Hear That Before
2 Timothy 2:14a Keep reminding of these things
The common methods for teaching today excludes repetition and memorization, learning by rote. "They" believe that one does not learn if through memorization. The only way to learn is if you employ certain strategies, and if you do, the information will be remembered for life! Sad thing is, grades have not shown that to be true.
Certainly, we must do more than memorize pointless facts. They must have meaning and importance to our life. It is the same in the church. When we fail to talk about what God expects from us, when we fail to hear the Scriptures over and over again... we soon forget what the Scriptures say... oh, wait that a major problem in the church today.
K and A, You may think that even I repeat myself over and over again. You said that already, How many time do you have to tell me, I know - I know already... I have been thinking about this a lot lately; We don't preach much of the Bible anymore. I am losing a lot myself because of it. We are stuck on relating our spiritual walk to movies, music, and cultural things, then we throw in a few verses to make it seem like we are in church. Paul said to keep reminding, or repeating these things - He had something specific in mind with Timothy, but we can apply it to all the Word of God. I encourage you, daughters, to read and reread the Word of God. Listen to sermons, Bible lessons, radio programs and music that deepen your faith in God. Make sure you, and they, study the whole Bible, not just one area, one theme. Be willing to hear it again and again for Grandpa just said the other day - I was just listening to a certain scripture I've read over many times... I went back and listened again because I found something totally new I've never noticed before. David loved the law of the Lord and knew that he needed to meditate on it time and time again. Take a look at Psalm 1, its worth reading.
~Dad
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
If We Are Faithless, He Remains Faithful, 2 Timothy 12:13
If We Are Faithless, He Remains Faithful
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
We can twist the meaning of this verse, if we do not quote all of it. Kind of like the verse all things turn out for the good. That's what most people believe. Even in Christian circles we mess it up this verse, all thing turn out for the good for those that love him. But, Paul didn't finish there. He continued,... all things turn out for the good of those that love him AND are called to his purpose. Who gets called to do the will of the father? Those who are walking in obedience with Christ - doing his purposes, his will. We cannot sin and expect all things to work out for the good.
Back to today's verse, our unfaithfulness doesn't demand Christ be faithful to us. No, it demands that Christ be faithful to himself. He will not excuse our sins. He will not pretend our sin never happened. No, he remains faithful to punish us in our sin.
K and A, even as I write that, it sounds harsh. It wasn't as strange sounding in years gone by. It was a common thought. People feared God and knew there was a penalty for sin. It is only odd sounding now, because we are being bombarded with false teachings that our ears want to hear. Today, people want a savior that that excuses their sins, not takes away their sin. Yet, God is faithful, he will punish the sins to the third and fourth generation...………
But, I will not stop there! He will also be faithful to himself in forgiveness. He says he will bless to a thousands generation for those that love him and do right. Remember, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness! Do not forget that. There is a penalty for sin, it is the Lake of Fire, But there is also a reward for obedience, it is eternal life! Christ will keep that promise. You keep yours.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
We can twist the meaning of this verse, if we do not quote all of it. Kind of like the verse all things turn out for the good. That's what most people believe. Even in Christian circles we mess it up this verse, all thing turn out for the good for those that love him. But, Paul didn't finish there. He continued,... all things turn out for the good of those that love him AND are called to his purpose. Who gets called to do the will of the father? Those who are walking in obedience with Christ - doing his purposes, his will. We cannot sin and expect all things to work out for the good.
Back to today's verse, our unfaithfulness doesn't demand Christ be faithful to us. No, it demands that Christ be faithful to himself. He will not excuse our sins. He will not pretend our sin never happened. No, he remains faithful to punish us in our sin.
K and A, even as I write that, it sounds harsh. It wasn't as strange sounding in years gone by. It was a common thought. People feared God and knew there was a penalty for sin. It is only odd sounding now, because we are being bombarded with false teachings that our ears want to hear. Today, people want a savior that that excuses their sins, not takes away their sin. Yet, God is faithful, he will punish the sins to the third and fourth generation...………
But, I will not stop there! He will also be faithful to himself in forgiveness. He says he will bless to a thousands generation for those that love him and do right. Remember, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness! Do not forget that. There is a penalty for sin, it is the Lake of Fire, But there is also a reward for obedience, it is eternal life! Christ will keep that promise. You keep yours.
