Category: Character - Jethro TOOLS

Ministry of Character

10/13/2024

1 Timothy 5:17-25
I have a very quiet old dog. She can be a real character at times. For example when she wants a treat she walks over to me, puts her nose on my hand and just stares at me. Her funny little quirks just make me laugh. However, character goes beyond the external actions to the motivations of the heart. Our character is much like the foundation of a house. It is silently below the surface supporting all that is seen above ground. Character can be described as the individual qualities of a person that are formed deep within the moral fabric of ones life. Our character can be good or bad and that can lead to a good or bad reputation based on our actions. As we open the letter of 1 Timothy, again we hear the wise words of the spiritual elder Paul, instructing Timothy on how to form a ministry based on character. First, Paul notes that dedicated servants of God build dedicated people for God (17-18). Timothy is reminded that the teaching elder is dedicated to serving God and building people for God. Second, the reputation of Godly character is highly treasured otherwise it’s hastily tarnished (19-20). Godly leaders in the church are essential examples of faith and practice for the church. Third, Godly character formed by being faithful to God is a continual practice not an irregular event (21-25). Timothy needed to select and develop faithful Godly leaders who would provide stability for the church. We can be characters or live a life of God honoring character. Are we dedicated to God’s way, building a reputation for living God’s way, and continuing in God’s way? There is an old saying that says, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, God can reshape our character no matter how old we are using His Word, His Spirit and His church if we let Him.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

God's Character - Sovereignty

4/30/2023

Job 1:6-11
Have you noticed how much the automobile industry has changed lately? Just stop and compare the very first car that you can remember with the one that you use today. When I grew up there was no air conditioning, no power steering, no power windows, and the heater only worked for the front seat. Now we have all kinds of creature comforts and amenities to enjoy while driving. In spite of all the cameras and gizmos, we still have to drive the car. The driver, even though they do not understand all the technology, is the one that uses all the benefits of technology and engineering to direct the car down the road. To carry this analogy even further, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty He controls the vehicle of our life and every life in the world. He does this out of His grace. In the book of Job we see God use His sovereignty to display His grace and power. God rules over the angels (6) establishing His purpose and will. In these verses we also see that God rules over Satan (6-11). Even today, we see and feel the influence of Satan, and forget the sovereign power of God over Satan. This passage reminds us, that God is sovereign in all of life, including even today. Like Job, we may not see or understand God’s power and work. However, God in His sovereignty is at work to bring about his purposes in and through our life, just as He was in Job’s life. You may feel like you are stuck with a broken down vehicle on the side of life’s highway. Remember that God is in control. In His sovereignty He knows what is going on. He will work to bring His blessing, if not now, then in the next life. Our job is to trust Him, rest in His grace, and follow Him faithfully like Job.

For more see JOB

Job's Character

4/23/2023

Job 1:1-5
A police officer was making his rounds in the city. As he approached one intersection he noticed a commotion in the traffic ahead. As he puled his patrol car closer he saw an irate woman screaming at the top of her lungs, throwing stuff at other cars, and honking her horn for no reason at all. After observing this for a bit the officer turned on his lights and pulled the woman over. The woman angrily questioned why she was being stopped. The officer replied that he noticed the bumper sticker on the back that said, “Follow Me To Church.” He continued, “I looked at the bumper sticker, and I looked at your actions, and I thought that the car must be stolen.” Saying one thing and doing another is the definition of hypocritical character and a life that is spiritually out of balance. Character matters because it is the moral resolve in life that leads to a life lived with integrity, resulting in a good reputation. We see this in the life of Job. Even though Job was very wealthy (3), he still lived out his faith in front of his community (1), and family (2). There are three things that we can learn from Job in these verses. First, our character will display our relationship to God (1). How we live will authenticate what we claim about our relationship to God. If we talk about God but do not live for Him, then God is not followed. Second, our character will impact our view of money and possessions (3). How we treat our possessions will authenticate our relationship with God. If money and possessions are more important, then God is less important. Third, our character will impact our spiritual relationship with others (4-5). How we treat others spiritually will authenticate our relationship with God. If we say nothing about Jesus and do not point others to Jesus, then is He our God?

