TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 37:1-36
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons. - Genesis 37:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to homicide investigators, jealousy is one of the leading motives behind murder. Scripture certainly doesn't omit examples of people driven to dastardly deeds by the sin of jealousy, and today's story presents another account of the seed of jealousy bearing fruit in attempted murder and deception. So far this month we've seen how God cares for children, how parents can impact children, and also how choices reflect values. In our reading today about Joseph, his father Jacob, and his brothers we see all of these issues in one story.

Joseph was born into a family filled with unhealthy relationships. His father's two wives had been competitors for his affections, with jealousy becoming the dominant emotion in their relationship (see Gen. 30:1-24). Each had given Jacob her maidservant to sleep with in the escalating race of who could bear more children. The jealousy and favoritism filtered down to the children. Just as Rachel was Jacob's favorite wife, her son Joseph was his favorite (v. 3). Just as Leah was jealous of Rachel, all of Joseph's brothers hated him for his privileged status (v. 4).

When Joseph revealed his dreams to his family, no one was spiritually perceptive enough to realize that God had blessed Joseph with great insight (see Genesis 40-41). They could only perceive what he said through the lens of their jealousy and hatred. Jacob also put Joseph in the position of reporting on his brothers, and this only gave them more reason to resent Joseph. Finally they decided to get rid of him.

Through the intervention of the oldest brother, Reuben, they didn't kill Joseph immediately. Judah revealed his values when he suggested that they might as well profit off Joseph rather than just kill him—for twenty shekels of silver, he sold his brother as a slave (v. 26). Jacob, whose life had been characterized by numerous episodes of manipulation and deceit, now suffered the deception of his own sons. For years, he would believe that his beloved son Joseph was dead.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Judah valued money, revealed in his choice to sell his brother as a slave. As we'll see more tomorrow, Joseph would choose to do right rather than profit from sin. Ultimately, this story reminds us of God's sovereign care and plan, even when life appears to be falling apart. If you need to be reminded of God's work to redeem the details of our lives into something that brings Him glory, take some time to read the rest of the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 39:1-23
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. - Proverbs 1:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The familiar quote warns, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Occasionally, novel plots, movie themes, or music lyrics use this adage to warn men toward fidelity, but more commonly they encourage young men to pursue all the sex they can get. A bevy of women vying for his attention indicates that a young man has reached the pinnacle of “success.”

In our reading today, Joseph had a woman vying for his attention—and when he refused to embrace sexual immorality, he experienced her fury. In the past few weeks we've examined stories of young people in the Bible and seen how God cared for them, the impact of parents on children, and the ways that choices reflect our values. Today we turn to stories of young people in Scripture who had the courage to stand for what was right.

Joseph had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers; he was bought by Potiphar, the Egyptian captain of the guard. God blessed Joseph and he received promotions in Potiphar's house: first, he became attendant, then in charge of the household, and finally in charge of everything Potiphar owned (vv. 4-6). Though Potiphar could not possibly have imagined it, this was excellent preparation for Joseph's eventual responsibility of managing the kingdom of Egypt (see Gen. 41:41-44).

When Potiphar's wife ordered him to sleep with her, why not just give in? His family history had plenty of examples of men who had sexual exploits with non-Israelite women. But Joseph correctly understood the layers of sin involved. It would have been a sin against Potiphar and his trust in Joseph's integrity, but more important, it would have been a sin against God (v. 9).

Potiphar's wife was furious at the rejection, and she concocted revenge against Joseph. Her husband believed the lie and had Joseph thrown into jail. It seemed in return for his faithfulness Joseph was rewarded with suffering. But Scripture is clear that the Lord was still with Joseph. What appeared to be a setback was another step toward his destiny as a ruler in Egypt.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Joseph had the opportunity to exploit his situation and sleep with Potiphar's wife. He could have said, “Everyone's doing it!”—Abraham, Jacob, Reuben, and Judah all had sexual affairs. Each of us is presented with “opportunities” to do wrong, whether it's sexual immorality, cheating on our taxes, shoplifting, or telling “little white lies” to enhance our reputation. Will we excuse it with “Everyone's doing it!”? Or will we recognize it as sin and have the courage to resist temptation and stand for what is right?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 17:17-58
It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. - 1 Samuel 17:47
TODAY IN THE WORD
Twenty years ago, the Chinese government sponsored a violent crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square. As a line of tanks entered the square, one man stood in front of the lead tank, blocking its progress. The tank tried to maneuver around him, but he continued to move to block it. The photos of this solitary man standing up to military might spread around the world and became the defining image of the Chinese suppression of dissent.

