Category Archives: Direction

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DECEPTION

1 TIMOTHY 2:14

“And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.”  

In this sixth verse of Paul’s instructions to women in 1 Timothy he returns to the Garden of Eden again. Timothy had heard this story, I am sure, from his Jewish mother. If you read this verse without the fuller context of Paul’s other letters, you could get the impression that Paul is blaming Eve for all of man’s problems. Paul is simply pointing out the order of the events in the garden.

The issue is not who was deceived first as much as it is the deception itself. Adam and Eve were both deceived by the evil one. He is still deceiving people today. I have been at events where it was obvious he was at work deceiving people. This Greek word has the idea of a baited hook. The hook is there, but the bait is just too good to pass up.

APPLICATION

Now, here is a perfect verse to teach your children the deception of the devil. Take them fishing and use some live bait. As you are baiting their hook talk about how the fish just can’t resist that bait. They see it and ignore the hook. The enticement of the bait is just too much. So, they are deceived into thinking they have a free meal. Once they bite, it’s too late.

Explain to your children that they are susceptible to the same deception from the devil. He will bait the hook for them with something he knows they want. They may even see the hook, but just can’t resist the bait. But Satan keeps his hooks sharp. They will cause pain. They will cause grief. The lure of sin is great, but with the Holy Spirit as their guide, they can avoid these deceptions.

Have you bitten the bait? Have you been deceived? It’s not too late. You may have a scar from that hook, but Jesus can cut that line that is holding you back. We all fall sometimes. Falling isn’t the end. Get back up. Let Jesus remove that hook and begin the healing in your life.  He wants you back in the kingdom work, not sidelined by sin.

Lord, point out to me those hidden hooks of sin that so easily entice me. Give me Your wisdom and discretion to recognize the bait when I see it. I want to serve You.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Direction, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

GOD HAS HIS REASONS

1 TIMOTHY 2:12

“But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.”

These last three verses are used by some to show that Christian men want to keep women “in their place.” They read these verses, especially today’s verse, and rebel. “How dare we tell women they can’t teach or have authority? How dare we treat women less than women?” But they just don’t understand the full context.

If God’s intention was to keep women in their place, why did He use women so prominently through Scripture (Mary, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, etc.). God is not saying to keep women down. He has established roles to PROTECT women. Men should be defending their wives. Men should take the responsibility for their roles in the family and in society instead of acquiescing that to women. 

APPLICATION

I am NOT saying we should teach our little girls to sit around in little dresses with lace gloves and sip tea all day. We should encourage our daughters to go after their passions. But they should also recognize that God has set up certain roles for men and women to protect them, not hold them back.

And we should teach our little boys to honor and respect women. They should see their mothers and sisters as worthy of protecting. They should see all women as God does – the perfect completion of His creation. That’s not chauvinist. It’s chivalrous. 

Now, I am sure there will be many who will disagree with this devotional. But hear my heart. God set these roles so men can value women, not devalue them. God set these roles to protect women, not tear them down. God set these roles so men will step up and lead instead of laying back and “letting the women folk take care of the religious stuff.” Trust God’s design. It is perfect, and it works.

Dear Lord, I thank You for setting up Your perfect design for men and women. Help me live it as You intended and not let the world influence it. Show me how to value all the women in my life.

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BE QUIET, WOMAN

1 TIMOTHY 2:11

“A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.” 

I bet the title today caught your attention. Before you get up in arms and write me a seething letter, let me explain. The word “quietly” here does NOT mean speechless. That’s a totally different Greek word. This word means a “God-produced calm which includes an inner tranquility that supports appropriate action.” 

And why should she stay calm? So she can be discipled. That’s what “receive instruction” means. In fact, that word is the word from which we get “disciple.” She can only be discipled if she is willing to be submissive to the one who is discipling her. You cannot teach or disciple anyone who is not willing to be discipled. 

APPLICATION

I truly believe this verse applies to all of us, not just women. Our children cannot be discipled unless they are willing to submit to their parents. Fathers cannot be discipled unless they submit to the one who wants to invest in their lives. You see, it’s not just about women.

So, Mom and Dad, model submissiveness. This teaches your children to do the same. Show that calm spirit that you want them to have. Allow others to disciple you. There is no higher calling than to disciple your children to follow Christ. But you have to model this yourself first.

Do you demand your rights? Do you refuse to follow anyone’s direction? By doing that you are showing an example to others of the exact opposite Christ desires in you. What do you think Christ wants you to do – be rebellious and stubborn or submissive and teachable? Do what you know He desires.

O Lord God, teach me to be calm in spirit and learn from others. Help me come up under their leadership and portray to others a teachable manner. I want to please You.

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GOOD WORKS

1 TIMOTHY 2:10

“but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.” 

