Author: Chuck Musselwhite

Guidelines for Leadership

I heard a story once of a church that split and went to court over who would keep the church building. As the trial progressed, the true meaning as to why the division happened came to light. One of the Elders was upset because, at a church potluck, a boy sitting next to him got a larger piece of ham than he did! This Elder did not have the heart described in Titus. Elders are to be God’s Steward.

‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:7‬

“For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,”

There are two places in the New Testament where you can find the qualifications of an Elder, 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The reason for this is that Paul is writing the two men he poured into during his ministry as they become pastors of their own churches. They needed to know how to identify men who would serve as overseers in the church. They are the guidelines that churches are to use today when it comes to raising up elders.

Finished Well

All of us have done those exercises where we have to write our epitaph or choose the words we want on our tombstone. Our teaches do that to make us think about how we want our lives to end to take steps to ensure that happens. What would you write on your tombstone? Paul tells Timothy that he has emerged victorious.

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;”

In Paul’s final words, he tells Timothy that he is satisfied with the work God used him to accomplish, and although it wasn’t easy, he has emerged victorious because he has kept the faith. All you have to do is read 2 Corinthians 11 to see all that Paul has endured. He kept fighting against the resistance within the church and the attacks of the enemy. He is at the end of his life, knowing full well that he finished well.

Need to Be Aware

Do you remember some of your favorite teachers from school? They were able to hold your attention during class while at the same time letting you know they cared about you. The same can be said for some of your favorite preachers. There are some teachers out there you need to be aware of. They are the ones who are more interested in entertaining than instructing.

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:3

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,”

Paul is telling Timothy that there will come a time when people won’t listen to strong Biblical teaching and will reject Scripture’s sound doctrine because it doesn’t fit their lifestyle. I don’t think that has been more true than in the times we are in. When the church is surveyed, it is always astonishing what people believe the Bible says. God’s Word is both true and without error.

New 31 Day Devotional

The Apostle Paul tells us multiple times in the New Testament to walk in the Spirit. What does that mean? It means that we are to follow His leading in our daily walk. We are to respond to His conviction and operate in His power. This new 31 day devotional encourages and instructs you on how to do that. Add this to your morning devotions and start your day inspired to be used by God. You can purchase it here or you get it in any ebook format you read here. All of your purchases of our resources help continue the ministry of Daily Walk. I thank you in advance.

One Day Jesus Will Return

When Jesus was on trial before He went to the cross, He had an encounter with the chief priest. He asked Jesus, “Are you the Christ?” and today’s verse was Jesus’ response. Jesus let the chief priest know who He was and what He was going to do. One day Jesus will return.

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:62

“And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

The version of the Bible that I’m using for this devotion is the New American Standard. I love how it uses all caps with certain words Jesus spoke. Jesus tells the chief priest that he will see Him sitting at the Father’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven. Those are some powerful words to speak to the chief priest, but they both truthful and prophetic. Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1) and will one day return on the Clouds for His church (1 Thess 4:17). The question is whether we believe it or not?

Be the Salt and the Light of Jesus

Several times a month, our church feeds close to 200 families with enough groceries for several days. We have been doing it for over four years, but when COVID hit, the need went through the roof. We started handing out food every Tuesday and on the last Friday of the month. We typically get a line of cars 40-50 lined up down the street. Our incredible team of servants can get them all taken care of in a matter of hours, but it’s about more than the food. It’s about our people being the Salt and Light of Jesus.

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:7‬

“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.”

Sometimes we can be so servant-minded that we miss the presence of the one we truly serve, Jesus. It is essential to feed the hungry and serve the poor, but if we go to them without Jesus, it will just be charity. Jesus addresses this issue with the crowd that was criticizing the woman who anointed Jesus. They said that the oil should’ve been sold and given to the poor. Jesus replies that you will always have the poor, but I won’t always be with you.

Jesus Stays Faithful

Have you heard the story of the dog who waited for his owner to return on the train every day? This faithful dog would meet his owner at the train station every day after work. Sadly, his owner died in the 9/11 Twin Towers tragedy, but it didn’t stop his dog from showing up every evening when the train arrived. He remained faithful for years until he died. Did you know that Jesus stays faithful even when we don’t? God won’t change who He is.

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:11-13

“It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

By the time Paul is writing this to Timothy, people are dying for their faith. He tells him that if we die for Jesus, we will live with Him in eternity. If we endure the persecution, we will also reign with Him during the millennial reign. Those are promises that Jesus proclaimed and that upon which we can stand. He is faithful and will not forsake His people.

The Greatest Commandment

Jesus was questioned by the Sadducees and Scribes right before He went to the cross. The subjects they challenged Him on covered almost every area of the Jewish faith. They were hoping to catch Him is some doctrinal error, but His answers not only answered, but astounded. One of the final questions came from the scribes asking Him the greatest commandment. He gave them two.

‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:30‬

“AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'”

This command was first given in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. It is known as the Shema. Jews were to write this on a scroll of paper and then put it into a tiny box and nail it to their house doorpost. It was to remind them of what was most important. Jesus uses this to tells the Jews the greatest commandment. He summarizes the first four commandments into one.

Back Into Alignment

I have a friend who’s dad is a retired ironworker. He had built huge buildings and bridges over his career. Just recently, they called him out of retirement to help with a project that had gotten out of control. It was a high rise building four inches out of plumb by the fourth story. They…

Follow the Pattern

Were you very good at drawing within the lines? I wasn’t. It not that I was trying to be a rebel; I just had too heavy of a hand on my crayon. I know it is hip today to draw outside the lines because it supposedly expresses creativity. That can get us into trouble in other areas. When we stray outside the lines of doctrine, it gets us in trouble. Paul tells Timothy to follow the pattern.

2 Tim 1:13-14

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

As the Apostle Paul begins his final letter, he gives some sound advice to his protege, Timothy. He tells him to follow the pattern of sound words he has heard and guard the good deposit the Holy Spirit has installed in him. To follow the sounds words means to stick to the teachings in which he was taught. Timothy followed Paul around for years, and Paul is telling him to follow his example. All of that good teaching needed to be guarded against unsound doctrine.