In our reading today, David also stood alone to confront military opposition. In this case, the boldness of one young man changed the course of history.

David had already been anointed by Samuel, though it's unclear if he and his family understood its full significance (see 1 Sam. 16:1-13). The Israelites were again at war with their tormentors, the Philistines, and David obeyed the instruction of his father to take supplies to his brothers and make sure they were okay. While at the front lines, David heard the taunts of the great Philistine warrior, Goliath.

David's oldest brother Eliab was upset when he heard David inquiring about Goliath. Perhaps he was jealous that he had not been anointed; perhaps he was embarrassed that his youngest brother showed more spunk than he. He accused David of false motives and tried to minimize his responsibilities.

David volunteered to fight Goliath, but King Saul tried to deter him: “You are only a boy!” (v. 33). David revealed the source of his confidence—it was not in experience or the king's armor or his brother's approval. It was in the Lord.

David understood that spiritual matters were at stake in this battle. Goliath wasn't just challenging the Israelite army, he was challenging the legitimacy and power of God (vv. 45-47). David's confidence was well placed. He defeated Goliath and secured the victory for Israel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
No one took David seriously, not Eliab or Saul or Goliath. But David's confidence wasn't based on the approval of others. Where do we find our confidence? Do we trust our own resources, or our shining resume, or our bank account? Do we seek approval from others, or rest secure in our knowledge of God? We will all face challenges in life, moments when we are asked to stand for what is right. To the world, we might appear insignificant. But God can use even one person willing to be courageous for Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Daniel 1:3-20
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1924, Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell found his decisions questioned. His sister Jenny wondered if he was wasting time running races when he could be headed to the mission field. Fellow racers and the British Olympic committee doubted the wisdom of his decision not to race on Sundays. Eric famously told his sister, “I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run it is in His pleasure.” He declined to run his best event, the 100-meter dash in the 1924 Olympics because it was held on Sunday, but he won the gold medal in the 400-meter race.

In our story today we read of Daniel and his friends standing for what was right. Their courage impressed the Babylonian leaders and was blessed by God.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were the cream of the crop of Jewish exiles in Babylon (v. 3). They were selected for service to Nebuchadnezzar, an honor that included luxurious meals of the king's choicest food. The Babylonians stripped away their Hebrew names, but they could not take away their loyalty to God and His Law. Eating the food would have required Daniel and his friends to violate Jewish dietary requirements.

Rather than refuse outright to participate, Daniel asked the chief official whether they could abstain. When the official balked, Daniel proposed a test. After ten days on their diet of vegetables and water, the four Jews were healthier than the others; one wonders how happy the other young men were to discover their access to the king's lush banquets was now curtailed (v. 16)!

Scripture is clear that God blessed Daniel (vv. 9, 17). All four young men became high officials in Nebuchadnezzar's court and sought to give him their best service (see Dan. 2:12-49). At the same time, they all remained faithful to God and continued to pursue obedience to Him as their highest priority (see Daniel 3, 6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Most of us have obligations at work, school, or our community. At the very least, we are subject to the laws in our country. Daniel gives us an example of how to navigate tensions we might encounter as a follower of Christ and also as an employee, citizen, or student: first, commit to obeying God; second, be a responsible, hard-working contributor; third, try to negotiate solutions; and always surround every situation with prayer (cf. Dan. 2:18).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Daniel 3:1-30
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. - Isaiah 59:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Political scientists analyze the best ways to measure power. Military capability is one measurement, but some countries with large militaries can't exert their will on other nations. Economic strength is another factor, but some countries with powerful economies can't protect themselves from an external attack. There's also cultural influence, or soft power, the ways that a country's culture or values are appealing to other nations. Identifying power can be tricky, much less attempting to measure it.

