Category: Daily Thought

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The Character of a Leader

Daily Reading

Titus 1-3; Philemon

Daily Thought

Paul reminds Titus of the task left to him in Crete, a large island off the coast of Greece, “that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5). The way to choose a leader is to first look at their home. Look for a one-woman kind of man, devoted to his wife, with children who believe and behave. If someone cannot care for their own household, do not give them charge over God’s!

Paul then provides a checklist of virtues: “He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” (Titus 1:7-8). These qualities must not only be present, but public, evident to others.

Finally, a leader must be mighty with sword, meaning “he must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). The sword is double-edged, it teaches truth, it exposes lies.

Take care in choosing, warns Paul, because the conduct of a community will be a reflection of the character of its leaders.

Daily Prayer

My God, raise up godly men and women to lead well. Keep them holy and true, devoted to Your Word, sharing its wisdom with Your church, so that Your people will be equipped to live rightly and well, and do good to all they meet.

May I be constant in prayer for our leaders, that they will be on guard against the schemes of Satan. May they stand, and may I stand with them, as we all hold fast to what is true and godly and good, in a world that desperately needs to know God.

Amen

Daily Question

What do you look for most in your church leaders?

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Something Old

Daily Reading

2Timothy 1-4

Daily Thought

Seinfeld, Season 9, Episode 10: Frank Costanza, father of George, explains the holiday of Festivus to Kramer. “Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.”

“What happened to the doll,” asked Kramer.

“It was destroyed… but out of that,” Frank’s face lit up, “a new holiday was born. A Festivus for the rest of us!”

The teacher Paul is approaching the end of his life, and warns the student Timothy, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2Timothy 4:3-4).

Festivus is a myth, but so is a holiday about iPads and X-boxes and Batmans and Barbies. Because of the madness Christmas has become, Frank Costanza invented something new, but would have been better off celebrating something old.

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” ~Luke 2:10-11

Daily Prayer

Wonderful God, Savior of the World, You are King of kings, Lord of lords, born in a manger, died on a cross, raised on the third day, coming again to bring Your Kingdom of peace and righteousness.

You are the reason for the season. May every knee bow and every tongue confess that You are God, Savior and Lord.

Amen

Daily Question

How do you keep Christmas about Christ?

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Dig Deep

Daily Reading

1Timothy 1-6

Daily Thought

Paul prepared Timothy to lead the church in Ephesus, even though Timothy was younger than many of the people. Paul challenged him, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1Timothy 4:12). Paul knew if Timothy took the time to dig deep into God’s Word and paid close attention to his character, he would build a solid foundation for a godly life and a strong church. “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Timothy 4:16).

It is not unlike the retaining wall I built in my backyard, 40 feet long, 36 inches high was my first measurement. Each block weighed 50 pounds and each block was surprisingly expensive, and I did the math. Then my landscaper explained, “You’ll need to put one row below ground as a foundation.” 40 feet long, 36 inches high, and 6 inches deep.

“I have to spend money and effort on a row of blocks that will never be seen?” I complained.

“Oh, you will know they are there–ten years from now, when the wall is still standing.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~2Timothy 4:7

Our strength is measured not by the height we attain, but the depth of our character. 

Daily Prayer

Almighty God, You won. You beat Satan on the cross and removed the sting of death. You rose from the dead and now You bring life, a full life that will stand on the firm foundation of the work of Your Son.

I place my trust in Your foundation, knowing that nothing can move me as long as I depend fully and solely on You. Not by my strength, but by Yours will I live victoriously in this world.

And the next.

Amen

Daily Question

How is good godly character developed in a person?

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The Sin of Sloth

Daily Reading

2Thessalonians 1-3

Daily Thought

The Seven Deadly Sins listed in Christian tradition are pride, greed, lust, gluttony, wrath, envy, and sloth. Sloth, the sin of laziness, is possibly the least noticed, but the most insidious. Paul warns the church at Thessalonica, “We hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies” (2Thessalonians 3:11). When people are not busy doing what they should, they are often busy doing what they shouldn’t, or at least dreaming about it. This sin of doing nothing becomes a breeding ground for all the other sins.

So Paul advises, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2Thessalonians 3:11), a punishment connecting behavior to consequences–always a good idea. “As for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good” (2Thessalonians 3:13). 

The best antidote to laziness is love, serving others. Love is a verb, an action verb. There is no laziness in love.

