Category Archives: Affection

Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Encouragement, Gifts, Obedience, Parenting, Praise, Scripture, Thanksgiving

MY SUPPLIER

1 TIMOTHY 6:17

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

God is our only real and trusted source for everything. I love the way Paul wrote this to Timothy. He says God is the one “who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” The word “supplies” does not mean that God just gives us stuff. No! It means He gives or offers in a up close and personal way.

And the Lord gives it for us “to enjoy.” Wow! We are actually supposed to enjoy what He blesses us with. Do you enjoy God’s blessings? Do you feel guilty for what He has given you? Don’t! We are supposed to appreciate and enjoy them. Do you see this clearly? God wants us to be blessed and enjoy everything He carefully and personally gives us.

APPLICATION

Don’t you just love giving your children things? The next time you have the occasion to bless your children with a special gift (birthday, Christmas, special achievement), read them this verse. Talk about how you picked out this gift especially for them. Since you know them so well, you knew they would love this gift. You knew they would enjoy this gift.

Ask them how they would have felt if you had given them something that they didn’t like. What if you had given your son, who loves baseball, a hockey stick? What if you had given your daughter, who loves to cook, a set of barbells? Just like you know their desires, God knows them as well. He provides richly all things for them to enjoy. Don’t let them forget that.

Are you aware of just how much the Lord enjoys blessing you? Remember, each gift He gives has been hand-picked by Him especially for you. He knows the perfect gift for you. He knows just exactly what will meet your needs. Accept it and enjoy it.

You are the supplier of all my needs, Lord. I praise You that You know my deepest desires and needs. I will continually thank You.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Caregiver, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Elders, Encouragement, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture

GOOD MEDICINE

1 TIMOTHY 5:23

“No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

Don’t jump to the conclusion that Paul is saying to go out and buy some wine and start drinking. You’ve got to understand the culture of the day. It was common practice back then for young people (that was considered under 30) to not drink at all. It was actually frowned upon. Timothy was still a young man, although he was the leader of the church at Ephesus. Therefore, he probably abstained from any wine.

Undoubtedly, Timothy had some stomach issues which could be aided by the wine. They didn’t have Pepto Bismol or Tums back then. So, diluted wine was used to settle the stomach. Many times, the wine would be mixed with water (1 part wine, 2 parts water). Whatever you think about this verse, it is not a license to drink with liberality.

APPLICATION

This is one of those no-brainer verses. Of course, you are not going to teach your children to drink wine. That would be absurd. What you can do, however, is to teach then personal responsibility. That way, when they are older, they can make their own choice about this. The important thing to remember is their testimony is only as reputable as their conduct and behavior.

We don’t need wine to settle our stomach. We have medications now to do that. You can justify anything, but should you? There are some things that you are going to have to weigh against the entirety of God’s Word. Then you can make your decision. This is one of those things. So, teach your child well with this one.

This topic of drinking is so controversial in the church today. Don’t make this the hill you die on. Don’t judge others too quickly. Ask for wisdom and love each other. Paul was writing this letter to his child in the faith, Timothy, to encourage him to “take a little wine” to help his stomach. It was about his love for Timothy, not about the wine.

Father, thank You that You give us the wisdom to do as You lead us. Help me follow You as You direct. I want to please You, not man.

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Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Friends, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Prejudice

NO BIAS

1 TIMOTHY 5:21

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principleswithout bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.” 

Here we go again. Another one-time used word. Paul seems to like doing that in 1 Timothy. Today it’s the Greek word for “bias.” It literally means prejudging, to show prejudice. But we have to look at the context.

Paul is talking about Elders in these verses. We must hold even our Elders accountable for their actions and not show any partiality towards those we like better or have close relationships with. That’s hard. That’s why Paul gives us instructions. He wants us to be faithful and loyal to the Lord and not men.

APPLICATION

I bet, if your children are old enough, they have some bff’s. Right? My daughter had a lot of them. We all just hit it off with some people. There’s nothing wrong with that. We need bff’s. But what do you do when one of those bff’s does something that you know is wrong? Teach your children to do the right thing. They can’t overlook it just because they are friends.

Friends confront each other. Why? Because friends should make each other better. We don’t prejudice ourselves by pointing out the faults in other people and ignoring them in our friends. We need to teach our children to treat everyone the same. That’s what Jesus would do.

Are you guilty of showing favoritism? Do you prejudge others. Today let the Lord show you a different way. Let Him show you how to love and accept others whom you normally would not. And hold those closest to you accountable. Don’t let them slide down a slippery slope just because you are scared to confront them.

Father, it is hard to confront sometimes. It’s hard not to show favoritism to those we love. Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment to do what You expect.

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Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Confession, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Family, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Trust

IN FRONT OF ALL

1 TIMOTHY 5:20

“Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.” 

As believers, we have the responsibility to confront our brothers and sisters who continue in sin. Just look at the verse. Not only are we to rebuke them, but we are to do it in the “presence of all.” That word for “presence” literally means “in the eye of God.” Isn’t everything? 

