Rules for Life

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 19

Poetry: Psalm 98

New Testament: 1 Timothy 2

Have you ever felt like you don’t know what to do in life? You feel like you need a book of instructions to take with you everywhere you go? Well, there may not be any instruction manuals available, but the Bible as our guide is. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul lists these sets of rules that we should live by, either through worship, or living through daily life.

In 1 Timothy 2, it states: “8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

Paul says that God wants us to live peaceably with all people, making prayer and petitions, and thanksgiving amongst everyone, as it pleases Him. He also mentions that God doesn’t want people to be flashy in their worship to Him. In verse 9 he states that he wants women to dress modestly and adorn themselves with good deeds rather than gold or pearls. When we dress for worship, we should dress with good intentions and be pleasing in God’s sight. Also in worship, we should pray for each other. Our family, our friends, church friends, even the people you dislike the most. The point is, even if you feel that you think you’re not going to have an easy life, just remember that you have an incredible book of life to guide you through the tough times, and that these simple rules are things that we should live by. Praying for people and dressing modestly may seem difficult at times, but with God, anything is possible. 

-Hannah Bormes

Reflection Questions

  1. What rules for life do you find in 1 Timothy 2 that you want to live by better and better?
  2. Can you think of a time of anger and disputing when it would have been better to lift up holy hands in prayer? How can you use this method next time?
  3. Why do you think Paul addressed modesty? Do you think it should be addressed today – if so, how?
  4. Who will you pray for today?

Exercising Faith

Old Testament: Isaiah 33 & 34

Poetry: Psalm 75

New Testament: Mark 6

In Mark chapter 6, Jesus summons his disciples to go on a boat to Bethsaida, while he stays behind on land to pray. Their boat got to the middle of the lake, and Jesus, seeing them, started walking towards them. Little did they know, he was walking on water towards the boat. After seeing him, they immediately thought he was a ghost and were terrified. Seeing them frightened, he immediately said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 


   Jesus, with the power of His Father God, walked on water, which is not normal in any way, but Jesus told them to not be afraid. Do you sometimes find it hard to trust in God? It might be during a hard test, you might be in a difficult situation with your family or friends, or maybe you’re a new brother or sister of Christ who is struggling to find their purpose in the world. Trusting in God can lift a heavy weight off your shoulders. Faith is a lot like a muscle. The more we exercise our faith, the stronger our trust in God becomes. When we practice and train ourselves to have more faith, it becomes easier to have trust, and to rely on God. So ask yourself, are you willing to practice trusting in him?

-Hannah Bormes

Reflection Questions

  1. When was the last time you exercised your faith muscle? How did it work out for you?
  2. In what current situation would Jesus tell you to not be afraid? Why? How can exercising your faith muscles help you lessen your fear?
  3. What might God be asking you to do with His power?