Category Archives: Bible

Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Conceit, Disciplemaking, Family, Forgiveness, Gentleness, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Love, Mentoring, Parenting, Passion, Scripture, Testimony

NOT A NICE PERSON

2 TIMOTHY 3:3

“unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,”

Paul is describing those who are not lovers of God. These words paint a picture of a not very nice person. And (at least to me) it’s interesting that four of these six words in today’s verse are only used right here. Remember, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write only what the Father wanted him to write. So, these words were saved for right here.

The saddest word of this verse is the first one, “unloving.” It refers to not having any kind of natural affection. Actually, it can describe family affection. So, these people don’t even love their own families. Now, that’s sad. Who doesn’t love their momma? Who doesn’t love their little sis? But these individuals only think of self, no one else.

APPLICATION

Go through this list of words in today’s verse with your little ones. Ask them how they can do the opposite. Instead of not loving their family, how can they show love? Instead of being irreconcilable and hard to get along with, how can they get along? You can go through each of these words this way. Your children will understand, if you will take the time to cover each word.

The important thing to point out is these words in today’s verse describe someone who does not love Jesus. We want to draw a sharp contrast, as Paul does, of the difference in our lives. Everything we teach our children should point them to Christ. There is no aspect of their life in which He is not concerned.

How loving are you today? How agreeable? Do you control your tongue and behaviors? Would someone call you brutal? Take a look at the descriptors used to describe you by others. If any of them resemble these, you may need to have a “come to Jesus” meeting with yourself. We want others to only see Jesus in us. Amen?

I am so guilty, O God, of putting myself ahead of others. Forgive me for being so selfish. I repent of that today.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Encouragement, Faith, Family, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture, Trust

JUST WAIT

2 TIMOTHY 3:1

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.”

Who likes to be told that hard times are coming? No one, probably. We like to look forward to good times, happy times, fun-filled times. Not difficult, depressing or dangerous times. But Paul tells Timothy that very thing. This shouldn’t have surprised Timothy. After all, Paul is writing this letter from prison, which will end in his death. Paul knew all too well the dangers of living for Jesus in a harsh world.

The Greek word for “difficult” in this verse is only used one other time. In Matthew 8:28 it describes the Gadarene men who were demon-possessed. It says they were so violent (that’s the word) no one could control them. They had everyone in fear for their lives if they tried to pass by the area. That is exactly how the last days will be. But we have no fear because we walk with Christ.

APPLICATION

Have you ever had to go through a scary night of tornadoes or a hurricane with your children? That can be a very difficult situation. Children don’t understand all that is going on and they look to us for reassurance and confidence that it is going to be okay. What an opportunity we have to do just that.

Those are the times when you model trust and faith in the Lord. He walks right along with us during those most difficult of times. Whether it be storms, illnesses, loss of a loved one or even threats to our own lives, God is with us. As we raise our children, we must live our lives, so they see us trusting Him in those difficult days.

So, tell me. Are you trusting the God of the universe or are you wringing your hands? I heard someone say recently, “Did it ever occur to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?” So true! Nothing catches Him off guard. He is aware of everything in your life long before it happens. He is prepared to walk with you right through the most difficult challenges you face, but you must trust Him and do what He says. Will you?

I will follow Your lead, O God. I will trust You to lead me safely through the storms of my life. When the billows crash against me, I will hold on to Your strong hand.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Demons, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evil, Faith, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Satan, Scripture, Surrender

WE ALL HAVE A MASTER

2 TIMOTHY 2:26

“and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

Boy, oh boy! This verse says it pretty plain. If you aren’t serving Jesus, you are serving the devil. Jesus is your Master and Lord, or the devil is. I love the way Paul phrases this verse, though – “and they may come to the senses and escape from the snare of the devil.” Let’s look at that a little.

The Greek word for “they may come to their senses” only occurs here. It literally means to sober up, to regain their senses. It’s as if Paul is saying they were intoxicated with self before, but now are free to think clearly. And to get out of a snare requires help. Who do you think that was? Jesus is the snare breaker.

APPLICATION

This will be fun. Let’s tie your kids up! What? Just keep reading. I bet your kids will love it. Get some rope or cloth and tie their feet and hands so they can’t move around and then leave the room for five minutes or so. If they get upset, of course, shorten that. Tell them you have a very unique Bible lesson today. When you return ask them if they tried to get free. Most will but some may just sit there.