Do we do this to embarrass them? No! It’s so their rebuke will deter others from doing the same, continuing in sin. Now, we all sin. We will until we see Jesus. We can’t avoid sin. But…we should never continue in it. A simple rebuke from a brother could alter the decision to sin. We so confront them in front of all. It’s out of love. 

APPLICATION

How in the world do you teach this to your children? Very carefully. It’s not our job to correct everyone. It is our responsibility to hold other believers accountable. We model this to our kids by helping our fellow believers make things right. When your little Johnny or Susie see one of their friends doing something they shouldn’t, teach them to go to them and point them toward Jesus.

Now, they don’t do that arrogantly. They do that just as you would do it. Loving them to correction. Loving them to repentance. Loving them to confession. There may come a time when they will have to confront someone in “front of all.” Make sure they are ready.

Are you willing to love your brothers and sisters that much? Will you risk hurting their feelings to draw them to Christ? We are commanded to do it not only for them but for others. Help others be more like Him but being less of themselves.

Father, I don’t understand how to do this without You. I will trust You to give me the words to confront lovingly. And I will do it for all.                                

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Affection, Bible, Busyness, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Passion, Sanctification, Service, Widows

CHRIST FIRST

1 TIMOTHY 5:11

“But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,” 

I have to admit that I had to consult some commentators on this verse. At first glance in the English, this paints the younger widows in a bad way. Fortunately, the Greek meaning of the phrase “feel sensual desires in disregard of” was not originally meant to portray such a negative opinion. The Greek word for that phrase is only used here in the New Testament.

The purpose of “the list” of widows was for the church to minister to them and for the widows, in return, minister to each other and serve the Body. Paul is merely saying that younger widows will have the natural desires to remarry which will limit their ability to serve. He is not condemning these young widows. He is, in fact, releasing them from the obligation to serve.

APPLICATION

How in the world do you apply this verse to your children? Easy! Put Christ first! Putting Christ first is costly. Putting Christ first means letting other things go. Putting Christ first means not doing some things and pursuing other things. Now, tell me that doesn’t apply to your kids.

When we teach our children to pursue Christ first, they will have to make some tough choices. They will be given ample opportunities to pursue everything but Christ. They will have to choose which master to follow. If we invest the time to teach them the honor and privilege of putting Christ first, they will reap the benefits of that close, personal relationship that comes with that. Don’t you want that for your son or daughter?

Are you putting Christ first? Or are you pursuing the world, with all its distractions. You cannot put family or work or even ministry first and expect to have that intimate relationship with Christ. Whatever is causing you to put Christ anywhere but in first place in your life must be examined closely and put in its proper position in your life.

Lord Jesus, I want You to be first in my life. I want You to come before anything. I want You to be second to nothing.

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WORTHY OF HONOR

1 TIMOTHY 5:10

“having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.” 

Just look at the list of this widow’s character traits making her worthy of honor by the church. She has a good reputation. She is a child raiser. She is hospitable, service oriented, full of mercy and devoted. Wow! That’s some woman!

But shouldn’t we all be like that? I mean, look at the list again. Which one of those traits don’t belong in your life? The bottom line is she puts others before herself. Therein lies the rub. We don’t want to do that. We want to see ourselves first. We want to meet our needs first. It’s always me, me, me!

APPLICATION

Well, this is a no brainer. As parents, we are constantly teaching our little Gertrudes and Elords how to not be selfish. We teach children to share because they are naturally selfish. We teach them to watch out for their little brother or sister because they are not concerned with that. 

But once again, this is better caught than taught. We must model these behaviors. When they see us showing mercy to someone, they learn from that. When they observe us serving someone else, they watch how it’s done. We are living out the traits they need to embrace. So, be very careful what you do and say. Little eyes and ears are watching and listening.

How are you in regard to these traits? Are you hospitable? Do you show mercy or wrath? We may not be a widow who needs to be put on the church list, but we still need to live out these same godly traits. And what is amazing is that when we do these things, we are the ones who are blessed. Be a blessing!

I do enjoy blessing others, Lord. Help me see their need even before it is apparent. Let me be Your hands and feet to them.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Women

RESPONSIBILITIES

1 TIMOTHY 5:8

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

In Book Two of the Every Man A Warrior disciplemaking study, Lonnie Berger says this, “After becoming a Christian, marriage is the most life changing event in your life. When you marry, you give up your life in order to live it for someone else. You work for the other person. You begin to think about permanence, buying a house, saving for the future and providing for your children. You come to a whole new level of maturity.”

The phrase “does not provide” in today’s verse would lead you to think Paul is merely talking about food and shelter. No! The word actually has more to do with what Lonnie said. It’s about respecting your family. It’s about thinking about them first. It’s about acting according to God’s will on behalf of your family. That’s showing responsibility.

