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Thoughts on the readings for May 24th (Joshua 10, Isaiah 14,1 Timothy 6) May 23, 2025

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1 Timothy 6 says that servants must honourably bare the responsibility of faithful service. The chapter next sounds a warning against false teachers and this is followed by one of the greatest, and possibly the hardest, lesson to learn – ie that godliness with contentment is the greatest profit a believer can have in life. We can take nothing with us when we die. All that is important is the legacy that the Almighty sees – a life of devotion to Him and service to others – a life rich in good works. To pursue any other course is a guarantee of frustration and sorrow (just as Balaam found out). Verse 10 tells us, “the love of money” (Greek “philaguros” – literally “lover of silver” which has in Greek the numeric value of 666) is ‘a root of all kinds of evil’. In verses 11-16 Timothy (and each believer) is urged to fight the fight of faith following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave a faithful witness before Pontius Pilate – costing our Lord Jesus his life. Jesus will, on his return to earth, set up the glorious kingdom of God demonstrating the power and honour of the King Invisible (God the Almighty Father) and the benefits that will come to those who live life by this guide. The letter concludes with a reminder to safeguard the deposit which had been committed to Timothy and a charge to the rich to avoid pride. The rich are counselled to use their God given resources to benefit others (the lesson being based on the life of Hezekiah cp
2 Kings 20 verses 12-16). Let us learn godliness with contentment; richness in faith and loving works to others – pause and ponder.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 22nd. “HOW ONE OUGHT TO BEHAVE” May 22, 2025

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Paul’s letter to Timothy is full of advice and instruction we can use for ourselves. He tells Timothy that, “I hope to come to you soon , but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church (assembly) of the living God.”[1 Tim. 3 v.15] Paul goes on to explain how each community of believers should have overseers, or elders. He goes into great detail about the qualities such persons ought to have.

He must be married and have brought up children for if he cannot effectively manage “his own household” how will he properly “care for God’s church.”?[v.5]. Also “he must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.”[v.6]

What is this devil? How can an overseer be seen to be condemned by a devil? The translators are inconsistent, for the Greek word diabolos they translate here as devil occurs again in v.11 about what the character of the wives of deacons should NOT be! They translate diabolos as “slanderer“ in this case! The character of deacon’s wives must be such that they never stoop to slander anyone. Where diabolos occurs in 2 Timothy 3 v.3 and Titus 2 v.3 the translators have rightly rendered it as slanderer or some similar word depending on your version..

Jesus said “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil” (diabolos) [John 6 v.70] It is to be greatly regretted that the Church, over time, built up a totally fictitious story of a evil supernatural spirit being.

So it makes sense to understand Paul’s advice that they should not make a recent convert an overseer or elder until he has developed godly wisdom to prevent the possibility that he could “fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil” dDiabolos)

Those who take any position of responsibility in God’s church “must be dignified, not double tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy … They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” [1 Tim. 3 v.8,9]. Timothy is told that he should, “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”[Ch.4 v.12]

We should all take Paul’s advice as to “how one ought to behave in the household of God.” Yes! God’s household! Do you belong?.

Thoughts on the readings for May 23rd (Joshua 9, Isaiah 13, 1 Timothy 4, 5) May 22, 2025

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1 Timothy 4 commences with signposts which mark out the coming departure from true teachings – 1) a belief in evil and deceitful spirits; 2) a celibate clergy forbidden marriage; 3) the refraining from eating certain foods ie meat on Fridays and during Lent leading up to Easter – all foods are for our eating as long as we have offered a prayer of thanksgiving before eating. In verses 6-10 we have the third faithful saying, “bodily exercise is of some value, but godliness Greek “eusebia”) is profitable in every way, benefiting present daily life, and offering the hope of eternal life in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ”. It is essential that believers be reminded of the necessity to be pure in thought, word and action. Such diligence will save both the teacher and the hearer alike. In chapter 5 we are told the type of respect to be shown to elderly believers. Next follows instructions on the proper treatment of widows. It tells families to show their commitment and care for the widows before requesting aid from the ecclesia. However, widows whose faith and actions stand as a witness to their commitment to Christ Jesus and His Father should be supported in their needs. Older members of the flock of God who have diligently proclaimed the Word of God must be honoured (compare Hebrews 13 verses 7, 17). Those whose words and actions show a failure to continue in the beliefs and behaviour of the Truth are to be openly rebuked. Be careful in the choice of those commissioned to faithful service. Timothy should drink wine moderately for reasons of health. Sometimes the faithfulness of some believers is evident; and sometimes the wrongdoing of believers is seen. But not always. Beware of hypocrisy, but be assured it will be unmasked in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 21st. “… AN EXAMPLE TO IMITATE” May 21, 2025

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Today, more than ever before, we live in a herd environment, a human herd. Mass advertising in a great variety of media confronts us hour after hour, creating a herd mentality. We reflected on this as we read Paul’s words this morning. He told the Thessalonians that we “give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” [2 Thess. 3 v.9]

What do we imitate? What or who do we take as our examples in life? A parallel question – why do we see them as examples that we feel inclined to imitate?