For more see JOB

Conformity to God's Standard

11/27/2022

Romans 8:28
William Payne Stewart was an American professional golfer who lived from 1957-1999. He was at the peak of his career, having won eleven PGA events and three major championships, when he tragically died. At the age of 42 he was killed in an airplane accident because the plane cabin did not pressurize resulting in a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. The plane traveled for hours on auto pilot until it finally ran out of fuel and crash landed. People around the world grieved the loss of this flamboyant golfer who was in his prime. Yet, in the pain, God was at work. You see, Stewart and several others on board that doomed flight were believers in Jesus Christ. Through the sorrow of their passing God brought about His good. Others came to faith in Christ through their death. Often we define good as being what is pleasant to us. However, in Romans 8:28 good is defined in the context of the following verse as being conformed to Jesus Christ. Our conformity is based on confidence in the ultimate goodness of God’s work and His shaping of our character in the process. God works in the lives of those who believe Him to bring about His purposes displayed through their lives. Some of those life events may be peaceful from a human perspective while others may be painful. Ultimately, however long or short, our lives are to be lived to honor God. Though the span of years that God allows us we are to consistently display God’s power at work transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Like pottery in the hands of the potter we are molded and shaped under the watchful eye of our loving Father for the purpose of displaying His greatness. Who is shaping your life? Remember, God’s plans are to bring about His good in your life and display you as His masterpiece.

For more see ROMANS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Act Justly: The Corruption of People

5/29/2022

Micah 1:1-2:2
Roman mythology personifies justice as a blindfolded woman holding scales and a sword. The scales are used to represent a balanced view of the case, which shows support and also opposition to the competing sides. The blindfold is meant to symbolize that justice is to be impartial, not showing favoritism to any side, any person or be influenced in any way. Finally, the sword pictures the authority that justice holds to bring final judgment in the case at hand. Often justice is measured from the view of the one that has been harmed unjustly. However, justice should be measured by a fair judge who is pure and unbiased. Seeking justice on a human level will always be faulty, because of our flawed and sinful human character. The human mind and emotions will not always be impartial and accurate. On the other hand justice from God will always be accurate because God is pure. In Micah chapter 1 the prophet sees God’s coming judgment on his people because of their sin. God delivers His authoritative message through Micah stating that He as the just judge will bring judgment on the sinful (2-5). Micah sees the way sin has corrupted the people and through his tears calls the people to repent of their sinful ways (8-16). God seeks a pure people who will worship Him alone and put into practice what they know from God to be true and just. This passage helps us see that justice is based on God’s authoritative discerning judgment. Do we submit to God’s authority on a daily basis? Do we worship the giver of correction and seek His perspective? Do we put to use daily what we know to be true spiritually? Justice is God’s correct action that corrects us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and is an accurate reflection of Him toward others.

For more see MICAH

Joseph: Serve to Display Grace

11/28/2021

Matthew 1:18-25
Years ago a movie was produced about three singing chipmunks named Simon, Theodore, and Alvin. One of the songs begins as a peaceful Christmas song… “Christmas time is here again.” In the middle of the song, the constant troublemaker, Alvin, changes the words and sings, “me I want a hula hoop.” The funny thing is that I remember listening to that song on a vinyl record when I was just a wee lad. We can laugh at the self-centeredness of Alvin, but that attitude is prevalent at Christmas and in some of the Christmas characters in the Bible. However, that is not an accurate description of Joseph. In Matthew chapter 1 we see that Joseph was known as a righteous man who sought to live a righteous life that was upright and pleasing to God. He is one of the least known people in the Bible, yet he acts in a way that is unselfish toward Mary by going against his culture and community in order to carry out what God has revealed to him. A righteous and upright life is an important character quality yet it often lacks proper emphasis in the news today. It is easy to do many things and be an important person but it is the quality and character of our life that will be noted and remembered. As we enter the Christmas season we are reminded again of Joseph and the importance of a righteous life. He was noted as an ordinary man who God used, a righteous man that God could use, and a righteous man who lived by faith for God to use. Joseph believed God and his beliefs directed the way he lived and served to display God’s grace. May our lives be ones that are noted for righteousness, usefulness, and faith in God alone.

