QT 30 Jun 2020, Ps 60:1-3, Our struggles are because we refuse to believe

Psalm 60:1–3 (ESV) —

1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;

you have been angry; oh, restore us.

2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;

repair its breaches, for it totters.

3 You have made your people see hard things;

you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.

NOTE: I believe this is happening to us now, but our problem is that we do not see God's judgment for our sin. We are not Israel. We do not have a special relationship with God. But for those who are believers in Jesus Christ, we are figuratively the body of Christ (representing Christ to the world) and figuratively the bride of Christ (special and loved by Jesus). It is not this nation that is special but the remnant who believes. Now is the time to be bold and to share our faith. People need to know that there is real hope and real answers to the problems of life. Those answers are found in the words of Jesus and in the New Testament. We have a sin problem. We have a disobedience problem. Much of what we do is against his proclamations. God told us how to live but we rejected his ruler-ship from the very first moments in the garden. And now we live with the consequences of life without God's ruler-ship. We are supposed to see how futile the effort is, but instead people seek out more sin and more rebellion. We are destroying ourselves in our effort to save ourselves because we refuse to repent and believe in Jesus.

PRAYER: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV) —

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

I can't see my own sin. Reveal to me my sin. I want to repent and be cleansed.

QT 29 Jun 2020, Ps 59:16-17, Our fortress is our God

Psalm 59:16–17 (ESV) —

16 But I will sing of your strength;

I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.

For you have been to me a fortress

and a refuge in the day of my distress.

17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,

for you, O God, are my fortress,

the God who shows me steadfast love.

NOTE: It seems like much of David's life is on the run or hiding from men determined to kill him. He spent years on the run. It took a lot of his energy. I'm sure he wanted to live a normal life again. David sang of two things, God's strength, and God's steadfast love. Because of those two things, he could call God his fortress -- his strength because the walls could not be broken down and his love because God would never give up on him. There is a lot happening right now in the world, but the truths that David relied upon are the same truths available to us today.

PRAYER: Father, you are my strength and you love me completely. And these two things will never change. Protect me from the world and the evil. I know evil days are coming, but I guess none of us really want to see it happen. Lord, I do want your will. Have mercy on me. Have mercy on my family in these days of upheaval and evil.

QT 26 Jun 2020, Ps 56:3-4, Enough of the trite sayings, seek God!

Psalm 56:3–4 (ESV) —

3 When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can flesh do to me?

NOTE: It is a simple formula. When in fear, put your trust in God. There is nothing man can do that can ultimately harm me, even my death. How do we practically put our trust in God? The word and prayer would be my answer. We seek God in his word and we seek God in prayer. It seems simple but it is the best thing. Repeating various trite mantras such as "God is in charge" or "I have faith" are really meaningless if we are not in the word and prayer. They are practical lies we tell ourselves, for while they are "truths," they are not really true to the person who will not spend time in the word and prayer. Why the word and prayer? Because we are seeking God and God is known in conversation. God speaks through his word to us and we speak to God through open and honest prayer.

PRAYER: Father, the formula is simple, but few give their lives to knowing you. I don't want to be a part of that group.

QT 25 Jun 2020, Ps 55:4-8, The importance of trust even when life is good

Psalm 55:4–8 (ESV) —

4 My heart is in anguish within me;

the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

5 Fear and trembling come upon me,

and horror overwhelms me.

6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest;

7 yes, I would wander far away;

I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah

8 I would hurry to find a shelter

from the raging wind and tempest.”

NOTE: I remember this Psalm from a quiet time many years ago. I can't find it in my notes. I remember the feeling. You can feel David's despair and depression. He would like to run away. His enemies are too strong for him. And it doesn't seem to end. In verse 1, he pleads for mercy. I like the emphasis on mercy. It means that the person realizes he is unworthy of the Lord's help. He is deserving of nothing and so he falls back on mercy -- which is God not giving to us what we deserve. The Psalm ends with the words, "But I will trust in you." That is what we are called to do, every day, not just during those incredibly painful moments. I don't want to go through those pains again to learn I need to trust in God. Trust needs to be part of my every day experience. Yes, life has fears right now, but I don't find myself worried. God has provided a good job, so I don't find myself concerned. I do worry a little for my children to choose correctly, but all I can do is pray.

PRAYER: Father, praying daily is my best defense against forgetting who I must trust in. My application will be to make that my second priority of the day after quiet time.

