Category: II Timothy

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Proper Input

Remember yesterday I asked you the question, “What are you considering?” Today’s thought is a follow up to that.

Our most powerful adversary as believers is not the devil. He was defeated when Jesus was raised from the dead and we have been given authority over him and all his evil works. However, our greatest adversary is also our greatest ally – it just depends on how we use it. I’m talking about our minds!

The one thing God won’t do is force us to do things against our will. He won’t force us to accept His wonderful gift of salvation, even if it means we will eventually go to hell, and He won’t force us to accept His blessings that He is pouring out in this life either. We must willfully accept all of His provisions for them to work in our lives.

So how do we move the mind from an adversary to an ally? The answer is simple; it’s by what we consider. Our mind is much like the computer I am using to message with right now. It can only produce on screen or in memory what I input. It becomes our responsibility to input the correct information.

Today’s image is called a “screen saver”. When downloaded, properly input, it will be embedded in the computer’s memory and bring enjoyment until it is removed. We can do the same with our minds; input the good and delete what is contrary to God’s character.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

We let God’s word be our input and then our minds will be renewed. We should be considering what life will be like in heaven and all that Jesus did to provide this for us – if that’s our focus, we won’t have time to be “considering” thoughts that are contrary to God’s way of thinking.

“You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

It’s imperative that we guard our minds more than we guard our wallets. The damage caused by wrong thinking is more detrimental than losing our cash. In fact, it’s very similar to spiritual identity theft. Thinking like the world thinks will keep us from realizing all the wonderful blessings that God has provided.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5

So, counteract the world’s influence today and live out this verse. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

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Changing Times

Last week I ordered some new calendar pages for my Day-Timer. Do you remember the helpful, organizational calendars called Day-Timer?

I like to see things written down in front of me. Not in my phone or on my laptop, I need something I can flip open and see the month, change things as needed, move them to another day if necessary. Yes, I guess I’m old fashioned.

Well, the pages came, and I spent a good portion of yesterday morning adding birthdays, anniversaries, doctor appointments, etc. Today I’ll enter work dates and activities. As I flipped the pages it made me realize how quickly time is passing.

Even my morning routine is changing. Dave and I have been walking in the cool mornings. However, for the last several mornings we’ve had to wait a bit: it’s been too dark. I lament because walking at 6 a.m. still gives me time to get home, eat a bite, shower and be to work on time.

Yes, time is changing.

It’s changing spiritually too.

“You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. 2 People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, 3 heartless, and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything good. 4 They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. 5 Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won’t be real. Don’t have anything to do with such people.” II Timothy 3:1-5 CEV

Those of us who know Christ sense that His return is near.

“This same Jesus Who was taken from you into heaven will return in the same way you saw Him go up into heaven.” Acts 1:11b NLV

He promised when He left earth that he would come back again and take those of us who are alive to heaven with Him. That day is coming. When? We don’t know for certain, but we are told to watch the signs.

“When you hear about wars and riots, don’t be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but this isn’t the end. 10 Nations will go to war against one another, and kingdoms will attack each other. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in many places people will starve to death and suffer terrible diseases. All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.” Luke 21:9-11 CEV

Those are Jesus’ words. The message is not one of fear but one of hope.

” When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Luke 21:28 ERV

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 … I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.” John 14:1-3 CEV

There isn’t a date we can put on the calendar.

“ But no one knows the day or the hour. No! Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows.” Matthew 24:36 NLV

The heart of every Christian should be excited. The times they are a changing and the Lord is coming soon!!

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Encouragement for Seniors

When I was a girl, I loved to hear the stories of David the shepherd boy, young Samuel, Esther the girl chosen to be queen and Mary the young Jewish girl called to be the mother of Jesus.

It was important for me to know that the Lord used young people; they had an important role in Biblical history. The Apostle Paul even told Timothy “Let no one despise your youth”.

Then there are those middle-aged giants of faith, Naomi, King David, Solomon, Isaiah, Daniel, Peter, James, Luke and Paul. They had such strength of body and strength of character. It’s easy to see how they made an impact on their world.

