Tag Archives: Devotional

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 292

Guiding Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7 ‘Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.’

 

🔴Training

written by: Torrie Slaughter

The Apostle Paul continues his letter by warning Timothy of the things to come: apostasy, identity crisis, and spiritual warfare. Paul insists that Timothy remains faithful to the teaching of the Gospel and give himself wholly to Divine work (1 Timothy 4:15).

What was Paul’s objective, and how can we seek to improve our productivity?

Like any great parent or mentor, Paul encouraged Timothy to use discernment (2 Timothy 1:14). The freedom to use his spiritual gifts would afford Timothy the confidence to endure. We can also use these valuable lessons to be effective within the body of Christ.

Spiritual training involves decision, determination, and implementation.

God calls His children to Him and gives us the resources we need. Christ is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and when we realize who we are in Christ Jesus, we are transformed.

That transition includes steps from the letter to Timothy.

  1. Paul encourages Timothy to make a decision and keep himself spiritually fit. By refusing and avoiding myths, he could reject false teaching. (1 Timothy 4:7)
  2. The Greek culture was obsessed with physical strength and appearance. The Greeks built their society around their gods (Acts 14:8-20). Paul warned Timothy to focus on spiritual training because of its eternal rewards. 
  3. God chose Timothy to spread the Gospel. Paul warned him of the attacks to come and spoke to what he endured. Timothy set an example by conducting himself with purity, faith, and gently pressing forward with love (1 Timothy 4:12)

As we read and study Paul’s epistle, let’s implement the qualities of a Christ-follower. We can determine to make changes and set examples for one another by refuting false teaching, exercising our spiritual muscles, and honoring God with our authentic character. 

Prayer:

 Lord, help us even when we use Your Word to suit our plan. Please help us to walk in integrity. May we as Your people pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances. May we honor you with our lives. Amen. 

 

 

  

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Jeremiah 33:1-34:22, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 25:23-24

 Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 291

Guiding Scripture: 1 Timothy  3:1 ‘Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.’  

 

🔴Qualified

written by: Torrie Slaughter

Robert Barclay wrote, “According to the Scriptures, the Spirit is the first and principal Leader.”

  

The Apostle Paul provided a list of qualifications emphasizing the character of the leaders. These characteristics from 1 Timothy 3:2-4 included:

  1. To be above reproach.
  2. Faithful to their spouse.
  3. Temperate.
  4. Self-controlled.
  5. Respectable.
  6. Hospitable.
  7. Able to Teach.
  8. Gentle.
  9. Not Greedy.
  10. Manage their family well. 

If we notice one thing about the Apostle Paul’s list, these are qualifications, not duties. Paul’s instruction was as much an internal transformation as it was an outward manifestation. He wrote in Romans 12:2 for Christ-followers to embrace the renewal of their minds. 

It takes complete submission, followed by practice, to become the person Christ desires. We are uniquely loved by God, which means there is no competition or comparison. 

I hope we will consider the context of Paul’s epistle to Timothy and why it is essential today. Our character and follow-through are integral. We have a responsibility to show ourselves as ambassadors of Christ. We won’t need to ‘act’ because we will know how to ‘do.’ 

Prayer: 

Father, your Word reminds us to keep watch over ourselves because the Holy Spirit allows us to govern one another. Please help us be shepherds of those you entrust to us, not allowing fear to control our minds. Thank you, Lord, for your provisions and blessings. Amen

 

 

  

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Monday, October 18, 2021

Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22

 Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

 

Untie the Knots: Encouragement From Tiny Discoveries – Our Given Purpose The Podcast

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A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 290

Guiding Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5 ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,’ 

 

🔴 Our Mediator

written by: Torrie Slaughter

 

Perhaps this affirmation is one of our most essential takeaways. Living in a fallen world, we need a Savior. The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy of this critical truth.

Here are some other verses that I hope will help you stay grounded in faith and looking to Jesus our Savior.

Acts 4:12, Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

Hebrews 8:6 But in fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

Mark 12:29, “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

John 10:30, I and the Father are one.”

Jesus is our Mediator, the One who intervenes between God and us. He has reconciled God’s children. 

  

Prayer: Lord, we worship You. Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to redeem Your people. 

 

  

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19

 Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 289

Guiding Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:6, ‘Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.’

 

🔴 Do Not Depart

written by: Torrie Slaughter

 

As we begin reading Paul’s letter to Timothy, we should feel encouraged. No matter the challenges we face, we can progress and maintain order. What we do in our homes, schools, and businesses will affect the church congregation. Our neighbors in love will see the godly character we exhibit, and prayerfully our influence as Christ-followers is powerfully impactful. 

Oddly enough, we are still reading about ‘ trouble-makers, ‘who taught in opposition to the truth. Paul wants to encourage Timothy to stand firm and let him know why his faith must remain steadfast. Since Timothy is in charge of the church at Ephesus, Paul stated the importance of advancing God’s work. 

Today we can use this letter as a formula to govern our conversations, interactions, and kingdom-building methodology. God calls us to be organized and serve Him.

We can practice godliness when we:

  1. Acknowledge our ignorant acts. (1 Timothy 1:13)
  2. Express gratitude for God’s Grace. (1 Timothy 1:14)
  3. Fight battles with the truth. (1 Timothy 1:18)

As you look for more ways to honor God with your life, I pray you’re inspired to keep pressing forward. 

  

Prayer: Lord, you are the guardian of my life; please help me to remain faithful to you. Your Word brings me joy, and the truth of salvation sets me free. I place my trust in you, Abba Father. Thank you for Your everlasting mercy. Amen.

 

  

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 25:17

 Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

 

A Daily Purpose

Bible Study, Teen Bible Study, , , ,

Bible Study & Devotional 288

Guiding Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:11 ‘We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.’

🔴 Trouble Makers

written by: Torrie Slaughter

 

As the Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians, he asks for their prayers and encourages them to trust God. Paul also provides directions for correcting the problems reported to him.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5, Paul encourages the believers to have confidence in Jesus and wait patiently for His return. However, Paul warns them not to get weary in doing good. 

Paul lays out three key points we can use to identify troublemakers within the church:

  1. They are not willing to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10.)
  2. Lead undisciplined lives (2 Thessalonians 3:11).
  3. Their idleness produces disruption (2 Thessalonians 3:11).

Solution

  1. They should work quietly to provide for themselves. (2 Thessalonians 3:12)
  2. Stop associating with troublemakers. (2 Thessalonians 3:14)

While it may be easy to blame others, we must pause and reflect. Perhaps, we poorly handled situations or grieved the Holy Spirit by not exercising our authority. 

  

Prayer: Father, help us to be more like Jesus. Amen

 

  

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Friday, October 15, 2021

Jeremiah 26:1-27, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 25:16

 Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

Join us on the YouVersion App

 

 

 

 

This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name. 

 

 

Encouragement: Big Waves Create Lingering Ripples – Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show

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