~Dad
If We Disown, He Disowns, 2 Timothy 2:12b
If We Disown, He Disowns
2 Timothy 2:12b If we disown him, he will also disown us
This is not the teaching in most churches today. The common thought is that once you are saved, it doesn't matter what you do, you're still a Christian. Once you're in, you're in. After all, once saved, always saved, nothing can take you out of his hands, nothing. But there are plenty of verses throughout the Bible, in both the Old and New, which show or specifically mention that if we have become his children but later reject him, God will reject us. This is one of those verses. A similar thought that comes to mind is how we treat others. Christ says, If we do not forgive others, he will not forgive us, and it is explained in the parable of the unforgiving servant. Jesus also says, If you deny me before men I will deny you before my father.
K and A, the Word is clear. you cannot be a Christian in church circles then deny Christ among your peers. You cannot praise like a saint in church, then go out and swear like a sinner among the world. Remember also, that it is possible to deny Jesus with your lifestyle as well with your lips. It is not just what you say, but also how you live. Your life speaks volumes. Sadly, you will find most people do not understand this either. But you, be different. let your life announce your faith in him in every circumstance others find you. then Christ will lift you up before his Father and you will be accepted into the Kingdom.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:12b If we disown him, he will also disown us
This is not the teaching in most churches today. The common thought is that once you are saved, it doesn't matter what you do, you're still a Christian. Once you're in, you're in. After all, once saved, always saved, nothing can take you out of his hands, nothing. But there are plenty of verses throughout the Bible, in both the Old and New, which show or specifically mention that if we have become his children but later reject him, God will reject us. This is one of those verses. A similar thought that comes to mind is how we treat others. Christ says, If we do not forgive others, he will not forgive us, and it is explained in the parable of the unforgiving servant. Jesus also says, If you deny me before men I will deny you before my father.
K and A, the Word is clear. you cannot be a Christian in church circles then deny Christ among your peers. You cannot praise like a saint in church, then go out and swear like a sinner among the world. Remember also, that it is possible to deny Jesus with your lifestyle as well with your lips. It is not just what you say, but also how you live. Your life speaks volumes. Sadly, you will find most people do not understand this either. But you, be different. let your life announce your faith in him in every circumstance others find you. then Christ will lift you up before his Father and you will be accepted into the Kingdom.
~Dad
Monday, February 25, 2019
If We Endure, We Reign, 2 Timothy 2:11-13
If We Endure, We Reign
2 Timothy 2:12a If we endure, we will also reign with him
If we die with Christ, we will also live with him... whoa, that's a great promise! If we die to sin in this life... we inherit eternal life, life with the Son of God. At creation, Jesus was with the father. He created all things for his own purposes including us. One of those purposes is to reign with him on high. The Word says that Jesus came to earth from the father and not long after he arose from the dead, he returned to sit at the right hand of the Father. One day he shall return to take those that are victorious to the place he has prepared for them. That "them" can be us, if we endure to the end..
K and A, what does it mean to be victorious in your Christian walk? Take a look at what Jesus did. Jesus say that he came to do the will of his Father. If you are Christ's sister, you will do the same. To be victorious, you must not be a lukewarm Christian, just going to church once or twice a week, not doing the really bad things like killing, being sexually promiscuous, or swearing. No, it is in following the commands of the Lord. These commands are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. These have been written so we know how to live our lives today. The stories and directives are written so we know how to love God and love others. And remember, endurance is not a one time deal. You are to take a stand for Christ and keep on standing. That is endurance, faithful to the end! That is the one who will be saved and reign with him on high, our savior, Christ Jesus. Oh, what joy that will be!
~Dad
Song:
What a Day That'll Be (a little slow, but easy to worship with)
2 Timothy 2:12a If we endure, we will also reign with him
If we die with Christ, we will also live with him... whoa, that's a great promise! If we die to sin in this life... we inherit eternal life, life with the Son of God. At creation, Jesus was with the father. He created all things for his own purposes including us. One of those purposes is to reign with him on high. The Word says that Jesus came to earth from the father and not long after he arose from the dead, he returned to sit at the right hand of the Father. One day he shall return to take those that are victorious to the place he has prepared for them. That "them" can be us, if we endure to the end..