QT 24 Jun 2020, Ps 54: 1-3, Unique situations when we must disobey our authorities

Psalm 54:1–3 (ESV) —

1 O God, save me by your name,

and vindicate me by your might.

2 O God, hear my prayer;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life;

they do not set God before themselves. Selah

NOTE: David was hiding from Saul in the wilderness. This was a time of active pursuit by Saul. Others had sought to turn him in. Now, strangers in the land, the Ziphites, also attempt to turn David over to Saul. The Ziphites did not know him. But they probably had heard what was done to others who did not obey the King. And technically I suppose, they were obliged to obey the king. Except in this case, the King was attempting to kill an innocent man, and so his order would have been an illegal order. That puts a burden upon us to not blindly follow our authorities just because they are an authority placed there by God. Not every action is moral. We need to seek God in these matters. And that is what the latter half of verse 3 seems to be saying -- David is arguing that they have not sought God in the matter but are blindly following the orders of the authorities. This is not about disagreements. We can disagree with authorities but we are still obligated to follow their rules and laws. This is when the rule or law is immoral, such as the taking of innocent life.

PRAYER: Father, this is a very difficult concept and we need your help and guidance. We cannot disobey laws because we don't like them or even disagree with them conceptually. On the other hand, we are obligated to disobey immoral laws and rules. I pray you would help us to discern the difference.

QT 23 Jun 2020, Ps 53:1-3, The world believes in no God and it will destroy us

Psalm 53:1–3 (ESV) —

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;

there is none who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven

on the children of man

to see if there are any who understand,

who seek after God.

3 They have all fallen away;

together they have become corrupt;

there is none who does good,

not even one.

NOTE: Paul used these verses in Romans to make his point that everyone is a sinner, both Jew and Gentile. No one knows God, no one does good, not even one. But the passage starts out with a slightly different sense. David starts out by talking about the fool, who is characterized by a belief that there is no God. His belief system leads him to corruptness and abominable iniquity, since he rejects God and consequently the rules of God. A person without belief in God, well none of them are good, no matter how moral they might think themselves. But then David continues and says that God looks down on man, not just fools, and they have the same condition as the fool, even if they believe in God. There is one difference, not mentioned here but elsewhere in scripture. It is exemplified in Abraham who believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham was still a sinner, but he was saved by grace through his faith in the God of the universe. The world is a mess without belief in God and is committing unimaginable abominations now. There is intense anger and other uncontrolled emotions. Their flesh and their appetite control their bodies. They have given over their souls to evil.

PRAYER: God forgive us. Open our eyes to see our sins. Open our eyes to see your righteousness. Open our eyes to see our destiny. Give us a glimpse of eternity. I pray that as a people we would repent of our sins and turn to you.

QT 22 Jun 2020, Ps 52:1 Ps 52:7, Evil seems to win

Psalm 52:1 (ESV) —

1 Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?

The steadfast love of God endures all the day.

Psalm 52:7 (ESV) —

7 “See the man who would not make

God his refuge,

but trusted in the abundance of his riches

and sought refuge in his own destruction!”

NOTE: In verse 1, the wicked is boasting of a tremendously evil act that God did nothing to stop (probably the slaughter of the priests by Doeg the Edomite), and so all people should fear this wicked person's power. But the wicked do not understand. God's love remains constant despite the evil in the world. He is not unaware. He will judge evil. And no evil thwarts his eternal plan. Our problem is that we misunderstand eternity and consequently place too much emphasis on the here and now, the temporal. In the wicked persons' pride, they think they are winning because wickedness grows. Verse 7 is a warning to all the wicked and elites (those who think they know better) of the world. They are glorying in the very things that will destroy them. The world is coming to judgment. It is sooner than we think. It will be terrifying and complete. Woe to the arrogant, those who refuse to humble themselves before the Lord.

PRAYER: Father, there is so much evil in the world these days. It is beyond amazing what is not considered evil. It is a very ugly world and your voice is lost. Give us strength to proclaim the good news. We desperately need a revival in our hearts.

QT 18 Jun 2020, Ps 48:9-10, Loved beyond measure

Psalm 48:9–10 (ESV) —

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,

in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God,

so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

NOTE: Thoughts on God's steadfast love led to praise. The word for "steadfast love" is translated in other versions as faithful love, unfailing love, loyal love, etc. The Hebrew is checed and comes from a root word meaning "to show thyself merciful." The point is that in spite of our bad choices and failures, God's love is steadfast. He shows mercy. He does not respond in-kind, that is, He does not give us what we deserve or what we have earned. He forgives and He gives mercy. I don't have to appease God. I don't have to do things to earn repentance. I have a God who steadfastly loves me. The burden for all my sins (past, present, and future) have already been laid on Jesus and paid. I am free and I am completely loved. What a wonderful feeling! My praise cannot rise high enough.

