Category: II Timothy

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When Birds Sing

Have you ever experienced one of those life lessons that no matter how old you are or how much time has past it is still as fresh in your mind as it was the day you first learned it? If you have then you know where I was last night.

Dave and I are enjoying our time away so much. It’s very relaxing and we keep telling each other how blessed we are to be here. Yesterday we moved our fifth wheel trailer to a new camp site right above the lake.

After we were set up we sat for most of the morning in the sunshine just taking in the beauty. However, not too long after lunch the clouds rolled in and with them came a light wind. By four o’clock it was a strong wind so we came inside to observe the beauty through our picture window. Normally, desert wind dies down after sunset but not last night. It got stronger and stronger.

Now to the memory.

During our summers working in Iowa we had a number of occasions when the winds were fierce and were accompanied by tornado warnings. Tornados were not something this Arizona/Montana girl had ever experienced. The first few times I was almost overcome with fear.

I would lay awake in bed praying for them to pass. Every nerve in my body seemed to be on high alert. I could not and would not allow myself to give in to the fear.

“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

Eventually I came to the point where I could sleep through those stormy nights, resting confidently in the peace that God gave. The lesson I learned during that time was to listen to the birds. As long as the birds were singing in the trees and gathering bugs in the grass things were ok. Birds will seek shelter in a storm and they will begin singing as soon as it is over.

“Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those
who truly love you and let them rejoice. 12 Our Lord, you bless thosewho live right, and you shield them with your kindness.” Psalm 5:11-12 CEV

Dave didn’t know how badly this all bothered me until I told him last night. Those physical storms taught me to trust God’s protection, they taught me that I could always depend on His word.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLT

God’s word will be our firm foundation in life’s storms. His teachings will keep us from collaspe. The Lord provides us with His covering and we will be able to sing with joy, just like the birds, when the storm has past.

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Have A Great Day!

What are you considering today? What we focus on effects our emotions and our actions. We can get up with our mind filled with thoughts of joy or thoughts of dread and those thoughts will dictate our day.

I plan to have a great day, I hope you do too.

Our most powerful adversary as Christians is not the devil. He was defeated when Jesus rose from the grave 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!

God won’t 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 the blessings that He is providing for us 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. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

When we let God’s word be our input our minds will have a better way of thinking. I love what I heard one pastor say, “Get rid of stinkin thinkin”.

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

Counteract the world’s influence today and live this “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

We can make our day great by concentrating on all that God has done for us!

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Keep the Power On

We have two lamps in our home on timer switches. The one in my office comes on at 3:30 each morning. The one in the living room comes on at 4:30. I depend on these lamps – they light the room as I sit at my computer every morning and share my thoughts with you. One illuminates the area around my chair and the adjacent tabletop where I do my Bible reading and the other beams with a warm glow of welcome to the day.

It’s important for me to keep the power on.

Sometimes when we have overnight guests the lamps, inadvertently, get turned off. We try to make sure and tell everyone not to turn them off, “they will go off automatically”. Occasionally those words are forgotten and the lights go out when the last person heads to bed. We sleep the night in peaceful slumber but in the morning, at the anticipated time, there is no light. The lamp has lost its connection with its source of power.

Over the last few weeks I feel that many in our country and around the world have also experienced at power disconnect. Worry and anxiety have caused a power outage. Things have gone black in many hearts and homes. People have begun to stumble and emotions have fallen. It seems there is very little light at the end of the tunnel. It’s up to us to encourage them.

It’s up to us to keep the power on.

“That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. 7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:6-7 ERV

We have all been given specific gifts from God; some of us love to help others, some have a deep and enduring compassion, some bring joy, others teach and encourage, while others have an ability to provide strong leadership. Whatever the gift we’ve been given we need to utilize the power, love and self-control that God’s Spirit has placed within us.

Jesus said that we should be lights to the world. God has placed His light within us and its purpose is much like the brilliant beam of a light house. The light that shines from us helps direct others to a place of safety; it guides them through the trouble waters and keeps them off the rocks.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

Even with our social distancing we can still give light to our family, friends and neighbors. Be a beacon of God’s amazing love and comfort. Shine brightly with encouragement and kindness, direct others to the safety and protection that we find in the Lord. Don’t let worry and fear turn off the power.

Keep the power on!

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A Sound Mind

I just figured we could all use some encouragement from God’s word today on not becoming fearful or irrational. And if this message isn’t for you personally, maybe it’s for you to share with a co-worker, family member, neighbor or friend.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 KJV

“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 CEV

These are the same verse taken from different translations. I think you get the point, God wants us to put our trust in Him instead of giving place to fear.

The word “sound” is used as an adjective in this verse. Here is the definition I found: in good condition; not damaged, injured, or diseased. This is a word that is often used when referring to the physical condition of a horse. He’s sound – that means he’s in good shape, nothing wrong, strong.

We need some good sound thinking and there’s no better place to find it than in God’s word. We need to do the practical things that are being recommended to prevent the spread of this virus – washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, etc. This is good personal hygiene and we should have been doing this all along. But God doesn’t want us being overcome by fear. That’s not His plan.