Bad examples abound today; there are also things which are not specifically bad but there is nothing really worthwhile in them. We need to ask ourselves, ‘ what is spiritually nutritious’ in each thing we watch, read or do?. Paul writes, “you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it … that we might not be a burden to you.” [v.7,8]

Are we pulling our weight, doing our share? We live in a drastically changed world to 3 months ago. The coronavirus has bought our lives to a stop. At this time we have opportunity to consider the course of our life. How is our worship to God? How are we caring for our vulnerable loved ones? Today more than ever we need to consider our attitude and what is the outworking of our faith. Soon we will be reading the letter to the Hebrews where it is stated, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” [13 v.7] Believers then did not have the blessing of a Bible to read every day, but, if they had, they would surely have read it in nearly every hour that could be spared from their essential tasks.

But today with so many Bibles available, what part does God’s word take in daily life? One of the smallest “books” in the Bible is the 3rd letter of John. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” [v.11] We cannot physically “see” God but we can – with “the eyes of (our) hearts” [Eph.1 v.18] – see God – using his “living word” which cleanses hearts. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” [Matt. 5 v.8]. All such will be sure to experience the wonderful time described in today’s Isaiah reading, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” [11 v.9]

Thoughts on the readings for May 22nd (Joshua 8, Isaiah 12,1 Timothy 1, 2, 3) May 21, 2025

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Joshua 8 tells of the strategy in the taking of Ai and the events that led up to this conquest. After the shameful defeat of chapter 7 Joshua is encouraged to return and take the city by surprise by using an ambush and pincer movement to encircle and trap the Amorite army. Thirty thousand men remained silent and hidden in thickets near Ai while Joshua and the bulk of the army made a front line attack against the city. The army pretended to be in panic and lured the Amorites from the city which was then smitten while the Amorites were pursuing Israel. The occupiers of the city than came out against the Amorite army and Joshua stretched out his spear, when the LORD said that the moment was right, and the fleeing Israelites turned to encircle the enemy and destroy them. The entire populace of Ai was destroyed and their livestock taken by Israel as spoil. The city was burned by fire and then buried under a heap of stones.
Verses 30-35 describes Joshua taking Israel to Shechem, building the altar of Yahweh on Mount Ebal, offering sacrifices, writing on plastered stones the blessings and curses from the book of Deuteronomy and pronouncing these blessings and curses on each of the six tribes on Ebal – for curses – and blessings on the six tribes on Mount Gerazim. Both natural Israelites and the strangers in their midst assented to the words of the covenant.

Thoughts on the readings for May 22nd (Joshua 8, Isaiah 12,1 Timothy 1, 2, 3) May 21, 2025

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The personal letter of Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy, is written from Rome during the Apostle Paul’s first imprisonment (during his house arrest of two years) between 61-63 AD. The standard greeting of the Greeks “charis” – “grace”; and of the Hebrews, “shalom” – “peace”, or “wholeness”; begin the letter. Verses 3-11 warn against false teachers. The Apostle starts with genealogies because the false teachers were asserting to their hearers the importance which they placed on their own lineage. Law is a necessity for humans are, by weakness and choice, sinners. From verses 12-17 the Apostle Paul states the first of five faithful sayings, written in the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy; and Titus. The first of these sayings is that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners”. Paul acknowledges that he is one of the foremost in this category; because he persecuted believers. In verses 18-20 Timothy is entrusted with the “charge” – Greek “deposit” ie solemn responsibility – to oppose false teachers and their teachings. In chapter 2:1-6 Timothy is told to pray for all people so that believers may be allowed to worship God in peace. Paul states that God is the Father alone. He further adds that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of the Father, whose offering of himself brings believers to God. From verses 8-15 there are explanations about the right way to worship God. These include sincere prayer from dedicated believers; modesty in all aspects of appearance – avoiding drawing attention to oneself in the wearing of jewellery and in the wearing of immodest clothing. The Apostle says that in the meetings of believers that sisters acknowledge their God appointed roles by the wearing of a head covering and by allowing the men to teach. Nonetheless the sisters bearing of children is fulfilling (if by circumstances they are able) a God given role. A sister, Mary, gave birth to our Saviour. In chapter 3:1 the Apostle gives the second faithful saying, “those aspiring to guiding believers have chosen a noble path”. Verses 2-7 speak of the qualifications for an overseer (bishop), or guide of believers. Verses 8-13 outline the requirements for deacons (assistant guides for believers). Verses 14-16 talk about God and contain the great truth of the gospel that Jesus Christ is the pillar and foundation of the temple of faithful believers. Christ has revealed to all believers the character and traits of our Sovereign Father. Pivotal to understanding the gospel is a grasp of the doctrine of God manifestation.God was revealed in Christ who has revealed the character and attributes of his Father. Having done that, the Father then welcomes His Son to join Him in heaven. It seems that the Apostle Paul’s thoughts may be based on Daniel 6:19-26. Read aloud, pause and ponder.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 20th. “THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW GOD” May 20, 2025

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Today we read how Joshua and the emerging nation of Israel crossed the river Jordan – and – under divine guidance destroyed Jericho. Only Rahab (and her household) who knew and feared the true God are saved. Indeed, when we come to read Hebrews 11 we will see that she is listed among the examples of men and women of real faith.