PRAYER: Father thank you so much for love so amazing, so divine that it demands my soul, my life, my all.

QT 17 Jun 2020, Ps 47:8-9, We need to submit to God

Psalm 47:8–9 (ESV) —

8 God reigns over the nations;

God sits on his holy throne.

9 The princes of the peoples gather

as the people of the God of Abraham.

For the shields of the earth belong to God;

he is highly exalted!

NOTES: This Psalm is another psalm in this section which emphasizes God's control, his ruler-ship, and his authority. The Psalmist could be referring in the beginning to the period of David's reign but then seems to finish the Psalm with the future reign of the Messiah, since the princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. If it was all Israel there does not seem to be a need to separate the princes from the people. All of the research I reviewed felt that the "shields" are a reference to rulers in their role as protectors. God does "own" all the shields of the earth, and God does "reign" even today but in a passive sense and not the active sense this verse depicts (it is probably set in the future). The passive sense allows the rulers freedom that does not interfere with God's ultimate plan. And it does not affect the building of God's kingdom nor eternal life. But it does affect temporal life. In that sense, evil reigns today in the temporal aspects of life on earth. And God allows it. I believe primarily for one major reason -- He uses evil to show people their need for true good -- which only God can provide. No matter how man tries to create his perfect world, it is just evil. Only when we submit to God we will be able to experience the good God intended when he created man and the earth.

PRAYER: Father, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. I'm not sure how much longer this world can survive in its own devices. We are so deceived in our minds. We truly are lost. Save us I pray.

QT 16 Jun 2020, Ps 46:4-7, God can give true peace

Psalm 46:4–7 (ESV) —

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

NOTE: Who would have thought that life would be like it is today? Who would have thought of us in the midst of a pandemic or another race riot? Certainly history has told shown us that these things happen quite often. Man's history since the fall seems to be traveling from one crisis to another. Sin have enveloped people and impacted all of life and the planet. And so it shall continue until the rapture and the judgment (the tribulation). The verses above could refer to the millennial kingdom and the new Jerusalem, except that there won't be nations raging until the very end of that time. So, I think this verse (vs 4) can be taken symbolically rather than literally. There is a river where God dwells and it is in the hearts of believers now. The river is calm, peaceful, and provides refreshment. Outside of us, the world rages. People rage and scream and fight against one another. There is great evil in the riots. There is evil in the hearts of all men. And only transformation can truly change our hearts. Our biggest need is you, God. And our second biggest need is a changed heart so that we can love one another as you loved us.

PRAYER: Father, change our hearts. Forgive us for our malice and anger and rage. Give us the peace which passes all understanding that is available to those who truly pray. We are sinners worthy of death, but you died in our place to offer us hope and peace. Open our eyes to see you during this dark time.

QT 15 Jun 2020, 1 Time 6:20-21, An indispensable ingredient to developing godliness -- application

1 Timothy 6:20–21 (ESV) — 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you.

NOTE: Paul's last comment to Timothy is to repeat, for probably the fourth time, the warning against false teachers. After studying through this book, two things stand out. The false teachers' teaching was worthless, babble, etc. The effect was at best not good (vain) or at worse produced dissension and quarrelling and worldly behavior. The contrast is teaching that produces something good -- godliness. Simply defined, godliness is becoming like God and it is a discipline that achieves better results than physical training in terms of good for the body. What is this spiritual discipline? Well it is all the spiritual disciplines like reading and praying, but I think it also specifically refers to applying God's word -- application. Otherwise, if we are just hearing, we are deceiving ourselves. Godliness happens when we are regularly applying the word of God to our lives. It is the most glaring weakness of the church on earth today. People attend services. But, people don't change. Teachers teach good things, but don't encourage application. That is really vain teaching. It makes no impact.

Father: As I pray this morning, give me insight in how to encourage application. How do I teach people to be doers? What do I need to give to them or show them? Maybe I need to create an application worksheet to hand out -- give me ideas Lord. I desire your church to develop godliness through the discipline of application of the word of God to their life.