“You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety. 10 So nothing bad will happen to you.  No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:9-11 ERV

Use wisdom. Use knowledge. Be safe and free from fear!

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Grateful for Freedom

I am really glad that our nation recognizes the service, dedication and sacrifice of our service members. We owe an invaluable debt to the men and women who have committed their lives to military service.

Thank you!

A soldier does what the commanding officer says without question or complaint. A soldier goes where they are assigned and does what they are told. They drill constantly while preparing for engagement and follow orders regarding all areas of their military life; eating, sleeping, uniform and tactics. This requires discipline, dedication and selflessness.

“Put up with your share of hardship as a loyal soldier in Christ’s army. Remember: 1) That no soldier on active service gets himself entangled in business, or he will not please his commanding officer. 2) A man who enters an athletic contest wins no prize unless he keeps the rules laid down. 3) Only the man who works on the land has the right to the first share of its produce. Consider these three illustrations of mine and the Lord will help you to understand all that I mean.” II Timothy 2:3-7 Phillips

As we say thank you to our veterans today let me remind you that we too enlisted in service. Each and every one of us who champion the name Christian are also called to be soldiers of faith. We follow the lead of our Commander as we go through basic training and AIT. We are training to serve and protect those believers and unbelievers around us who aren’t ready to take on the enemy. We’ve been called to warfare and if we battle as we were trained we will be able to say “Thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph.”

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Turning Pages

This morning I was aware of how much I love picking up my Bible, opening to a book, reading the words and turning the pages. There’s just something about actually having the Bible in my hand that encourages and comforts. It brings me joy!

That’s not to say that I don’t use the on-line Bible apps. You know I do! But they are clinical, study tools, research. My physical, leather-bound, underlined, notes- in-margin Bible is my personal heart connection with the Father.

When I was a little girl in Sunday School we had Bible drills. Did you ever do that? The Sunday School teachers called them sword drills. We would close our Bibles, hands on the cover, and then the teacher would give a verse reference and say “go”. The first kid to find the verse would stand and read it aloud. Those sword drills got us familiar with where the different books were in our Bibles.

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT

We memorized the books of the Bible in published order, Genesis to Revelation. We learned which books were in the Old Testament and which were in the New and we learned why there was a difference between the two. We were taught who wrote the books under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and some of the back story behind the authors.

“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

Have you ever noticed how little children love to have someone read to them? They want to hold the book, look at the pictures, turn the pages…they love to sit on our laps and be involved. Some of my favorite times with my kids and now with my grandchildren is story time. We can read and turn a page but very shortly they want to go back and read it again. We have to look at the pictures and absorb the story!

That’s how I feel when I read my Bible.

I want to live the words written on the pages. Its God’s word to me – it’s personal, very personal.

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. 99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. 100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. 101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. 102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. 103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:97-103 NLT

Once when Jesus was teaching, speaking God’s word, the whole crowd got upset with Him and walked away. Jesus asked his disciples if they were going to leave too. Here’s their response:

“Then Jesus said to the twelve followers, “Will you leave Me also?” 68 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, who else can we go to? You have words that give life that lasts forever. 69 We believe and know You are the Christ. You are the Son of the Living God.” John 6:67-69 NLV

These are the words of life – not just for life after we die but for our life here on earth. They are our daily instruction and encouragement.

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT

Turn the page, read on, we find God’s love written in the whole of Scripture. No other book has stood the test of time – it is the true and living Word of God.

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalm 119:165 NLV

Turn the Page – the story continues!

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Standing Trial

I’ve never been on trial in a courtroom. It must be a desperate feeling to know that you are innocent and have to prove that.

I was reading a few days back some words the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy.

“The first time I defended myself, no one helped me. Everyone left me. I pray that God will forgive them. 17 But the Lord stayed with me. The Lord gave me strength so that I could tell the Good News everywhere. He wanted all those who are not Jews to hear that Good News. So I was saved from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me. He will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen.” II Timothy 4:16-18 ERV

Paul was on trial a number of times. Each time he was falsely accused and people had been paid to lie so that Paul would be convicted. He says here that everyone left him BUT the Lord stayed with him. Being alone can be a hopeless feeling BUT having the Lord with you brings strength, peace and victory.

Look at Paul’s words – I was saved – He brings me to safety. Praise the Lord!

As I said, I have never been on trial in a courtroom but I have been on trial in the court of public opinion. I’ve had people speak against me, try to defame me and ruin my reputation. Some of the lies cut so deep and the wounds were so severe that I wondered if I would recover.

BUT the Lord stayed with me!

“When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don’t worry about what you will say. 12 The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 ERV

The Holy Spirit is with us at all times and He is our teacher, our comforter and our counsellor. We can trust Him to be our defense.

I’m not sure what you are going through but someone needs to hear this this morning because you feel as if you are on trial and life’s witnesses have lied about you. Be encouraged.

The Lord stayed with you!

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The Value of Inheritance

Yesterday morning as I was cleaning house my mind began to think about the inheritance we have as followers of Christ. Strange, right?