To properly understand this verse, you have to go back to verse 9. You know that is true of every verse in Scripture. You can’t just take the verse out of context. That’s what causes a lot of confusion and dissensions. Stick to the context.

And here, you have to go back to see Paul discussing how the ladies should adorn themselves. Paul is saying what you wear and how you look outwardly isn’t the important thing. The important thing is to let your walk match your talk. He is NOT saying good deeds is the mark of godliness. That would go against all his other teachings. He is saying that if you claim to love Jesus you will be about doing good works, not because you have to but because you want to.

APPLICATION

This is so important to teach our children. We do not want them thinking they have to “perform” to get our love or God’s love. It’s what is in the heart that matters. Their behavior or good deeds are merely an outpouring of their love for us and God. We obey and do because we are loved and because we love. We don’t have to do those things to be loved.

How can you teach this? The next time your little Johnny really blows it (and he will, lol) show him love. You may still have to discipline him in some manner but pull him close and hug him tight. Let him know that nothing he can do will ever diminish the love you have for him. He can’t earn it. It is just yours to give freely.

Are you trying to get God to love you more by doing stuff for Him? Stop it. Your godliness is not portrayed because of your good works. Your godliness is shown through submission to your holy God. Then as He tells you to do certain things, you do them to honor Him, not to get Him to love you back.  Isn’t that great? His love is freely given. 

Father, I desire to please you in all I do. Thank You I don’t have to earn Your love, though. Thank You for loving me despite me being me.

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I’M NOT LYING

1 TIMOTHY 2:7

“For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Boy, oh boy, how many times have you heard that as a parent after catching your child red-handed? They begin to lie to cover up their actions. One lie leads to another lie, and before they know it, they have dug themselves a very deep hole.

The meaning of the Greek word “lying” is to willfully misrepresent or mislead. You know exactly what you are doing, and you still do it. Paul is ensuring Timothy that he is NOT lying. He was simply telling the truth about his calling. As hard as it may seem to many, Paul was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

So, how do you teach your children not to lie? By holding them accountable for the lies they tell. Some people think little children telling fibs is cute. It is not. Little lies, if gotten away with, just leads to bigger lies later. Their little minds are thinking, “If I got away with this, what can I get away with later?” Don’t let them. No matter how small you think the lie is, confront it.

But don’t go to the extreme and try to catch them in a lie. Reward truth telling and discipline lying. Children respond to praise (so do we adults). When they tell the truth, praise them vehemently. Let them know how proud you are they told you the truth, even though it may have meant getting into trouble. Afterall, as believers we only have one choice – be truthful. 

Are you tempted to tell little half-lies? So many people are. They figure as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, it’s okay. Well, it’s not. Christ indwells us. Truth indwells us. Truth and falsehood can’t cohabitate. They just don’t get along. Tell the truth. Believe the truth. Celebrate the truth.

O God, You are Truth. All that is true is You. You cannot stand for falsehood in any form. Help me to remain true to You and Your Word.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Direction, Encouragement, Family, Forgiveness, Mercy, Obedience, Parenting, Ransom, Scripture

RANSOM

1 TIMOTHY 2:6

“who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 

How many movies have you seen that involved someone paying a ransom for the release of someone else? Normally, it is someone close to them or someone of great importance. Kidnappings happen all the time for ransom, especially in some of the third world countries. Someone pays the full price to secure the freedom of another.

This word “ransom” is only used right here in the New Testament. It appears nowhere else. Interestingly enough, verse 6 follows verse 5 (lol), which talked about Christ being the mediator. So, our mediator pays the ransom. Better yet, Christ BECOMES the purchase price. He gave His life to secure our freedom from sin and the grave.

APPLICATION

Have you ever taken away one of your child’s toys to discipline them? I had to take away my son’s Nintendo system once. He had abused the privilege of playing it, so he lost it for a whole month. You would have thought I had removed a kidney, lol. But we gave him a way to gain it back. He had to “pay a price” to ransom his game system. Believe me, he would have paid any price to get it back.

That’s a very loose analogy but hear me out. Christ redeemed what was legally already His. We are created by Him in His image, but sin has robbed us from that relationship. The only way to return to our rightful owner is to pay the price of judgment, something we could never do. The price is too high. But Jesus could. He had the correct currency – perfection. His righteousness for our sin – that was the ransom.

Are you even aware of the price He paid for you? Do you care? His sacrifice on our behalf can never be repeated. It doesn’t have to. His one-time payment covers all sin. We just have to be willing to receive it. Will you?

Ransom paying is beyond my realm of thinking. I cannot begin to imagine the weight You suffered with the sins of the whole world on Your shoulders. Thank You for being the ultimate sacrifice to pay the ransom 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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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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