Category Archives: Commands

Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Cowardice, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting

DON’T BE A COWARD

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 

Have you ever known a coward? I mean, someone who is frozen by fear and uncertainty? The word for “timidity” means that. It’s only used right here in 2 Timothy 1:7. It’s more than just being timid or shy. It’s more like coiling back and not responding. There is just no way you can live the Christian life that way. 

Something must have happened in Ephesus for Paul to write Timothy and tell him to not do this. Remember, he was a young man at the time. Perhaps some older men in the church were trying to intimidate him. As a young leader that is often the case. And without Paul around, they felt they could stir Timothy in their direction. We don’t know exactly what was going on, but we do know Timothy was dealing with something. 

APPLICATION 

You may have a very, shy child. That’s okay. Shyness isn’t sin. That is NOT what Paul is referring to. However, one of your roles as a parent is to build your child’s confidence and boldness. People who live in cowardice or timidity are easy prey for those who are brash and outgoing. You definitely don’t want that for your kids. 

And the best way to build that self-confidence is build them up in Christ. In Christ, there is no cowardice. We can take on the gates of hell with a water pistol when we are walking with Christ. In Christ, there is no need to shy away from a challenge because you are not the one doing the fighting. It’s Him. That’s how we prepare our kids to face life without cowardice. They do it all in Christ. 

How is your backbone today? Are you standing in the face of challenges that seem overwhelming? Good! Now you can let God handle them. Stand confident in the fact that He’s got this. There is no room for timidity or cowardice in your walk with Christ. Stand tall and proclaim victory. 

Lord, I know I am victorious only through You. My only hope for deliverance in the midst of a trial is stand and watch You work. I choose that today. 

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, Mentoring, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Service, Witnessing

PASSING IT DOWN

2 TIMOTHY 1:5 

“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”  

What a perfect verse to tell us the importance of passing our faith to the future generations. Timothy’s grandmother and mother had instructed him in the faith. But where was his father? We know from Acts 16:1 that his father was a Greek. Even though the Scriptures don’t say specifically, it seems he played no part in Timothy’s spiritual upbringing. 

But his Jewish mother and grandmother did. They had taught him the Scriptures. They taught him a love for God, which sprang into a love for the Savior when he heard the Gospel preached. And now Timothy is being used in ways that his mother and grandmother could probably not even have imagined.  

APPLICATION 

I think you can see the application here, right? As a believer in Christ, you have the responsibility to teach your children the Word of God and prepare their hearts to receive Jesus. There is not a more important role you play. I have said it time and time again. If you clothe, feed and educate your child without introducing them to Jesus, you have wasted your time. Salvation is THE key to parenting a child. 

They have to accept it themselves, but if you are modeling the Christ life and teaching them what that means, chances are much higher they will hear the calling of the Lord. Who knows? Your child could be another Timothy who shares with millions about Jesus. But it starts with you. 

Are you diligent about praying with and reading with your children? Are you as diligent about living it out in front of your children? The latter is so important. Children see what we do so much more clearly than what we say. Be Jesus to them. Let them see Him in you every day. 

Help me raise my children, Lord, to honor and serve You. I pray they come to know You at an early age and live a life of service and devotion to Your kingdom. 

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RELATIONSHIPS

2 TIMOTHY 1:2 

“To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

This verse is almost the same words as 1 Timothy 1:2. He changes his description of Timothy slightly from “my true child in the faith” to “my beloved son.” I think I like this one better. There is just something about calling someone beloved that speaks of intimacy. 

There is no doubt Paul loved Timothy. He doesn’t call any of his other companions “beloved.” Timothy was special to him. He had invested years in his life to prepare him to lead. Even today when men mentor other men, it is often referred to as a Paul/Timothy relationship.  

APPLICATION 

As parents, we have the responsibility to see our children as a Timothy. We have approximately 18-20 years to prepare our children to face life. There is no better preparation than turning them into disciplemakers. If our children grow with the passion of Matthew 28:19-20 (look it up), they will have an entirely different worldview than the rest of the world. 

It is all about relationships. It begins with ours with the Lord. Then it goes to our family (spouse, children, grandchildren). As we invest our energy in the next generation, they learn to do the same. Will they always do that? No. Everyone has their free will and can choose to accept or deny. Our job is to try. 

In whom are you investing today? Do you have a Timothy? Are you being a Paul? Don’t let your faith experiences go left unshared. Don’t ignore that plea from another believer who wants to be mentored and taught how to face life challenges. Who knows, you may have a part in discipling the next great voice of the kingdom. 

I want to share my faith with others in order to help them walk with You. Show me those around me who need a Paul. Give me the courage to approach them and invite them into a disciplemaking relationship. 

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

GUARD IT WELL

1 TIMOTHY 6:20 

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—” 

Have you ever been given anything to hold for someone else? They may have even said, “Don’t let anything happen to this, please.” Well, the Greek word for “what has been entrusted” means just that. We are to protect and guard the truths we have been taught by the Lord.  

