In last week’s post, I referenced relationships in the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. Scripture does not hold back from the good and the painful, and Paul’s relationship with Demas was certainly a sorrow. In the final chapter of his final New Testament epistle, Paul mentions Demas with these parting words, “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” (2 Timothy 4:10)

Paul’s ministry was marked by crushing disappointments, as well as great joys and triumphs. There are a number of instances in his letters where he writes about those who stood in the gap on his behalf. Men and women who cared for him when life and ministry were hard.

In Romans 16, Paul references 27 men and women by name along with many others associated with them. His network of friends was vital to sustaining the demands of his ministry.  How can we not be moved by these references in Romans 16 where he spoke of these brothers and sisters with such love: (more…)

One of the recurring themes of the Bible is that no matter how great the trial, the shame, or the pain, God is greater still. He delights to guide those who seek Him through any storm, sorrow, or setback.

In the context of fleeing from his son Absalom, King David wrote, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3)  David was experiencing great pain and humiliation over the downturn of his family and kingdom, but this tattered man found comfort in the Lord.  David, perhaps more than any biblical writer, allows us to see into his heart through the experiences of his life and his record of worship found in the Psalms.

In another harrowing event in David’s life found in I Samuel 30:1-6, prior to becoming king, his family was taken captive by a rugged band of marauders.  When David and his men came to the city, “they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive.” The text says that David and the people “raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.” And in addition to his grief, the people spoke of stoning David. That is what you would call a really bad day! (I Samuel 30:1-6) (more…)

For the last few months I have been sharing pastoral reflections from twenty-two years with the same congregation. In previous posts we have discussed Gospel centrality; the priority of prayer; spiritual leadership; spiritual sweat; and healthy relationships in church life. Each of these posts mirrored the Apostle Paul’s instruction in the pastoral letter of I Timothy.

In this sixth and final post, there is strong challenge to live in light of eternity. In other words, a living out of Jesus’ instruction in the Sermon on the Mount “to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” and to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:20,33)”

The Apostle Paul, in a similar charge, calls Timothy to warn those under his care of the dangers of loving money and living for this world. For me, this theme is an ongoing challenge of the pastorate to give an impassioned plea to invest our lives in eternity, to lay up treasure in places where moths can’t destroy and thieves can’t steal. (more…)