Category: II Timothy

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It’s Ok to Say “Help”

Yesterday was the busiest day for receiving campers, the first day of a holiday weekend!

We thought we were prepared for the influx but it exceeded our imagination. Over 80 camping families arrived in the afternoon. All needed to be greeted, checked in and reminded of a few rules of the campground.

13+ campers an hour for six hours. Works out to one every 4 minutes. Whoa!

Dave and I couldn’t have done it on our own. We are so thankful for the team that we are a part of. The other host couples jumped in to help with the work. Some cleaned bathrooms while others collected license plate numbers and helped keep the line of campers and trailers flowing smoothly.

Praise God! What a blessing.

“I call to God, I cry to God to help me. From his palace he hears my call; my cry brings me right into his presence— a private audience!” Psalm 18:6 MSG

I was blessed with a good night’s sleep but my body was weary when I woke. Have you ever been there? I prayed and said “Father, help me. Help me to be ready for this day. Strengthen me so that I will be a testimony of your love”.

“The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 ERV

The Father blesses us with strength for our minds, our emotions and our bodies. He has never intended for us to go through this life without His strength. He gives it freely. He wants us to depend on Him.

Jesus said “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened down. I will give you rest.”

Remember, it’s ok to ask for help. When we ask, He provides!

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It Takes Effort

This has been a very challenging morning…let me tell you a story.

The year is 1988, the place is Glendale, AZ. I had just been hired as the administrative assistant to the Dean of Students at a local community college. I was in charge of bringing the Student Handbook up to date and inputting all the information into the new computer program.

In our office was an older woman, thinking about it, she was probably the age I am now. She had worked for the community college for many years. She had no computer skills and so she had been transferred to our department where she could answer phones and have some student interaction.

On rare occasions she would need to log on to the computer and input some travel information. It was obvious that she dreaded this, and her frustration and temper would both rise.

One of the students found a poster, which they purchased and hung in our office, right next to her desk. “Hit Any Key”! She got a good chuckle out of that, we all did. This morning I felt like that sweet lady and the duck on the poster.

I have been battling this “wonderful piece of technology” in my lap for an hour and a half. I have tried to maintain a godly attitude and I have certainly been praying without ceasing. When I stopped to get my second cup of coffee these words came to mind, “study to be approved”.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 KJV

“Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.” II Timothy 2:15 NLV

For the last 30+ years my daily challenge is to spend more time focused on God’s word than on anything else. I don’t mean I sit and read the Bible for hours at a time and ignore the other daily responsibilities. No, I do the regular and the routine but in all that I do I want to see God’s word at work. I want to know my life and my attitudes are being molded by His word.

We should certainly apply as much effort to our spiritual growth as we do to improving our skill sets for work and recreation. It takes time to become proficient in computer skills, leather working, baking, driving a car, photography, flying a plane…

May I encourage you again to look for God in everything. Be teachable. Apply His word to every situation. Yes, it takes effort but being God-minded will keep you from picking up a sledgehammer and striking out.

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“P’s” in a Pod

One of the things our grandchildren enjoy doing when they come is filling the bird feeder. Then they sit back, quietly, and watch for the birds come.

On one of their visits we ran out of bird seed. It was then they discovered the seeds which were in the pods which fell from the Palo Verde trees. They would crack the pods and save the seeds for Pappy, Dave, to put in the bird feeder. On Friday, they introduced this discovery to their two-year-old sister.

Who knew looking for seeds in a pod could be so much fun?

This morning in my Bible reading I felt like my three littlest grandchildren. I was discovering, or rediscovering, the p’s in the pod of God’s word. I would like to share with you what I found.

  • Power – “God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:20 NLV
  • Peace – “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 4:7 NLV
  • Provision – “The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.” Psalms 23:1 NLV
  • Protection – “ I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NLV
  • Praise – “ Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!” Psalm 150:2 NLV
  • Purpose – “He is the One Who saved us from the punishment of sin. He is the One Who chose us to do His work. It is not because of anything we have done. But it was His plan from the beginning that He would give us His loving-favor through Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 1:9 NLV

I started thanking the Lord for the wonderful blessings of His word and it seemed that each new thing I was thanking Him for began with a p. It caused my heart to chuckle, much like the laughter I heard from our grandchildren as they discovered more and more pods to break open.

I hope I never lose the excitement of opening God’s word and finding these little treasures. I also hope this is an encouragement for you, keep looking for the Father’s promises.

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Pursuit of …

I have a question for you. What are you pursuing or on the reverse side of that question, what’s pursuing you?

The first answer that may come to mind is happiness. However, happiness is always changing. What made me happy at 20 is far from what makes me happy now. Some are in pursuit of a good education. Noble goal – it takes dedication, determination and deliberation.