Nebuchadnezzar thought that he had maximized all of his potential power. To celebrate, he had created a massive golden statue and commanded everyone in his administration to bow down in worship. Nebuchadnezzar commanded the world's most powerful military, had the strongest economy, and could impose his cultural values on the whole world. But he hadn't factored in spiritual power.

Daniel's three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—here known by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—had been made provincial administrators (see Dan. 2:49). They were among the leaders ordered to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. The text hints that those who reported their refusal to worship the idol were motivated by long-standing jealousy (v. 12). Nebuchadnezzar was furious at their defiance of his order.

Verse 15 reveals the core issue when Nebuchadnezzar sneered, “What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” According to worldly calculations he was right. He had defeated Israel, therefore he had defeated Israel's God. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew that their God could still save them. And even if He did not choose to, they still would choose to be faithful to Him (vv. 17-18). Nebuchadnezzar upped the ante, heating the furnace seven times hotter than normal. God responded: not only did He save the three friends, they didn't even smell like smoke. Their obedience led to their protection and praise to God, the only one who could save in this way (v. 29).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had the courage to stand for God even when the stakes were life-and-death. What's interesting is that they didn't try to bargain with God or presume to know what He would do. They were confident that God could save, not presumptuous that He would save. They were committed to obedience. Do we have that level of commitment? Or do we try to bargain with God: “I'll follow you if...”? During your prayer time, praise God for who He is and commit to following Him no matter what may come.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 2:1-10
Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted.” - Exodus 15:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Martha had always been like a second mother to her brother Edward, who was 15 years younger. His wife Anne once joked, “Well, I finally figured out what's wrong with Edward—he had so many mothers!” Martha replied evenly, “I didn't know there was anything wrong with him.”

Older sisters are famously protective of younger siblings, and in our reading God used a vigilant older sister to change the course of history. For the next few days we will examine biblical stories of young people who were willing to believe and act.

Today's story takes place in a deadly context. Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew baby boys should be killed after they were born (see Ex. 1:22). But when Jochebed delivered her baby boy, she hid him as long as she could. When that grew too difficult, she placed him in a basket on the banks of the Nile. Her older daughter, Miriam, stood watching over him (v. 4).

Pharaoh thought he could destroy and demoralize the Hebrew people. He had more power than anyone else in the world; he could order the deaths of helpless infants. But he underestimated the power of a crying baby to move hearts.

When his daughter found the baby crying, she knew it was a Hebrew baby but still felt compassion for the infant. Miriam exercised tremendous initiative; in front of the daughter of Pharaoh, she stepped forward and offered a solution to the problem of a crying baby—she could find a Hebrew woman to nurse him. Miriam then ingeniously brought her own mother. Through her creative initiative, God enabled the baby to survive Pharaoh's death order, allowed Jochebed to keep her baby, and even ensured financial provision for their family (v. 9).

The baby, Moses, spent his earliest years at home with his Hebrew mother, and then was raised in the palace of Pharaoh's daughter. Though considered a royal son of Egypt, he always identified with the Hebrews, and God used him to deliver them from oppression.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Millions of children live in crisis situations, whether due to parents who are sick or battling drug abuse or from unsafe family environments. Like Miriam, we can be willing to act to help them. One program is Safe Families, in which families temporarily care for a child while the parent in crisis receives assistance. This alternative to state-based foster care allows parents to retain custody and reunite families. For more information on how you can support this biblical effort to care for children in need, go to www.safe-families.org.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-21
The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men. - 1 Samuel 2:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jason McElwain had been on the bench for every high school varsity basketball game, but he had never suited up—he was the team manager, and he was autistic. But on Senior Night, the coach added him to the roster and gave him a uniform, promising that if the team had a big enough lead, he would put Jason in the game. With three minutes to go, he called Jason off the bench. The boy who had never been in a game before proceeded to score 20 points in three minutes, and he was carried off the court in jubilation by his teammates.

In our reading today we see the story of Samuel, another young man who received a call and was willing to respond to the dramatic message from God.