Our Isaiah chapter (10) includes the prophecy that “in that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.” [v.20/21] Is that starting to happen? We watch spiritual developments in Israel with great interest. Some in God’s nation are showing signs of accepting Jesus as their Messiah; we have attended at the Messianic Synagogue here and seen about 50 Jews who believe in Jesus.

Some prophecies are like jigsaw pieces in our hands which we tentatively fit together without locking them into place. We noted v.22 says, “Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness” and pondered its application.

The nine verses of the last chapter of Hosea’s prophecy are most interesting in this regard, describing the final time when God “will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely for my anger has turned from them.” [v.4]

In contrast our chapters in 2 Thessalonians which plainly portray the return of Jesus describes those who will suffer God’s anger “when the Lord Jesus is revealed …inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus … when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among those who have believed …” [v.7-10]

Rahab will be there, those who heeded from their hearts Isaiah’s message will be there! What marveling will take place! But those who do not know God will not be there! That is understandable – but the greatest anguish will surely be in those who have known – but have not obeyed.

Thoughts on the readings for May 21st (Joshua 7, Isaiah 11,2 Thessalonians 3) May 20, 2025

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In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul asks for the believers’ prayers that he might be helped to freely teach the gospel without hindrance. From verses 6-15 the Apostle urges the Macedonian faithful to keep working and avoiding idleness. Many had ceased working because they mistakenly thought that the coming of Jesus Christ was so close that they didn’t need to work. Idle brothers had to learn to heed the advice contained in this letter. In the last two verses the Apostle Paul asks God to give the believers peace.

Daily Readings & Thought for May 19th. “FOR ALL THIS” May 19, 2025

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Four times, the first three being in today’s reading of the 9th chapter of Isaiah, the prophet states God’s attitude is that, “For all this his anger is not turned away and his hand is stretched out still” [v.12,17, 21 In their own strength they think they can ignore God and restore the things that have gone wrong, to bounce back from a disaster and rebuild saying, “the bricks that have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamore have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place” [v.10].

The nation refused to see that it was the LORD who had caused these disasters, but their thoughts were on rebuild, to make things better than they had been; they did not see that it was evidence of God’s anger and further punishment would come for “the people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.”[v.13] As a result the LORD was going to have “no compassion (even) on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly (Footnote: ‘disgraceful things’)” [v.17].

There is a solemn lesson in this for today; disasters continue to multiply in different parts of the world, extreme weather events, earthquakes and pestilence are multiplying. As we read on Isaiah we will come to several prophetic visions, for example on Thursday we will read, “ I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless. I will make people more rare than fine gold, and mankind than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the LORD of hosts in the day of his fierce anger.” (Ch. 13 v11-13) . .

But for those who looking for light in the darkness, what marvellous light is to be found in today’s chapter! Verses 7 & 8 tell us “For unto us a child is born … and the government shall be on his shoulder … of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end … to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” “From this time forth”?

From the time Jesus returns! Yesterday we ended by quoting today’s Thessalonians chapter (5 v.23,24) – look at it again! May we all have a clear vision of the light in the darkness,, “for all this” folly of godlessness we see today our world will one day – soon – feel the fullness of the Creator’s anger. Let us make our vision of the light as clear as we can.

Thoughts on the readings for May 20th (Joshua 5, 6, Isaiah 10,2 Thessalonians 1, 2) May 19, 2025

Show notes

The greetings and salutations commencing 2 Thessalonians are identical to Paul’s other letters except for the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus). In chapter 1 verses 3-4 the Apostle thanks God for the Thessalonican brothers and sisters, whose faith was growing and their love increasing. Despite persecution they were steadfast for the gospel. From verses 5-12 Paul urges for that patience to continue for it will receive the promised reward at the second coming, and kingdom, of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord when he comes with the angels will also avenge his faithful. The persecutors of the believers will then receive what they deserve. Chapter 2 tells that before the Lord will come there will be a huge forsaking of the true belief and a system of deceit, which pretends to be the truth will arise in the earth. The words translated “falling away” and “lawlessness” both in the Greek language have the numerical value of 666 ( compare Revelation 13:16-18). From the other identifying features in this chapter and those within the book of Revelation tells us that this is the Roman Catholic Church with the Pope as its head. Note that the delusion which allowed this system to develop came about because those who fell away “received not the love of the Truth” (v10). From verses 13-17 the Apostle urges them to stand firm for the faith.

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