Titus 1 - 06.01.23

SCRIPTURE - Titus 1:2-3 NLT

“This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.”

OBSERVATION 

Titus also came to faith in Jesus through Paul’s ministry and had served Paul well on special assignments to the church in Corinth (2 Corinth 8). 

Paul is giving Titus instructions (much like in his letters to Timothy) and begins by 

by emphasizing the importance of KNOWING the TRUTH. Paul says to “Teach them to Know the TRUTH that shows them HOW to Live Godly Lives” (vs 1).

APPLICATION 

READ and KNOW God’s WORD—

I am SO thankful for our Pastor Levi who shares the TRUTH of God’s WORD.

What an important teaching we heard last Sunday on the Belt of Truth.

This is our Core and EVERYTHING else is attached to it.

I am SO thankful God has placed me at Desert Streams where reading and applying God’s WORD is an Important part of our daily life.

As Pastor Levi said on Sunday, The World has many viewpoints that point in many directions.

The Bible is our compass for True North.

God’s Truth AND His infinite Love will Prevail.

“Jesus said to him, “I AM the way, and the TRUTH, and the life.” (John 14:6a ESV)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”” (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV)

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89 ESV)

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

What an amazing example of Love you have given us. In every parable and story, in day after day of compassion filled ministry and teachings we have only to look at your unbelievable mercy and grace…and you summed it all up like this…Love God with ALL your heart and Love others as you would Love Yourself…and IF you do this…you will fulfill the law…

I pray my mouth gives utterance to Your Holy Spirit life-giving Word.

I pray Your Word is committed more and more to my memory—ready for the time it is needed. I pray, like Paul, my life will be FULLY committed to YOU by Your Strength and Supply. In Jesus Name.

Tina L Kudelka

2 Timothy 4 - 5.31.23

Scripture

2 Timothy 4:18 NIV

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Observation

Paul is encouraging Timothy with some last words, because he knows that his time is coming to an end (death is near); however, he has fought the good fight, ran a good race, kept the faith and is looking forward to his departure to be with Jesus. (verses 6-8)

Some things that Paul encourages Timothy with is to preach the Word in and out of season and also gave a warning that there will come a time when people will no longer put up with sound doctrine (verses 2-3). He must ENDURE hardship and keep his head in all situations. (verse 5)

Lastly, Paul spoke about everyone who deserted him and didn’t support him.  He said, ”May it not be held against them.” (verse 16b).  The Lord stood by his side through it all so that the message would be proclaimed! (verse 17)

Application

We must always be prepared if we want to fight a good fight, finish the race well and keep the faith like Paul did.

If you missed Pastor Levi’s sermon on Sunday on the Belt of Truth, here’s a link: https://youtu.be/TMG_u8agg94

Some ways we stay prepared is by having our armor on. Be in the Word everyday, go to church on Sunday, and attend our Wednesday Worship and Bible study! Our next one is next Wednesday, June 7th at 6:30p.

Just like Moses said during last Sunday’s dismissal, we don’t want the devil to catch us with our pants down! 

Prayer 

Dear Lord, I want to say just like Paul that I fought a good fight, ran the race, kept the faith, and preached Your Word even through obstacles. Even when people deserted Paul and didn’t support him because they turned away from the Truth, he still remained faithful to You. I pray that I (we) would do the same. I pray that we would always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in You. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

2 Timothy 3 - 5.30.23

SCRIPTURE:  2 Timothy 3:1-5  "But mark this:  There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with such people."

OBSERVATION:  Two thousand years ago Paul taught Timothy about the difficult times that would be going on in the last days.  If two thousand years ago was the "last days", the days we are living in now are even closer to Jesus' return!  

When Paul taught Timothy to have nothing to do with those kinds of people, he meant, don't allow yourself to be influenced by them.  Don't conform to their ways.  What Paul did want Timothy to do was to stand firm in his faith as he remembered all that Paul had taught him from the Scriptures, and the way he had lived his life; his purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance.  Even in the most difficult of circumstances when Paul was persecuted for his faith, he endured the persecutions because God was with him.  

As we draw closer to the 2nd coming of Jesus, universal godlessness will increase drastically!

APPLICATION:  The deterioration of humanity has come in cycles throughout the last two thousand years, but EVERY TIME God has been faithful to keep His promise to the ones who confess the name of Jesus and turn from their sins.

"Evil people and imposters will become worse, deceiving and being deceived, BUT WE have received grace from God through Jesus to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations, on behalf of His name. 

PRAYER:  Thank You God for being so faithful to Your children.  I pray when we deal with the ones who are opposing You that we will be gentle as we instruct them in Your Word in the hope that You will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will. 

Whatever period of time we are living in, I pray we will continually align our thoughts and actions with Your plans as You use us to partner with You in sharing Your truth -  that NEVER changes, is NEVER shaken, and that will NEVER fade. 

- Robin Orefice