Category Archives: Encouragement

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.

Standard
Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Completeness, Contentment, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Family, Godliness, Life, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Service

MY DAD’S TEA GLASS

2 TIMOTHY 2:20

“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.”

When I was growing up in my parents’ home, my dad had a special gold colored tea glass. That was his glass. We knew not to use it and for goodness sake, when we were washing it (yes, we hand-washed dishes back then), not to break it. That glass pretty much stayed full of sweet, iced tea in the refrigerator and by his chair in the evening. He did love his tea.

That glass was nothing special. I mean, we actually had nicer glasses in the house. But that glass served its purpose as my dad’s tea glass. Each of us have our purpose in the body of Christ. We may think some roles are more important or look nicer, but each and every role serves the purpose it is designed to do for the body of Christ. We should not look down on someone who is fulfilling the “wooden” or “earthenware” roles.

APPLICATION

This is so important to teach our children. In fact, I truly feel it is important for our children to have several of those “wooden” or “earthenware” roles in the family as they grow up. Taking out the trash is certainly NOT a “golden” role, but let that job not get done for a few days and see what happens. How about cleaning the bathrooms? Let that go undone for a week or two, and no one will want to go in there.

We teach our children these lessons in the home so they understand that in other areas of life. In the church or in school, they will have the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles. Keeping that servant’s heart in whatever role they fill will give them opportunities to be Jesus to others. Isn’t that our goal – to teach them to be more like Him?

How is your attitude when you are asked to roll up your sleeves and perform a menial task? Do you think you are above that or do you dive right in? Take the opportunity to serve wherever you are and however you can. Don’t let your ego or pride get in the way of receiving a blessing from someone you have the chance to serve.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me plenty of opportunities to serve You by serving others. Help me to not ever think I am above the job. I want to exemplify You in my service.

Standard
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.

Standard
Career, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Lies, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

OUT OF LINE

2 TIMOTHY 2:18

“men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.”

Have you ever known someone who was just out of line? I mean, someone who deliberately said something or did something that everyone could see was not right. Maybe you have done that. Well, the phrase “have gone astray” in today’s verse carries that meaning. It is only used three times in Scripture (here, 1 Timothy 1:6; 6:21), each time by Paul writing to Timothy.

Now, listen to this definition. It means to be out of step with God, to be off target. But it’s more than that. The word has the understanding that this person has purposely walked off the line with God. They didn’t get pushed off. In fact, this word also emphasizes God’s disapproval due to their walking off.

APPLICATION

Raising children isn’t for the weak of heart. Can I get an “Amen”? I’ve said it many times, “We are not raising children. We are raising child raisers.” And there is nothing more important than to teach our children to walk with God. So, when a parent comes to me, heartbroken, because their son or daughter have decided to walk away from the faith, I can feel their pain.

Walking is simple. It’s just putting one foot in front of another. Walking with God can be just as simple – if – we let Him do all the walking. All we have to do is hold His hand. Better yet, all we have to do is place our hand in His. He will hold onto us.

Have you deliberately walked off? Are you walking hand in hand? Take a moment and make sure that every step you take is in sync with the Lord. Don’t take one step without knowing your walk is His walk. His direction will always be right.

I can’t begin to know where You are leading me, Lord. So, I will stay on the path You have laid out before me. Lead me, Lord.

Standard
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.

Standard
Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, Family, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Trust

ALWAYS FAITHFUL

2 TIMOTHY 2:13 

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” 

Boy, isn’t that comforting? Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful. Why? Because he cannot deny Himself. The very definition of God is faithful. To turn His back on us when we lose faith would mean He ceases to be who He is. He is forever faithful. Just like us, huh? 

That’s funny. We drop our faithfulness with people. Sometimes we do that the very first time they hurt us. You’ve heard the expression, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” But Jesus tells us to forgive seventy times seven, right? Our faithfulness to the Lord should never depend on us. It should always be a reflection of His love and faithfulness towards us. And it should come out in our relationships. 

APPLICATION 

In today’s marriages, many of our children never see faithfulness. Parents divorce over almost nothing. There is no “stick-to-itness” in the marriage relationship. There is no faithfulness. So, how can the children see that lived out. Parents, our marriage relationships are a reflection of our eternal relationship with the Father. Our children need to see that. 

