Category Archives: Encouragement

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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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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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christ's Return, Encouragement, Glory, Heaven, Light, Parenting

DON’T GO THERE

1 TIMOTHY 6:16

“who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.”

Unapproachable! Don’t even think about going there! The brilliance of our Lord will be blinding, yet we shall one day behold Him. This Greek word for “unapproachable” is only used right here in this verse. It literally means don’t go. Why? Why would the Lord dwell in unapproachable light? Why would He want to keep us away?

Because as mortal men, we cannot bear the glory of God. His holiness would instantly wipe us away. So, we are being protected. He is not trying to keep us away. He is trying to keep us safe. We will be bathed in the light. We just can’t go into it. We are not worthy. Only He can dwell in it.

APPLICATION

Do you have things in your home that are off limits? I bet you do. How about the fuse box? The power source for your house is in there. Your children can benefit from the power source, but they cannot approach the source itself. That’s a pretty close analogy for kids. 

There have to be boundaries for kids. There will be a day when they can have access to any area of the house. The limitations now are not meant to punish them. They are meant to protect them. As they mature, they will gain more and more access. In the same way, as we mature in our walk with Christ, He reveals more and more of Himself to us.

Are you ready for the unapproachable light? Boy, I am. I can’t wait to see Him. His glory will be amazing. But guess what? It is now. Don’t wait until eternity to be blown away. Let His brilliance amaze you.

O God of glory, Your light is ablaze. Let it shine through me so others can see You. One day I will dwell in Your light forever.

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Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Fighting, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

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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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Encouragement, Love, Mentoring, Money, Parenting

MISQUOTED

1 TIMOTHY 6:10

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

While John 3:16 is probably the most quoted verse in the Bible, this verse today is probably the most MISquoted verse. People leave off “the love of” and talk about how evil money is. What you can’t tell from the English translation is “the love of money” is one Greek word which means lover of silver. It’s someone who is literally in love with personal gain or having money. How sad?

Have you ever known anyone who was like that? All they think about is making more money. Again, money is not the evil thing. Their motive for making money is. They don’t want more so they can share more. They want more so they can keep it all to themselves. God can use our wealth in a myriad of ways to further His kingdom if we let loose of it.

APPLICATION

Read this verse to your children and ask them what they think it means. Then make a list with them of the things they could do with money to help others. Most children are quick to do that. They haven’t become as selfish as adults yet. But help them make that list.

Now, as much as possible, do some of those things. How about sponsoring a child through some ministry? So many children around the world are not able to eat or go to school without some sponsor supporting them. Here is just one opportunity you can look into (https://amginternational.org/product-category/sponsor-a-child/).

Evaluate your view of money today. Is it your pursuit or just a means by which you live? Does it consume your thoughts all day or is just a passing thought? Focus on what you can do for Jesus through what He has blessed you with. It will change your attitude and mission in life.

You have blessed me so richly, Lord. Show me where to give. Show me how to give. I want only to please You.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Contentment, Death, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Grace, Heaven, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Testimony

EMPTY HANDED

1 TIMOTHY 6:7

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” 

Come on! Think about it. When you are born what do you bring with you? Nothing! Nada! Zero! And when you die, you leave this earth with…the same! So, let me ask you a question. Why do we spend so much time accumulating stuff? Now, don’t get me wrong. I like stuff as much as the next guy. But does the process of getting it ruin it for you?

I recently discovered that one of my ancestors was Charlemagne, a king in the 1stCentury who ruled over the Franks, Lombards and Romans. He was buried in 814 seated on his throne with his crown on his head and scepter in his hand. It seems even in death, he was determined to rule and hold on to what he had. But he couldn’t. No one can.

APPLICATION

This is kind of a morbid topic for kids, huh? Well, I don’t mean it to be. What I am trying to say in this devotional is stuff doesn’t matter. Whatever we manage to get here on earth will be left for someone else. Do this! Take your child to their room and ask them to pick out their five most important possessions. Put them in a box and tell them you want to see how long they can “live” without them.

After the crying stops (just kidding) talk about those five things. What were they? Why were they important? Who gave it to them? Read them today’s verse and let the words sink in. Those five favorite things can’t go to heaven with them. When they are older, they will have five different favorite things. They can’t go either. Instead help them focus on what can go with them – their love for Christ, the Word of God they have memorized and the peace in their hearts that God is real and loves them. Those are true possessions.

What are you holding on to with a death grip? Would you willingly lay it down if the Lord asked you to? If not, you’ve got a problem. Parents, you can invest in your children’s lives and lead them to a saving knowledge of Christ. You may be gone long before they are, but one day they will be with you in eternity. Now, that’s something to hold on to.

O God, I long to see Your face. There is nothing on this earth that I would hold on to that could keep me from coming to You. You have blessed me, and I only want to You.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Encouragement, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Scripture, Thanksgiving

THE ANTI WEIGHT WATCHERS’ VERSE

1 TIMOTHY 6:6

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” 

That title is not mine. I borrowed it from a friend. But I thought it kind of funny. Seriously though, look at the verse. Paul is saying to Timothy that godliness is a means of great gain WHEN it is accompanied by contentment. Oh, that’s the key – contentment.

What is contentment? Well, the Greek word here is only used twice – here and in 2 Corinthians 9:8. It means to be self-sufficient, having all you need THROUGH the indwelling power of Christ. You can have true peace and contentment only through Jesus. When you are content, you are able to live a more godly life, thus leading to great gain spiritually. Incidentally, the Greek word for gain is only used twice also – both times right here in 1 Timothy 6:5 and 6.

APPLICATION

How do you teach your children to be content? Stop giving them everything they want! “But Carl, I am trying to make them content by doing that.” Well, how’s that working for you? The more a person has the more they want. We live in a fifteen second world. We are used to everything happening fast. We are not satisfied with a slow pace. We are not willing to “settle” for anything.