Daily Prayer

My God, may I live life fully, actively, passionately serving others in the Name and to the glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May love drive me toward people, toward forgiveness and reconciliation when called for, toward charity to those in need, toward encouragement to the discouraged.

May I have no time for gossip, may there be no room for bitterness, may my life be too full to allow for either idolatry or idleness. May I stay single-focused on love, toward you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and toward others seeking their best.

Amen

Daily Question

In what kind of actions does love show up in your life?

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Full of Attitude

Daily Reading

1Thessalonians 1-5

Daily Thought

Paul begins a very happy letter to the church in Thessalonica, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 1:2-3). The people are walking right and pleasing God, and Paul encourages them to “do so more and more” (1Thessalonians 4:1). They are loving on each another and Paul encourages them to “do this more and more” (1Thessalonians 4:10). His letter is full of attitude–good attitude–because attitude affects everything.

Listen to an interviewer tell two different applicants with two different attitudes what to expect from the same job. 

The interviewer asked the applicant, “Tell me about your last job.” Applicant #1: “Not good. Not good at all. The boss was unfair, moody, played favorites. The employees were mean and petty. You couldn’t trust anyone. That’s why I am applying here. I’m looking forward to a change.”

“Well, you are qualified. Congratulations, you are hired. But I do have bad news, I think you’ll find the same environment here.”

Next applicant; “Tell me about your last job.” Applicant #2: “Wonderful. I was sad to leave, but it couldn’t be helped. My boss was fair, a good man, encouraging. The office was like a family. Everyday was a pleasure.”

“Well, you are qualified. Congratulations, you are hired. And I have good news, I think you’ll find the same environment here.”

Paul’s letter is full of attitude because attitude affects everything. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). Do this more and more. 

Daily Prayer

My God, each and every day is a gift. I like gifts. That’s a good way to wake up. I love starting the day, anticipating the joy of living fully for You. May this be my daily mindset. May my attitude reflect the life Your Son has given me, a life of joy and purpose, hope and love.

Thank You, God, for giving me life. I am looking forward to forever! 

Amen

Daily Question

Is your attitude mostly one of hope or one of despair? Why?

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Cobwebs

Daily Reading

Colossians 1-4

Daily Thought

She came every week with her mom to the Wednesday night prayer meeting. She was twelve, the youngest in the room, but she liked to pray and she liked the prayers of the people who came. Except one man. He prayed long every week, and every week finished with the same words, “and now, Lord, clean all the cobwebs out of our lives. Amen.”

At long last, she could take no more. The man, as always, prayed what he always prayed, finishing, as expected, with “and now, Lord, clean all the cobwebs out of our lives.” But before he could say “Amen,” she jumped to her feet and shouted, “Don’t do it, Lord! Kill the spider!”

That’s what Paul is shouting in his letter to the Colossian church, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (Colossians 3:5). In our war against sin, it is kill or be killed. We don’t need a cleaning, we need a killing, because sin is a fight to the death. It is not the cobwebs, but the spider; not our actions, but our “passion, evil desire, and covetousness” (Colossians 3:5). The heart of the matter is found in our hearts.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ~Colossians 3:15-16

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy and good. You didn’t save me merely to make me a better person, but a new creation, to die to myself and become a new life in You.

I don’t want to think and act the way I used to, but rather, to live the life You created me to live. May I put to death the desires, the thoughts, the habits of old, and put on the new life you have given me, a life of love and compassion, of goodness and peace, of thanksgiving for a better life, the best life, a life that gives You glory and pleasure.

Amen

Daily Question

What need to be put to death in your life?

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A Team Sport

Daily Reading

Philippians 1-4

Daily Thought

Paul begins his letter to the church in Philippi, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). Paul found joy in his partnership with others and the purpose which bound them together. Paul understood what it means to be a team, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:5). 

There was no better coach in basketball than John Wooden. He had the stars, but that’s not why he won. He understood the team and the game. “No UCLA basketball player’s number was retired while I was coach, not because there weren’t outstanding players, but because other fellows who played on our team also wore those numbers.” Wooden argued, “The star of our team is the team.”

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others,” wrote Paul (Philippians 2:3-4). Wooden would agree, “A player who makes the team great is more valuable than a great player.” Christianity is a team sport. Our joy in following Jesus is found through our partnership with the team, the church, “being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2), and the purpose of the game, “to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11). 

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 2:5

Daily Prayer

God, Your ways are so beyond me. You are holy and good and just and righteous. I am a sinner, yet You came for me. My world does not work that way. Yours does. In my world, I chase what matters to me. In Your world, You chase… me! And everyone else!! You are the one who pursues, who seeks us and saves us, and You left everything to do it.