When all they see is mistrust and deceit, they are confused. Every relationship we exhibit before them should be showing them our faith in Jesus. After all, He is the one that makes every relationship possible. As we have faith in Him to help us live each day, we are showing them faith in action, faith in daily decisions, faith in relationships.  

Are you showing that today? Are you being faithless or faithful? He will always be faithful to you. He cannot do anything else. It’s His nature. If He lives in you, then let His faithful nature drive you. Let His faithfulness be your faithfulness. Do not deny the Father. Do not deny the Son. Do not deny the Spirit.  

O Lord, today I choose to be faithful. I bow before Your faithfulness and ask that You fill me with faith in every situation. I may not understand why, but I will follow. 

Standard
Advice, Alone, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Confession, Contentment, Creation, Death, Denial, Encouragement, Eternity, Faith, Family, God's Will, Godliness, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Life, Light, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Suffering

SORRY, DON’T KNOW YOU

2 TIMOTHY 2:12 

 “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;” 

I have become more honest as I get older. Now, I am not saying I used to lie, but I wouldn’t quite be honest sometimes. Like when someone comes up to you, calls you by name and begins this long conversation, but you have no idea who this person is. In the past I would say, “Hey bud, how are you doing?” Now I say, “Hey, I’ve forgotten your name. Forgive me.” 

Jesus knows our name, whether we accept Him or not. But He promises us reigning power or powerlessnes, based on our response to Him. Paul tells us here that if we will endure with Christ, we will reign with Him. If we turn our backs and run, He will also deny us before the Father. 

APPLICATION 

Children like to be recognized. They love hearing their name called when they see you. What they don’t like is to be ignored. Try it for a day with your kids. Go through your normal routine, but each time a child calls your name, ignore them. (If they have an emergency make an exception). 

At the end of the day explain what you did and why. Read today’s verse. Ask them how they think the Lord feels when we do that. When we deny Him before men, He will deny us before the Father. And I really want to meet the Father, don’t you? Make a point to call your child by his/her name. Their name means something, and your child should know it.  

Are you being called to serve specifically in this area – the area of name calling? It’s a gift. It is so good to see the look on the other person (adult or child) when they hear their name. God loves you and has you surrounded by His love this evening. 

I know right now You are calling out my name before the Father. One day, I will see You face to face. One day, I will meet the Father. 

Standard
Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Passion, Righteousness, Suffering

FOR OTHERS

2 TIMOTHY 2:10 

“For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” 

Paul’s thoughts always seemed to be on two things – the Lord Jesus and others. His passion and drive was to share the gospel of Jesus with as many as he could before leaving this world. Even now, in prison, his mind is on this. He is reflecting on his current situation (prison) and glorifying God that even this is working to bring others to Jesus. 

That Greek word for “endure” means to bear up under and is only possible through the power of God in someone’s life. Paul knew the only way he could endure all the things he had endured was the supernatural empowering of the Holy Spirit. But with Him, there was nothing that he couldn’t endure.  

APPLICATION 

How do we teach our children to “endure”? How do we teach them to do it for others? Endurance can be taught through physical exercise. You work and work and eventually get stronger. You push through the pain day after day. Then you notice you can run a little further or lift a little more weight. It is through the daily struggle that you gain more and more endurance. 

But why would we do that for others? Simple! Because of what Christ endured for us. When we teach our children about Jesus, we need to make sure to teach them what He gave up for us. He took all our sins on Himself. He became sin so that we could take on His righteousness. Now, He asks us to share that with others, no matter what it takes. We must be willing to endure sufferings in order to bring a lost world into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Are you? Are you willing to endure whatever the Lord allows in your life for the purpose of showing others how to believe and trust in Him? You are called to this purpose at salvation. Now, you may never suffer a day in your walk or you may be the one who suffers constantly. Whichever it is, endure. Do it all for His glory. 

Father God, I accept Your will in my life today and gladly endure the cross of suffering. I desire to see others come to Jesus, and if my suffering can bring that, then use me. 

Standard
Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

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. 

Standard
Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Confession, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Rules, Scripture, Understanding

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. 

Standard