This lack on contentment only breeds more discontent. Help your children thank the Lord today for what they have. Start with the basics of a bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. How about thanking Him for the food each meal. I know this sounds simplistic, but we seem to overlook the small stuff. Your children will never be satisfied and content until they appreciate the small things.

Are you content? Do you struggle with your walk with Christ because you aren’t content? Take a moment and make a list of your blessings. Keep the list handy and add to it each day as another blessing pops up. Pray through that list or at least mention a couple of them each time you pray. As you do this, I promise you will be drawn closer to the Lord, which will lead you to godliness.

I am so thankful for all You given me. I am truly a blessed man. I thank You for the little things I often overlook like clean clothes to wear and shoes to put on my feet. Help me spread my contentment to others.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Deception, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

STICK WITH THE TRUTH

1 TIMOTHY 6:3

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,” 

Sometimes you find an original word in Scripture (Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic) that is just different. In today’s verse, “advocates a different doctrine” is just one Greek word. It means to deviate from the truth or to teach something besides the truth. Now listen closely. Did you catch that? It may not necessarily be false. It’s just not THE truth. It’s the same word used back in 1 Timothy 1:3 where Paul warns Timothy to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrine.

The trouble in many of our churches today is they have deviated from the truth. I remember one time years ago my wife and I visited a church. We had recently moved and were trying to find a new church home. The Pastor taught that night on psychiatric terms, not the Word. I literally had to hold my wife down in her seat. She was so upset that he was teaching this instead of God’s Word. That’s what Paul is referring to here. 

APPLICATION

How will our children know what is truth and what is not? We have to teach them to recognize it. And how do we do that? By focusing on God’s Word while they are with us. If we bathe them daily with the Scriptures, if we saturate their environment with His truth, anything else will stand out like a sore thumb. They will easily see it for what it really is – untruth.

Then the decision has to take place. What will they do with the information? They have to take a stand. Peer pressure is hard. Will they stand up for truth at the risk of being ostracized or made fun of? Will they stand, in many cases, with the minority? We have to teach them to stand for truth, no matter what. Pleasing God is our goal, not pleasing men.

Do you recognize truth? Do you know when someone deviates even slightly from it? Study God’s Word so you will know instantly. Let His holy Word permeate your mind and soul to the point that all you hear and see is it. Then you will e bsafeguarded against untruths.

I am thankful, Lord, for Your truth. I am grateful that Your Word always points me towards truth. After all, He is the way, the truth and the life.

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Advice, Bible, Bosses, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, God's Will, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Surrender

RESPECT YOUR BOSS

1 TIMOTHY 6:1

“All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.”

When the Scriptures talk about slavery, we don’t quite understand the context. In America, our mind jumps back to the 1800’s and the Civil War, in which our country fought each other about the issue of slavery and state’s rights. In other countries, slavery has another context. But for all of us, we can compare these passages in God’s Word to the modern day employer/employee relationship.

I hope you like your boss. Working for someone you don’t like can be miserable. However, in God’s design for your life, He has allowed you to come under the authority of that person. So, our goal is not to please our boss. Our objective is to please the Father. Look at the last part of the verse – “so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.” We represent Christ to our bosses. Act like it.

APPLICATION

This won’t be fully taught to your little Johnny until he gets his first job. But you can start now by holding him accountable to every other adult in his life. We must teach our children to honor and respect all those God has placed over them. As a minister to children for the past 40+ years, I have seen so many disrespectful children. Most, if not all, were directly disrespectful to their own parents with no repercussions.

If we allow our children to get away with that, they will not respect their boss one day. That won’t be good. What do you think will happen? They will probably mouth off to them and get fired. Submission to authority is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and maturity.

Are you a loyal and obedient employee? If you are working, do you show the respect to your boss that is due. Let me encourage you to do that today. Go out of your way to thank your boss. Give them a card thanking them for their leadership. Get them a gift card. Do something today to show your gratitude for God placing them in authority over you.

I am guilty many times, Lord, of complaining about my boss rather than praying for them. I pray today that You will give my boss wisdom to lead. Bless his/her family.

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YOU JUST CAN’T HIDE IT

1 TIMOTHY 5:25

“Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.”

Have you ever tried to conceal a wrong? You messed up, you know it and now you are trying to hide it. Most of us have. Paul knew about wrong deeds. Remember his past? He had sought out and persecuted the believers. I am sure there were some things he did he wished he could have hidden. But he also knew that truth was the only way.

Paul is also warning us of the same. Some people’s good works are so evident. They may or may not want the attention for doing them, but the fact remains that did them. On the other hand, there are many who appear as good, yet try to conceal their true actions and motives. Paul is saying they will come out. Give it time.

APPLICATION

Teaching your little one to do good is something I am sure you are doing. We don’t have to teach them how to do bad stuff, do we? That comes naturally. And we know they are going to mess up. That’s unavoidable. What we must do, however, is teach them to own up to their mistakes, to confess, to make it right. Concealment only leads to bigger problems.

I can deal with just about any problem, but when someone outright lies to me, that’s hard to stomach. Trust is broke. Your children need to know that. And you need to be quick to deal with deception from your children. Quick and natural consequences are the key. Why? We want them to be truthful, even if it means they may suffer a consequence. 

So, how do you handle this yourself? Are you tempted to cover up your bad behaviors? Do you make excuses for your failures? Be upfront. Be honest. Take responsibility. Little ones are watching and listening. Let your good deeds be quite evident. Don’t be the one trying to conceal your wrong deeds.

O Lord, help me to be open and honest at all times. I represent You and want to draw all to you. Help me confess my wrongdoings and accept whatever consequence may come.

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