2 Timothy 3 - 1.13.25
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Observation
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, the Bible is God-breathed, which means it was written by human hands, but was written by inspiration of our living God and Holy Spirit. It is still relevant for today.
There’s power in His Word. It truly is our sword when doing battle with the enemy. (Ephesians 6:17). It also feeds us, instructs us, corrects us and grows us. It is very much alive and active today and not just a history book from the past.
Most importantly, we learn about the character of God. His Word is about the Greatest Love story ever told! Everything always points back to Jesus!
Application
Read the Bible everyday. Meditate day and night on it, like King David did. (Psalm 119:97)
“For the word of God is alive 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 NIV
In order to experience the transforming power of God's Word, we must read it, study it and APPLY it to our lives.
As James says in ch. 1:22-24, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Where can you start if you haven’t made Bible reading a daily discipline yet? Join us with our Bible reading and SOAP journal blog everyday. In order to SOAP Journal, Pray before reading the Word, asking the Holy Spirit what He wants highlighted. Then, read the passage and allow it to marinate and transform your life through the SOAP method.
SOAP stands for:
Scripture- What Scripture verse or section of the passage stood out to you?
Observation- What does the passage say? Give a summary of it.
Application- How can I apply it to my life? What am I going to practically do about it based on what I just read?
Prayer- Write a prayer based on the reading and what God spoke to you through His Word.
I encourage you all to try it. We’d love to hear what God is speaking to you in the comments. Being in God's Word is a discipline that is vital to every Believer's life. Here’s the link:
https://www.desertstreams.com/bibleandjournal
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect Word. Thank You for men and women of faith who have and are dedicating their lives to read it, study it and apply it in their personal lives. I pray that if we are living a life contrary to Your Word, that You would bring us back to the Truth. I pray we would continually meditate on Your Truth instead of the lies that the enemy and the world throws at us. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.(Ps. 119:105). Please continue to direct our paths through Your Word. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Timothy 6 - 1.10.25
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-7, 9, 11-12 NIV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (6-7)
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (9)
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (11-12)
Observation:
Paul is giving instructions to Timothy as a mentor to set him on a course to lead and evangelize others. The phrase “godliness with contentment is great gain” stood out to me. What a great thing to aim for. Paul tells Timothy to flee from harmful desires and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. What a list! He uses strong verbs: pursue, fight and take hold indicating this will not be instant or easy.
Application:
I want to aim to become more and more like God and be content with what He’s given me. I will need to pursue, chase after, follow at a fast pace, and not loose sight of godly character. It is interesting that not endurance and gentleness are listed too. I need to press on even when it is hard, but also be gentle with others that aren’t going at the same pace as me or those who are challenging.
Following God may at times require a “fight.” I will need to fight not going back to old habits, fear, temptation, distractions, and lies that creep in and try to take over my thoughts.
I need to choose to take hold of what God has for me, my calling-eternal life. It is important to remember to live with eternity in mind. It will affect how I act now because I know the future I have. It also will guide my actions as I interact with others because I want them to have eternal life too.
Prayer:
Father God thank you for this amazing world you have created. You give me a hope and a future. What a price was paid for the forgiveness of my sins so I could spend eternity with you. Please give me strength to continue to fight for your purpose in my life. May I keep pursuing you in the forefront of my mind. Grant me faith, love and gentleness. I know you are my source. When rough times come help me to endure. Thank you that I can have true contentment in You. Amen
- Cindy Howard
Proverbs 9 - 01.09.25
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 9:10
The REVERENT FEAR of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom--its starting point and its essence--And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.
OBSERVATION:
With over 300 references of “Fearing God” in the Bible, it’s CLEAR that THIS is an IMPORTANT Topic to GOD.
Scriptures are FULL of examples why FEARING GOD is a GOOD thing!
Abraham stands out as a Prime example willing to sacrifice his only son—putting his faith to the ultimate test. “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your only son” (Genesis 22:12)
Joseph’s Fear of God led to his compassion and forgiveness of his brothers who had sold him into slavery. “Do this and live, for I Fear God.” (Genesis 42:18)
David proclaims his Fear of God in Psalms 86 “Unite my heart to Fear Your Name” (vs.11).
It was because the midwives Feared God that they obeyed God instead of the authorities by sparing the Hebrew Babies (Exodus 1:17). Moses chose leaders to help him on the basis that they Feared God and would not take bribes (Exodus 18:21). King Darius witnessed the power of God when Daniel was saved in the Lion’s Den and decreed that all people should FEAR GOD (Daniel 6:26).
APPLICATION:
Fear God—It’s a GOOD Thing
From the above examples here is a little of what we learn:
Abraham’s Fear of God caused him to Trust IN God even when circumstances looked impossible. Things don’t always happen on our “Time Table” OR in the manner we may expect, but as we put our Faith in God we learn HE has Provided that “Ram” and it’s already making its way up the Mountain to meet us.
From Joseph’s example Fearing God teaches us to remain faithful to God--even when we suffer setbacks that are unfair or harsh. God has a Good Plan in mind for us and is allowing us to go through a “refining” process. Trust and Obey.
From David we learn that Fearing God leads to deep and immediate repentance from sin and a communing worship with God that is naked and raw—desperate and passionate—joyful and unencumbered—without any thought or concern what others may think.
Daniel’s Fear of God put him to the ultimate test when he chose to worship God over Idols with a Penalty of Death. But God stepped in and demonstrated HIS Sovereignty by Shielding Daniel in the Lion’s Den which resulted in the King’s heart turned for God and the whole nation worshipping God.
We Fear God because of His Love for us.
A young child may be intrigued to reach out and touch a hot stove. A loving Parent May slap the child’s hand away and pull them aside to explain the hot stove is very dangerous and cause serious harm. While the lesson will “sting” the child will not soon forget that the hot stove is not a friendly thing. And the discipline was given out of deep love for the child to keep them safe.
God wants us to understand in His deep deep love for us the discipline HE gives is meant to keep us from harm and on the right path. Having Fear of God keeps us on that right path— making wise choices EVEN when life gets tough.
Jesus said that IN this world we WOULD have Trouble. Jesus said this SO we wouldn’t be surprised WHEN Troubles happens!
But Like Abraham—we can Trust and Obey—Knowing—
The Ram is on the other side of the Mountain “On its Way”.
PRAYER:
LORD Jesus,
Teach me how to Fear YOU Lord with greater measure. SO that I will learn greater Trust when I don’t understand why things may be unfolding in certain ways. When I hear Your Voice, Help me to quickly Obey. Forgive me for the times I lag behind. Help me to experience the depth of awe that Your Power and Sovereignty warrant. Your Ways are Not my Ways and Your Thoughts are Far Beyond anything I can Imagine. Thank You for Your Goodness and Mercy and Love for me--that are never ending.
There is NO God like YOU. My heart is Yours. In Jesus Name. amen.
Tina L Kudelka