Category Archives: Ministry

Advice, Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, God's Will, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Service

PRISON BARS

2 TIMOTHY 2:9 

“for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.” 

When you think about serving Jesus, you don’t normally think about prison, do you? I mean, the first thought you have is preaching in a church or singing in the choir. Maybe it’s serving in the nursery or going overseas as a missionary. But you don’t think, at least in the beginning, that it could land you in jail. Paul spent a lot of time in prison and eventually died in his last imprisonment. 

He was okay with that. Why? Because the message of the cross continued to spread. Look what he said in the last part of today’s verse – “but the word of God is not imprisoned.” Others picked up the mantle and continued the preaching. Paul had an audience of soldiers guarding him who we know from other letters received the gospel. Prison bars can’t hold the message inside. 

APPLICATION 

Has your child ever visited a jail? Have they ever seen inside a cell? I pray they haven’t, but it can be a great lesson. There is something about the click of the key when you are on the other side of those bars that brings it to life. Find a story about someone who is imprisoned right now for serving Jesus. We see that a lot lately overseas. Then ask your child if they would be willing to go to prison for serving Jesus. They will probably say “no.” 

That’s okay. Would you? Many of us may say “yes” until it gets real. I guess we don’t know what we will really do unless we are presented with the actual circumstance. My point today is how far would you go to serve Him, knowing if you go to jail God may just broaden your ministry in an area you could have never dreamed of. Just a thought! 

What’s your limit on serving Jesus? Is there one? “Well Carl, let’s don’t get crazy here.” I know, I know. Chances are this would never present itself to you, but if it did, I pray you would be ready, willing and able to go the distance. Why? Because God’s got this, and He is allowing it for His glory. Serve beyond your limits, but God’s Word has none. 

Lord, today I abandon myself to share. I want to serve You whenever and wherever You please. Use me how You desire. 

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Friends, Heaven, Love, Ministry, Parenting

SAD FAREWELLS, SWEET REUNIONS

2 TIMOTHY 1:4 

“longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.”  

Paul loved Timothy. Timothy loved Paul. If there was any doubt to that just look at today’s verse. At their last parting, Paul recalls Timothy’s tears when he left. They had spent many years together ministering and sharing the Gospel of Christ. I am sure they shared countless meals and walked hundreds of miles together. All those memories! 

So, now Paul is hoping to see Timothy again. We don’t know if he did or not. This letter and Paul’s letter to Titus are probably the last two letters Paul wrote before being martyred for Christ. True brothers in Christ, however, will never be separated by death. They live together forever in eternity. 

APPLICATION 

This may sound strange, but we need to teach our children how to say goodbye and hello properly. Yeah, I know. You are saying, “Carl, all parents do that. We teach them to blow kisses and wave.” That’s not what I am talking about. I am talking about understanding separation and reunion. 

The next time you travel to visit family, talk about how happy you are going to be to see them when you get there. Ask your children what’s the first thing they are going to do when they see Grandma or Grandpa. I bet they say, “Ask for candy.” Lol, maybe not. But I bet the answer involves hugs and kisses. Then ask them why. Because they love them, right. And when they leave, hugs and kisses are involved again.  

You see, the bond of family, blood or spiritual, involves tears, hugs, kisses and love. Whom do you want to see as much as Paul wanted to see Timothy? Why? Are they bound to you for eternity? Will you see them there? If not, why not invite them into your permanent family with Christ? 

Father, I want to invite all my loved ones to join me one day in heaven. Help me love them enough to make sure they are going. Loving them here is just not enough. 

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Advice, Bible, Bosses, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Family, Fatherhood, Friends, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Motherhood, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

DON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE

1 TIMOTHY 6:2

“Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

This verse can be a little confusing. Let me try to break it down for you very simply. Paul is telling us that we should not disrespect our bosses by taking advantage of the fact they are believers. For instance, we shouldn’t use our common faith as an excuse to get special privileges. We shouldn’t show any less respect for them since we are “equals” in the eyes of the Lord.

