1 Timothy 5 - 8.11.25

Scripture

1 Timothy 5:24-25

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Observation

The book of 1 Timothy is a letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who was his spiritual son and mentee. Paul had to leave Ephesus, but he wanted Timothy to stay. (Zondervan’s Compact Bible Dictionary)

In this portion of the letter, he is giving Timothy a summary of how to treat people in the church. (Enduringword.com)

“In addition, Paul strongly warns Timothy to use much caution in selecting elders (1 Tmothy 5:22-25). Both sins and good deeds can be hidden from the eyes of other people. God, however, is well aware of them.” (Bibleref.com)

Although 1 Timothy was written from one seasoned pastor to a newer pastor, we can learn a lot about integrity from this passage. 

Application

Live a life of integrity. 

The best definition for integrity that I have heard is being the same person when no one is looking as when people are looking. It is to be honest and consistent. 

It is better to be caught doing good than caught doing bad. The latter, when exposed, has messed up so many ministers’ lives and testimonies in Christ.  However, when the good is exposed, it leads others to praise God (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12)!

I love how it says in verse 25 that even the good deeds, which may not be obvious, cannot remain hidden forever. That is such an encouragement, especially when we feel that the good we are doing or have done is not being seen. Scripture says that God sees ALL of it! 

Everything we do in private is seen by God; both good and bad. Let’s focus on the good. It always pays when we choose to live a life of integrity. It glorifies God! 

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I know that it’s impossible to live a life of integrity apart from You. Change my heart to be like Yours. Help me to always seek to do good to others. Help me to always live consistently whether I am seen or not seen. May my life point others to You alone Jesus. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

1 Timothy 2 - 8.8.25

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

Observation:

Paul wants the believers to make:

• Petitions - which is praying specifically for needs,

• Prayers - talking to God believing for the best for others and seeking His wisdom. (This is my idea after trying to look up what this means exactly.)

• Intercessions - a more fervent plea to stand in the gap for another.

• Thanksgiving - expressing gratefulness 

For ALL People.

Then he adds “for kings and those in authority” as if to say - YES THESE FOLKS are included too!

In the time this was written Israel was under Roman rule.  They were not happy with their leadership.  I imagine they also were not pleased with some of the religious leaders either since they rejected Jesus as the Messiah and crucified Him.

Paul points out that this pleases God who wants all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.  He also highlights a favorable result, living peaceful, holy, quiet lives.

Application:

I need to remember to pray for all leaders.  God loves each and every one and wants them to come to know Him.  This is an easy task to forget.  I need to post sticky notes or set reminders digitally so I will not just pray as an election is coming, but consistently throughout my week.

I also want to be more fervent in praying for bosses, co-works, and our church leadership.  They have influence and a heavy load.  I want to be on the lookout for answers to those prayers and rejoice in God’s handiwork.

I also need to be thankful.  That can be hard when I pull up to the pump, or hear of another decision that does not make sense.  I know being thankful is there for a reason.  It changes us and our perspective. We can always find something to be thankful for, although some require more effort than others.  When I do I can see God at work.  He will change my heart and bring blessings. 

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

No leader comes to power without your approval.  You are using them to guide the future.  Please forgive me for being negative at times. Please help me to bless and not curse.  As gratefulness flows through me may I remember to pray for needs, wisdom for the task you have given them, and most of all they would come to know you.

Amen

- Cindy Howard

1 Timothy - 08.07.25

SCRIPTURE

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves—full acceptance:

Christ Jesus—came into the world—to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners,

Christ Jesus might display his immense patience—as an example

for those who would—believe in HIM and RECEIVE—eternal life.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

OBSERVATION

Paul writes this letter to Timothy, his beloved spiritual son, who is overseeing the Church in Ephesus. What is pressing Paul’s heart? Young Timothy is struggling with infiltrators who are teaching a different Gospel. Paul reminds Timothy of his calling saying, “I urged you to STAY in Ephesus when I went on to Macedonia SO that you may COMMAND those who are teaching false doctrine to STOP” (vs 4).

There is only one Gospel. The Gospel of Grace. Jesus Paid it ALL. We cannot add anything OR subtract anything from the Good News.

The Gospel makes it clear there is a dividing Line and a choice.

Jesus is the only way to Eternal Life.

APPLICATION

Share -The Gospel -often-everywhere-without hesitation

The Gospel is the Reason Jesus CAME.

The Gospel is WHY Jesus suffered The Cross.

The GOSPEL of LOVE—is WHO-JESUS -IS…

Without the Good News..People will suffer eternal separation from God.

Should there be any doubt we should be sharing the GOOD NEWS?