As you are untying them, explain to them that the devil ties us up and uses us to do his will. He doesn’t want us free to serve Jesus. He doesn’t want us to even know we are tied up. But his snare is a good one and we can’t get out by ourselves. That’s where Jesus comes in. He in the only one who can free us through the power of His shed blood. This is a lesson they won’t soon forget

(Please know I am NOT advocating tying children or any form of abuse. Only use this if you KNOW your child can handle this for a few minutes and only do this with children who don’t have issues with self-harm.)

Are you in a snare today? Have you fallen prey to one of the devil’s traps? It’s easy to do. If you are a believer, however, his snares cannot hold you. You have the power of the Holy Spirit coursing through you. Just ask the Lord to free you, and He will. You must come to your senses, though. Repentance is necessary. Do it now, if you need to.

I praise You, Father, that You truly have provided a way of escape for me. I am not Houdini. This is not an illusion. These snares of the devil are real, but they hold no power over me as I trust You.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Comfort, Commands, Contentment, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Gentleness, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

GENTLENESS

2 TIMOTHY 2:25

“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”

When I think of gentleness I think of someone who understands their strength and how to use it correctly. It is not weakness. The Greek word here, prautes, means strength with reserve. This only comes through the Lord. He sends His Holy Spirit into our lives to give us this ability to show gentleness even to those who are opposing us.

Now, wait a minute. It’s one thing to be gentle to those we love. How can you do that to people who are opposing you, who are hostile to you? Well, the beauty of it is, you don’t have to. Jesus will live through you to accomplish that gentle response. He will guard your tongue. He will… Get the picture?

APPLICATION

Okay, Mom and Dad, here’s the hard part. YOU have to live out this gentleness with your children. “But Carl, you don’t know my kid.” That’s true, but God does. There is nothing your child can say or do which can remove your authority and obvious power. But far too many parents think they have to show that power. No! Gentleness is the answer.

So, what do I mean by that. I mean when you are having to deal with an out of control child, Jesus can and will give you the gentleness you need. Soothing words rather screams. Soft touches rather than harsh grabs. I know, I know! You are still saying, “Not with my kid.” Well, don’t believe me. Believe God. His Word is true.

Are you a gentle person? Do you exude gentleness to those around you? Jesus had the power of God (He was and is God) in His fingertips. He could have destroyed His enemies with the breath of His mouth. He chose gentleness. Imitate Him. Let Jesus be your gentle spirit.

O God, thank You for giving me a gentle spirit when I need it most. Let me be a reflection of You to others.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Holy Spirit, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Service

SERVANT QUALITIES

VERSE OF THE DAY: 2 TIMOTHY 2:24

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,”

Paul spells it out pretty clear here as to what the Lord expects from His servants. They can’t be argumentative (word fighting). They should be kind. That word can also be translated as gentle. It’s used only here in the New Testament. It means to do everything according to God’s Will. Then Paul says they should be able to teach. Teach what? His Word. And he wraps up this by saying they should be patient when wronged. This word also appears only here. It means just that – you don’t retaliate when wronged.

Now, that’s a good list of qualities the Lord wants to see in us. Do we do that all the time? Of course not. We aren’t mind-numbed robots. We have good days and bad days. But we should be striving to be more and more like Jesus every day. He didn’t quarrel. He was kind to all. He was able to teach. And He was definitely patient when wronged.

APPLICATION

Which one of these qualities do you see in your child? One, two or none? Listen closely. You can’t instill these qualities. Only the Holy Spirit can. Your job is to nurture them in their walk with  the Lord. I know you have to deal with some of the opposite behaviors. When they fuss and quarrel, you have to stop that. Use this verse.

But the best way, as usual, for your child to learn these qualities is by seeing them lived out. You are the one they watch. So, are you kind and patient? “Now, wait a minute, Carl. This isn’t about me.” Are you kidding me? It’s all about you. You are the most important adult in your child’s life. Live like you want them to live.

Are you a bond-servant of the Lord? Have you chosen to serve Him? A bond-servant was marked by putting a hole in his earlobe. When you saw that you knew this person had chosen to remain with his master. He is free to go, but chooses to stay. Hmmm. Is that you? Or do you fight with God every step of the way?