You’ve seen people do that, I’m sure. I’ve even had people try to do that to me. It’s hard to keep that line between Christian brother and boss, especially if you are serving in full-time ministry. But God designed these roles for a reason. Being buddies with your boss may sound great, but it can lead to problems when he/she has to correct you.

APPLICATION

This is no more applicable than in our relationships with our children. We want to be close to our kids. We want them to consider us their friend and confidant. But we should never be their buddy. When we blur the lines between parent and friend, we open ourselves up to disrespect and misunderstandings. 

I’ve seen it too many times. Parents tell me they are best friends with their child. Your best friend should be our spouse, not your son or daughter. God designed the family to have roles. As parent, you are the authority over your child. Then you become an advocate and guide as they get older. But you are never designed to be their best friend. You can be a better friend by being a better parent.

You may disagree with me on this one. But the fact remains the same. We have God’s Word to guide us in all our relationships. So, don’t treat your boss like a buddy. That is disrespect. And don’t rely on your child for friendship. We are actually more than friends. We are family. That never ends.

I want to thank You, Lord, for allowing me to have close relationships with my parents. I also thank You for the friendships I have had in the workplace. Help me keep those relationships where they should be so we can follow Your guidelines.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Caregiver, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Elders, Encouragement, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture

GOOD MEDICINE

1 TIMOTHY 5:23

“No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

Don’t jump to the conclusion that Paul is saying to go out and buy some wine and start drinking. You’ve got to understand the culture of the day. It was common practice back then for young people (that was considered under 30) to not drink at all. It was actually frowned upon. Timothy was still a young man, although he was the leader of the church at Ephesus. Therefore, he probably abstained from any wine.

Undoubtedly, Timothy had some stomach issues which could be aided by the wine. They didn’t have Pepto Bismol or Tums back then. So, diluted wine was used to settle the stomach. Many times, the wine would be mixed with water (1 part wine, 2 parts water). Whatever you think about this verse, it is not a license to drink with liberality.

APPLICATION

This is one of those no-brainer verses. Of course, you are not going to teach your children to drink wine. That would be absurd. What you can do, however, is to teach then personal responsibility. That way, when they are older, they can make their own choice about this. The important thing to remember is their testimony is only as reputable as their conduct and behavior.

We don’t need wine to settle our stomach. We have medications now to do that. You can justify anything, but should you? There are some things that you are going to have to weigh against the entirety of God’s Word. Then you can make your decision. This is one of those things. So, teach your child well with this one.

This topic of drinking is so controversial in the church today. Don’t make this the hill you die on. Don’t judge others too quickly. Ask for wisdom and love each other. Paul was writing this letter to his child in the faith, Timothy, to encourage him to “take a little wine” to help his stomach. It was about his love for Timothy, not about the wine.

Father, thank You that You give us the wisdom to do as You lead us. Help me follow You as You direct. I want to please You, not man.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Encouragement, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Money, Obedience

NO MUZZLE

1 TIMOTHY 5:18

“For the Scripture says, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’”

In the context of this passage in 1 Timothy we can understand what Paul was telling Timothy. The church has the responsibility to take care of their Pastor financially. His job is to teach and preach, not fund raise. The church should not keep its Pastor humble and hungry (I have actually heard a church member say a church should do that to keep him under control). 

Have you ever seen a muzzle? It’s placed over the mouth of animal to prevent it from feeding or biting. In this case, it was to prevent an ox from feeding on what he was threshing. How cruel would that be? In the same way, the funds of the church should support the Pastor.

APPLICATION

Why don’t you teach this principle to your kids by muzzling them? Just kidding. That would be cruel and inhumane. But you could make a muzzle or find one to show them. Kids need visuals. If you have a dog, get a dog muzzle and put on it to show what the verse is talking about. Let them see how restrictive it is for their little pooch.

Teach them the importance of giving to the church. Part of that gift goes to support the church staff. The next time you write that check to the church or put your money in the offering plate, lead them in prayer for the church staff. They may have a favorite Pastor. Let your children pray for them by name, specifically thanking God that your family can give to support them in their ministry.

