S – And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹⁷ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Mark 2:16–17 ESV

O – Commentary

Jesus answered their criticism with a well-known proverb (recognized as valid by His opponents) and a statement of His mission which vindicated His conduct. The words, the righteous, are used ironically to refer to those who saw themselves as such, namely, the Pharisees (cf. Luke 16:14–15). They saw no need to repent and believe (cf. Mark 1:15). But Jesus knew that everyone, including “the righteous,” are sinful. He came (into the world) to call sinners, those who humbly acknowledge their need and receive His gracious forgiveness, to God’s kingdom. This was why Jesus ate with sinners 

 John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 113.

A – Jesus models a heart for the lost that we should emulate today.  Some people are easier and others, more challenging.  Yet, all have the same exact value to God.  We should look at each person as a vital part of the Kingdom of God and minister to them accordingly.  

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Open our eyes and hearts to see others through your lens.  Help us to build relationships with them based on their value to you and not our own filters.

S – I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

Mark 1:8 ESV

O – Commentary:

This verse contrasts I with He. John administered the outward sign, water baptism; but the Coming One would actually bestow the life-giving Spirit.

When used in connection with water, the word “baptize” normally indicated a literal immersion (cf. vv. 9–10). When used with the words Holy Spirit it metaphorically means coming under the Spirit’s life-giving power.

I baptize is literally “I baptized,” probably indicating that John was addressing those he had already baptized. His baptism with (or “in”) “water” was limited and preparatory. But those who received it pledged to welcome the Coming One who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:5; 11:15–16). The bestowal of the Spirit was an expected feature of the Messiah’s coming 

 John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 104.

A – John was the forerunner for so much of what God established with Jesus.  This simple statement spoke of an coming Messiah and ushered in the Holy Spirit.  Both have been around before creation, now it was time for them to be manifest to man.  Grateful for John’s obedience to pay the price so we can enjoy all of God today.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Empower us to be obedient to what you call us to do.  When we do this, it allows you to move powerfully and your presence is known.  We choose your path today.

S – ⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 

Titus 2:7–8 ESV

O – Commentary:

Titus qualified as a young man too, and so received some direct advice from the apostle. He must strive to “show himself” an example (typos, “pattern”) to all (but esp. to the other young men) in every good work (cf. 1 Tim. 4:15–16). In his public ministry of teaching Titus must show an integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. Paul was always concerned lest those who oppose be provided ammunition for their attacks. Far better, said the apostle, that they be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. They would not cease their attacks, of course, but they might at least be embarrassed by having to make up their own false accusations.

 A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 764.

A – Like Timothy, Titus was challenged to be a model of good works.  We are like them – our words, actions and lives emulate what God has done for us.  We need to ensure we modeling the heart and character of God in all that we do.  We will not be perfect.  If we continue to grow each day, we will eliminate more of our selfish nature and embody more of Christ’s.

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and pure.  We desire to model your heart and character in our thoughts, words and actions today.  Empower us to do that with authenticity and integrity.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit being with us today.

S – But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

O – Commentary:

Again Paul used the strong contrast But you … (cf. 3:10, 14). Timothy must remain cool-headed in the face of difficulties. He must be ready to endure hardship (cf. 2:3) as the pressure mounted. He must do the work of an evangelist, proclaiming the gospel at every opportunity. (There is no reason to assume, as some suggest, that Timothy was without the gift of evangelism). In every way, Paul wrote, fulfill your ministry (diakonian, the word for voluntary “service” from which comes “deacon.”

 A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 758.

A – We should be vigilant with our relationship and calling with God.  Whether a pastor or lay person, our relationship with God will be tested and there will be challenges.  It is easy to fall into sin, temptation, or habits that keep us from walking in God’s purpose.  God will give us insights on how to navigate those things that will keep us distant from Him.

R- Heavenly Father, you give discernment and insight.  Thank you for allowing us to clearly see the things in our lives that keep us from you.  We want to move towards you, not away.  Give us strength and resolve to follow you with all our body, soul and mind today.

S – While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. ⁵ And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here, but has risen.