Father God, I choose You. I choose a life of servitude to my gracious and holy Lord. I praise You for leading me.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Blameless, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, Family, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Sanctification

CLEANSE THYSELF

2 TIMOTHY 2:21

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

We really can’t do this. No one has the ability cleanse themselves spiritually. But Paul isn’t telling us to do that. This word “cleanses” is used here and over in 1 Corinthians 5:7. That’s it. In 1 Corinthians it used to describe getting rid of the old leaven. That’s his point.

We must choose to live a holy, sanctified life. That requires us to keep holy the things that are holy. We have to separate ourselves from people and situations that we know will work to tear us down. We can’t isolate ourselves, but we must make tough choices regarding our “influencers.”

APPLICATION

Kids have to make choices every day. Parents who make all the choices for them cripple them. It’s a control thing, I know. It’s much easier to do it for them and speed up the process. But if we don’t show them how to make difficult and hard choices when they are young, they won’t make them when they are older.

Why do we want them to cleanse themselves? So they will be useful to the Master. There’s something about a useless vessel. What happens to it? It’s either destroyed to make room for the useful or it is shelved out of mind. Invest in the time it takes to show your children how to make those hard decisions. Let them fail safely, too. They will learn a lot that way.

Are you willing to cast out all the leaven in your life? Are you able to make those hard choices? Those are necessary decisions for your spiritual growth. And the second you make that choice to be useful to the Master, He shows you how and where. Isn’t that cool? He wants to use us to further His kingdom.

I want to be used by You, Lord. Keep me focused on pleasing You, not man. Then I can give You all of me.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Contentment, Encouragement, Family, Parenting

NEVERTHELESS

2 TIMOTHY 2:19

“Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’”

“Nevertheless” is probably a word you don’t use much. I know it doesn’t come up much in my conversations. But I was surprised to find out it is only used eight times in the New Testament. I expected to see it used more. It refers to a contrast. It can mean however, instead, but, yet and nevertheless.  “Big deal, Carl! This devotion is not exciting me.” Well, hold on.

Read the verses before this (vs 14-18). Paul is painting a huge contrast here in verse 19. Although the world may be against us and is trying to destroy us, GOD’S FOUNDATION IS FIRM!!! Wow! No matter what, God is there. No matter what, God knows us. No matter what, we must abstain from wickedness. No matter what!!

APPLICATION

Your little ones are going to face hard times. There is just no way to completely insulate them from pain and suffering. This is one of those verses to remind them it’s okay. When they have worked hard to achieve something, and it is unfairly taken away – Nevetheless. When they are doing all the right things, but someone else gets the credit – Nevertheless.

Dealing with “unfair” things in life is…well…just part of life. We don’t need life to be fair because we have a fair God. His “fairness” completely balances out the scales of injustice, if we will just trust Him with the big picture. We may not get exactly what we want, but He will make sure we get exactly what we need. “Nevertheless” is a big word after all, huh?

Have you experienced one of those nevertheless moments in your life? How did that feel? Isn’t it exciting to know that God is forever watchful over your life? He truly does care about the most minute detail. Your small problems make His list. Your seemingly unimportant events are on His calendar.

I praise You, O God, that You bend Your ear to hear my voice. You stoop down to earth to bind my wounds. You lean towards me to comfort me.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Deception, Parenting, Purity, Sanctification, Satan, Scripture

GANGRENE

2 TIMOTHY 2:17

“and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,”

What is a gangrene? Medically, it is a condition where an infection gets so bad that it begins to destroy surrounding tissue and bone. The body literally starts to kill itself. So, how does this apply to us in today’s verse. Oh beloved, look closely. When the body of Christ allows the poison of the world (look at verse 16) to remain in its midst, that poison, that infection, will begin to destroy it from within.

The only cure for gangrene is extreme purification of the area. It can lead to actual amputation of toes, fingers or even whole limbs. All the dead tissue must go. It is full of poison. The same goes for the body of Christ. Those who are poisoning the body can’t remain. They have no desire for healing, only killing. They are NOT a part of the healthy body. Ouch! That’s hard.

APPLICATION

I bet your little boy or girl has at some point gotten an infection. Perhaps they have gotten something stuck in their finger or toe which led to an infection. They could see the splinter in there but couldn’t get to it. What a perfect way to explain this verse. That splinter has to come out for healing to occur. That foreign object, which has no purpose in their body, must be removed.