Do you bless your Pastor financially by giving to your church? If not, you need to. Don’t muzzle your ox. Give so they are free to do what God has called them to do – care for you. Feed them so they can feed you.

Thank you, Lord, that I can give to support my church. I thank You for each and every person who serves to lead me and my family spiritually.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Commands, Encouragement, Family, Love, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting, Service, Widows

BE OF ASSISTANCE

1 TIMOTHY 5:16

“If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.”

I have an Administrative Assistant. She is awesome! She makes me look good in so many ways by all the “little” things she does for our Children’s Ministry. I put little in quotes because nothing she does is really little. Her job is to assist me and our other staff and volunteers fulfill the calling to serve our children and their families.

So many today think being an assistant is below them. But right here in this passage, Paul tells Timothy how important it is to lend assistance. That’s what an assistant does – lends assistance. In fact, this Greek word for “assist” only occurs right here in verse 16 (two times) and in verse 10 we saw earlier. It’s not our job to take care of the widows who have families. That’s their job. We, the church, need to be free to assist those who have no one.

APPLICATION

Can you think of a way your little Johnny or Susie could assist someone today? Depending on the age of your children, they could help clean a widow’s house for them. Perhaps they could mow or rake their yard. I promise you the widows you know have a long list of things that need to be done.

Ask your church for a name of a widow or widower who could use some assistance. If this person does not have family around, you and your children could become that for them. People need people. Sometimes the best assistance you can give them is just some time spent with them. We can all find fifteen to thirty minutes a week for that.

Whom is the Lord calling you to assist? Are you willing to do that? You will be blessed for more than they will. The Lord blesses those who serve others, especially if it is done with a pure heart. Assist that person without any expectations of gratitude. Just do it for Jesus.

It is so pleasing to assist others. Lord, show me those whom You would have me invest my time and energy in. I want to honor You by serving them.

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Affection, Bible, Busyness, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Love, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Passion, Sanctification, Service, Widows

CHRIST FIRST

1 TIMOTHY 5:11

“But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,” 

I have to admit that I had to consult some commentators on this verse. At first glance in the English, this paints the younger widows in a bad way. Fortunately, the Greek meaning of the phrase “feel sensual desires in disregard of” was not originally meant to portray such a negative opinion. The Greek word for that phrase is only used here in the New Testament.

The purpose of “the list” of widows was for the church to minister to them and for the widows, in return, minister to each other and serve the Body. Paul is merely saying that younger widows will have the natural desires to remarry which will limit their ability to serve. He is not condemning these young widows. He is, in fact, releasing them from the obligation to serve.

APPLICATION

How in the world do you apply this verse to your children? Easy! Put Christ first! Putting Christ first is costly. Putting Christ first means letting other things go. Putting Christ first means not doing some things and pursuing other things. Now, tell me that doesn’t apply to your kids.

When we teach our children to pursue Christ first, they will have to make some tough choices. They will be given ample opportunities to pursue everything but Christ. They will have to choose which master to follow. If we invest the time to teach them the honor and privilege of putting Christ first, they will reap the benefits of that close, personal relationship that comes with that. Don’t you want that for your son or daughter?

Are you putting Christ first? Or are you pursuing the world, with all its distractions. You cannot put family or work or even ministry first and expect to have that intimate relationship with Christ. Whatever is causing you to put Christ anywhere but in first place in your life must be examined closely and put in its proper position in your life.

Lord Jesus, I want You to be first in my life. I want You to come before anything. I want You to be second to nothing.

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Affection, Bible, Caregiver, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Family, Love, Mentoring, Mercy, Ministry, Modeling, Obedience, Qualifications, Service, Widows, Works

WORTHY OF HONOR

1 TIMOTHY 5:10

“having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.” 

Just look at the list of this widow’s character traits making her worthy of honor by the church. She has a good reputation. She is a child raiser. She is hospitable, service oriented, full of mercy and devoted. Wow! That’s some woman!

