Monthly Archives: June 2019

Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Fighting, Forgiveness, Grace, Heaven, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Praise, Satan, Scripture

OUR GO BETWEEN

1 TIMOTHY 2:5

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 

Just what exactly is a “Go Between”? Well, that’s what a mediator is. It is someone who intervenes to restore the peace between two people or groups. You see it a lot in the legal field. In fact, you can get certified as an official mediator and make a very good living at it. Unfortunately, people are always fighting about something, so we need mediators.

And we have the perfect mediator, Jesus Christ, who mediates between God and us. He paid the price for our sins and continues to intervene on our behalf before His Father in heaven. He has mediated a new covenant, according to Hebrews 8:6; 9:15 and 12:24.  Aren’t you thankful for His mediation on your behalf?

APPLICATION

The next time you have to “mediate” between your children, remember this verse. I am sure if you have more than one child, there will an occasion shortly when you can apply this verse. You may have to come in and stop a fight or an argument. You will have to be the mediator.

After you have calmed the storm and returned the peace (at least for a while) share this verse with them. Explain that Jesus, not only mediated for us way back then, but He is still mediating for us now. Part of the mediator’s job is to guarantee “the performance of all the terms stipulated in a covenant (agreement).” In other words, He makes sure both people stick to the agreement. Sounds like parenting, huh?  

Christ Jesus is mediating for you this very moment. When Satan accuses you of your sins, He is right there at the Father to speak up for you. His blood has been used to mediate peace between you and our holy God. He is the ONLY ONE who can serve as this mediator. No one else is qualified. Give Him thanks today!

O Jesus, my mediator, I give You praise for interceding on my behalf. I thank You for continuing to mediate for me. I would be lost without You.

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GOD’S DESIRE

1 TIMOTHY 2:4

“who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 

Our holy and righteous God desires everyone to be saved. He is ready to act, to deliver them. But…God want force salvation on anyone. This verse reads “desires” for a reason. God wishes for their salvation. It is, in fact, His will that all men be saved. We have to decide to receive it.

And this verse goes on to say, “come to the knowledge of the truth.” You see, that is what convinces us. The truth of God’s Word convinces us that salvation is real and is for us. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. So, perhaps the Lord wants to use you to share His good news with someone He is desiring to be saved (which is everyone).

APPLICATION

I pray you are teaching your little Susie and little Johnny to share the good news. Once they come to Christ and discover this truth for themselves, we need to prepare them to share it. Teach them the ABC’s of faith sharing. “A” is for Admit. Everyone must admit they are a sinner in need of a Savior. “B” is for Believe. They have to believe that Jesus was God’s Son who was sent to earth to die for those sins and satisfy God’s judgment. He was crucified, buried and rose again. “C” is for confess. Each person has to confess that belief with their own mouths and ask the Lord to save them and come into their lives.

I promise your kids, even the youngest, can remember those three things. I never cease to be amazed at how quickly children can memorize things. So, I am confident your children can learn to share the good news with their friends and family.

Do you know the knowledge of the truth? Have you acknowledged Jesus as your Savior and Lord? That’s exactly what God wants and wills for you. But don’t keep that to yourself. Shout it from the highest mountain top. Whisper it to your grandchildren or children. Tell total strangers about it. Just tell it.

I am the possessor of the greatest story ever told. Help me to share that with others all around me. Let me tell it with joy and excitement so they will see just what You have done for me.

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IN GOD’S EYE

1 TIMOTHY 2:3

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,”

When I travel to my other two home countries of Uganda and Kenya I am normally greeted by “You are most welcome.” That is to say my friends there are very glad to see me. I am very welcomed in their homes. I just love that. I know I can rest and enjoy my time there because I am welcomed just like I am part of the family.

The word “acceptable” comes from the verb form of the word which means just that. You see when we pray as Paul instructed in verses 1 and 2, we are welcomed into the very sight of God. In His eyes we are doing good, which inspires others. He is pleased. He is blessed by our prayer life. Did you read that right? Yes, God is blessed by our obedience to pray.