Explain to them that there will be people who will shove themselves into their lives who have one motive – to harm them. Once your child becomes a child of God (and I pray they have all done that) Satan cannot stand that. He can’t “unsave” them, but he will certainly do all he can to try to make them useless to the kingdom. That includes sending that “splinter” into their lives to produce infection. The remedy? Stay purified through the Word of God, remaining watchful for those whose words do not line up with it.

Are you suffering from gangrene right now? Do you have a Hymenaeus and Philetus in your life? These were two individuals who were in the church but were not part of it. They produced gangrene, not life. If you find yourself in the presence of such people, remove yourself. “Amputate” yourself from the surrounding infection. You cannot live for Christ in the midst of it. Choose healing and health.

I want to purify my body, soul and spirit, Lord, daily through You. Help me cut out all the infection in my life so I can stay strong and healthy spiritually. Today I choose to excise anything that reeks of infection.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Gossip, Holy Spirit, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture, Thanksgiving, Witnessing

STOP TALKING LIKE THAT

2 TIMOTHY 2:16

“But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,”

I just love the way the Holy Spirit led the writers of Scripture to use certain words. Take for instance the Greek word “worldly” in today’s verse. It is only used five times in the New Testament. Four of those times it is used by Paul writing to Timothy in his two letters to him. It means unauthorized access to something. It refers to people who are not fit to know God because they approach Him without faith. That was the kind of place Timothy was living. Sounds familiar.

And then we have the phrase “empty chatter” which is one Greek word and means babble or just hollow or empty talk. It’s only used here. Paul is telling Timothy to stay away from that kind of useless talk. It’s meaningless and just wastes time. Are you guilty of doing that?

APPLICATION

How do we teach our children this? The Lord doesn’t expect us to spend all our time speaking King James English and quoting verses. That is not what Paul is saying here. But our minds should be focused on the eternal. When we allow our minds to be cluttered with useless, trivial, worldly pursuits, we forget about the Lord and His purpose in our lives.

That’s why we teach our children to memorize His Word. That’s why we may ask, “What would Jesus do?” When we teach our children to keep that focus in our conversations, always running in the back of our mind, our thoughts are on Him. When we surrender our tongues to Him, He will give us the words to say.

I had to have my trucked towed recently, twice within about a two-hour span. I had the same tow truck driver the second time. When he got in the cab of his truck after loading my truck, he turned to me and jokingly said, “I bet you are ready to cuss this time.” Fortunately, I allowed the Spirit to speak and said, “This is just a temporal thing, brother. That truck’s not eternal. No biggie.” He was shocked, and I was able to share why I could say that with him. Watch your focus. Temporal or eternal?

Lord, You are my focus. I will not waste my time on empty, worldly conversations. I will approach You boldly because I am known by You and I know You.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture

AWANA

2 TIMOTHY 2:15 

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 

AWANA is a great children’s program designed to teach children to love God’s Word and hide it in their heart. Today’s verse is the AWANA theme verse. Oh, by the way, AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. I think it is very interesting that the Greek word “ashamed” is only used right here in this verse. I wonder if AWANA knows that. 

The word means that you are not ashamed because you have taken care of any responsibilities that accomplishes what God has told you to do. In other words, you are obedient. Obedient to do what? To accurately handle the Word. And that Greek word “handling” is only used once right here. It means to cut straight. Wow! What an awesome verse. 

APPLICATION 

Take your child out to the garage or shop. Grab a board and a saw and let them whack on it a while. Tell them to cut it in half. Give them some safety tips but let them do it. Unless they have seen you do this, that board is going to be a little messed up when they get through. I seriously doubt it will be cut straight. 

Now, show them how to do it correctly. Get your angle square and draw a straight line on the board. Take your saw and cut it on the line. Then take some sandpaper and smooth of the cut edges. That’s a board you can be proud of and not ashamed. That’s how we handle the Word – with care, precision and skill. 

Do you throw out verses to just fit the occasion or do you ensure you are using them in context? You can make a verse fit just about anywhere if you shove it hard enough. That’s not how you apply Scripture. Study to show yourself approved, so you can accurately handle the Word. When you do that, our Lord is pleased. After all, it is His Word. 

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your Word to study and learn. Help me use it in the way and manner You attend. I know it is powerful and must be handled with honor and respect. 

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