Awhile back RK Castillo visited our church to give a Saturday morning seminar on how easy it is to GO SHARE the GOSPEL. RK said that lengthy and extensive “trainings” weren’t necessary—

Just share Your Story..Your personal testimony how Jesus Changed your life.

Paul shared his personal testimony

Before Jesus—Paul was—blaspheming the Name of Christ and persecuting His people (vs 13).

Paul was a pure-blooded Hebrew who took pride that he could trace his lineage back to Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Paul went on to state he was circumcised at eight days old, a full citizen of Israel, and a member of the Pharisees who demanded the strictest obedience to Jewish law. Paul considered himself “righteous” obeying the law without fault.

He had considered these things—valuable.

Then one day CHRIST Jesus—encountered Paul—on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)

Paul was headed to Damascus that day to continue his persecution of all Christ Followers—When suddenly Christ Jesus encountered Paul and changed His life forever.

I once thought these things were valuable,

but now I consider them worthless —because of what Christ—has done.”

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

What did Christ DO?

He came INTO the World to suffer the Cross and pay the penalty for our sins.

So that ANYONE who BELIEVES in Him will have forgiveness of sins

and eternal life. It’s a Free Gift

so no one can boast about their own righteousness.

“For it is by GRACE you have been saved—through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God—”   (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

My Testimony

I was so proud to be Lutheran—it was a strong identity within our Scandinavian family. I clung to that identity, especially because my relationship with my dad’s side was inconsistent. He didn’t like sharing much with any of us—my half-sister, half-brother, or me—about his heritage, which was Russian Jewish.

Going to the Lutheran church was mostly about religious rituals—although it did offer certain basic fundamentals. Every child was expected to learn the 10 commandments and be able to recite the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed. There just wasn’t much understanding of relationship with Jesus and the Gospel itself wasn’t shared.

At 24 yrs old I heard the Gospel message for the First time..

After Jesus—everything changed.

My heart changed.

I heard God’s voice speak to me “this is for you”.

I felt His forgiveness.

Immediately I experienced changes in my life—

Long time struggles with unrealistic—yet very real—fears—simply disappeared.

I had a NEW identity—I Belonged—to Jesus

I developed new friendships that became lifelong friends.

I experienced Christ’s forgiveness being poured into my heart for others who had wounded me deeply. A supernatural forgiveness that I didn’t even have to strive for…it was literally poured into me and overrode the hurt. Instead of unforgiveness, I had compassion for them. Jesus allowed me to see them with His eyes—as broken and in need of His love.

And more than that..God began to pull out gifts in me, things I had never heard of or even read yet in the Bible. My life had purpose. I was reading His word and praying daily. I experienced relationship with Jesus.

Before Jesus I was guarded, prideful, self-reliant, fearful, anxious, depressed, and broken. Although I was raised to be polite, calm and collected—and appeared “good” on the outside…

On the inside at times I felt so lost I wondered if the world would be better without me.

But God in His Infinite Love had Mercy on me and had pursued me…

FIRST, God sent someone to the store where I worked who was an evangelist. In addition to her assigned work, She spoke to EVERYONE that day about Jesus. EVERYONE. At the end of her shift when she came to speak with me I was not very nice to her and told her to “Go Away”.

THEN, God placed someone in my life that I didn’t even want to meet. I ended up being “tricked” into meeting her. This lady who I had envisioned to be a very different kind of person ended up being very nice and invited me to church, something I had been contemplating since the evangelist had come in the store.

BUT the sweet lady who became a friend took me to a Pentecostal Church— a place I wasn’t sure I wanted to go. However, she was driving—so I didn’t have a choice. She began telling me what I might witness when we got there.

People speaking in strange unknown languages. What?!? No thank you.

BUT, God had a plan. Thank YOU—Jesus!

I heard the Gospel Message that Day and I heard Jesus speak to me, “This is for you”.

SO that Christ Jesus

could use me

as a Prime example

of His Great Patience.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank YOU for Your very Great Patience in pursuing me and pursuing me and pursuing me. Thank You for saving me when I didn’t know I needed to be Saved. I never knew this kind of relationship was possible. YOU Love to talk to Your Children. Thank YOU for Your forgiveness and the assurance of Heaven. Thank YOU for FILLING me WITH Your Holy Spirit—when again—I said I didn’t want it.

YOU have been SO merciful to me. So gracious to me. SO Good to me.

Help me to be more transparent so others can really KNOW that YOU- ARE-

a very REAL and LOVING God—who SEES them and LOVES them…

SO much—that YOU came—for the express purpose—of dying on the Cross.

YOU are Life. YOU are Hope. There is NO other way. Here I am Lord.

My life is Yours.

In Your Holy and Precious Name, amen.

Tina L Kudelka