Sincerely Yours

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-439_jul27-18.mp3 This Sincerely Yours podcast covers the last chapter of the small book of Titus. Throughout his personal letter to the young pastor Titus, Paul encouraged him to remind his people to live wisely and always do the "right thing." But it’s toward the end of his letter that Paul once again reminds Titus of why any of us are truly "right" in the first place. Today's Reading Titus 3 (NIV) Saved in Order to Do Good 3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous thin

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-438_jul26-18.mp3 In my life, God has blessed me with several women who, while ahead of me in years, have walked beside me spiritually sharing their wisdom. There are also those to whom I am the "older woman," who have learned a lot from my triumphs and even more from my mistakes. We all have those days when we just need someone to step in and help us out. And, as we continue our journey through the book of Titus, we find this kind of mentorship is just what we're instructed to do. Today's Reading Titus 2 (NLT) Promote Right Teaching 2 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they shou

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-437_jul25-18.mp3 We open the book of Titus in this podcast to continue our journey through the New Testament on Sincerely Yours. We know that earlier Paul had accompanied Titus to the island of Crete, where he positioned his friend to lead and organize the island’s newly-formed churches. And, in this letter, Paul is instructing Titus on how to share the basics in Godly living with these new believers. Today's Reading Titus 1 (AMP) Salutation 1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s chosen ones and [to lead and encourage them to recognize and pursue] the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness, 2 based on the hope and divine guarantee of eternal life, [the life] which God, who is ever truthful and without deceit, promised before the ages of time began, 3 and at the appointed time has made known His wor

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-436_jul24-18.mp3 Ranging from the witty to the hopeful to the tragic, the "famous people’s last words" featured in this episode of Sincerely Yours are definitely thought-provoking. Why are we talking about "last words" exactly? Well, in our reading, we actually find the last recorded words by the Apostle Paul before he was executed. Listen as we explore in this devotional podcast. Today's Reading 2 Timothy 4 (NIV) 4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-435_jul23-18.mp3 For a while now we’ve been daily studying the Bible together here on Sincerely Yours, so the question I’m about to ask you may sound a little strange. But here it goes: just what is the Bible? Is it special or does it simply belong on a dusty bookshelf next to other “great” works of literature? Listen in and let me explain. Today's Reading 2 Timothy 3 (MSG) Difficult Times Ahead 3 1-5 Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people. 6-9 These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves int

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-434_jul16-18.mp3 Living for God... every day... in every area of our lives. It’s so much more than just a "Christian lifestyle." Besides being a beautiful and intimate relationship, it’s the best, safest, healthiest way to live because you’re firmly connected to the very Source of life. And, according to the second chapter of second Timothy, the Apostle Paul thinks so too. Find out why when you listen to this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast. Today's Reading 2 Timothy 2:1-13 (MSG) Doing Your Best for God 2 1-7 So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuse

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-433_jul13-18.mp3 Everybody’s talking these days. No one wants to be left out... not even me! The topics range from moral issues to religion to lifestyle. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and they feel free to share it, as long as it doesn’t rock anybody else’s boat. But when will we stop being so concerned with our "image" while speaking and put more care into what we are actually saying? Let's unpack that on this episode of Sincerely Yours. Today's Reading 2 Timothy 1 (NKJV) Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Timothy’s Faith and Heritage 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mind

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-432_jul12-18.mp3 We’re wrapping up our journey through the book of First Timothy, now in chapter six, and the topic of money is next on the Apostle Paul's list. He explains that it’s the desire for money that’s not only bad for us, but it’s a "root of all evils." Why is that? Listen in as we explore in this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 6 (AMP) Instructions to Those Who Minister 6 All who are under the yoke as bond-servants (slaves) are to regard their own masters as worthy of honor and respect so that the name of God and the teaching [about Him] will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles]. 3 If anyone teaches a diff

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-431_jul11-18.mp3 In the eyes of God, there is no such thing as "secret sin." It's something we can all forget (or at least pretend to) from time to time, but the Apostle Paul gives us a direct reminder in the reading featured in this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast. And if we truly desire to receive the benefits of God’s goodness, we all need to hear it. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 5:19-25 (MSG) 19 Don’t listen to a complaint against a leader that isn’t backed up by two or three responsible witnesses. 20 If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can’t get by with it. 21-23 God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don’t want to become an unwit

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-430_jul10-18.mp3 We find ourselves in Chapter 5 of Paul’s first letter to Timothy in this Sincerely Yours podcast. According to Paul, the "fruit" of a person’s life is to be noted when giving them assistance and, no matter what our stage in life, it’s only then that those around us will truly taste the sweetness. Which leaves all of us with a choice to make, and it's one we'll explore in this devotional. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 5 (TLB) 5 Never speak sharply to an older man, but plead with him respectfully just as though he were your own father. Talk to the younger men as you would to much-loved brothers. 2 Treat the older women as mothers, and the girls as your sisters, thinking only pure thoughts about them. 3 The church should take loving care of women whose husbands have died if they don’t have anyone else to help them. 4 But if they have children or grandchildren, these are the ones who should take t

