TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #17: DYI!

Posted on June 7, 2014 by randscallawayffm

There are many DYI TV shows that tell us new and inventive ways to solve household problems or ways to cook more attractive meals. We try to copy what others have done because it looks “so easy”. Sometimes we “nail it” and sometimes we don’t. There is a website that shows the times of not nailing it. I would fall into the later category more often than not. But I like to keep trying.

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Paul is telling Titus to DO IT YOURSELF! We must not ever teach what we are not willing to be or have lived ourselves. That is shallow teaching to say it and not live it. It is teaching that begins to reek of worldview. We must live it first, it seems, so that we understand it and can be more helpful to others. With every life transformation in us becomes a way to help someone else.

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity and wisdom into healthy faith, love and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness.” Titus 2, Msg

Paul is reminding Titus that our behavior must match our belief, our doctrine preached must match our demeanor. He also reminds Titus to show the older, more mature, men and women to help the younger. Experience is one of the best teachers!

“But, mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.” Titus 2, Msg

Our lives speak louder than our words. A God-filled life, lived abundantly, will shout out to others seeking to fill the created hole in their lives put there by God himself. That hole can only be filled with Him. That’s what we show…then tell…then show some more.

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to remember to be concerned more with my behavior than the wisdom and placement of my words. If I am living a life pleasing to You, YOU will give me the words at just the right time and place to help someone else along in their journey. Thank you for this reminder this morning. In Jesus Name, Amen

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #16: THE SURROUND

Posted on June 5, 2014 by randscallawayffm

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #16: THE SURROUND.

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #16: THE SURROUND

Posted on June 5, 2014 by randscallawayffm

We are stronger, more confident when we know we are surrounded by people who love God and are as passionate about joining Him in His work at hand as we are. Right?

When I was younger I took care of my brother while my parents worked. He was seven years younger, but as tall as I was. He was about eleven years old, out playing with friends, when he got into a scuffle with the neighborhood bully. He apparently told this bully that his sister would beat him up if he did harm to him. The bully wanted to see who this sister was, since my brother ran all the way home (only a few houses down the block) while he had drawn the bully’s attention away for a second. 

My brother came bursting through the door, panting, and yelling, “someone wants to meet you!” Before I could process what was going on, but knew that it was not going to be good, I opened the door to see the bully facing me down. This is where I first began my “teacher look” of “really?” I confidently stared down this little, red-headed bully, (while shaking inside my body), and he said, “You didn’t tell me she was a little girl”. And he walked away.

My brother knew at the time, he could count on me to help him. Who can we count on in our “surround” of friends who work with us for the glory of God? Who gives us confidence to do our best for God? Who encourages us by their very lives?

Paul reminds Titus to choose a “surround” of leaders well as he had told Timothy. We are wise to follow this leading in God’s church and in our lives. We still have bullies who try to hinder our ministry and destroy our witness. Ask God for wisdom. He will give it. 

“It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to–not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people , be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.” Titus 1, Msg

After staring the bully down that day, I reminded my “little” brother about choosing his friends more wisely. Stop playing with the red-headed kid who is not nice. Pray for him, but don’t play with him for awhile. We spent a lot of years praying for the red-headed bully in our neighborhood. We invited him to church in later years. 

There will be turning point in our lives and ministry. Choose your friends and workers who walk beside you with extreme discernment.
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Dear Heavenly Father, You teach us well through your word. We have made mistakes along the way but you teach us through those as well. Thank you for bringing workers alongside us at just the right time. Thank you for the “surround” in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #15

Posted on June 4, 2014 by randscallawayffm

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #15.

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #15

Posted on June 4, 2014 by randscallawayffm

WHY? Why does Paul write these letters to Timothy and Titus? 

We are now reading the words he wrote specifically to Titus. As I read, for some reason, I am reminded of sitting in my first college class that finally had something to do with teaching after the basic classes were taken. “Orientation to Teaching” was the name of the course. I remember sitting in rows with other hopeful, idealistic, and naive students. 

The professor stood up and spoke realistic words of warning, “Welcome to teaching 101. I want you to know that you will not earn a living doing this, so I hope you are called to do it. It is the most thankless, but most rewarding job you will ever do, but you must be called to do it. If you are looking to make a lot of money upon graduation, look for another major. It’s not going to happen with teaching.” Well, okay then. 

It never occurred to me about how much money I would make teaching. I just wanted to teach. My parents tried to talk me out of it…because of the money, and now my professors of teaching? This was not encouraging, but it did not deter me from pursing the degree. So, maybe I WAS called to teach. I wanted to make a difference.

Paul’s aim as he writes to both of these young men in the ministry to which he was called, is to “raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end.” (Titus 1, Msg) He is reminding them of their “calling” by God, Himself, with promises of life eternal. You are working for the Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ! “…and he doesn’t break promises!” He also gives them doses of reality along the way.