The specific context was that Samuel's mother, Hannah, had prayed that God would give her a son, and when He answered that prayer she dedicated Samuel to the Lord's service (see 1 Sam. 1:11). The cultural context was the time of the judges, when the people did evil and sinned against the Lord (see Judg. 21:25). In fact, Scripture says, “In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions” (v. 1).

When Samuel first heard God calling him, he thought it was the priest Eli, and he responded. Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel and instructed Samuel what to say. Samuel obeyed exactly what Eli said; when the Lord called again, he was willing to hear (vv. 9-10).

The word that Samuel received from God wasn't cheery. Understandably, Samuel was reluctant to repeat the message to Eli, but he honestly recounted the word of the Lord though it contained the prophecy of the destruction of Eli's family as judgment for their sin. Eli's sons had been blatantly wicked before God and Eli had not restrained them, but now Samuel was obedient and responsive to God's call. At last the word of the Lord again came to the people through Samuel (v. 21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Samuel was willing to hear and speak the word of God, even though the Lord gave him a painful truth to proclaim. It's easy to proclaim news that people want to hear or information that makes people feel good. Are we as willing to be obedient when we have to share the truth that people don't want to hear? If you struggle with this, ask God to give you the courage to speak the truth even in difficult circumstances. Remember, we seek His approval, not the applause of others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 5:1-15
Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. - 2 Kings 5:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Everyone thought that they knew the contenders to win the Kentucky Derby this past spring. No one, not even the television announcer of the race, knew exactly who the number 8 horse was when he started moving from dead last up into first position, pulling away to win the race by over six lengths. Variously described as “scrawny” and “impossible long shot,” the horse “Mine that Bird” provided another reminder that the biggest and strongest horses don't always turn out to be the best.

What's true of horses is also true of people; we often think status, power, and appearances tell the whole story. But God loves to surprise us with the way He uses unexpected people. We see such a story in our reading today.

The core contrast here lies between the young servant girl and two powerful men, the Aramean military commander Naaman and the king of Israel. Despite his position of power and his proven battle valor, Naaman suffered from the disease of leprosy. His wife had a slave girl who had been abducted from Israel. This girl confidently told Naaman's wife, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy!” (v. 3). She knew of the prophet Elisha and his power and was unafraid to recommend him.

In contrast, when the king of Israel heard about Naaman's request, he thought only of himself and was filled with fear (v. 7). One wonders how a slave girl could have known more about Elisha than the king of Israel! The king could only think in terms of geopolitical struggle, not spiritual power.

The second contrast occurs when Naaman pouted over the instruction to bathe in the Jordan River (v. 12). The young girl had complete trust in Elisha's God-given power to heal, but Naaman wanted the healing to look the way he expected, not the way he was instructed. When he finally complied and was healed, it provoked his worship. The testimony of the young servant girl resulted in praise being given to God (v. 15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This girl wasn't daunted by her position as a foreign slave; she still proclaimed the life-giving power of God. When we realize the depth of the richness of God's grace and salvation, how can we refrain from sharing this with others? People around us—perhaps in our family, neighborhood, or workplace—are suffering from the spiritual disease of sin and separation from God. We can point them in the right direction! Ask God to give you opportunities to share a testimony of His power with someone who needs to be saved.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 4:1-17
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. - Acts 4:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout history in Scripture, God raised up nations and rulers to accomplish His will. He used Egypt to provide for Jacob's family during famine, and used Moses to rescue the Israelites from oppression in Egypt. The prophet Habakkuk puzzled over the power of Babylon to destroy Judah, but the Lord assured him that Babylon was His tool of judgment and they too would receive His judgment at the hands of the Persians.

We've seen how the godly king Josiah delayed God's judgment on Judah through his repentance and desire to obey the Law (see Aug. 14). Today we read about the young Jewish girl Esther, who became Queen of Persia at a time when the Jews faced annihilation.

Our reading opens with Mordecai, Esther's cousin, publicly bewailing the edict to destroy the Jews signed by the king of Persia at the urging of Haman. Esther, who seemed not to know of the edict, tried to cheer up Mordecai, until he informed her of what was about to happen.

Mordecai urged Esther “to go into the king's presence to beg for money and plead with him for her people” (v. 8). Esther reminded him that being queen didn't entitle her to an audience with the king. In fact, entering the king's presence unbidden was a suicide mission (v. 11). Mordecai responded that inaction was also tantamount to suicide; her position as queen would not save her from the destruction to be unleashed on the Jews (v. 13).

