make the choice to get so lost in the act that we place God so far down on the list of priorities that He eventually disappears from our mind's eyes.

The reality is that no matter how far we feel we have fallen. There is never a distance far enough to separate us from the love our our Father.

"Father, thank You for loving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Eleven

"Some face jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated---- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground."
-----Hebrews 11:36-38

Maybe the story of God isn't as 'G' rated as we were led to believe? Danger, battle, persecution and murder fill the pages of the history of Christians. We live in a society where the announcement that we are, "suffering for Jesus" is mostly absurd. We can tend to equate inconvenience and discomfort for spiritual battles. We must keep perspective and see the power that the faith discussed in this chapter truly has.

We have been brought into God's story for such a time as this to do something amazing. Will we step up in our moment?

"Father, help me keep in perspective what is happening when I feel I am being attacked."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Ten

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
-----Hebrews 10:19-24

A beautiful truth followed by a challenging command.

The truth-
We can draw near to God because of the blood of Jesus.
He cleanses our hearts from guilt and we experience a relationship like no other.

The command-
We are to find new ways to encourage each other toward love and doing good things to help fellow man.

Love is the key to influence. When given without an agenda it has a great attraction.

"Father, help me see people with the love You have for them."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Nine

"He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption."
-----Hebrews 9:12

Jesus was willing to place His life on the altar as the atonement of sin. We have this danger of making this act so commercialized and safe that we forget the savagness of it. He did not die a quick, clean, noble death. His death was brutal, humiliating and ugly.

This death brought us freedom.

"Jesus, thank You for the gift You have given me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Eight

The new covenant discussed here is the one we currently find our freedom in. Anything man makes is flawed. God is pointing this out through His words in Jeremiah which is repeated here in Chapter 8. As He sends His Son to set things right we see just how great our Father's love for us is.

Jesus could nave come through the ranks in the priesthood. Made His way toward becoming an earthly high priest. However, God does somehting more amazing here. Not only do we get a perfect priest to challenge us about righteous living. We get a Savior that rescues us from the bondage of sin and death.

"Father, You alone are God."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Seven

"The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God."
-----Hebrews 7:18

Though the word made nothing perfect it was still just. The need for making an atonement for sins committed was still needed. Mainly because of man's desire to be made right with God.

But God does something infinitely more significant for us. Because of Jesus' death we experience much more than just being 'made right' with God. We enter into an intimate relationship with Him. He is not the prison warden, watching and waiting for our disobedience. He is our source and joy of all kinds of love. His light shines over the paths in our lives, to show us the adventures that are possible for us to choose.

"Father, thank You for making everything glorious through Your Son."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Six

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
-----Hebrews 6:10

'We are not alone'.

For some this statement sounds spooky and causes some to run towards the hills with foil hats in fear of alien abduction.

For some this statements bring fear of the possible destruction made possible by Satan's minions always on the attack.

But for the believer this statement should bring the kind of peace that passes all understanding.

Our Heavenly Father is not unjust and is aware of your current state (rather that be peaceful or turmoil in your eyes." He does not let our efforts go unnoticed and blesses those who helps others for His namesake with His presence.

"Father, thank You for choosing to be near me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Five

"Anyone, who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
-----Hebrews 5:13-14

There is a deeper relationship that we develop with God as we grow in more of an understanding of Him. By both following His was and playing our part in His story. In order to experience this we must grow past just an elementary understanding of the topic of these verses.

It's kind of like this...
Basic arithmetic is valuable but only because it serves as the foundation of Algebra.

Surviving on mile is entirely possible. Thriving on milk with run it's course. Babies need the nutrients of milk for a season, but as they grow different kinds of food will help them develop and bring them greater satisfaction (think strained peas and prime rib).

This principle also applies as we experience the adventure of our lives with God.

"Father, help me taste and see how good You are everyday."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Four

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
-----Hebrews 4:12

We find refuge in the promise of God's word. Both in what He says and the direction He leads us. The danger each Christian faces is believing that His word is still relevant for their lives. We tend to think that because of the age of the manuscripts then they have little power for us today. This can be no further from the truth. In that line of reasoning one day the United States Constitution will become of no use for our daily lives. We will start to believe the truths evident in that document to be outdated and of no use.

The result of this happening would no doubt lead to the destruction of this great nation.
The same applies to God's word. His whole word is part of the foundation for a fulfilling life. We should think hard on our motivation in making this a priority.

"Father, show me more of You in Your Word."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Three

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
-----Hebrews 3:12-13

We surround ourselves with safe people committed to helping us grow because there is a tendency for us to be deceived. Deception is the tool Satan uses to create a haze of confusion around us. The illusion of fulfillment is masked in deception. We must realize that fulfillment outside of our relationship with God is only illusionary.

Positive community helps us keep watch of oncoming attacks by Satan. It also aids in focusing our efforts towards God.

"Father, thank You for the positive love You have shown me in my life by my friends."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews Two

"For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."
------Hebrews 2:18

This is one of the beautiful truths when it comes to relating to Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. He in sympathetic to our temptation toward sin. Because He knows what it is like to suffer with the temptation. Later in Hebrews we will read that He has dealt with every kind of temptation we will face. I believe this sheds light into His dedication to His Heavenly Father.

Of course what sets Jesus apart from us is His perfection in the battle against sin. The blood of Christ defeated sin when everyone else thought it was going to have the last laugh.

Jesus fought this fight with us in mind. He can relate about your temptation when know one else can. He suffered so you can have hope. He loved so you could have freedom.

"Father, help me pursue purity for the glory of You today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Hebrews One

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word."
-----Hebrews 1:3

What a beautiful description of Jesus. The RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY!!!! When I think on these things my mind can not comprehend but a fraction of this sight. I think of stunning sunsets, majestic mountaintops, and piercing night skies. I see the beauty of children and the grace of the elderly. As I think of the most beautiful sites I have experienced and knowing the greatness of my Creator. I know I have yet to see the full majesty of my Father.

"Father, I long to see more of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Six

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
----- 1 Timothy 6:6-7

In our society the word contentment comes with a negative connotation. We tend to equate it with settling for less than what is available. Paul speaks truth to Timothy in this passage. There is a danger we all face in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. We can believe the lie that if we have more money then we will be happier people, living fuller lives. Fulfillment can only be found by being near to God. All other emotions of fulfillment are fleeting. We leave everything we work for here on this earth when we die. Especially our legacy. What will yours be?

"Father, help me understand that You are more than enough for me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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