K and A, what does it mean to be victorious in your Christian walk? Take a look at what Jesus did. Jesus say that he came to do the will of his Father. If you are Christ's sister, you will do the same. To be victorious, you must not be a lukewarm Christian, just going to church once or twice a week, not doing the really bad things like killing, being sexually promiscuous, or swearing. No, it is in following the commands of the Lord. These commands are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. These have been written so we know how to live our lives today. The stories and directives are written so we know how to love God and love others. And remember, endurance is not a one time deal. You are to take a stand for Christ and keep on standing. That is endurance, faithful to the end! That is the one who will be saved and reign with him on high, our savior, Christ Jesus. Oh, what joy that will be!
~Dad
Song:
What a Day That'll Be (a little slow, but easy to worship with)
Saturday, February 23, 2019
If We Die, We Live, 1 Timothy 2:11-13
If We Die, We Live
2 Timothy 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him.
Jesus laid down his life only to take it up again. He had the authority to do so, given by his father. Jesus also asks us to do the same. He states, those who try to save their own life will lose it, but if we lose our life for him will actually save it (Luke 9:24). And, Paul says in Romans 6 that we are to die to sin, so that we can walk in the newness of life. Through baptism we die with him and are raised to new life. We must die to sin and self, to our natural desires which, when not controlled by the Spirit, cause us to commit detestable acts of sin (Galatians 5:19-21). But if we die to self and walk with Christ living in us, then we truly live!
K and A, If you die to self, you will be enabled to walk a life free from sin. This is an odd concept in the church today. It is often taught that it is not possible. But this is the teaching of the Brethren in Christ from the beginning and solidified in through Wesleyan teachings in the late 1800's, or at least it was... Daughters, each of you has a holiness heritage. But, it is your choice whether you continue in the walk of faith. Choose life, choose death to self!
~Dad
Song
Heritage of Holiness with an added song
Friday, February 22, 2019
If We, 2 Timothy 2:11-13
If We
2 Timothy 2:11-13 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Over the next few days, we will look at each of these phrases and expound on the importance of each in our relationship with God. There are some interesting thoughts and some dire warnings which often misrepresent the views of Christ's character and our relationship to him. Let us take heed as we look deeper into them.
K and A, certainly as my children, we have similar Biblical views. Yet, most children growing up in church, attending with their parents develop their own thoughts that differ from what they learned from their parents. That has always been true to some extent, but it is especially true today, for they separate families into their own age groups in most churches and parents do not know what is being taught to their children. Many youths do not know what their parents believe. This is why I write this blog. I care about your spiritual health and do no want you to be like the worldly church of today who pervert the message of the Word and the Gospel. Thank you for reading these posts and may God grant you clarity of heart and mind as you read them. If we work together with each other, the Holy Spirit as our guide, we shall live pleasing to the Lord and you shall carry a pure message to the next generation.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:11-13 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Over the next few days, we will look at each of these phrases and expound on the importance of each in our relationship with God. There are some interesting thoughts and some dire warnings which often misrepresent the views of Christ's character and our relationship to him. Let us take heed as we look deeper into them.
K and A, certainly as my children, we have similar Biblical views. Yet, most children growing up in church, attending with their parents develop their own thoughts that differ from what they learned from their parents. That has always been true to some extent, but it is especially true today, for they separate families into their own age groups in most churches and parents do not know what is being taught to their children. Many youths do not know what their parents believe. This is why I write this blog. I care about your spiritual health and do no want you to be like the worldly church of today who pervert the message of the Word and the Gospel. Thank you for reading these posts and may God grant you clarity of heart and mind as you read them. If we work together with each other, the Holy Spirit as our guide, we shall live pleasing to the Lord and you shall carry a pure message to the next generation.
~Dad
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Willing To Suffer For Others, 2 Timothy 2:10
Willing To Suffer For Others
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Paul put his life on the line for others. Many times throughout his journeys he was challenged; ridiculed, beaten, and even stoned and left for dead. Why would a person be willing to do this? At one point in his life, Paul caused the suffering of those who belonged to The Way. But God changed his heart, and now he was being persecuted as a follower and preacher of the Gospel. Because he loved them and had concern for their souls, Paul endured it all so others would obtain the same salvation that made him true child of God. A heir not through birth as a Jew, but through the transforming power of the blood of Jesus. He knew his sins were gone and wanted others to have this same privilege. He would be willing to suffer so they too could find the hope and glory made possible through Jesus Christ.