APPLICATION

How have your children blessed you? Have they done something you have instructed them to do lately without being reminded? That always blesses our hearts, doesn’t it? I will never forget the time my son mowed and trimmed our yard in Florida while I was away on a trip. When I returned home to see it done (and done well), I was blessed.

Explain to your little Elrod that God is blessed when He sees him doing what is expected. Willful obedience is so much better than forced obedience. Doing what we are asked or commanded to do in His Word is expected. We have clear instructions to follow. Teach your child to do as the Lord asks. They will see God’s response. He will be blessed and will also bless. 

Do you struggle to obey? Do you obey kicking and screaming? I have to admit that there are times when I do. I feel just like Paul in Romans 7 when he says he does what he doesn’t want to do and doesn’t do what he wants to do. I may eventually yield to the Spirit, but I am worn out in the process. Don’t do that. Surrender your will to His today. Do what is good and acceptable in His sight.

I want to be pleasing in Your sight today, O Father. I want to know that all I do is good and acceptable to You. Forgive me when I fail to obey.

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WHY PRAY?

1 TIMOTHY 2:2

“for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 

Do you like to pray? Or do you find it hard to pray? I have discovered something in my almost 60 years of living. The more I pray the easier it is. The more I pray the more I am at peace. The more I pray the more tranquil and quiet my spirit becomes. Now, that doesn’t mean I am always calm or patient. Stuff happens that can get me excited or anxious. But when I pray the peace returns.

“Tranquil” is described as the “lifestyle of someone who is composed, self-contained or discreet.” That person avoids the spotlight. They prefer composure and calm.  “Quiet” actually refers to a “divinely-inspired inner calmness.” Does that describe you? If not, perhaps you need to pray more, lol. I know I do. I have never heard anyone say they regretted praying too much. You won’t either.

APPLICATION

There is something calming about a child’s prayer. Maybe it’s the tone and pitch of their voice. Maybe because it is so innocent and unassuming. Whatever it is, I love to hear children pray. Encourage your little Johnny to pray. Model it for him. I am sure when you pray with your child you go to a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. That’s good, but it’s not the only place where you can pray.

I have prayed in busy restaurants for waitresses who broke down and sobbed as I prayed. I have prayed (literally) in the middle of an interstate after being rear ended by another driver. I will pray just about anywhere it is physically safe to pray. And we should teach our children to do the same. Pray with them and watch the tranquility and quietness fall.

Prayer will force you to focus. Prayer, real prayer, will require you let go of yourself and concentrate on the Lord. Oh, listen to me beloved, God wants to hear you call His name. He is always ready to bring tranquility and quietness into your life. So, take the time today to pray.

You are always listening, Lord. I know that. I thank You for the peace You give as I lift my voice to You.

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AN URGE TO PRAY

1 TIMOTHY 2:1

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,…”

If you have ever had any doubts as to how you ought to pray, this verse should answer them. Paul spells out how to pray here in four unique and separate ways. Entreaties means “heart-felt petition, arising out of deep personal need coming from a sense of lack or want. Prayers literally means an “exchange of wishes.” You are swapping your desires for God’s desires. Petitions implies a “Spirit-directed intervention.” These are the prayers on behalf of others. And finally, Paul mentions thanksgivings which is “the giving of thanks for God’s grace.”

So, you are to let God know your needs (entreaties), pray His will (prayers), pray for others (petitions) and give Him thanks (thanksgivings). Pretty plain, huh? Are you still confused? Don’t be. Just start practicing these four things each day.

APPLICATION

Teaching our children to pray can be a real joy. Don’t cramp their style as they pray. Let them just talk to God. Don’t correct their theology during their prayers. That’s left for another time. Just let them pray. I truly believe the Lord bends His ear a little closer to the earth to hear the prayers of His little ones.

And may I encourage you to do something special? When your children are praying for a specific need they have or for something for someone else, make a note of that and the date they began praying for that. And then when (not if) God answers that prayer, bring out that note and show them. Children need to see answered prayers. God uses that to build their faith.

Do you believe in prayer? Do you have the urge to pray? I go through a daily, weekly and monthly prayer list each day. It keeps me in touch with my Master. I love talking to Him. Why? Because I now He is ALWAYS listening. He never tunes me out. As I pray and trust I rest in His sovereign timing to answer. Will you?

I am so thankful that You are listening to me, Lord. I know You care about my needs and the needs of others. Help me pray in such a way that all I desire is Your Will for my life.

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INTO SATAN’S HANDS

1 TIMOTHY 1:20

“Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.”

How awful! How terrible! Handed over to Satan! What a way to have your name remembered! Hymenaeus was teaching false doctrine according to 2 Timothy 2:17-18. And Alexander may have been the same Alexander who was called the coppersmith who did great harm to the apostles and may have believed in the same false doctrines as Hymenaeus. 

Irregardless of their exact beliefs, they undoubtedly had blasphemed against our holy God. This was something which Paul could not tolerate. So, he had obviously withdrawn fellowship from them and was praying God to allow Satan to discipline. But even in this action, Satan is given an exact task which he couldn’t supersede.

APPLICATION

Children have to learn that choices have consequences. They may not experience the consequence immediately, but it will come. That is a truth you must teach your children. Some consequences are hard, like the one mentioned in today’s verse. Some may not seem so harsh. The bottom line is there will be consequences.

Direct disobedience can bring the harshest of consequences from God. Now, I am not telling you to teach your kids to watch out for God’s zaps from heaven. No, teach them to obey because they love the Lord, not because they fear His wrath. But obey they must.

Are you a Hymenaeus or Alexander? Are you thumbing your nose at God, not believing He is aware of your actions? Beware! He is. He knows all and sees all. He will hold you accountable. He has to because He is holy and just. Why not obey Him in all things? By doing that, you are pleasing the One who loves you dearly and longs to see you in His service.

Father, forgive me of failing You. I want to obey You willingly and joyfully. Thank You for holding me accountable.

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SHIPWRECKED

1 TIMOTHY 1:19

“keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.” 

What a strange way to describe someone who has turned from faith. Don’t forget Paul knew about shipwrecks. He had lived through one. He knew the danger of a ship crashing onto the rocks and breaking apart. He had seen firsthand the fear in the eyes of the ship’s crew. So, when Paul describes a lost faith as a shipwreck, he did that on purpose.

The Greek word for “suffered shipwreck” literally means to break a ship. What does that? Rocks or obstacles in the water. A boat is safe on land, but it is useless. It is meant to be in the water. But by being in the water it is exposed to the risk of hitting something. A good captain knows the water and navigates accordingly. We have to do the same with our faith. We navigate according to God’s Word, which keeps us safe.

APPLICATION

I bet you can find a good video of a shipwreck to show your kids. Visuals are much better than just trying to describe it. If your children have never been on a boat or a ship, they may have a hard time understanding without seeing. So, find a good video of a ship crashing onto the rocks and explain to them how that happens.

Now apply that to their lives in Christ. Your little Susie or Elrod has to live in this world with all its dangers. They can’t live “in the marina” forever. Let them know that part of your job as mom or dad is to prepare them for the “open sea.” Knowing the waters and staying in deep waters keeps them safe. As they go deeper into God’s Word, they learn to navigate safely. They recognize the obstacles. They are more alert to dangers.

Have you hit something lately? Were your eyes off course? We can get so busy with life that we lose track of our trajectory. That is dangerous. Now, we can’t lose our salvation, but we can sure damage the hull. And when the hull is damaged it affects the smoothness of the journey. It affects the speed of the journey. It might even require some “dry dock” time for repairs.

You are the Captain of my ship, Lord. I rely on You to navigate for me. I will always trust Your bearings.

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TIME TO FIGHT

1 TIMOTHY 1:18

“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,” 

If you aren’t aware, we are in a fight. It’s a real fight against a real enemy. I know we are told over and over that we shouldn’t fight. But this fight is not going away. This fight has eternal consequences. What fight am I talking about? The battle we fight daily against the devil. 

I know, I know. You are probably saying, “Carl, don’t talk about the devil. He is not concerned about me.” Keep thinking like that, and you are already defeated. The devil is real, and he is constantly revising his battle plans to defeat us. As believers, he can’t “unsave” us, but he can sure make our lives miserable and unfit for service.

APPLICATION

I am sure you teach your children that fighting is bad. You should. There is rarely a good reason to fight. We certainly shouldn’t be throwing the first punch. But all that has to do with people. I’m talking about a spiritual war. This is one in which we need to equip our children with every weapon available. They need to be trained as well as any Special Ops soldier.

How do you do that? The same way the military prepares their soldiers. You have to train them. They need daily time in God’s Word. They need to be taught how to study the Word for themselves. They need to be taught how to prepare. And then they need to be taken on some missions to apply those skills. We, as parents, need to be the ones who help our children use those spiritual warfare tactics.

Are you equipped for the fight? Are you strapping on your spiritual weapons each day? You need to. You can’t take off one day from this battle. The second you let your guard down, Satan will attack. He looks for our weak points and plans his attack. Be ready. Be diligent. Fight the good fight.

I am thankful, Lord, that I do not fight alone. I know You are my Commander-in-Chief. As long as I follow Your orders, I will be victorious over my enemies.

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THE IMMORTAL

1 TIMOTHY 1:17

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Did you know God is immortal? Sure, you did, but do you know what that means? It means literally undecaying. He will not decay. He will live forever. His substance, whatever it is, will not rot away. Not true for us. From the moment we are born we begin to die. We are not immortal, at least not on this side of eternity.

But God is. So, what does that mean for us? It means we have a God who can never die. He has always been and will always be. No matter how uncertain our days, He is certain. No matter how defeating our days, He is the victor. No matter how low we feel, He is the lifter of our heads.

APPLICATION

Your children may have a favorite superhero. Some of them can seem immortal. They always win the battles. But no one, except the Lord, can retain that title. Only He is the immortal one. Ask your little Susie what that means to her. Ask her to explain immortality to you. She will probably struggle with defining it. Most of us do.

But, as I mentioned earlier, immortality is ours for the asking. But we must die first. We must die to ourselves and allow Jesus into our hearts. Then, one day, we will live with Him in eternity as immortals. This old, decaying flesh will be replaced with a glorified body that will never die. Hallelujah!

Do you possess that promise of immortality? It is yours for the asking. Christ is waiting to make you immortal, just like His Father. Now, you won’t become a god. There is only ONE God, and you ain’t Him, lol. But you will have the promise of immortality with Jesus.

Father of immortality, forgive me for not believing in the immortal life that awaits me. It’s hard to get my head around sometimes. But I want to thank You for making me immortal when I enter Your kingdom.

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AN EXAMPLE

1 TIMOTHY 1:16

“Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” 

Could the Lord use you as an example? Paul was used that way. The Lord saved him from certain destruction and set him up as an example of His mercy and grace. God showed Paul patience as only God could do. 

Paul saw God’s actions as purposeful, not just for himself, but for others, as well. Paul’s salvation and life in Christ were an example God was using to draw others to Himself. Can God do that with you? Is your life one that the Lord can hold up to show others what He can do in someone who is surrendered to Him? 

APPLICATION

Sometimes we parents will tell one of our children, “Why can’t you be more like your sister (or brother)?” We compare their behaviors. That is NOT what I am talking about here. We should never compare our children. God has created each of them unique. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Instead, we should always point them to Christ. Let Him be their example.

You also have to be an example to them. Your life should be a reflection of Christ to them, so they can see what a true believer looks like. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. No one is. But we are the ones the Lord has entrusted with this little life. He gave them to us to give back to Him. Do all you can to ensure you are doing that.

Okay, so how are you doing? If a total stranger met you for the first time, would they know within a few minutes that you are a child of the King? Better yet, do your close friends and family see Christ lived out in your life every day? Can the Lord say you are an example of His perfect patience?

Thank You, Father, for extending Your grace to me. I am grateful for Your perfect patience in my life. Without it I would be doomed for eternity.

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