There are those who pursue love. Admirable. We all have a desire to be loved but even that will fall short of expectation if we aren’t diligent and willing to give our all.

Being pursued isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I recall a time when I was little and being pursued by the neighbor’s billy goat. I just wanted to pet him, but he had other ideas. When I realized that his pursuit of me was not going to end well, I ran. I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me but it wasn’t fast enough. I was still butted in the bottom.

There is a pursuit that is beneficial and attainable by everyone.

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” Psalm 34:13-15 ESV

Truth and peace are godly pursuits. Doing good is a goal we should all seek to accomplish.

“ …pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22 ESV

The Lord has given us all a dream, a passion in life. When we let Him lead, when we follow His direction, our pursuit with end well.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

Trust the Lord with your pursuits!

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Not Today!

This morning’s blog came with great emphasis in my heart this morning – no fear, not today!

All through the night a song from Sunday’s worship service kept running through my mind. It was published by Bethel Music, just last year, (I must give credit where credit is due), “No Longer Slaves”.

From my mother’s womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again to a family
Your blood flows through my veins

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

Fear can be paralyzing; fear can be demoralizing; it robs the richness of life – an abundant life that Christ came to give us.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

“ God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

Every day we are bombarded with fearful reports. “There’s a storm coming; the crime rate is up; the newest COVID cases; inflation; shortage on the grocery store shelves…and the list goes on.

NO!! Not today! I will not be a slave to fear, I am God’s child and He is my protector and my provision.

Not today! I am with the Shepherd and He uses His rod to beat back my enemies!

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.” Psalm 23:4 CEV

Not today! God is with us; He will protect us!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Not today! Christ is in control!

“Don’t be afraid! I am the first, the last, 18 and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead.” Revelation 1:17-18 CEV

Not today, dear friend – you are God’s child and He has promised to never leave you!!

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On Solid Ground

Where are you standing today? Is your footing sure?

Hiking the hills, it’s imperative that you know where your next step needs to be. The terrain is covered with undergrowth and brush and the rocky ground can cause your foot to give way without any notice.

The same holds true in life.

If you are standing on a unsure foundation undoubtedly you will slip and fall. But when the foundation is sure, you are secure.

“But the foundation that God has laid is solid. On it is written, “The Lord knows who his people are. So everyone who worships the Lord must turn away from evil.” II Timothy 2:19 CEV

Jesus referred to a house on a solid foundation (rock) in a parable and then went on to say that the rock was the Word of God.

“Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me 48 is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake. 49 But anyone who hears what I say and doesn’t obey me is like someone whose house wasn’t built on solid rock. As soon as the river rushed against that house, it was smashed to pieces!” Luke 6:47-49 CEV

I love the old hymn that says the same. It was written by a man named Edward Mote in the 1800’s – it has a very true message for today.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale ,My anchor holds within the veil. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

When we put our hope and trust in Jesus, we will find our footing is secure on the Solid Rock!

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Which Child Are You?

About a week ago now, we had an interesting FaceTime call with our youngest daughter and three youngest grandchildren. It was so good to see all their faces.

However, each one of them had a different reaction to seeing Besta and Pappy on screen. Our youngest wanted to be the one holding the screen, kissing our faces and touching us.

Our grandson, who had just been picked up at school, wanted us to see all his papers with his good grades. He wanted us to see how much he was learning.

Our middle granddaughter was shy and didn’t want to be on camera. She peeked at us occasionally but was happy to be tucked out of view behind her Momma.

Those three reactions got me to thinking about how we relate in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Some of us are so grateful for all He has done for us. We are constantly praising Him and expressing our love.

“44 He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.” Luke 7:44-47 CEV

Then, there are those of us who do all we can to encourage others and see that we are walking in all that the Father has planned for us. We aren’t serving the Father to gain His love, we already have that. We want Him to know that we are doing our best with all we have.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 NIV

And finally, there are some of us who are timid and shy when it comes to our relationship with the Father. We are uncertain about coming into His presence. We need to be coaxed and encouraged. We need to be reassured that the Father’s presence is a safe place and we can be ourselves.

“16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

What a great example these three little ones were to me!

I have been like all three of them in my relationship with the Lord. So, let me ask you…which child are you?

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Some Gave All

“As a good soldier of Christ Jesus, accept your share of the troubles we have. 4 A soldier wants to please his commanding officer, so he does not spend any time on activities that are not a part of his duty.” II Timothy 2:3-4 ERV

As we draw near to Independence Day, my heart is filled with gratitude for all those who have served selflessly in our military. The gift of freedom that they have fought and died to preserve is priceless.