QT 12 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:18-19, More instruction for the rich

1 Timothy 6:18–19 (ESV) — 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

NOTE: These instructions are specifically for the rich. They should be rich in good works (as opposed to being known as rich in wealth). They should be generous. They are given riches to give to others. And they are told to be ready to share. This would not just be their liquid assets (money) but their illiquid, that is the things they own. They are to share the material things that riches have given them to others as needed (car, home, tools, etc.,). These actions will store up true treasure for themselves in heaven. It lays a foundation for the future (heaven). And it allows them to truly experience true life, not the life of the rich which is not true nor is it satisfying.

PRAYER: Father, I do want to share with others. I do want to do good works. But I also want to keep those things hidden. I pray for opportunities to meet needs of others. I pray to be able to do it in a way that hides my involvement.

QT 11 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:17, Knowing Jesus is the greatest of all riches

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

NOTE: I thought Larson's thoughts on this verse were very good and worth quoting.

"Abundance breeds pride—toward God and others. The person who has much begins to credit himself with his wealth. Creeping into his heart is the notion that he has done well on his own, that he can get by without God. Wealth also creates an economy of false values. Beneath the class wars and the tensions between rich and poor simmers the deception that worth is determined by possessions." (Larson, K. (2000))

"Putting hope in money is no different from the primitive man or woman who bows to an idol of wood or stone, expecting it to protect or provide. This is worshiping the creation instead of the Creator (Rom. 1:25)." (Larson, K. (2000))

A good verse on this last thought is found in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 9:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

And all of this reminds me of my favorite song that I sang on the mall in Washington DC during the million man march for Promise Keepers: All I once held dear - Robin Mark .

All I once held dear, built my life upon

All this world reveres, and wars to own

All I once thought gain I have counted loss

Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing you, Jesus

Knowing you, there is no greater thing

You're my all, you're the best

You're my joy, my righteousness

And I love you, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know you more

To be found in you and known as yours

To possess by faith what I could not earn

All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Knowing you, Jesus

Knowing you, there is no greater thing

You're my all, you're the best

You're my joy, my righteousness

And I love you, Lord

Oh, to know the power of your risen life

And to know You in Your sufferings

To become like you in your death, my Lord

So with you to live and never die

Knowing you, Jesus

Knowing you, there is no greater thing

You're my all, you're the best

You're my joy, my righteousness

And I love you, Lord

(All I once held dear, Robin Mark)

PRAYER: Lord, may this always be my heart. May this always be the driving force of my life. I want to be found in you. I want to be known as yours. I want to trust completely in your righteousness. There is no greater thing than knowing you Jesus.

QT 10 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:17c, Enjoying God's gifts without guilt

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

NOTE: The phrase "who (God) richly provides us with everything to enjoy" is placed here in the discussion of the rich who are charged not to be haughty or to set their hope (be obsessed) with riches. A principle that I see is, riches are given by God and can be enjoyed. I think  there is a balance. Personally, I very much oppose the teaching of tithing to the rich (and I consider myself in this group). I think it is a travesty to only give ten percent when a person is rich. Over the years I have worked at two approaches to overcome the hindrances. One, every pay raise I received, I took a portion of the money (larger than the percentage pay raise) and applied it to my giving. Over time, my giving percentage increased without any noticeable effect on my budget. Secondly, I established a giving account (usually not tax-deductible) where I can give to people in need with large sums. I have also used it for ministry purposes as well. This practice has also not affected my budget. I'm not saying that the rich should not suffer to give. Certainly we don't have to live like our neighbors or the proverbial "Jones." We can say no to things. In fact, the most difficult thing is learning to be content and to say no to something when you have the means to acquire the thing. I think a third principle (approach) is not to advertise wealth. It is just ugly. It is unnecessary.

PRAYER: Father, the area of riches is a complicated thing. Give me wisdom to use the funds you give in a way that brings great honor to your name. Help me to make wise decisions.

QT 9 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:17, Pray first then manage money

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

NOTE: I don't believe Paul meant that we were not supposed to plan for the future. But Paul says that we are not to set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches. I understand the uncertainty of riches -- in our society with the way the markets roller coaster, it is easy to understand. In the NT, the Greek word here appears to be the only usage. The root word means clear and evident. I assume this variation includes an extension that is the negative. Nothing is clear or evident in regards to the future. The world can change very quickly. Yes, we need to plan for the future. But, we must not be obsessed. We are told to put our hope on God. How do we do that? We make prayer a priority in our life. We easily make money management a priority. Prayer should take priority over money management. Yes, we do both, but we always pray. Because, God is in charge, not our money, not our clever planning. God is in charge.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for giving too much thought to my finances, and not enough thought to prayer. Prayer needs to be my first impulse every day. I plan to live this out this week.

