Category Archives: Scripture

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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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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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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Advice, Bible, Bosses, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Direction, God's Will, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Perseverance, Scripture

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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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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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, Conceit, Disciplemaking, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

BLOWING SMOKE

1 TIMOTHY 6:4

“he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,” 

I have known a few people in my lifetime that were truly “smoke blowers.” They had the tendency to brag and throw up this great smokescreen around who they really were. The Greek word for “conceited” literally means to be puffed up, to blow smoke, to have “moral blindness resulting from poor judgment which brings further loss of spiritual perception.” Wow! That’s not good.

And the interesting thing to me is that word is only used three times in the Bible. All three times Paul uses it to write to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:6; 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4). It almost appears he had someone in mind whom Timothy was dealing with there in Ephesus. Remember, Paul spent a good bit of time there. He knew the people.

APPLICATION

Do me a favor. Don’t let your kids get conceited. There is nothing wrong with having pride, as long as it does not become prideful. Do you understand that? We should take pride in our appearance, to look respectable. We should take pride in our community by picking up trash and keeping our streets clean. We should have pride in our schools we attend and churches where we worship. But when that pride takes over, we have troubles.

Pride should never seek to make you look better than others. Pride should never put others down. Pride should never cause you to do things that are unholy. Pride can be your downfall as quickly as apathy and despair. Teach your kids to be proud, but guard against conceit and “smoke blowing.”

Have you ever known a “smoke blower”? Are you one? Follow the example of Jesus. He was a proud follower of His Father, but He never came across as conceited or puffed up. He was humble and meek, but with great strength. He is the one to emulate. He is the one to use as your model.

I am so proud to be called Your child. Help me continue to bear Your image. Let others only see You in me.

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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, 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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