Valley Forge. Battle of New Orleans. Shiloh. Gettysburg. The Alamo. San Juan Hill. Flanders Field. Pearl Harbor. Normandy. Korea. Viet Nam. Desert Storm. Iran. Afghanistan.

These battles have tested our country’s resolve almost to the breaking point and still our flag waves.

I love this country and I’m patriotic and proud to call America my home. I don’t approve of some of the things that have been done in this nation, but I still believe there is no better place on earth to live.

Dave and I watch lots of movies on the history of our country. We want to know the legacy of the men and women who fought so valiantly to protect the freedoms we have. The other day we watched one on the Battle of San Juan Hill.

It was July 1, 1898, one hundred twenty-three years ago, when our forces went to Cuba to stop the tyranny of Spain in that country. Over 140 men died and another 1000+ were wounded. The American men were greatly outnumbered by their enemies’ forces, but they fought on to liberate the Cuba nationals.

Sad to say but our nation’s brave history isn’t talked about much anymore. I, for one want to use this weekend as a time of remembrance and resolve. I proudly display the red, white and blue of our flag and stand to sing our national anthem.

I am thankful that God saw fit to see that I was born in such a land – a land of the free and home to the brave.

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night with a light from above

From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans white with foam

God bless America
My home, sweet home

Thank a soldier for their service and thank God for our freedom!

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Behind Closed Gates

The last few days have been filled with much activity. Moving from one campground to the next. Breaking camp and setting up again, all the while wondering how long this temporary relocation will be.

We are here with the hosts of nine different campgrounds. We are safe and that is what is important. There have been many words of encouragement, hugs and conversations regarding our current circumstances.

Do you remember the old western movies when people traveled by wagon train from St. Louis to “the West”? We are neighbors depending on neighbors, assisting where we can – providing extra muscle in lifting heavy bar-b-ques or ice chests, providing an extra stick of butter for a cake or just offering a chair under the awning for a chance to visit.

We are not certain of what each day will bring but we are here together. 

“…But God is your teacher, and he will not continue to hide from you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. 21 If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Isaiah 30:20-21 ERV

Dave has helped me and we believe we have found a place, not far from our campground, where we can drive and get a signal that allows me to post this blog each morning. It has definitely been a trial and error process.  But if this morning is successful then we should be able to continue with this plan for as long as needed.

I want to encourage each one of us to always be ready to share the love of Jesus in each day’s circumstance. It is important that we are prepared to give an account for the peace and assurance that we have in Jesus.

“Tell everyone God’s message. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed. Tell peple what they need to do, tell them when they are doing wrong, and encourage them. Do this with great patience and careful teaching.” II Timothy 4:2 ERV

It is a joy to share with you all each morning. I’ve missed it the last couple of days!

I am praying for all of you and trust that your faith and trust in the Lord is growing each day.

“ You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

This is a day filled with many opportunities. Follow the Lord’s leading and be a blessing.

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I Know…

I know:

  1. the artist of this wonderful landscape
  2. the author of the world’s best seller
  3. the world’s largest cattle rancher
  4. the wisest man in the world
  5. the most compassionate person to have ever walked the earth
  6. Him and I call Him Father

Some times we get so focused on what we don’t know we forget to center in on Who we know.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

When feelings of inadequacy come, and they will, it’s important that we are firmly established in who we are in Christ.

The Apostle Paul writes that we are complete in Christ, having everything we need!

He couldn’t have written this if it weren’t true. That’s the thing about the Bible, every verse is true. God doesn’t allow any exaggeration, half-truth, misrepresentation or bald-faced lie of His word. He pointed these things out everytime someone acted in such a way.

“You have known the Holy Scriptures since you were a child. These Scriptures are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17 Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17 ERV

God’s word provides us with all we need for every situation but there is one catch. Ready? We have to read it to know what’s in it. Simple but true.

“My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me.” Hosea 4:6 NLT

Let’s put it this way. If someone put $10,000 in your checking account but you didn’t know it, you would continue to operate on the balance you thought was available. But once you went on-line to view your account or received your statement in the mail your outlook would be entirely different. You would probably contact the bank to verify that the deposit was actually meant for you and not fradulent but once assured of that you would spend and/or save the money because it is rightfully yours.

God has given us something so much greater than that. He has given us Himself and placed all of who He is in Christ for our benefit! Reading His word gives us that knowledge.

There’s one more thing I feel you should know before I close:

“For I know that nothing can keep us from the love of God. Death cannot! Life cannot! Angels cannot! Leaders cannot! Any other power cannot! Hard things now or in the future cannot! 39 The world above or the world below cannot! Any other living thing cannot keep us away from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NLV

And now, you know too!

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