QT 8 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:17, Lessons for the rich

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

NOTE: Instructions for the rich are really for all believers who live in the western world, whether or not your salary is in the top percentage in your country. A few lessons show up in these verses and the first is: don't be haughty. The Greek word for haughty is translated in other versions as arrogant, haughty, high-minded, proud, and conceited. Never consider your status as an expectation of special treatment. I've seen this from passengers in first class. I've seen it from people in a store to those serving them. I see it over and over again in society. I continually am judging my own actions. Am I smiling enough? Am I the one who is showing deference? Am I accusing? Am I taking the blame or pushing it completely to the other person? Am I using words that are gentle or kind? I absolutely do not want to be haughty. I would much rather be blamed for a trifle, than to act haughty to another. May we all show such deference.

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes to how our words display pride and arrogance. Help us to see our sin, confess, and repent. Give us a witness that includes words of grace to those around us.

QT 4 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:12b-17, Living the good confession

1 Timothy 6:12b–16 (ESV) — 12b … Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

NOTE: What is the "good confession" and what is "the commandment?" Jesus did not say a lot to Pilate, but he did claim to be a King and he claimed that everyone on the side of truth listens to him. The good confession is that Jesus is my king and Lord and I will listen to him first above all others. It is not a "Sunday-only" thing but a lifetime and a lifestyle. The commandment in the context of the letter is probably the previous commands to Timothy (correct/stop those teaching heresies, install order in the church, and watch over his own life). We are all witnesses for Jesus Christ and the commandment is the same for all of us -- Live like Jesus, be a good witness, and stand up for truth.

PRAYER: Father, your word is not to be mistreated. We are not to be Christians one day a week but every day. We need to be regularly in your word, reading it and reacting to it in specific application and change. The failure of the church is a failure to truly make you Lord. We only say the words. It has little true impact on our life. What a shame! Father, open our eyes to our own falseness.

QT 3 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:12ab, The fight of faith is believing in the unseen

1 Timothy 6:12ab (ESV) — Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …

NOTE: Earlier in the book, Paul told Timothy that he was a soldier enlisted to Jesus Christ. The context suggested that his task would not be easy and he would suffer. A soldier's life is not easy, especially then. Campaigns could take a person a long way from home and for a considerable time. You lived in a sparse tent and did not enjoy any of the amenities of civilian life. Now Paul tells him to fight the good fight of the faith. This is not a violent physical fight, but a spiritual battle. We don't always see the results or even what God is doing, but we continue to fight in faith believing that God is in control and is working his good will in the situation. We should always pray and not give up. That was one of the first things Paul told Timothy to teach the men. That is what being a spiritual leader is all about.

PRAYER: Father, I want to be a good example of a man who continues in prayer. Forgive me when I fail. I know you are working. I must believe you are bringing good out of the evil I see in the world.

QT 2 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:11, Actually being a Man of God

1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV) — 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

NOTE: This and the verses that follow feel like a summary of the summary. But it is also personal again to Timothy. Paul calls him a man of God. Those are strong words and are not used anywhere in the new testament except for Timothy. It was used in the old testament to describe Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha. And Paul again encourages Timothy to pursue character. Righteousness is everything we do, and it is doing the right thing. The "godliness" remark harkens back to the discussion on exercising, and the corresponding disciplines of the Christian life. The other qualities are the character that all of us should pursue. Do we really care about being men and women of God? Then why are we not pursuing these things in real life?

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our horrible sin in the church. We do not measure up at all to what the body of Christ should be. We are lazy, selfish, and godless (at least in our actions). We talk a good talk but we treat people with disdain in stores and restaurants. We are so far from Jesus. Forgive us and open our eyes to our sin. Have mercy dear God.

QT 1 Jun 2020, 1 Tim 6:9-10, The trap of desiring riches

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV) — 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

NOTE: Earlier in the letter Paul addressed the problem of idleness and, by implication, the importance of work. But we can always swing the pendulum too far, and this is another case. Some people work too much and do it for the wrong reasons. Desiring to be rich is also a temptation and a trap, just as desiring to live in idleness. We cannot love money. We need to be wise with our resources, but we cannot love it. What are the traps? Hoarding. Selfishness. Greed. Idolatry. Wicked schemes. Loss of love for the savior (replaced with another). Sin (in many different ways).

PRAYER: Father protect me from the trap. I want to give and serve and love you first. Protect my heart. Protect me from the lust of the eyes.