2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

I Timothy 6 shares with us an outlook that may seem at first glance foreign to us. While Slavery is not prevalent today, as it was in the 1600-1900, here in the US or in biblical days over in the Middle East, the principles talked about are obvious: Respect the boss. Ephesians 6:5-8 says we should sincerely obey, respect, and serve a boss as if he were Christ Himself. The part that is so hard for us (our flesh) is scripture doesn’t say our boss must first act like Christ before being given that respect. It would be so much easier to serve if all leaders/bosses were gracious but that just isn’t how things always work out. Later, in Timothy, we see that there truly is something wonderful about taking our eyes off this world and its “THINGS” and setting our eyes and hearts on things of eternal life. Being rich whether monetarily or in power (as the boss) means nothing when compared to the riches of heaven. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

So, as believers, we should serve with twice the diligence and cheerfulness, because of our faith in Christ, and as partakers of His free salvation.



Blessings,
Pastor Jason

Next Reading: Joel 1-3; 2 Tim. 1

2 Samuel 8, 9; 1 Chronicles 18, 19; Matthew 21

“So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." 2 Samuel 9:7

In 2 Samuel 9, David sets out to discover if there are any left from the house of Saul. Do you remember that Jonathan and David had made a friendship pact between them? This pact was that they would do good and show kindness to each other and to each other’s future offspring, forever. Now David, established as king, wants to make right his promise. He finds out that there is a son of Jonathan’s, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father was killed in battle with his grandfather Saul. When this young boy’s nurse heard that the Philistines had taken Jonathan and Saul in battle she became very afraid. She picked up the young son of Jonathan and ran in fear to flee. As she was running, she dropped the young child and broke both of his legs and he became crippled. Mephibosheth, connected by birth with the house of David’s enemy is helpless and in circumstances of destitution but comes in to the presence of the king who has the desire and the power to show him the kindness that he himself had received from the Lord. David brings Mephibosheth in to his house and honors him all the rest of the days of his life. The son of Jonathan eats at the king’s table and has his needs provided. In chapter 9, we see that David has a desire to express the kindness of his God to others. How precious are these words…”that I may show the kindness of God…” It is no wonder the enemy tries to keep us from experiencing all of the greatness of our God because when we experience His kindness, mercy, love, grace and all He has for us, we just cannot help but pass it on. When we allow the fruit of the spirit to flow through our life (Galatians 5) we become the best version of ourselves as Pastor Rick calls it, “Youier”. May all of the goodness of God be evident in your life today as you minister the love of Jesus. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Blessings in Him
Carol Danna

Next Reading: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19, 20; Psalm 20, Matthew 22