Timothy

What a great study of leadership. The book is reflective for people who feel called into full time ministry. This is a practical book. How great it is that Paul writes out qualifications for a godly wife. It is apparent in the ministry that a Christian wife is very important.

1 Timothy

In 1 Timothy 6:1, it is stated that we are to give honor to our masters so that the name of God and His doctrine is not blasphemed. If my boss is not a believer, how good of a witness am I if I am lazy at work? But if I work hard and always do the best I can, then my boss will be more interested in me and it will be easier to form a good relationship so that I can talk to him about spiritual things. Also, living out the faith as best as you can shows how much you actually believe and how serious you are about your faith. Even if your boss is a believer, it is quite an encouragement to have a fellow Christian working hard. I was a supervisor at a factory back home in Indiana for a year and half. In my experience, I was saddened and dismayed because the secular people were far better workers than the few Christians I had working for me. It's no wonder I had such a hard time convincing others to believe.

Phil

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Many Christians can recall that this is Phil 4:13. Why do we misuse it though? I still write it on my hat and used to write it on my baseball bat to give me confidence on the baseball field. This was probably not what the scripture means however. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, just because I want to do something does not mean I'm doing it in Christ. Let's look at it this way. If God wants you to do something you can accomplish it.

An idea of Love from Philippians

In Philippians 1:9, Paul prays that love may abound in knowledge and judgment. To live a life of love is the greatest way. Letting love consume the mind involves turning the other cheek when offended. Letting love take over anger cuts off rebellion, and revenge, and also spiteful correcting. Living in love is also trying to understand where someone is at when they relate to you (either in a good way or in a bad way). Love is a completely different way of life than what a typical person encounters in this world and that's what makes it so hard to convert to, but the Lord can give the strength to overcome the anger and aggressiveness that a person strives to overcome with love.

Ephesians, love of Christ

Ephesians 3:19 jumped out at me as I read this letter. The love of Christ is the highest knowledge we can possess; knowing He loves me is far better than knowing any other piece of knowledge. What good is it to know what I can do to get through the day, or why it is bad to lie, or that the earth is round when compared with the fact that I know the love of Christ? Without knowing the love of Christ the other thoughts become what I want them to be to satisfy myself. The love of Christ gives me a different perspective on life. Life becomes more than just a savage style of getting by until I die.

Colossians

The whole book is good but there is one passage and one verse in particular that I hold on to. Chapter 3 applies easily to Christians today because of the practical instructions it gives. Colossians 3:23 should be a life verse for all Christians today. Basically it means in everything you do do as if God was watching, not just people. Christians should be the hardest workers and the best employees.