I get it. Not only was I called to teach, I felt I was born to teach and could do nothing else but teach as my way of contributing to this world. God used that calling in secular as well as paid ministry opportunities in my life to help others see Him. There were many other jobs I have done as I worked my way through school and after school and the teaching job, (because he was right about not making money doing this), to make a living. God was in all of it. Because all I do, I do for God and His Kingdom. That is the difference. God always put people in my path who needed help no matter what job I have done. That’s how HE WORKS!

Why am I stuck on the first couple of verse of Titus this morning? To raise your hopes with a dose of reality. You may not be doing exactly what you think you are “called” to do, but God has you where he wants you for now to do in You what He is preparing you to be and do with each day. Go with it. Let Him. 

No matter what God has called you to be and do, He will be with you and I just as he was with Paul, Timothy and Titus in their calling. No matter what your job happens to be at the moment, God is calling us to be ministers in that job or work. Long ago, when I was young, I thought only pastors were “called”, but that changed in my mind many years ago. We are all “called” to listen, to obey and to be all that God has design us to be in whatever “work” we are doing presently. 

We cannot muddle along in life just waiting for our calling to “flesh out”. God wants us now. Today. We are IN ministry NOW. No matter what, make each day count for Him, because of Him, wanting to please our Lord and Savior. The command: Love God. Love Others. is a daily ministry.

“…I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-pen, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” 2 Cor 6, Msg 

“My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago–and he doesn’t break promises!” Titus 1, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You made me think today…again. You had me at “raise hopes” and it’s not possible for You to break promises. Thank you for raising my hope today. I pray that others who read this will be encouraged with hope as well. Thank you, Lord for Your Word. Help us to live it openly and expansively! In Jesus Name! Amen! 

Still thinking about this..

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #14: TAKING THE REINS

Posted on June 3, 2014 by randscallawayffm

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #14: TAKING THE REINS.

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #14: TAKING THE REINS

Posted on June 3, 2014 by randscallawayffm

My cousin, Joe, thought I was ready. Grandpa thought I was ready, but I didn’t think I was ready to take the reins of that prancing Shetland pony I was sitting on. I watched Joe, who was four years older and much bigger, ride him around the barn lot. Okay, it looks easy. I felt confident having Grandpa lead the pony around with me on it, with HIM holding the reins. Had they taught me enough?

As soon as I took the reins, and Joe and Grandpa stepped back, the horse knew. This skittish pony took about two steps, reared up, and I slid right off the back! I giggle now, but back then it was not so funny. Of course, what do you always say? “When you fall off the horse, you get right back on.” Yep, that’s what they say. It took me a few minutes to do that. But I did. And I was glad I did. 

Sometimes we get “bucked off” in ministry to others, but we must get right back to it, learn from it, and keep moving forward with our complete focus on Jesus. He might take you to a different place or ministry but you are still in ministry no matter what your present “job” might be. Sometimes you gotta ride out of the barn lot to be challenged enough to grow.

Paul is passing the reins to Timothy in the closing of his letter to him. He warns him with great love in his heart for his “son” in ministry. Paul thinks he is ready. I wonder if Timothy thought he was ready? It doesn’t matter, for God calls then He equips with all You need for the ride.

“You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food–catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But YOU–keep your eye on what you’re doing’ accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.” 
2 Timothy 4, Msg

“You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar: This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting–God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.” 
2 Timothy 4, Msg

“God be with you. Grace be with you.” 2 Timothy 4, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father,
You invite us to Your work. You teach us through the work, which seems to be a “side affect” of helping others know You. Thank you for all the opportunities that you give us. It is such a grand privilege to know You more while serving You. Through good times and bad and even getting “bucked off” at times, You are still the One we adore, praise and worship. Thank you for lessons You keep teaching us. Help us to teach others and to know when to hand over the reins. In Jesus Name, Amen

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #13: KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Posted on June 2, 2014 by randscallawayffm

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #13: KEEP IT SIMPLE!.

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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #13: KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Posted on June 2, 2014 by randscallawayffm

I was passionately explaining the use of vowels and consonants at the reading table one day to first graders. One little girl seemed to stare intently at me as I “over explained” phonic rules to what I thought were eager, listening ears. When I finished my complicated explanation, the little girl, said with a big smile, “Mrs. Callaway, I love the necklace your wearing…it’s so cute.” Sigh. Just when you think you “had” them.

Yes, sometimes we make what we are saying so complicated that our listeners depart from the bottom line of our message and mission that Jesus so carefully and concisely gave us. Go and make disciples, teaching them to obey my commandments… (Matthew 28) in the name of Jesus Christ. Simply Jesus. He is the what, why, when, where, who, and how of our lives. He IS the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Worldview complicates the message with opinion masks simple truth. Paul warns Timothy one more time in the final words of his letter to him.

“I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity, keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.” 2 Timothy 4, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, 
Help us to always keep it simple. Give us boldness and passion, but always simple in telling Your Story. May we listen and follow your lead when opportunity is given to tell with Your Words, Your Message to help others love you, too. In Jesus Name, Amen

 
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TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #12: HIS WORD, OUR WALK!

Posted on June 1, 2014 by randscallawayffm

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Leadership Principle #12: HIS WORD, OUR WALK!.

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