I don't know about you, daughters, but I don't like pain. Suffering doesn't appeal to me. I do not like being ridiculed, picked on, or beaten up... I work to avoid such things. But, Paul shows us a better way, the way of the cross. Peter says that suffering should not be a surprise for Christians. We should count it a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. There is much talk about love in church today... but not much about what love is. Jesus says that love is laying one's life down for another... being willing to suffer for the souls of the lost.
K and A, is God calling you to suffer for him? If not, why not? Are you willing to go anywhere he wants you to go, to share the gospel to someone near by or some one far away? Could you be a missionary in a far away place like Allison Hill, Harrisburg... far away from your lifestyle, that is. Do not quench the Spirit of God. Be open to where he calls you. Be willing to suffer for others.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Paul put his life on the line for others. Many times throughout his journeys he was challenged; ridiculed, beaten, and even stoned and left for dead. Why would a person be willing to do this? At one point in his life, Paul caused the suffering of those who belonged to The Way. But God changed his heart, and now he was being persecuted as a follower and preacher of the Gospel. Because he loved them and had concern for their souls, Paul endured it all so others would obtain the same salvation that made him true child of God. A heir not through birth as a Jew, but through the transforming power of the blood of Jesus. He knew his sins were gone and wanted others to have this same privilege. He would be willing to suffer so they too could find the hope and glory made possible through Jesus Christ.
I don't know about you, daughters, but I don't like pain. Suffering doesn't appeal to me. I do not like being ridiculed, picked on, or beaten up... I work to avoid such things. But, Paul shows us a better way, the way of the cross. Peter says that suffering should not be a surprise for Christians. We should count it a joy to share in the sufferings of Christ. There is much talk about love in church today... but not much about what love is. Jesus says that love is laying one's life down for another... being willing to suffer for the souls of the lost.
K and A, is God calling you to suffer for him? If not, why not? Are you willing to go anywhere he wants you to go, to share the gospel to someone near by or some one far away? Could you be a missionary in a far away place like Allison Hill, Harrisburg... far away from your lifestyle, that is. Do not quench the Spirit of God. Be open to where he calls you. Be willing to suffer for others.
~Dad
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The Gospel Cannot Be Stopped, 2 Timothy 2:9
The Gospel Cannot Be Stopped
2 Timothy 2:9 (8b This is my gospel), (9) for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But, the word of God is not chained.
Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for this he was arrested. He was not a threat to others but at times during the appeal process, he was chained up like a violent criminal. Despite this Paul knew one thing; you can silence the messenger but you cannot silence the message of the gospel! Even during house arrest, Paul was able to encourage those he had ministered too. And now, while in a Roman dungeon, the message of the gospel was going forward and lives were being changed. Spiritual leaders whom Paul had trained were continuing to preach the word. God's Word could not be stopped!
K and A, there are two messages on the front stained glass window at our church at Saville. Thou hast the words of life eternal and Preach The Word. This is a call, not only to those who preach there, but to all of us, to you. You are called to keep the gospel alive. You are to preach the word though your life and through your relationships to others. Tell them the good news of Christ Jesus, so they too can live the gospel in their lives as well. If you do your part... the Gospel will not be stopped!
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:9 (8b This is my gospel), (9) for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But, the word of God is not chained.
Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for this he was arrested. He was not a threat to others but at times during the appeal process, he was chained up like a violent criminal. Despite this Paul knew one thing; you can silence the messenger but you cannot silence the message of the gospel! Even during house arrest, Paul was able to encourage those he had ministered too. And now, while in a Roman dungeon, the message of the gospel was going forward and lives were being changed. Spiritual leaders whom Paul had trained were continuing to preach the word. God's Word could not be stopped!
K and A, there are two messages on the front stained glass window at our church at Saville. Thou hast the words of life eternal and Preach The Word. This is a call, not only to those who preach there, but to all of us, to you. You are called to keep the gospel alive. You are to preach the word though your life and through your relationships to others. Tell them the good news of Christ Jesus, so they too can live the gospel in their lives as well. If you do your part... the Gospel will not be stopped!
~Dad
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ, 2 Timothy 2:8
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is the gospel,
This verse is short but gives us the overview of the essence of the gospel message... Jesus Christ. The message is more than just the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is that the gospel is Jesus Christ. The word gospel is translated as good news. Jesus is that good news! He descended from David and lived and taught the good news of the kingdom of heaven, suffered at the hands of sinners, was sacrificed for them through a horrible death on the cross, but rose again to new life and now sits at the right hand of the God the Father in heaven. He went there to prepare a place for all those who believe on him and will one day come to take away from this earth all those whose names are written in the Book of Life to be with him forever! Certainly, Jesus is the good news!