Have you seen those shows where people are sought out by someone from a law firm? Someone has died and named them in the will as a beneficiary of their estate. It’s always a feel good story…someone down on their luck, scrapping to get by and then there’s this knock at the door. “We’re so glad we found you! Our client died and you have been left one hundred thousand dollars.” Tears flow, the music swells and there’s lots of hugging.

Or what about those websites you can visit to see if you have any unclaimed money? You know the ones the States have to publish by law so they can return refunds to people; things like utility deposits, inheritances, tax rebates, etc. It’s fun to wonder if someone somewhere has left us something.

They have!

That someone is God, the Father. When Christ died, his will or covenant was initiated and we, who became Christians, are the beneficiaries of the will. We have an inheritance!

“15 I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings (inheritance) that will be yours together with all of God’s people.” Ephesians 1:15-18 CEV

“His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy.

12 I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised (inheritance) his people in the kingdom of light. 13 God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who forgives our sins and sets us free.

These verses, and many others, written by Paul tell us that God has given us an inheritance. Jesus, Himself, told us what we have been given because we choose to follow Him.

“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

A full and abundant life are part of the inheritance God has provided us. He has rescued us from the darkness and the thief who wants to destroy us. Our inheritance includes forgiveness of sin, peace, joy, power, authority, strength, health, provision, protection – it’s all in the Word.

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

“The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ (inheritance). And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 ERV

It is imperative that we learn what has been given to us and we do that by reading God’s word. I remember the first time I read “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” after realizing this was part of my inheritance.

I wept!

I was overcome by the revelation that Jesus had died that horrible death on the cross and provided me with all the strength I need each day. It was overwhelming to me! Let me leave you with one more verse on our inheritance.

“Remember that in the past you were without Christ. You were not citizens of Israel, and you did not know about the agreements with the promises (inheritance) that God made to his people. You had no hope, and you did not know God. 13 Yes, at one time you were far away from God, but now in Christ Jesus, you are brought near to him. You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13 ERV

It would be irreverent for us to refuse what He died to provide. We have a great inheritance; we have been made joint-heirs with Jesus. Let’s boldly use what He has provided.

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To Be or Not To Be

That is the question. What should I be, how should I be, where should I be?

It’s important that we fulfill our destiny. The plan that God has for us isn’t hard to find. All through Scripture we are instructed to be kind, loving, encouraging, truthful, sincere, generous, peacemakers; in essence, examples of Jesus.

This morning I will let the Apostle Paul write the blog for me:

“Each one of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. 5 In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others.

6 We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. Whoever has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have. 7 Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach. 8 Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly.

9 Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. 10 Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. 11 As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! 12 Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. 13 Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. 15 When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. 16 Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

17 If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:4-18 ERV

When I read this this morning I had to stop and examine my heart. I had to ask the question, “Is this how I’m living? Am I encouraging others, teaching others, being generous and forgiving?” Then I re-read that chapter, in several different versions, each time asking the Holy Spirit to point out areas where I was falling short but He also encouraged me by showing me the things I am doing right. I love that about the Lord – He doesn’t condemn. His instruction is helpful and encouraging. He desires to build us up and not tear us down.

“Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.” II Timothy 3:16 CEV

I must admit that sometimes I have a problem with verse 14

“Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them.” verse 14

But with God’s help I am doing better. Each morning I make that a part of my prayer. “Lord, show me how to be more loving today. I want to constantly be growing and conforming to the life that You have for me.”

I encourage you today to look for situations where you can be an example of Jesus.

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Please and Thank You

Yesterday we had a very pleasant experience. We stayed at a Raddison Hotel in Yuma. Everyone we dealt with was very kind and polite. This was such a pleasant change to what we so often experience.

Is it just me or have the rest of you noticed that a large portion of society has forgotten how to be polite? Good manners aren’t archaic; they aren’t old fashion; they should be as en vogue today as they were 100 years ago. Saying please and thank you should be as natural as breathing; showing respect to parents, elders, teachers and those in authority is a sign of good upbringing. We shouldn’t demand, we should ask.

“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 that is 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 ERV

These verses were written almost 2000 years ago and yet they sound like the reports on the evening news. We need to raise our children and influence our grandchildren to avoid such characteristics as are listed above. It’s not our words that will influence and teach, it’s by our actions. Do you see anything in those verses that would point out areas of correction to you? If so, repent and change. Live a life that will be a walking example to those around you.

Make sure you are thankful to God as well. He and He alone is worthy of all honor and praise and glory!

“Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.” Jude 24-25

Gratitude is a heart condition. Too often we fail to appreciate the kindnesses of others. It’s important that we don’t adopt the attitude that much of society is preaching – entitlement. When we feel we are “owed” something, we’re entitled to it for one reason or another, we often become demanding and rude. We really need to guard against this mindset.

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:16-18 ERV

Every good gift we receive comes from our heavenly Father. It may bring it through the hands of an employer, a friend or loved one but ultimately He was the source.

Let’s show our gratitude but expressing sincere appreciation for the likenesses we receive. That way we can be an example of the Father.

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