What kind of love is that? It’s a love I want more than anything in the world. It is Your love that compels me to leave everything and follow You. I can truly love others because You first loved me. 

Amen

Daily Question

Who are you helping to become better?

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Bonfires

Daily Reading

Ephesians 4-6

Daily Thought

You should not put out a beach bonfire by shoveling sand on the flames. Sand locks in the heat and the smoldering coals get hotter and hotter. I learned this the hard way when I stepped on a hot spot and scorched my bare foot, and there is a picture of bitterness. Paul says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31), each word inflicting more damage. Bitterness is buried hurt, a wrath waiting to ignite. The burst of anger seems to come out of nowhere, but it was laying in wait just under the skin. Left unchecked comes clamor, a loud attack of anger. I want to hurt you, physically if necessary. Then slander, I want to hurt you deeper, emotionally. We’ve heard, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The guy who made up that little ditty was an idiot. I know I’m not supposed to say idiot, but apparently words don’t bother him. Meanwhile, for the rest of us, words do the greater damage. Lastly comes malice–I just want to hurt you. Period.

The point: stop it early. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Do not bury bitterness. It does not smother, it smolders. Deal with it. Today.

Paul tells us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), and Jesus describes what that might look like, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). You and your brother (or sister) are not actually alone, however, because Jesus reminds you, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). These are the times when we need Jesus most. Thank You for being there, Jesus.

Daily Prayer

My Father, let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Help me be one who imitates You, who is ready to forgive, as You forgave me, who is tenderhearted, who seeks unity. May I walk in love, may I look like You.

Amen

Daily Question

How can you tell if you’re losing control of your anger?

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God’s Poem

Daily Reading

Ephesians 1-3

Daily Thought

I was a kid taking guitar lessons, and Jack was my teacher. Jack was a master on the classical guitar. Torroba’s Sonatina, Etude #5 by Villa-Lobos, Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie, I practiced and I played as best I could. Then I would hand the guitar to my teacher. Jack would perform the same music–full of plunks and scratches when I played–in his hands something beautiful, heavenly. The guitar was in the hands of the master now.

Paul, in verse 10 of Ephesians 2, calls us God’s workmanship, which is in the Greek, poiema. You can hear our English word, poem. God the poet, and “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). In the hands of the Master now.

Notice it does not say “you” or “I,” but “we,” we together, and not merely by being human, it is the work of Jesus Christ in us. We must be placed in the hands of the Master, and then, we together, the body of Christ, his church, become something beautiful, heavenly, the majesty of God. Every artist has their masterpiece, and God is an artist, and we are his poem, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Daily Prayer

Father in heaven, You are wonderful. Truly wonderful. What a world. What a creation. The heavens, the oceans, the mountains. Fabulous. And me, too. Fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image.

As I return myself to Your hands, making You master of my life, may I respond to Your leading and reflect Your wisdom and truth and love. Mold me again into a vessel for Your glory. Make my life count because it is lived for You.

Amen

Daily Question

How has God made you better?

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A Covenant of Freedom

Daily Reading

Galatians 4-6

Daily Thought

I had to sign a student covenant when I enrolled in a Christian college my freshman year, a list of rules including, “I will not dance, drink, smoke, or gamble.” I was a terrible dancer, too young to drink, didn’t smoke, and typically lost at cards, so I signed, but I did wonder why. After all, didn’t Paul say, “for freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). These rules did not sound like freedom.

Of course, freedom does not mean you can do anything, because when it is Christ who sets you free, you won’t want to do just anything. Some things actually send us back into slavery, and Paul mentions “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). Do not do those things, he says, or they will take over your life and master you. You will not be free at all.

But there are certain things you can enjoy any time, all the time. That list Paul calls the  fruit of the Spirit. I’ve often wondered if perhaps this would be a better covenant for a Christian college: I will pursue “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). That means I can do those things anytime I want. 

A covenant of freedom. I would rather sign that one.

Daily Prayer

My God, You have changed everything about my life. I used to think I was in charge and could do anything I wanted, but I discovered that those things took over, and pretty soon, I did them whether I wanted to or not. They were in charge and they weren’t good. So I asked You to take over, and Your Son saved me, and Your Holy Spirit is changing me. My desires are becoming Your desires, and I am doing more and more good, not because I have to, but because I want to. Thank You. It’s a better way to live!

Amen

Daily Question

How well does the fruit of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law–describe you?