Next, Mordecai revealed the heart of his faith: he believed that God would bring salvation in some way for the Jews, but he also believed that Esther was in her position for a reason. Esther, in great faith, was willing to accept the challenge and act boldly for her people; she requested that Mordecai and the Jews in the capital city fast, and then she would risk her life and go before the king. As the rest of the book of Esther recounts, the faith of Mordecai and Esther was validated as Esther's actions resulted in protection for the Jews in Persia.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Haman's plot to destroy the Jews was rooted in his jealousy of Mordecai (see Esther 3). We've seen other accounts of jealousy leading to great sin and destruction. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to weed out any roots of jealousy in your heart. Surrender your desire to advance yourself—whether it's financial advantage, reputation, or a promotion—and seek to serve others. As Haman learned, attempts to elevate ourselves end up destroying us, but selfless actions like that of Esther will win the reward of God's blessing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:26-56
The Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name. - Luke 1:49
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout this study we've seen examples of how God upset the expectations of how things should work. A young servant girl had more spiritual insight than the king of Israel. A crying baby had more power than an edict of Pharaoh. A brother sold into slavery ended up becoming a ruler who saved his family. Four friends who refused the king's food were healthier than those who ate from the king's table.

God delights to show His power by using unexpected people to do His work, and our story today confirms this. God selected a young girl engaged to a tradesman in a poor area of a country dominated by the empire to be the mother of Jesus. Nothing about Mary suggested that she was suitable—except that she had “found favor with God” (v. 30).

Mary's reaction to the presence and message of the angel is entirely understandable; she was troubled, confused, and perplexed. She knew that this was physically impossible and socially terrifying. Everything was at stake in her response. The angel reassured Mary and offered the experience of Elizabeth as confirmation that God was in the business of doing miraculous things (v. 36). Indeed, “nothing is impossible with God” (v. 37). Mary could have argued—Moses had argued with God when he was called to do something impossible and terrifying. But this young girl offered no arguments or excuses. She was willing to accept the call that God had issued (v. 38).

Her visit to Elizabeth must have been tremendously encouraging. The older woman was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed blessings upon Mary. She had the spiritual discernment to know that Mary's pregnancy was not only miraculous, it was also the means of bringing the Lord Himself into the world (v. 43).

Mary offered one of the most beautiful hymns of praise recorded in Scripture. She recognized and referenced the theme of reversal—that God lifts up the humble, fills the hungry, extends mercy, and is faithful to His promises. He is a God worthy to be praised.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Due to theologies that elevate Mary to a status of worship, some believers have been reluctant to pay too much attention to this young woman and her willingness to accept God's call. But her example should challenge and inspire all of us to greater obedience; as Elizabeth said: “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (v. 45). The movie The Nativity Story creatively depicts Mary and Joseph and captures the time period in wonderful detail.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 12:1-19
Pray continually. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most of us don't face the threat of being killed by our neighbors just because we are Christians. But in some areas of India, believers endure exactly that risk. An Indian pastor in the state of Madhya Pradesh was threatened with “serious consequences” unless he left his village in three days. The police responded by shrugging their shoulders, and the pastor sent his family away to relatives while he recruited Christians to pray. Remarkably, the police had a sudden change of heart, agreeing to protect the pastor from violence. The threat is not gone, but the pastor has been able to continue his ministry.

Christians have faced threats and responded with prayer since the earliest days of the church, as we see in our reading today. But somehow only a servant girl was quick to believe that God had answered their prayers for protection.

Herod was trying to pacify the Jews in the region he controlled; he couldn't afford to let social unrest fester or the Romans might deprive him of his rule. He had already executed the apostle James, and Peter—considered one of the biggest prizes among the leaders of these Jesus followers—was to be next. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by sixteen men; the church was gathered together praying for him (v. 5).

God responded with a jaw-dropping miracle. Peter didn't even realize that his rescue was real until he was in the middle of the street (v. 10). He immediately went to the home of Mary, where he knew the prayer vigil was taking place. Initially, he didn't get the welcome he expected.