APPLICATION

Fathers, teach your sons to be men. Now, I am not taking ANYTHING away from the strength and power of women. We men would be doomed without them. But God intended for men to care for their families. The father is expected to provide for his family. Our society has downgraded that responsibility to the point that some men ignore that.

A real man loves his family. A real man comes home at night to his wife and children. A real man thinks about his family BEFORE he makes his plans. A real man consults his wife BEFORE he makes a purchase that can affect the household budget. A real man follows God.

Do you get the picture? Today’s blog is more directed toward the men, but ladies, you too have a responsibility to put your family before yourself. For most of you that is not a problem. But if it is, stop and correct that. And teach your children the same.

O God, thank You for my family. Thank You for convicting me when I become selfish in my time and energy. I want to please You as I care for my family.

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FORSAKEN BUT FAITHFUL

1 TIMOTHY 5:5

“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.” 

That may seem like a strange title for a blog, but that is exactly what this widow was. To be “left alone” literally means forsaken. But despite that, she continues in her faith. She prays specifically for needs and prays generally for others. She knows her only source of help and comfort comes from above.

Do you know a prayer warrior like that? I do. In fact, I know several. Their solace is in spending time with the Lord, studying His Word and talking to Him. They know He will never leave them or forsake them. They may be “alone” in this world, but they are never alone spiritually.

APPLICATION

Children need to learn this peace early. They need to know that our God and Father will never leave them, if they are one His children. They may think they are alone and the world is against them. But He never leaves their side. Drive that truth into Him. They need to hear that over and over again.

Do you ever have to leave your child to go on trips? I am sure that is hard on them and you. When you come home there are kisses and hugs, right? Just think of this – God is always with us giving us those kinds of hugs and kisses. Now, I don’t mean physical hugs and kisses. But His presence is just as soothing and intimate.

Do you feel His presence in your prayer life? Do you spend the time you need to each day to commune with your holy God. He is waiting to talk to you. He won’t barge in on you. He waits for you to come to Him, but He’s always ready. Isn’t that unbelievable?  

Father, thank You for always being there for me. I praise You for your steadfast love and compassion and the way You show it each and every day to me.

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PAYBACK CAN BE A GOOD THING

1 TIMOTHY 5:4

“but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”

I’ve said a number of times how important it is to respect our elders. In today’s verse, we see it again. Paul is telling Timothy that the care of the widows belongs to their family first. Sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters have the first responsibility to care for their widowed parent or grandparent. 

I mean, look at the last phrase of this verse – “for this is acceptable in the sight of God.” This word “acceptable” is only used twice in the New Testament, both times in 1 Timothy (2:3 and 5:4). It means to be gladly received because it is pleasing. You see, when we care for our widowed parent, it pleases God. Who doesn’t want to hear that?

APPLICATION

I truly believe children will take care of their parents in the same way their parents took care of them, for the most part. If we are loving and nurturing to our children, when we are old and in need, they will be loving and nurturing. If we are harsh and cruel, well guess what. They will be harsh and cruel.

God intends for family to care for family. The church steps in to assist when the family isn’t there or refuses to help. Your children can be taught to care for the widows now. Contact your church and ask if there are any widows or widowers who need to be visited. Most churches have a long list. Call and make plans to visit them. It may seem awkward the first time, but your children will brighten their day.

Are you willing to care for your family’s widows? Who in your family needs you right now? Don’t let someone else pick up your God given responsibility. Be obedient and see how pleased God is. Remember, you are doing this not so much for your family member. You are doing it for the Lord.

Thank You Lord, for allowing me to care for those in my family who need me. Remind me that this is all for You, not them. I want to please You.

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YOU ARE SPECIAL

1 TIMOTHY 4:10

“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

I love the way the last phrase of this verse is translated from the Greek – “especially of believers.” Do you understand what that is saying? God is the Savior of all mankind, but He sees us as special because we have responded to His invitation. Once we decide to follow Jesus, we move into a special class of people on this earth. We become part of His family, and He particularly cares for us.

Is there someone special in your life? Is there someone you “especially” like to spend time with? Why? Because you are close to them? Because they like to spend time with you? What makes them special? We all have those special people whom just draw us in. That’s how we are to God. We are especially special!

APPLICATION

I am willing to bet that your little Elrod or Gertrude have a special toy. They especially care for it. They play with it for hours. They drag it everyone they go. The next time you see them with this special toy, read them this verse and explain how special we are in God’s eyes once we accept Jesus as Savior.

Now, God loves all mankind. Your children need to know that. He sent His Son to die for ALL. But once someone yields their heart to Jesus, God sees us differently. If your child is a believer let them know just how special they are to God. To Him, they are especially special. They are to Him like that toy is to them. He wants to be with us all the time.

Do you realize how special you are to God? He desires to be with you. He desires for you to want to be with Him all the time. Do you? Do you desire that level of intimacy with the Father? He is especially fond of you. Why don’t you return the feeling?

O God, I am especially fond of You. I desire to be in Your presence all the time. Help me to make You my number one priority in all things.

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