K and A, you know this Jesus. Keep yourself pure before him, for those who soil their garments will be blotted out of the Book of Life. This is a scary thought, for those not found there, for they are destine for everlasting torment in the lake of burning sulfur... not the place one wants to spend eternity! So, remember this Jesus in his fullness for he is the good news for all mankind, the way of eternal life!
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is the gospel,
This verse is short but gives us the overview of the essence of the gospel message... Jesus Christ. The message is more than just the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is that the gospel is Jesus Christ. The word gospel is translated as good news. Jesus is that good news! He descended from David and lived and taught the good news of the kingdom of heaven, suffered at the hands of sinners, was sacrificed for them through a horrible death on the cross, but rose again to new life and now sits at the right hand of the God the Father in heaven. He went there to prepare a place for all those who believe on him and will one day come to take away from this earth all those whose names are written in the Book of Life to be with him forever! Certainly, Jesus is the good news!
K and A, you know this Jesus. Keep yourself pure before him, for those who soil their garments will be blotted out of the Book of Life. This is a scary thought, for those not found there, for they are destine for everlasting torment in the lake of burning sulfur... not the place one wants to spend eternity! So, remember this Jesus in his fullness for he is the good news for all mankind, the way of eternal life!
~Dad
Monday, February 18, 2019
The Good... Whatever 2, Timothy 2:7
The Good … Whatever
2 Timothy 2:7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Reflect... that is what we have just done for the last 9 posts. We took Paul's illustrations and pondered each one separately, but what is the Lord trying to tell us through what Paul wrote? If we sum it up, what can we learn? Not being an avid reader, I don't do well in imagining what was in the mind of the writer around 2000 years ago. I'm not sure we really can do that anyway, and I think it is dangerous to state "this is what Paul was thinking". When that is done with scriptures, it often leads to personal interpretation, not sound doctrine.
But, that is no excuse for not meditating and reflecting on this and other passages, because I do believe the Lord will give us insight into all this. So let's take a closer look...
2 Timothy 2:7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Reflect... that is what we have just done for the last 9 posts. We took Paul's illustrations and pondered each one separately, but what is the Lord trying to tell us through what Paul wrote? If we sum it up, what can we learn? Not being an avid reader, I don't do well in imagining what was in the mind of the writer around 2000 years ago. I'm not sure we really can do that anyway, and I think it is dangerous to state "this is what Paul was thinking". When that is done with scriptures, it often leads to personal interpretation, not sound doctrine.
But, that is no excuse for not meditating and reflecting on this and other passages, because I do believe the Lord will give us insight into all this. So let's take a closer look...
Soldier
- Endures
- Not involved in civilian affairs
- Pleases his commander
Athlete
- Competes
- Follows the rules
- Receives a crown
Farmer
- Farms
- Reaps a harvest
- Shares in the harvest
In each of these, the person follows through to the end; endures, follows the rules, reaps a harvest. In each, they take part in the work, they are not in name only; works as a soldier not a civilian, competes, farms. In each, there is a reward; pleases his commander, receives a crown, shares in the bounty.
K and A, although each of you has done one of these, you really aren't any of them. A, once a week you feed calves, are a dairy princess - all great! but you're not a farmer. K, you held a good hockey stick, you still got one in the closet, marvelous, but you are a has been, sort of was an athlete. So what's the point I want you to grasp...
- No matter what you are doing, do it well, finish through to the end; please your boss, your teacher. Whom ever it may be! Work hard, Do well, Excel!
- More importantly than that... as a Christian, never give up. You serve the true God!
- Do not get sidetracked by worldly affairs
- I am not just talking about the world and its temptations, nor the worldly church and its love affair with our culture.
- I am referring to the everyday affairs of life, each may have some value but you can get lost and walk a path that leads away from God
- the accumulation of things
- relationship to spouse and family
- raising your children - do not get caught up like most people and run all over creation to sports and clubs, etc... trying to please your children, you are to teach them to serve others not to be served!