The servant girl Rhoda heard Peter's voice, recognized it, and was “overjoyed” with the reality that God had delivered Peter (v. 13). She ran to tell the others—forgetting to let Peter in! But the gathered believers couldn't believe that God has answered their prayer in this way; note the excuses they offer: Rhoda must be crazy . . . or maybe it's Peter's angel. But Rhoda's willingness to believe that God had done something amazing was vindicated when they finally opened the door and saw Peter standing there.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our God is not too small—but sometimes our prayers are. Do you have a prayer request that seems impossible, so you hesitate to even mention it? Perhaps you have a loved one who seems far away from God, or you can't imagine how your finances will stretch to meet your needs, or you just have a heart for oppressed people in other countries. Whatever your request, pray and ask fellow believers to pray with you. We can't predict how and when God will answer, but we can have confidence in His faithfulness to hear.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:1-5; Philippians 2:19-24
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Amy Carmichael was devoted to caring for the young women on the margins of society. In her native Belfast, she organized a Sunday school for “shawlies,” poor girls who worked in the mills. From there, she went to work with mill girls in Manchester, England, before following a call to serve God as a missionary. Though initially rejected as a missionary candidate because of her poor health, she ended up serving in India for over 50 years without a furlough, primarily rescuing young girls from temple prostitution. Her biography quotes her as saying, “One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.”

Our reading today depicts a young man who also embodied sacrificial love for others. Timothy was reared by godly women, his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). We've seen examples this month of parents whose ungodly lives or unwise decisions had a negative impact on their child; here is an example of a godly heritage bearing fruit in a young man who desired to serve the Lord.

Paul met Timothy while on a missionary journey. He had a good reputation among the believers in that region, and he was willing to serve with Paul even though it meant undergoing circumcision (v. 3). Timothy put the needs of others above his own comfort and prerogative. Through his work with Paul, the “churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers” (v. 5).

Paul's letters to Timothy contain references to his character and service, but one of the most striking descriptions comes from Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. In chapter two, Paul urged the church to follow the selfless example of Jesus, who was willing to be humbled as a servant and even die in obedience to God (Phil. 2:4-8). He then gave the church an example of someone they knew who had the attitude of Christ Jesus, putting the interests of others first: Timothy (vv. 21-22). His willingness to serve others led Paul to exhort him: “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers” (1 Tim. 4:12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Timothy followed the example of Jesus and embraced selfless service. How can we put the interests of others first? It requires a willingness to sacrifice our own comfort and our own preferences. It requires a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ as our motivation. All of us, from the oldest to the youngest, are capable of obeying the Word of God on this point—if we are willing to put aside self. Would someone describe you like Timothy, expressing a genuine interest in the welfare of others?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 1:1-19
Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bill Gates is mainly known as the founder of Microsoft and wealthiest man in the world. The entrepreneur resigned from Microsoft last year in order to focus all his attention on his philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This move would have been shocking a decade ago; Bill Gates reportedly considered himself too busy to get involved with philanthropy. Both of his parents had been involved with charitable organizations for years and were quietly pushing him to spend some energy giving money and not just making it. With the support of his father, Bill finally agreed in 1994 to set up a structure for charitable giving.

Bill Gates followed the example of his parents, and as believers we have a tremendous responsibility to instill truth into the children in our lives and live as examples for them to follow. We'll spend our last few days this month looking at some specific Scriptures addressed to young people—but they also contain an exhortation for those of us who are not so young.

The book of Proverbs begins as instruction to young people on the best way to live. It acknowledges that a sinful lifestyle can be enticing; greed and even violence look appealing or fun, especially when accompanied by peer pressure (v. 10). But no matter how much pleasure, profit, or popularity is advertised by wickedness, the consequence is death and destruction.

Obeying the Lord and seeking wisdom leads to knowledge and life. Knowing God is the first step toward a life that is “right and just and fair” (v. 3). Only a fool would reject this path of wisdom and discipline for the enticements of sin (v. 7).