Luke 24:4–6 ESV

O/A – The greatest victory in the history of the world was Jesus being crucified on the cross and resurrecting three days later!  It is the most powerful statement of love that he would come to earth as a man, crucified for our sins, defeated death and come back to life.  We have the opportunity to have a relationship with the Creator of all things.  

We celebrate Easter today.  My hope is that all people would recognize the joy of today and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  That it would be a day where surrender is seen with God and in relationships with others.  Let the love that Christ demonstrated on the cross be seen in me, my family and my loved ones.

​​​​​​​He is Risen!

S – The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; ¹²  if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; ¹³  if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 

2 Timothy 2:11–13 ESV

O – Commentary:

The quotation sets forth four couplets, the first two of which are positive: (1) If we died with Him, we will also live with Him expresses the idea so powerfully portrayed in the rite of baptism and explained in Romans 6:2–23. The reference is not to martyrdom for Christ, but rather to a believer’s mystical identification with the death and life of Christ (cf. Col. 3:3). (2) If we endure (hypomenomen; cf. 2 Tim. 2:10), we will also reign with Him furthers the believer’s identification with Christ. In the previous couplet the focus is on the contrast between death and life; here the parallel contrast is between suffering and glorification (Rom. 8:17). Christ endured and will one day reign (1 Cor. 15:25), and those saints who endure will one day reign with Him (Rev. 3:21). The last two couplets are negative: (3) If we disown Him, He will also disown us speaks of the possibility of apostasy (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 10:38–39; 2 John 9) and the Lord’s ultimate rejection of those who professed Christ only temporarily (cf. Matt. 10:33). Instead of identifying with Christ, the apostate finally dissociates himself with Christ. (4) If we are faithless, He will remain faithful speaks not of the apostate, but of a true child of God who nevertheless proves unfaithful (cf. 2 Tim. 1:15). Christ cannot disown Himself; therefore He will not deny even unprofitable members of His own body. True children of God cannot become something other than children, even when disobedient and weak. Christ’s faithfulness to Christians is not contingent on their faithfulness to Him.

 A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 753–754.

A – Strong couplets that give a clear picture of God character.  Paul sums it up with a simple but foundational statement – “He cannot deny himself.” What a comfort to know that God will always be the same – his love, mercy, strength and even his judgement.  We know exactly what we get when we connect with him in relationship.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow.  Thank you for your

S – But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith.

1 Timothy 6:11–12 ESV

O –  Paul is speaking directly to Timothy now.  He is charging him to flee the things contained in the letter above and pursue the qualities of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness.  He reminded him that it will be a battle.

A – It is rare in life when we feel like we are “still.”  Usually we are moving from something or towards another.  The Christian walk is very much a battle.  With our own selfish nature, others trying to figure out their journey or the enemy throwing curveballs of temptation or accusation.  If we pursue the things listed above, our battle will be won as we become more like Christ.

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and righteous.  Empower as we prepare to go into a fight today.  Help us to embody each of these qualities in our lives.  We want to know you more so we can share your love with others.

S – Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.

1 Timothy 5:17–18 ESV

O – Commentary:

For their oversight all elders received a stipend; but those who excelled in this ministry of leadership were to be considered worthy of double honor, or twice the remuneration as the rest. Especially was this true of those who labored in preaching and teaching. While the leadership needs of a congregation extend far beyond the preaching and teaching of the truth, these are at the core of the ministry and are perhaps most important, which should be reflected by the double value given them by the congregation.

 A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 744.

A – As someone who has worked in the church for over thirty six years, I am grateful that I am compensated to follow my calling.  It is a worthy calling that is with you at all times, every day.  You are a phone call or conversation away at any time of helping someone navigate life’s challenges in a biblical approach.  I love seeing people take a step toward a relationship with Christ.

R – Heavenly Father, you are my Lord and God.  Thank you for the calling on my life to serve you as a pastor and shepherd of people.  It is a high honor to be chosen by you to help people take a step toward you in relationship.  Empower me today to be the man of God and leader that will bring honor to you.