- worldly causes - save the earth, no pesticides, eat only vegies, political unrest and many others
- Your relationship with God is the most important, above church and family
- !! The order is NOT: Self, Career, Family, God, and Country
- !! No, Everything centers around your relationship with God
- you serve God within the church with your family
- your career helps finance your service to God - remember it all belongs to God, you are the steward
- your country is not to supercede God, the church, nor your family
- vacations are not an escape from God, the church, or other people - trips should enrich your spirit as you meet other believers and aid people God brings across your path. you vacation so you can serve God more effectively
- Understand that all of life is connected to your spiritual walk
- Satan is real and he desires to trick you into disobeying God, he desires to get you to believe your way is better than God's way. He is destine for destruction, don't go with him.
Daughters, remain faithful to the Lord to the end. Remember that Scripture teaches us how to love God and how to love others. Just as we took these verses and they enriched our life in Christ, you must spend time in the Word for yourself. I believe God will give you insight into all this as you do. Then you will be The Good... whatever he calls you to be!
~Dad
Sunday, February 17, 2019
The Good Farmer Gets To Share In The Harvest, Timothy 2:6
The Good Farmer Gets To Share In The Harvest
Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
One of the joys of farming is the eating of the crop. Whether it is fresh vegetables from the garden, ripe fruit off the trees, of a cold cup of milk from the bulk tank, there is nothing like real food straight off the farm! That is a side benefit of the good farmer's life, we get to share in the harvest. Now being on a fruit farm I know we sometimes take the partially bad fruit and cut away the bad and eat the good, so it's not always the cream of the crop that we use, but there is nothing like biting into a ripe peach or perfect pear and savoring every bite as the sweet juices are running down our chin. Mm mm good, as Campbell's used to say.
K and A, there are so many joys that come to those who do the work of the Lord. You may have already found that out. I hope so. Remember the second word in the verse above... hardworking. For the good Christian, the work of the Lord is not easy. There is much to do and often the work is hard. but take heart, for compared to the consequences of sin, the Lord's yoke is easy and his burden is light! Some would say that it is all worth it in the end for your destiny is everlasting. That certainly is true, but the joys that come along the way are great as well. I have found that true in my life.
The greatest thrills of life are not marriage and all the euphoria that comes with being together forever with the one you love. No, it is leading someone to Christ and seeing God create in them a pure heart! It is being filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit until you can take no more! You will skip meals, sleep and leave everything as your heart is filled to overflowing. The presence of God does that for all those who a good, hardworking farmers... you will share in his bounty, and eat the cream of the crop!
~Dad
Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
One of the joys of farming is the eating of the crop. Whether it is fresh vegetables from the garden, ripe fruit off the trees, of a cold cup of milk from the bulk tank, there is nothing like real food straight off the farm! That is a side benefit of the good farmer's life, we get to share in the harvest. Now being on a fruit farm I know we sometimes take the partially bad fruit and cut away the bad and eat the good, so it's not always the cream of the crop that we use, but there is nothing like biting into a ripe peach or perfect pear and savoring every bite as the sweet juices are running down our chin. Mm mm good, as Campbell's used to say.
K and A, there are so many joys that come to those who do the work of the Lord. You may have already found that out. I hope so. Remember the second word in the verse above... hardworking. For the good Christian, the work of the Lord is not easy. There is much to do and often the work is hard. but take heart, for compared to the consequences of sin, the Lord's yoke is easy and his burden is light! Some would say that it is all worth it in the end for your destiny is everlasting. That certainly is true, but the joys that come along the way are great as well. I have found that true in my life.
The greatest thrills of life are not marriage and all the euphoria that comes with being together forever with the one you love. No, it is leading someone to Christ and seeing God create in them a pure heart! It is being filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit until you can take no more! You will skip meals, sleep and leave everything as your heart is filled to overflowing. The presence of God does that for all those who a good, hardworking farmers... you will share in his bounty, and eat the cream of the crop!
~Dad
The Good Farmer Reaps A Harvest, 2 Timothy 2:6
The Good Farmer Reaps A Harvest
2 Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
How disappointing to plant a garden and never get to reap a harvest. There are many reasons that one may not receive a good harvest. Some of them are not the fault of the farmer, but many of them can be. It starts from the preparation of the soil, to selecting good seed, to applying pesticides and fertilizers, gathering the crop and to the storage of it. Poor farmers do as little as they can, are often late at planting and allow the weeds to overtake the crop and find little to gather at the end of the season, if they find anything at all. To do all that is necessary for a plentiful harvest takes hard work, but if we are willing to put in the work, it produces a fine crop.