Note that this instruction to young people contains an implied exhortation to parents: for a son to listen to his father's instruction, the father must speak truth. For a son to cling to his mother's teaching, she must be imparting wisdom. Sin offers young people the flash of fitting in and getting stuff; parents must offer the wisdom of seeking wisdom and finding life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you're a parent or grandparent, are you committed to seeking wisdom in your own life so that you can provide an example and instruction for your children? And if you're a young person, are you choosing spiritual priorities over sinful enticements? Even if you're not a parent or grandparent, there are many children who need the influence of godly believers. Consider helping with the Sunday school program at your church, or volunteering as a Big Brother/Big Sister in your community.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. - Ecclesiastes 12:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
From 2003 to 2005, 180 people died in Japan in 61 separate instances of group suicides. What makes these cases particularly disturbing is that the people, most of whom were young, apparently didn't know each other before meeting to die together. In a typical case, five or six people in their 20s would be found asphyxiated in a car.

Many people question, “What's the point of life?” Some struggle to find an answer, and since death will come to everyone at some point, why bother waiting? Yesterday we saw some instruction for young people that came from early in Solomon's life. Today's reading comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, written late in Solomon's life, after he had pursued everything life had to offer and then reflected on this question: What's the point of life if death is coming?

Earlier in this book Solomon had examined the value of pleasure, work, popularity, and wealth, and found that none of them provided an answer to his question.

Now he offers a word to young people. Enjoy your youth—but have an eternal context (11:9). Be happy—but know that judgment will come on the decisions that you make. Don't spend time burdened by anxiety and worry—but don't place your hope in youth or strength (11:10). Make God a priority now—because old age and death will come, and then it will be difficult or even too late to change (12:1).

We live in a culture that idolizes youth and fears aging and death, but the words of Ecclesiastes remind us about eternal priorities. Youth is a time to enjoy the blessings of life but also to remember the Source of those blessings. Youth is not a time to idolize or cling to, because it will end and then be considered worthless (v. .

Finally, Ecclesiastes provides the answer to its central question: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (12:13). Death is not the end of the story; in light of eternity, only obedience to the will of God matters.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is God the top priority in your life? What does your checkbook reveal? How about your daily planner? Are you more focused on knowing and obeying God, or on pursuing wealth, popularity, pleasure, or work? If you need to surrender some aspect of your life to the Lord, take the time to pray through that issue today, and resolve with the help of the Holy Spirit to live with eternal priorities.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. - Colossians 3:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Civil rights leaders had planned a march in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. The sheriff, Bull Conner, was legendary for his brutal methods, and few people at the organizing meeting were volunteering—until the children stood. When some said they were too young, Rev. James Bevel asked, “Are they too young to go to segregated schools? Are they too young to be kept out of amusement parks? Are they too young to be refused a hamburger in a restaurant? Then they are not too young to want their freedom.” Over one thousand children marched in Birmingham, facing fire hoses, police dogs, and imprisonment. Their courage was captured by television cameras and began to reshape national views on civil rights.

In our reading, Paul was giving instructions to the church in Ephesus on how to live together as the body of Christ. And he included children in his discussion of Christian relationships. Children are not too young to receive instructions about holy living, nor should they be excluded from life in the church.

This teaching would have been rather revolutionary at the time. First, for children to be addressed at all was shocking, since they had no rights or privileges in society. Second, the book of Ephesians instructs children to obey their parents, but the command includes the provision “in the Lord.” This obedience doesn't stem from the parents' “ownership” of the child, but rather because this obedience brings glory to God. He ordains the structure and relationships of the family, and obedience is ultimately an act of submission to Him.

Next, Paul connected this command back to the Law given by God to Moses (see Deut. 5:16). Obedience is connected to being blessed by God and being in a position for Him to work through us. Finally, Paul addressed fathers with an exhortation on parenthood. Parents have authority, but the point is not to browbeat or “exasperate” their children. It is to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (v. 4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you came from a godly home, these verses may bring warm, comforting memories. But if you didn't—or currently live in a dysfunctional family—you might feel frustrated knowing that your family doesn't measure up to these standards. We've seen unhealthy families throughout our study, and one thing is consistent: God works despite our failures. He cares about families, and He has the power to heal bruised and broken relationships. You can trust Him to heal the pain of your past or repair the damage in your present family.