But now that I’m in my seventies, it’s encouraging to know that God has a plan for the senior generation as well. The picture I used today is of the cedars of Lebanon that the Bible frequently talks about. Read to the end and see why this stately tree is an example to us.

Moses was 80 years old when he went to pharaoh and demanded that the Israelites be released from bondage. He died at 120.

“ Moses was 120 years old when he died. He was as strong as ever, and his eyes were still good.” Deuteronomy 34:7 ERV

Joshua took over for Moses at the age of 80 and led the people of Israel in to conqueror the promised land. He was a mighty leader and so was Caleb who had walked side by side with Joshua for the last 40 years.

Some mornings I get up with those little aches and pains like many my age experience. Some mornings it more intense than others – you know what I mean. But, each day I get up with praise in my heart and thanksgiving on my lips for all the Father has done and is doing in my life. I am blessed with strength, health, a sound mind, a pretty strong body and God has given me wisdom, hope and joy.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

I’ve said all of this to encourage you, no matter what your age, God has a purpose and plan for us at each stage of our lives. I want to share with you what I read in the Psalms, and I pray that it speaks to you as it spoke to me.

“It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High! 2 It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are...12 Good people will prosper like palm trees, and they will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 They will take root in your house, Lord God, and they will do well. 14 They will be like trees that stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. 15 And they will say about you, ‘The Lord always does right! God is our mighty rock.'” Psalm 92:1,2, 12-15 CEV

Healthy and fruitful, strong and prosperous even when we are old. We will say “the Lord always does right”. We have a testimony that those younger have yet to fully understand. With length of years comes a confidence and a trust that the Lord ALWAYS does right. He is faithful.

Waking up this morning means that God has something planned for us to do. Let’s do it with a grateful heart and begin by telling others about His love!

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Live Long Enough

Do those words resonate with you?

What is it that you want to live long enough to see or to do? Quite a few years back the term “bucket list” became popular. Maybe you have one. Has it changed through the years?

As I was reading the Psalms this morning this is what I read. Somehow, it seems appropriate for this Mother’s Day weekend.

“How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.

5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!” Psalm 128 NLT

I will share the last verse of this Psalm from Contemporary English Version (CEV).

“6 May you live long enough to see your grandchildren. Let’s pray for peace in Israel!” Psalm 128:6 CEV

Live long enough.

Long enough to be an influence in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Live long enough to impact them by our relationship with the Lord and live long enough to lead them to faith and encourage them to have their own personal relationship with the Father.

“I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith.” II Timothy 1:5 ERV

Timothy was a young preacher, a protege of the Apostle Paul. Paul gave honor to his mother and grandmother who had been influential in Timothy’s life of faith.

I cherish the time with our grandchildren. Some are grown and others are just starting out. We even have one great granddaughter. There is nothing so sweet as holding them in my arms, praying with them and praying over them.

It’s just as sweet as when the phone rings or a text comes in that says “Mom I need you to pray”.

We have prayed for each one of them, children, grandchildren plus greats, since the day we knew they were conceived. Praying for their protection and health; praying for them to know God.

“You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb. 16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

My maternal grandfather had the nick name of “Preacher”. I never met him; he died the day I was born but my mother and grandmother both told me that he prayed for me when he knew my mom was pregnant. I feel that was his legacy to me.

May we live long enough to impart God’s unconditional love to those we cherish and hold most dear!

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No Law Against It

By now I hope your garden is well planted. Seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. 24 And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 CEV

Planting God’s word in a heart of good soil is always an effort that brings good results.

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. 23 The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and understand the message. They produce as much as 100 or 60 or 30 times what was planted.” Matthew 13:22-23 CEV

I hope you have written down our “seed” verses over the last several days. We need to keep them fresh in our memory so that our hearts continue to bear fruit – some 30, some 60 and some 100 times as much.

The Apostle Paul tells us that there is no law against these characteristics that Christ develops in our lives. But his message stirred up hatred, jealousy, and anger in the hearts of some who heard it. No one was ever arrested or maligned for doing good and righteous things. However, Paul was beaten and imprisoned for sharing God’s love by those who were convicted by his stand for Christ.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. 8 Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.” II Timothy 1:7-8 CEV

Standing strong is the real test of the seed, or what God is developing in our lives. A tree withstands the storms of life. The rain, wind, lightning, hail, frost and snow. It stands resilient in the face of hardship. It’s rooted deep.