K and A, be willing to put in the work from beginning to end. Be the good Christian who understands that you have a responsibility to put your hand to the plow and not look back. Be dedicated workers in God's field. As on a farm, God's kingdom takes more than one to do it all well. Be willing to work with others within the church to help the crop to flourish and be plentiful. Paul says that one plants, another waters. Jesus says that the fields are ripe, ready for harvest. There is a place God has for you. Be the good farmer and work hard, so God, the Master Farmer, brings much into the storehouse of Heaven. If we do, so he will bless the harvest even more until it is running over!
~Dad
Songs
Running Over
2 Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
How disappointing to plant a garden and never get to reap a harvest. There are many reasons that one may not receive a good harvest. Some of them are not the fault of the farmer, but many of them can be. It starts from the preparation of the soil, to selecting good seed, to applying pesticides and fertilizers, gathering the crop and to the storage of it. Poor farmers do as little as they can, are often late at planting and allow the weeds to overtake the crop and find little to gather at the end of the season, if they find anything at all. To do all that is necessary for a plentiful harvest takes hard work, but if we are willing to put in the work, it produces a fine crop.
K and A, be willing to put in the work from beginning to end. Be the good Christian who understands that you have a responsibility to put your hand to the plow and not look back. Be dedicated workers in God's field. As on a farm, God's kingdom takes more than one to do it all well. Be willing to work with others within the church to help the crop to flourish and be plentiful. Paul says that one plants, another waters. Jesus says that the fields are ripe, ready for harvest. There is a place God has for you. Be the good farmer and work hard, so God, the Master Farmer, brings much into the storehouse of Heaven. If we do, so he will bless the harvest even more until it is running over!
~Dad
Songs
Running Over
Thursday, February 14, 2019
The Good Farmer Farms, 2 Timothy 2:6
The Good Farmer Farms
2 Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
When you first look at this verse you notice it says nothing about planting or weeding but. Yet, anyone knowing anything about farming knows you do not receive a crop if you don't plant nor are you a farmer if you get in the field. The agri-lifestyle is quickly foreign to most people in America today. They know little of the benefits of that lifestyle in understanding a life in Christ. Not only is self-deprivation an important concept in being a Christian, but the full understanding of reaping and sowing is crucial in understanding the role we play in the spreading of the gospel and the growth of the church numerically and spiritually.
A and K, one of you likes the farm the other thinks it smells... and not good. Neither of you has spent much time on the farm continually working... Everyday you get up early whether you are sick or feeling good. You head out each day and get to the work and watch the miracles of life happen before your very eyes. You work hard, you sweat, you smell, you eat and breathe the farming life, literally. You select the crop, plant it, care for it, harvest it and partake of it... You watch life begin, maybe you help it to take its first breath, you feed it a bottle of milk, help it to mature to eat and drink on its own, care for it, watch it grow much bigger you, nurse it to health when sick, some will die. If a heifer you watch the cycle of life continue, milk her, partake of bounty and share with others. You take on product and create more out of it.
Daughters, the spiritual walk is similar. You cannot be a true Christian and not suffer discomfort. There will be good days and bad, hard times and relaxing times, you will nurture new babes in Christ, some will grow and flourish, others will sadly die out. You will partake in the fruits of your labor and rejoice as others develop and succeed. Each day is a new adventure... I ask you not to sit idly by. Get up and put your hand to the tasks God leads you to. It may not be easy, but like the hardworking farmer, it's well worth the effort!
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crop.
When you first look at this verse you notice it says nothing about planting or weeding but. Yet, anyone knowing anything about farming knows you do not receive a crop if you don't plant nor are you a farmer if you get in the field. The agri-lifestyle is quickly foreign to most people in America today. They know little of the benefits of that lifestyle in understanding a life in Christ. Not only is self-deprivation an important concept in being a Christian, but the full understanding of reaping and sowing is crucial in understanding the role we play in the spreading of the gospel and the growth of the church numerically and spiritually.
A and K, one of you likes the farm the other thinks it smells... and not good. Neither of you has spent much time on the farm continually working... Everyday you get up early whether you are sick or feeling good. You head out each day and get to the work and watch the miracles of life happen before your very eyes. You work hard, you sweat, you smell, you eat and breathe the farming life, literally. You select the crop, plant it, care for it, harvest it and partake of it... You watch life begin, maybe you help it to take its first breath, you feed it a bottle of milk, help it to mature to eat and drink on its own, care for it, watch it grow much bigger you, nurse it to health when sick, some will die. If a heifer you watch the cycle of life continue, milk her, partake of bounty and share with others. You take on product and create more out of it.
