¹It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 

  ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 

  ³not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 

  ⁴He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 

  ⁵(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 

1 Timothy 2:1-5

It all starts at home.  It's no wonder that people's first ministry starts with our wives/husbands, children and all the things involved with our families.  I must constantly remind myself that before I can step out into the world I need to make sure my home is well kept and in order.  Otherwise, the outside of the cup looks good but inside is a mess.

In studying for my classes I can't lose sight of why I'm on that path, to glorify God through discipleship.  But I cannot reach others apart from my family.  I need to prepare for what tomorrow will bring by being steady and faithful with today.  

Father God, thank You for blessing Your children in massive abundance.  You've prepared the way to reap the harvest we just need to get to work, not in tomorrow's agenda but the here and now.  Love You! In he powerful name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen!

Back to Obedience

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13

We are being taught in this passage to obey God not only while people are watching but all the time especially when you think no one is watching; God is always watching. The second verse is telling me that the reason why we follow God is because we want to. Being saved is about abandoning who we were and grasping onto our identity, God's beloved and showered with grace. We need to work it out in our own hearts so that we really want to do God's work. That's God's love... it's more than sacrificial, it's choosing because it pleases Him.

I've been tested greatly these past few months as I'm trying to discipline myself with academics. This past weekend's message by Pastor Wayne was so fitting for my life because I was reminded that I need to get back to my devotions because I can see my life becoming uglier by the day. I'm not responding out of love and I'm finding ways in my heart to distance myself from being like Jesus. I'm doing things based off of my own strengths; God cannot be made strong because of my failures. I need to focus my life back on Christ, with fear and trembling.

Lord God, thank You for making Your home in me. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for all Your wonderful works. Forgive me for making excuses and trying to take matters into my own hands. I re-commit my life to You O' God and want to serve You well. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen!