Just wanted to let all my followers know about the release of my first devotional book using the devotional blogs you have been reading since 2016. Check it out. You can order now. Book 2 comes out in March 2020 and Book 3 in August 2020.
Monthly Archives: October 2019
MEMORIZE THIS
2 TIMOTHY 2:8
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,”
Why do we memorize things? To bring them back up in our minds when we need them quickly. We memorize our address, social security number, telephone numbers and all sorts of other things. Sometimes things can cause us to have trouble memorizing. And still others claim they can’t memorize at all.
But Paul is reminding Timothy to recall those things he had been taught about the Gospel. That word “remember” means to recall from memory without any implication it has been forgotten. In other words, Timothy knew it. He just needed to recall it.
APPLICATION
One of the best things we can do for our children is to help them memorize Scripture. It’s not easy sometimes, but it is so important. But in order for them to see just how important it is, you need to memorize the verses right along with them. I know so many parents who will work with their children to memorize a passage, but won’t take the time to do it themselves.
In fact, challenge your son or daughter to a memory contest. See who can memorize the most verses in one week. Winner gets a treat of their choice. Make it fun. Make the verses relevant to what they are living right now. But memorize so they can recall these words of God when the need is there.
Do you claim you can’t memorize verses? I bet you can recall the words to a song from twenty years ago. We memorize what we want to memorize. What better thing to plant deep in your heart and mind that the living, breathing Word of God.
Father, help me hide Your Word in my heart. I want to be ready in season and out to share the Gospel with anyone. Let Your words grow deep and strong in my soul.
BUT I WANT TO UNDERSTAND!
2 TIMOTHY 2:7
“Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
Have you ever said, “But I really want to understand what you are saying”? Someone is trying to explain something to you, but you are just not getting it. It’s happened to me and can be very frustrating.
It can even happen when we are trying to understand God, can’t it? But look at today’s verse. Paul is telling us how to understand. The Lord will give you the understanding. That word “understanding” means to put it all together, to connect all the dots. Only God can give you that ability. God really does want you to understand Him and what He is asking of you.
APPLICATION
We have the responsibility as parents to make sure our children understand what we ask of them. Nothing is more frustrating for a child than to have expectations put on them without understanding why. Clear and concise instructions and rules are so important. And the fewer the rules the better. Don’t hand your kid a list of rules to follow in the house that looks like a shopping list at Christmas.
Help them understand the reason BEHIND the rules more so than the rules. Why does God want them to obey you? Because His Word says so. Why does God want them to learn to obey rules? Because it pleases Him when we are obedient to those He has placed over us. That gives understanding.
Are you constantly bucking the rules? Do you argue with your bosses about every little policy in the HR manual? Paul told us to “consider what I say.” That’s a command, not a suggestion. He was just talking about following the rules in the previous verses. If you want true understanding from the Lord, that’s where it starts – follow the rules.
Lord, I admit I tend to want my way too much. I confess that as sin and ask that You lead me to Your understanding. I want to see things as You see them.
A Moment In Time 