But shouldn’t we all be like that? I mean, look at the list again. Which one of those traits don’t belong in your life? The bottom line is she puts others before herself. Therein lies the rub. We don’t want to do that. We want to see ourselves first. We want to meet our needs first. It’s always me, me, me!

APPLICATION

Well, this is a no brainer. As parents, we are constantly teaching our little Gertrudes and Elords how to not be selfish. We teach children to share because they are naturally selfish. We teach them to watch out for their little brother or sister because they are not concerned with that. 

But once again, this is better caught than taught. We must model these behaviors. When they see us showing mercy to someone, they learn from that. When they observe us serving someone else, they watch how it’s done. We are living out the traits they need to embrace. So, be very careful what you do and say. Little eyes and ears are watching and listening.

How are you in regard to these traits? Are you hospitable? Do you show mercy or wrath? We may not be a widow who needs to be put on the church list, but we still need to live out these same godly traits. And what is amazing is that when we do these things, we are the ones who are blessed. Be a blessing!

I do enjoy blessing others, Lord. Help me see their need even before it is apparent. Let me be Your hands and feet to them.

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Advice, Bible, Caregiver, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Love, Ministry, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Service, Widows

SIGN THEM UP

1 TIMOTHY 5:9

“A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,” 

I’m a list maker. I didn’t used to be. After my bout with chemo several years ago I lost some of my short-term memory skills. So, now I have to make lists or poof – that thought vanishes. You are probably asking yourself, “Carl, what does your short-term memory loss have to do with today’s verse?” I’m glad you asked.

Widows and widowers are quickly forgotten. When their spouse dies, we all run to their home to console and love on them. However, after a few weeks, we forget about them. We get back into our routine and forget their routine has been forever altered. 

APPLICATION

Why don’t you get your family to “adopt” a widow or widower? Of course, you may have one in your own family to care for, but if you don’t, I am sure your church has a list of them who need someone to come alongside them. What a great way to teach your little Susie how to love others.

It’s the little things that are needed by them. Things a widow’s husband would have done around the house go undone. Even little things like changing that light bulb in the ceiling light are huge for them. For the widower, it might be missing those homecooked meals by his wife. Let your children help you as you minister to one of these on the list.

Who do you know right now who could use that kind of TLC? Give them a call and tell them you want to take them out to dinner this weekend. Drop by with your tool box and ask if they need anything done around the house. Ask them first. They will probably welcome the visit.

Father, forgive me when I overlook those who have such simple needs. I want You to use me to help them with these daily tasks. I know they are precious in Your sight.

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Affection, Alone, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Encouragement, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, Friends, Holy Spirit, Hope, Love, Ministry, Obedience, Parenting, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Scripture, Suffering, Widows

FORSAKEN BUT FAITHFUL

1 TIMOTHY 5:5

“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.” 

That may seem like a strange title for a blog, but that is exactly what this widow was. To be “left alone” literally means forsaken. But despite that, she continues in her faith. She prays specifically for needs and prays generally for others. She knows her only source of help and comfort comes from above.

Do you know a prayer warrior like that? I do. In fact, I know several. Their solace is in spending time with the Lord, studying His Word and talking to Him. They know He will never leave them or forsake them. They may be “alone” in this world, but they are never alone spiritually.

APPLICATION

Children need to learn this peace early. They need to know that our God and Father will never leave them, if they are one His children. They may think they are alone and the world is against them. But He never leaves their side. Drive that truth into Him. They need to hear that over and over again.

Do you ever have to leave your child to go on trips? I am sure that is hard on them and you. When you come home there are kisses and hugs, right? Just think of this – God is always with us giving us those kinds of hugs and kisses. Now, I don’t mean physical hugs and kisses. But His presence is just as soothing and intimate.

Do you feel His presence in your prayer life? Do you spend the time you need to each day to commune with your holy God. He is waiting to talk to you. He won’t barge in on you. He waits for you to come to Him, but He’s always ready. Isn’t that unbelievable?  

Father, thank You for always being there for me. I praise You for your steadfast love and compassion and the way You show it each and every day to me.

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