But, what does that mean? Why do we have to guard it? Listen, Satan wants us to get distracted with “worldly and empty chatter.” He can’t remove the truths we have been given, but he can sure can try to get our minds on useless stuff.  

APPLICATION 

Try this with your children. Wrap up a Bible in a box and give it to them to hold for you. Don’t tell them what it is. Tell them how precious it is to you and you are depending on them to keep it safe. After a few days, ask them if they still have it. Remind them how special this is to you. 

In about a week ask them for the package and open it. I bet they will be surprised at what was in the box. Explain to them just how precious God’s Word is to you. Read today’s verse to them and let them know this is what Paul was talking about. His truths are to be kept safe and guarded in their hearts. Only that will lead them safely through life. 

What do you hold precious? So many of us prioritize the wrong things. We put family keepsakes on the same level as God’s Word. We need to spend much more time putting His Word in our hearts and minds, so it will be safe for a lifetime. 

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your precious Word to guard and protect. I will do that while at the same time sharing it with others.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Encouragement, Giving, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

GIVE IT UP

1 TIMOTHY 6:18

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”

I truly love to give. It gives me joy to be able to bless someone who has a need, especially if I can do that without them knowing. The Greek word for “to be generous” gives us a great picture of what this means. It means “spontaneous, willing giving and emphasizes being ready for outreach.” It “describes someone who ‘open-handedly’ (willingly) shares.”

God can use your grudgingly given gift, but you won’t feel blessed by it. Some people give to the church as if the preacher was holding a gun on them. And some preachers guilt people into giving as if their very souls depend on it. Neither is right. We give because Christ lives in us and works through us. Give for Him, not for you or anyone else.

APPLICATION

Begin teaching your children when they are young the importance of giving. If you give them an allowance, show them what the tithe would be for that. If you don’t do allowance, do the same for money they may earn doing chores for you or the neighbors. However they get the money, teach them the concept of giving. 

I have seen so many children who have the gift of giving. They willingly give up their birthday money for missions. They give their money for a needy family. If your child comes to you and asks if they can give like that, by all means, let them. In fact, pitch in with them.

Are you a giver? “But Carl, I don’t have enough to give.” Yes, you do. Give to your ability. We are not under law. We are under grace. Give as the Lord directs you. He will bless the rest.

Thank You, Lord, for all You give to me. Help me to be more generous with Your resources. I will follow Your promptings and give how You direct me.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Confession, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Purity, Righteousness, Scripture

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

1 TIMOTHY 6:14

“that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 

Do you ever wonder about how words or expressions come about? I do. I guess I am just curious that way. Today’s title for the devotional is “Clean as a whistle.” What does that really mean? There are several theories, but the one I like is it comes from the appearance of a whittled piece of wood, probably willow, after it is made into a whistle. A smooth, spotless surface was left.

Well, the word in our verse today for “without stain” means just that – spotless, clean as a whistle. Paul is adjuring Timothy that we need to live that way. We should remain unstained by the world, as James says. It is so easy to get the world on you. It can leave some hard to remove spots. But if we are living for Christ and following His commandments, we are less likely to get “dirty.”

APPLICATION

I bet your children have gotten clothes stained before. Am I right? My mama used to get so upset when I came home with grass-stained pants. But what is a boy supposed to do when he slides into home plate? You can’t exactly ask the catcher to let you walk in so you won’t get your pants dirty. Sometimes stains are inevitable.

However, we need to teach our children to avoid those staining agents when possible. We know how the world wants to dirty us up. We have the responsibility to point out those things to our children. They have to live in the world, but they don’t have to wallow in its filth. It is comforting to know that Jesus’ blood cleanses us completely. But it is also important to remember that some stains are the consequence of disobedience and can remain for a lifetime.

Are you tired of removing stains in your life? Then start following Jesus’ commandments more closely. He will lead you in the path of righteousness. He also may lead you into a very dirty area in order to reach others. Those stains are not held against you and are easily removed. It’s your choice – dirty or clean?

I am so thankful that I don’t need bleach to cleanse my soul. I am so glad that Jesus’s blood washes me white as snow. Help me walk in such a way that only stains You allow touch me.

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YOU ARE CHARGED

1 TIMOTHY 6:13

“I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,” 

Unfortunately, when we hear the word “charge” we automatically think about a financial transaction. Paul had no concept of Mastercard or Visa, lol. This word “charge” had an entirely different meaning. This Greek word means “to charge, give a command that is fully authorized because it has gone through all the proper (necessary) channels.” It also originally carried a military meaning as when an officer would give a command to an inferior. 

You are charged by God to carry out the duties in His army. God expects us to comply. Now, He won’t make us. He never will. But obedience is expected. Where do we find these “charges”? In His Word. It is full of commands from the Father. All we have to do is read His Word and then follow His commands. Easy peasy, right? I wish.