“ But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.” Colossians 1:23 CEV

We must stand guard so that the weeds – the cares and anxieties of life – don’t choke out the seed.

“ Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 5 Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:4-7 CEV

Paul wasn’t arrested because of the good he did. Jesus wasn’t crucified because of the miracles He performed and the compassion He showed. Persecution and death came because of the hatred in men’s hearts.

Will we be tested and face trials in our stand for Christ? Yes, yes we will. But just like Paul, Peter, John, James and Jesus our fruit will continue to produce as long as we don’t let weeds of bitterness and self-pity choke it out.

There is no law against God’s love.

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A Day to Remember

What do you think of when you see the date, December 7th, on the calendar? How many still remember “the day that will live in infamy”?

I took this picture, years ago, at our home in northern Idaho. It was a reminder of those who fought and died for our freedom. Those who died in a war to secure the shores of our nation and also the One who died to bring us spiritual freedom.

Will the generations to come remember the sacrifice of those who died at Pearl Harbor?

The bigger question is will they remember the One who came as a babe, lived a sinless life and died, becoming the spotless sacrifice for our sins?

We are a people who tend to forget.

“While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21 NLV

A day to remember. Do you remember the day? when Jesus saved you from your sins?

“ I was near Damascus. All at once, about noon, I saw a bright light from heaven shining around me. 7 I fell to the ground. A voice said to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you work so hard against Me?’ 8 I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the One you are working against.’” Acts 22:6-8 NLV

Now, my salvation story isn’t as dramatic as the Apostle Paul’s, but I remember. I was a little girl in church on a Sunday evening. I really don’t remember what the preacher said however I knew I wanted Jesus to come live in my heart. I walked forward at the end of the service and Mrs. Turner talked with me about the importance of what I was doing and then she prayed with me to receive Christ.

“Remember this! Jesus Christ, Who was born from the early family of David, was raised from the dead! This is the Good News I preach.” II Timothy 2:8 NLV

A day to remember.

There are so many memories attached to the Christmas season. Songs of joy, celebrations with family and friends, family traditions and activities from Christmases past come flooding in.

May I encourage us all to take time to reflect (remember) the day that Christmas became more about the Person instead of the presents.

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No Expiration

Maintaining a grateful and thankful heart is proof that the Holy Spirit is working in us. Knowing that God has blessed us with our talents and natural abilities, our strengths, our health, our relationships and our finances keeps gratitude fresh.

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father and as we thank Him for these things we are kept from self-centeredness and the idea that we have things because we are so darn special.

The Apostle Paul warns us of the attitudes that will surface as we come to the “last days” – it certainly sounds like it could come from any newspaper or police blotter across the nation.

“Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. 2 People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults. They will not obey their parents. They will be ungrateful and against all that is pleasing to God. 3 They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.” II Timothy 3:1-3 ERV

Has gratitude expired? Has thankfulness become like a jug of milk that has sat in the refrigerator for too long?

There are expiration dates on warranties, coupons, credit cards, canned goods. However, there are some things that never expire. There is no expiration date on God’s mercy!

Whew!

I know that I don’t mess up as much as I once did but still there are screw ups, failures, and downright disobedience. It is so comforting to know that His mercy endures forever.

“The Lord is our God, and he has given us light! Start the celebration! March with palm branches all the way to the altar. 28 The Lord is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. 29 Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.” Psalm 118:27-29 CEV

In this chapter we find the phrase “because he is kind and always merciful” five times or as it says in the King James version “his mercy endureth forever”.

No expiration dates. Mercy is the act of forgiving or restoring when we’ve done nothing to deserve it. God has every right to judge us harshly for the things we’ve done, and He doesn’t! Now that’s a lot to be thankful for.

I hope you will read the rest of this chapter in its’ entirety. It’s a wonderful chapter of praise but before I close this morning I will add these few verses from the beginning of the chapter.

“Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout, ‘God is always merciful!’ 5 When I was really hurting, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. 6 The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. 7 With the Lord on my side, I will defeat all of my hateful enemies. 8 It is better to trust the Lord for protection than to trust anyone else, 9 including strong leaders.” Psalms 118:4-9 CEV

God is always merciful. Don’t let your gratitude expired.

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Well Done

Yesterday we attended a Veteran’s Day Service. Most of the men there had served in the Viet Nam War as they spoke of their service their voices cracked and their eyes filled with tears. They had been faithful to their calling, and they returned home. But some they knew did not.

It was a time to celebrate them and to thank them for their sacrifice on our behalf.

Last week we were at the racetrack with our daughter and son-in-love. As we sang the National Anthem, our hands on our hearts, I looked at Austin and my heart swelled with pride. My throat tightened and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for his service. As soon as the anthem finished, I had to hug him tightly and tell him thank you, once again, for his service and his sacrifice.

Today is the day we honor all veterans. Those who have served, some have fought in conflict, others have stood guard during times of peace, but they were all dedicated to one common goal – the protection of our country and our freedoms.

“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.” II Timothy 2:3-4 AMP

We, too, have enlisted for service. We have been called to fight the good fight of faith. We are standing, in this life, as the occupational forces representing a king and a kingdom, the kingdom of God.

Our uniform fits us for battle; we are clothed in the full armor of God. We have a helmet of salvation, a shield of faith, a breastplate of righteousness, our midsection is covered by truth, the boots on our feet are the gospel of peace and we have a sword of the Spirit in our hands.

The One who leads us has been beaten and bruised. His hands and feet were pierced through; He gave up His life to save us all and then He rose from the dead to enforce the defeat of His conqueror enemy.

“God took away the power of the leaders of this world and the powers of darkness. He showed them to the world. The battle was won over them through Christ.” Colossians 2:15 NLV

Those of us who are standing here will one day be called home from duty and when we are we will hear our commanding officer say, “‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care. Come and share my joy.’” Matthew 25:23 NLV

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Grateful for Peace

Last night I was talking with a group of friends and I reminded them that the Lord is committed to our peace.

All through Scripture we are instructed to fear not – be not afraid. Fear is the enemy of faith and it is the robber of peace.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

In the beginning, man was created “fear free” but once they were deceived by the serpent they became “fear full”.

“Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man. He said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And the man said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden. I was afraid because I was without clothes. So I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 NLV

God dispelled that fear and reassuringly covered them with His love and protection.

“ And the Lord God made clothes of skins for Adam and his wife, and dressed them.” Genesis 3:21 NLV

The blood that was shed for their sin came from an animal; the blood that covers ours comes from Christ. It’s that total forgiveness that brings us peace.

“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV

When fear bombards us, and it will, how do we combat it?

“Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ” Colossians 3:2 NLV

“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

If there was anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be assailed by fear it would be Paul. He had been stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, threatened, lashed with 39 stripes and many other perils. (Read II Corinthians 11) In spite of it all, he is the one who penned those words above.

He knew that having a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness and love drives out fear and brings peace to any situation.

“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Be grateful, be filled with God’s joy and peace!

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How Do I Know?

A question that many ask is “How do I know the right thing to do”. I think that’s a question often asked more by the younger generation; they don’t have experience to draw from.

However, we older folks are faced with some of the same questions. That’s where today’s verses come in. King David, as a young man, knew it was right to stand for God and defeat Goliath. Later in life, he knew that adultery and murder were wrong but in weakness he did both.

Here are his writings:

“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:8-14 NLT

Our children learn right from wrong through obedience and discipline. We often learn the same lessons through experience. God’s plan is one of blessing – He wants us to learn through obeying and trusting His word.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

The Lord wants us to follow His word and walk in obedience to Him, but the choice is ours. Joshua had led the Israelites into the promised land from the wilderness. He had led them in many battles, defeating the ungodly armies in the land of Canaan. As they began settling the land in peace Joshua gave them this instruction.

“So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15 NLT

As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

Choice – it’s a matter of choice. But how do we know?

“ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

God isn’t unfair – He doesn’t leave us wondering what is right or wrong, He says the testimonies of the Lord are true, making wise the simple. If we follow His word we’ll never have to ask, “How do I know”!

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