by Don Ruhl

Read First Timothy Chapter 6

How We Should Treat Those in Authority

We like to be in control, with no one telling us what to do. Yet, the truth is, few of us are in a position in life where we have no one above us. Therefore, consider First Timothy 6:1,

1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed (1 Tim. 6:1, NKJV).

Someone says this refers to slavery. Okay, but the idea of honoring people who are over us is still there, because the idea of not giving the people of the world a reason to blaspheme God and His teaching is still there. When others observe my treatment of leaders, do I show a Christian or worldly spirit?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read First Timothy Chapter 5

As Paul discusses which widows the church should support financially, he says,

5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day (1 Tim. 5:5, NKJV).

What a blessing a congregation has, if it has widows who give themselves to prayers endlessly. The church or members can give these widows prayer requests at anytime, and as the members go about their business, they know that there are some ladies who are constantly approaching the throne of Almighty God with prayers. Let us pray for widows who will give themselves to this great work.

by Don Ruhl

Thus says the LORD:

"Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jer. 6:16, NKJV).

The paths may be ancient, but if the ways in the word of God are true, then age does not matter. Some abandon a teaching because it is old and others accept a teaching because it is old. Still others abandon a teaching because it is new and others accept a teaching because it is new.

Since man is a creation, and has not evolved, then he is the same today as he was in the beginning. Moreover, since he is a creation, the Creator from the beginning has shown the way of life, rest and peace. His revelation to man is complete. Therefore, His revelation the Scriptures provide total instruction for life, rest and peace. When your soul is troubled, search His word, follow what you discover and you will find rest for your souls.

Do not think that because it is old, it is worn out, irrelevant and useless. Do not think that because something is new it is fresh, relevant and useful. The test is not whether something is old or new, but whether the God above endorses it and whether His Son Jesus Christ lived it. If it is found in His Son, then it has been around a long time, making it old, but if you have just discovered it, then it is new to you. Either way it is powerful to show the way of living that leads to rest for the soul.

by Don Ruhl

Read First Timothy Chapter 4

What I was formerly and what God wants me to become is so different, plus the power of His word to effect that change is so awesome, that my change, that is, my spiritual growth and progress should be obvious that others can see it. To make the growth obvious, apply Paul's words,

15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (1 Tim. 4:15, NKJV).

Take time daily to meditate on what you have read in the Scriptures. Let the meditation change over into action, that is, the changing of your personality, as you become less of yourself and more of Jesus Christ. If you do that, there is no doubt that others will notice it.

by Don Ruhl

Read Jeremiah 3-5

We may impress ourselves, and others, when we give God 90% of our hearts. God is not impressed, unless we are still on the journey of getting closer to Him, but if 90%, or some other figure, is as far as we intend to go, that simply will not cut it. God does not deal with us half-heartedly.

Israel committed idolatry and God punished the nation for it. After watching this, Judah did not learn what God wants. Judah turned to God somewhat, but not all the way. Therefore, the Lord says,

10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense, says the LORD (Jer. 3:10, NKJV).

As you go through your day, ask yourself whether you are consumed by your relationship with God.