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-429_jul09-18.mp3 We're continuing our journey through the book of Timothy and focusing in on how the wisdom of the young brought peace where peace was needed. It reminds me of a personal lesson I learned when my own kids were young, which resonates today as a way to live a life filled with love and peace. Let me explain in this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 4 (MSG) Teach with Your Life 4 1-5 The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They’ll tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be received with th

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-428_jul06-18.mp3 We recently explored why Jesus is the perfect model for good leadership, but what do those characteristics actually entail? In this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast, we'll unpack what makes a good leader, rank the qualities, and see how they can be applied to your Christian life. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 3 (MSG) Leadership in the Church 3 1-7 If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to hi

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-427_jul05-18.mp3 Have you ever had the experience of driving down a smoothly paved road when THUD... you hit a pothole. It kind of catches you off guard, doesn’t it? I mean, there you are enjoying a peaceful driving experience when all of a sudden you’re rocked to your socks by an unexpected interruption. Well, that’s basically what happened to me as I was reading through our passage for today. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 2 (NIV) Instructions on Worship 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-426_jul04-18.mp3 As we journey towards the end of the New Testament, today we open the book of First Timothy. Like the previous 9 books, it is a personal letter written by Paul, this time to the young Pastor. And it is to this young pastor that Paul models the surprising posture of a successful leader.  It’s a leadership style modelled by Jesus that comes straight from the heart of God. Today's Reading 1 Timothy 1 (NIV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial spe

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-425_jul03-18.mp3 There’s a funny quote I heard about exercising. It goes like this: “Whenever you feel the need to exercise, the best way to get rid of that feeling is to lie down until it goes away.” I’m not going to lie; I find it funny because I do it sometimes! It’s very easy to fall into a “more comfortable” habit. After all, it feels good to just take a rest and relax, right? But in this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast, the Apostle Paul reminds us why God commands us to be diligent. Today's Reading 2 Thessalonians 3 (NIV) Request for Prayer 3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-424_jul02-18.mp3 In times of war, deception should be expected. That’s why when Paul writes of the "end times" - that period before the Second Coming of Jesus - it’s important to realize that the deception of our enemy is very real. But this episode of Sincerely Yours will show why we don't have to be afraid. Today's Reading 2 Thessalonians 2 (MSG) The Anarchist 2 1-3 Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don’t go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don’t let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master’s arrival has come and gone. Don’t fall for any line like that. 3-5 Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He’ll defy and then take

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-423_jun29-18.mp3 In the midst of a world filled with hatred and wars and drastically skewed morals, we ask ourselves when will Jesus come? As we open another of Paul’s letters to the early church in Thessalonica, we find him clearing up the confusion and helping set our focus on where it should be: preparing the world for Christ's impending arrival. Listen in on this episode of the Sincerely Yours podcast. Today's Reading 2 Thessalonians 1 (VOICE) 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians that gathers in God our Father and in the Lord Jesus the Anointed. 2 May grace and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed be with you. 3 Brothers and sisters, we cannot help but thank God for you, which is only appropriate because your faith is growing and expanding and because the love demonstrated by each and every one of you is overflowing for one another. 4 So, of course,

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-422_jun28-18.mp3 In the fifth chapter of the book of first Thessalonians, we’re warned that we have the power to “smother” God's voice. It's more prevalent than ever in today's culture. The distractions of life around you silence the prompting of God’s Spirit within you, which is why I think maybe that’s why God so often whispers. In this episode of Sincerely Yours, we're going to explore these whispers and learn why they are where you'll truly find your strength. Today's Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (NIV) Final Instructions 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-421_jun27-18.mp3 As we’re looking into first Thessalonians chapter 5, we find Paul bringing to light a future event that many would rather keep shrouded in darkness: the Second Coming of Christ. While it’s understandable that fear would fuel this kind of mindset, for someone committed to Jesus, the expectation of His return is glorious. Learn why on this Sincerely Yours devotional podcast. Today's Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV) The Day of the Lord 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light an

http://media.blubrry.com/faithstrongtoday/p/fst.mc.tritondigital.com/SINCERELY_YOURS_P/media/SY-420_jun26-18.mp3 God’s guidelines are clear when it comes to sexual promiscuity, but society today often pushes back against it, particularly when it comes to teaching our children. The story in this Sincerely Yours devotional comes from an after-school meeting for parents with a cute little game. However, the lesson most of these parents learned may surprise you. Today's Reading 1 Thessalonians 4 (NIV) Living to Please God 4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionat