Treasure that Last Forever

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul gives the characteristics of false teachers which include envy, strife, malicious talk, and controversies. Their motives are for their own gain of power and money. Their teachings result in minds deprived of the truth and their religion is a means to personal financial gain.

The motive for a Christian differs from false teachers in that it is for the long term which supports characteristics like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. The aim is for goodwill, harmony, and encouragement with a high value put on each individual. The sharing of truth for the benefit of all.

Daily study of Scripture is very important since the things of God are what truly satisfies the soul for eternity. We spend so much of our time accumulating money and the things it will buy during our lifetime. Money in itself is not bad but if the pursuit of money is our chief aim in life, then we miss out on what is most important. The reward is not worldly gain but a treasure that last forever.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because we are accumulating a treasure that last forever.  We seek You every day and in You we believe. We are thankful for Your provision; grateful for all we receive. We are content with what You provide in Your Word and the opportunity to share with others this treasure. Amen.

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Higher Power

Paul was content even in tough times because it was during these times that he was dependent on a greater power. This poem was written to give hope in tough times.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Obstacles faced
Will be removed
Giving a great hope
For a life improved.

Walt Disney was fired
And life was rough
Because he was told
Not creative enough.

Sylvester Stallone
Struggled to make ends meet
Homeless at one point
Then “Rocky” was complete.

Difficulties
Like air resistance
To an airplane
Can give assistance.

Lifting to new heights
Hour by hour
By relying on
A higher power.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-04-2019

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Come Together and Gather Around the Table

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

From the post “Be Wise and Organize” are some thoughts about organizing groups. They should be teams organized to do things that help the members, organization, and community they are a part of. If it is functioning properly, society is much better off.

The song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets is about people coming together and gathering around a table after being invited to a Bible study group.  


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Be Wise and Organize

This day with God as we read 1 Timothy 5:17 through 6:2, let us be wise in how we organize so that the church, company or organization we are a part of is a group that is functioning at a high level. It should be a team organized to do things that help the members and local community. If it is functioning properly, society is better off.

There are some dangers Paul tells Timothy to guard against while leading a church. Protect against gossip, not holding others accountable, and joining in on activities that are wrong. Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.

These same type of administrative ideas for the church brought out in today’s passage are also useful at the workplace or in your neighborhood. The photo below was taken some years ago when our neighborhood would organize a July 4th parade. It was a time to get to know each other and celebrate our nation’s birthday at the same time.

July 4th celebration in my neighborhood

Our attitude toward our leaders like our employer should be one of respect. If we are a team player, we offer ideas but in the end follow the ones laid out by our leaders. Their ideas are as right to them as our ideas are to us. Desire that the company or organization you are a part of succeeds because if they flourish, then you have a better chance to do the same.

Lord, this day with You will be amazing because You are the common thread that binds us together. The power You give in what we believe and how we live results in groups of people bringing glory to You. Lord, we do not judge others but encourage others. No one person is more important than another. Everyone has great value in Your eye and we care for each other. Amen.

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Making an Impact on the World

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

The post “Ripple Affect”, offers advice about kindness and respect of elders. Treating an older man like a father and an older woman like a mother. We should constantly think about and come up with ideas to help those in need. Like ripples on the water, acts of kindness and compassion impacts the world in so many positive ways.

Jesus demonstrated to us the path to compassion as pointed out in this video: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin. Be a part of making this day with God amazing with compassion and kindness to family members or neighbors. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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