APPLICATION

Have you ever given your children a command to clean their room or brush their teeth? I am sure you have. No child I know naturally does that without being told. And I bet you had to show them how to do it, right? I remember teaching our children how to brush their teeth. I remember teaching them how to pick up their toys and make their bed. Commands are great, but if we don’t know how to carry it out, it’s useless.

Jesus showed us how to obey our Father. Point your children to Him. He will show them how to obey you and God. His examples of obedience all through His life show us it is possible. Of course, we aren’t Jesus. We will make mistakes. That’s okay. God simply wants us to strive toward perfection. He is the perfecter, not us. 

Are you obeying the commands given to you by the Lord? Maybe you are more like me and try to find ways around it, lol.  Resolve yourself today to be an obedient soldier of the cross. When the Lord charges you with a new task, gratefully take it on and fulfill His desires for your life. You won’t be sorry.

Lord, I want to obey. Sometimes my flesh gets in the way, but I know that is just an excuse. Forgive my disobedience.

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A GOOD FIGHT

1 TIMOTHY 6:12

“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 

I was always taught not to fight. In fact, I only remember getting into three fights in my life. I didn’t start any of them. They were all in self-defense. But that is not the kind of fighting Paul is talking about here.

Now, the word “fight” (used twice here – once as a verb and another time as a noun) means agonize in a struggle. That could be in a sporting event or a battle. In other words, you give it your all. You give 110%. You don’t quit until it’s over.

APPLICATION

So, this verse is not about teaching your children to fight or not to fight. This verse is about not quitting. This verse is about teaching our children to hold to their faith, no matter what. This verse is about teaching our children to remain loyal and true to the Lord. He will see them through whatever they face.

Teaching our children not to quit is hard sometimes. They will face challenges that test them physically and emotionally. We must prepare them to see all of these through. Even though they want to quit and run away, we must hold them accountable. We can’t let them give up. 

Are you quick to give up? When the going gets tough, do you call it quits? Stop that. See it through. Let your children watch you struggle. That’s okay. Life is not easy, but we know He is faithful to the end. Your children need to see you trust Him. Won’t you do that today?

I will hold to You, Lord. I will see the trials You send my way all the way to the end. In fact, there is nothing that will keep me from You. 

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CHASE THIS!

1 TIMOTHY 6:11

“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

You need to read verses 3 though 11 of this chapter in 1 Timothy to remind yourself what Paul is telling Timothy to flee. That word “flee” means to escape or to run away. In other words, run as hard as you can away from this stuff. In contrast, Paul tells Timothy to chase as hard as he can “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

You see, running is okay as long as you are running from or running towards the right thing. Of course, we know if you pursue the Lord will all your heart, you will find “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” How? Because He is all those things.

APPLICATION

Do you want to teach your children to chase after the right stuff? Of course, you do. Why not show them what to chase yourself? If you are seeking righteousness, they will see it in you. If you are striving to be godly in your behaviors, they will imitate you. If your faith is tested and you rely on the Lord, your children will remember that.

Are you getting the picture here? These pursuits are best taught to your children by you modeling these to them. These are not things you can tell them to do and then not do yourself. In fact, words are not even necessary. Just pursue them yourself time after time. They will see it and learn. When they ask you why you are doing what you are doing, then you have the perfect opportunity to tell them.

What are you running from and towards? Make sure you are chasing after God. Only He can provide “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” There is no other source. Do you want to be more Christlike? Then run!

I want to be seen as righteous, godly, faithful, loving, persevering and gentle. I know all these are in You, Lord. Help me pursue them with all my strength.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Money, Parenting, Scripture

A BAD FALL

1 TIMOTHY 6:9

“But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 

Let me say up front that there is nothing wrong with money. We have to have it to buy food, pay our mortgage or rent and live in this world. What you can’t tell from the English translation is the phrase “want to get” is written to imply that it is their decision to do this. No one is forcing them. This Greek word means to aggressively plan to get something. In other words, those who do this think about nothing but getting more.

But look at the result. It is not a good one. They fall into temptation. They are caught as if in a snare. And they pursue foolish and harmful desires. All this leads to ruin and destruction. Do you think those who pursue wealth like that ever think it will end badly? Not hardly.

APPLICATION

Teaching your little Johnny or Susie about money is so important. They need to understand the value of earning a dollar, but they also need to know how to handle the money once they get it. Some kids blow through money fast. They constantly beg to go to Walmart to spend it. Other kids save every penny. There is a balance.

Sit your children down when you think they can handle it and help them make a plan for their money. Don’t forget to talk about giving to the Lord. Most importantly, talk to them about how you manage the household finances. Read them this verse and explain how money can corrupt you if you only focus on it. They will learn best by watching you, so make sure you aren’t living for wealth.

Are you? Are you striving to “get ahead” so hard that you have lost your priorities? Again, money isn’t bad. Our motives about money can be. Ask the Lord to guide you in your spending. Ask the Lord to guide you in your savings. The Lord may choose to bless you financially, or He may not. Trust Him to provide. He always does.

I am so thankful for all You have blessed me with. You have proven once again to be caring and loving. Help me manage Your resources wisely.

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