The Daily Dose

Reading for Wednesday, January 27th

Tim Troxell — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:26:00 +0000

^“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birthand called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peterand stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.“ Galatians 1:10-24

I love the beginning of this text, “If I were trying to win the approval of men, I would not be serving Christ,” and the end of this text, “And they praised God because of me.” Can you imagine a better way to influence others than to inspire them to praise God? Can you imagine living your life in such a way that when people who don’t even know you hear about you, they are inspired to praise God? That was the apostle Paul. And, of course, he didn’t just influence those who hadn’t met him, he also was a major influence in the lives of many who knew him well. He influenced people to give their lives to Christ, to start churches, to devote themselves to the vocation of ministry, to live holy lives. Paul was a man of influence, and in Galatians we can see why: because he knew the difference between trying to please people and trying to influence people. If you’re trying to do one, it’s difficult to accomplish the other.

Reading for Tuesday, January 26th

Tim Troxell — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:14:44 +0000

I’m behind in these daily posts! Hopefully those who are reading have adjusted and read a day behind! I’ve spent most of the evening tonight searching for topics for our next sermon series at Living Hope. One of the ideas that has come to me is to study some of the OT offerings and search for meanings relevant to our life today. One of the offerings I was reading about is called a grain offering and one practice that comes out from a grain offering is offering our best to God.

^“Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings. ‘If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire. Put oil and incense on it; it is a grain offering. The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all the incense, as an offering made to the LORD by fire.’” Leviticus 2:13-16

The grain offerings are described in Leviticus with great attention to detail. Every t must be crossed, every i dotted in pursuit of the perfect offering. This requires the supplicant to pay unwavering attention during the process of preparing the offering in order to ensure that every aspect of the finished product is exactly as the law requires.

Perhaps Cain’s mistake was not simply that he did not offer the life of an animal, as some think, but that he did not prepare his offering with true attentiveness. Or it simply could have been that his heart attitude was all wrong. Either way, he did not truly give God his best. What about us? When we are truly dedicating our actions to the Lord, we must be continually conscious of both his presence and of our intention. We are not used to this kind of thinking in our multitasking world, but the ancients knew of this intimately. Meditating on the Word, fasting and prayer, submitting offerings to the Lord—each of these required a singleminded devotion and diligence. God, help us to offer you our best as we seek after you and as we worship you!

Reading for Monday, January 25th

Tim Troxell — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:55:01 +0000

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boasts in the Lord.’” 1st Corinthians 1:27-31

The crucified Christ is the power that saves and sanctifies, as well as the wisdom that transforms seeming folly into ultimate and highest discernment. As we think of and work towards our “Bucket List,” let’s not forget that everything is possible through Christ who strengthens us.

Reading for Thursday, January 21st

Tim Troxell — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:02:20 +0000

John 13:34-35 reads, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

We’ve been speaking of loving without remorse; being liberal in our love. What does that look like, though? Flowers? Dates? Gifts? Romance? Probably more of those sorts of things. But also something much deeper than these actions.

Jesus says that our Christ-like love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your life or our church? Or do they know you are Jesus’ folowers by your love for one another? Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to other’s welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. Read another beautiful description of love on 1st Corinthians 13.

Reading for Wednesday, January 20th

Tim Troxell — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:06:27 +0000

Many places in Scripture we’re asked to be an encouragement to one another. In 1st Thessalonians 5:11-23, Paul gives many examples of how we can encourage others. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here are different examples of encouragement from this text: Build each other up. Respect leaders and hold them in high regard. Live in peace. Warn the idle. Encourage the timid. Help the weak. Be patient. Resist revenge. Be joyful. Pray continually. Give thanks. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Avoid every kind of evil. Count on God’s constant help. How are you doing as an encourager? Are there one or two of these areas that you might need some improvement today?

Reading for Tuesday, January 19th

Tim Troxell — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:40:32 +0000

We should all take into consideration the advice of the Psalmist, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, how fleeting my life is.” Psalm 39:4 (NLT)

Time is something that most of us abuse and take for granted. We don’t make the best use of it or get value out of it because in the back of our mind we always have more of it – there’s always tomorrow. Moments come and moments go and we assume we’ll have more. Instead of living, we choose to survive. We’d rather count minutes than embrace moments.

Ephesians 5:15-16 in the Amplified says, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time, buying up each opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Reading for Monday, January 18th

Tim Troxell — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:17:53 +0000

“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.” Luke 6:31-36

This text is potent! Wow! Perhaps one we should all commit to memory. I want the phrase “He was a good lover,” on my gravestone. If I”m going to get this, this text should be my GPS. God, please guide me and strengthen me in the application of this text in my life!

Reading for Friday, January 15th

Tim Troxell — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:28:39 +0000

“Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God, he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance. Arrogance and pride – distinguishing marks in the wicked – are just plain sin… mixed motives twist life into tangles; pure motives take you straight down the road.” Proverbs 21:1-4, 8.

God, as I go about through my day today, help me to moment by moment realize that what you really care about is not only my performance, but the inner motivations I have for performance. If I love, let me really love. If I serve, let me really serve. I want to live for your sake and in your service.

Reading for Thursday, January 14th

Tim Troxell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:09:40 +0000

“Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place…when God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand. Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich. We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” Proverbs 16:1-3,7-9

Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good. God probes for what IS good. Wow, needed a reminder of that today. Sat in a meeting where I had no explanation to comfort someone who was suffering. Remembered back to a time that I felt the same way. Confused by God’s “goodness.” But with the perspective of time; it’s worked out.

When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand. Amazing! God, help me and my fellow LHWC’ers never to forget to keep our eyes on your and living right and leave the rest to you!

Reading for Wednesday, January 13th

Tim Troxell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:23:14 +0000

“The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you’re lost for good.” Proverbs 10:17

I was reading in Proverbs this morning and came across Proverbs 10:15-21, a section entitled “The Road to Life Is a Disciplined Life.” In particular, verse 17 (listed above) was my favorite verse in that section of text. It’s got simple advice, but very true and quite applicable. I have a hard time desiring correction and a hard time responding properly to correction. But I want to live “life” to the full and to do so, my prayer is that God will give me a heart that is ready to receive correction.