For more see CHRISTMAS

The Life of the Believer

10/31/2021

Galatians 5:22-23
Lately I have been trying to paint two unfinished exterior walls of my house. If painting was all that I had to do, the job would be done in a day or two. However, there are other things that require my time and attention. Because other situations arise and normal responsibilities take longer than expected the painting project takes more time to complete. Currently, I am nearing the end of the painting project. All that I need to do is one more coat of white paint on the trim and then some touch ups where I slopped trim paint on the blue wall. It is interesting, when you stand on the street and look at the house you can’t see the small unfinished areas or the spots that need touching up. But the closer you get the more the flaws and the unfinished painting stand out. In Galatians 5:22-23 we see that God works in the life of the believer to produce certain specific character qualities described as fruit. These fruits are the results of spiritual growth and maturity that become more and more common in our lives. Just as my house could not paint itself so we can’t produce these spiritual results in our lives without the work of God’s Spirit. God’s work, like my painting job, will take time. For example, we are not instantly loving or continually filled with joy, but God is continually at work shaping our character to become more complete. So, as you consider these Christ like character qualities stop and ask, Which one do I need right now? Ask God to develop this area of your life. God will pick up His paint brush called grace and continue His process of making you a better reflection of Himself to our world.

For more see MATTHEW 28:19-20 or WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

Helpful Hope-filled Hospitality

5/30/2021

Philemon 21-22
My stomach was warmed by the meal and my heart was full from the conversation about our Lord and Savior. Snow crunched under my feet as I said goodbye, and the snowmobile rumbled to life as I headed into the middle of winter and the middle of the river that was frozen solid. There was nothing between where I was and home but an hour ride, and a red fox. I excitedly tried to follow the beautiful creature but he did not want my company and headed for the thick brush of an island. What a day! I had the privilege of enjoying good food, wonderful insight into a brother’s spiritual growth plus sighting one of God’s beautiful four legged creatures. It all started with my unannounced visit to a brother in the Lord and his offering of hospitality. In Philemon 21-22 we see Paul encourage Philemon to practice hospitality. Paul starts by affirming Philemon (21). He confidently believes that what has been requested will be done based on Philemon’s prior conduct as a partner and character as a brother in Christ. Philemon has been praying for Paul. As an answer to this prayer, Paul believes that he will be released from prison soon. Upon his release Paul desires to visit and stay with Philemon (22). Paul is encouraging hospitality toward all believers, including Onesimus, by providing spiritual accountability for the action of hospitality. At its core, hospitality shows Christ like love and acceptance. May our faith in Christ season our hospitality and our hospitality warm the hearts of others.

For more see PHILEMON

The Wonderful Word

5/5/2021

Psalm 119:129-136
Is the word of God wonderful to you?

1. The Wonderful Word (129)
   Wonderful means something that is unusual, extraordinary, marvelous
   This is a description of God and His word being beyond the normal human experience.

2. The Wonderful Word Working in Us (129-131)
   Motivates our practice (129)
   Gives the greatest insight (130)
   Meets the deepest needs (131)

3. The Wonderful Word Working Through Us (132-133)
   Provides guidance in prayer (132)
   Provides guidance in life (133)

4. The Wonderful Word with Us (134-135)
   God Delivers (134)
   God's Approval (135)

5. The Wonderful Word Moves Us (136)
   Compassion
   Character
   Conduct

For more see PSALM 119