Daughters, the spiritual walk is similar. You cannot be a true Christian and not suffer discomfort. There will be good days and bad, hard times and relaxing times, you will nurture new babes in Christ, some will grow and flourish, others will sadly die out. You will partake in the fruits of your labor and rejoice as others develop and succeed. Each day is a new adventure... I ask you not to sit idly by. Get up and put your hand to the tasks God leads you to. It may not be easy, but like the hardworking farmer, it's well worth the effort!
~Dad
The Good Athlete Receives The Crown, 2 Timothy 2:5b
The Good Athlete Receives
the Crown
2 Timothy 2:5 He does not receive the victors crown unless
he competes
This is the third in the series of the good athlete from chapter 2 verse 5. Possibly you noticed that
it is the center part of the verse. I chose to do this, because it is sequential
in the order of life; One must compete and compete by the rules. If they continue
to the end, they will receive the victor’s crown!
The same is true in our spiritual walk. Paul’s athlete
comparison can be applied to us. We must first decide to compete – take Christ
as Savior, and we must compete by the rules – take Jesus as Lord, and if we
remain faithful - stand firm to the end, we shall receive the crown of life!
K and A, I know you have decided to take Christ as your
Savior, but you must take him as Lord and follow through until the end if you
are to receive the crown of life. My
desire is for you to be like Jesus. Whatever he leads you to, do it all for
him. Other things that the world puts in your path which detract from or pull
you away from the narrow road, I ask you to run from. Satan is real. He wants
to get you to walk his way, but that way always leads away from Christ down the
road. The love of many will grow cold and the will not continue the race. But you, finish what you have started and you will receive your reward. And, I want to be there when Christ calls you forward and says… well done my good and faithful
servant, then places the crown on your head!
~Dad
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
The Good Athlete Follows The Rules, 2 Timothy 2:5c
The Good Athlete Follows The Rules
2 Timothy 2:5c he competes according to the rules
In all aspects of life there are rules. Some are spelled out specifically, others told to us along the way and others are unwritten and you find them out as you violate them. The violation of God's rules is called sin. It is when we choose our way over God's way, or said differently, we choose the way of Satan over God's way. Fortunately, God spells out rules in the Old Testament which grant forgiveness and make things right. Two types of sin are mentioned, sins we knew we committed and sins we did without knowing. There were sacrifices for each. When Jesus came, he abolished the sacrificial system for he is the complete sacrifice for all sins... Hallelujah!
But, Jesus didn't come to abolish all rules. That is what some believe and that is also how they live. They try to live on the forgiveness God provides through Jesus without a care to follow the many rules God continues to spell out in our lives for everyday. If we think we can sin, and it makes no difference, because we have been forgiven, we forget the verse in Hebrews 6:6 which states that if we turn from Christ and desire forgiveness, we crucify him all over again. (I softened that verse, it is much stronger than I wrote. Btw, the new NIV sadly changed its wording to make it more palatable too.)
K and A, much more can be said about this small part of this verse. Remember that there are more rules in the NT than there are in the Old. Jesus didn't eliminate rules, he expanded them. People love to quote just two that he gave: Love the Lord your God, and Love your neighbor as yourself, but they often forget one key phrase: All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. In other words, the other rules are given so you know how to love. They help you understand how God defines love. Do not be disqualified, rather run the race he has laid out before you for great is your reward.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:5c he competes according to the rules
In all aspects of life there are rules. Some are spelled out specifically, others told to us along the way and others are unwritten and you find them out as you violate them. The violation of God's rules is called sin. It is when we choose our way over God's way, or said differently, we choose the way of Satan over God's way. Fortunately, God spells out rules in the Old Testament which grant forgiveness and make things right. Two types of sin are mentioned, sins we knew we committed and sins we did without knowing. There were sacrifices for each. When Jesus came, he abolished the sacrificial system for he is the complete sacrifice for all sins... Hallelujah!
But, Jesus didn't come to abolish all rules. That is what some believe and that is also how they live. They try to live on the forgiveness God provides through Jesus without a care to follow the many rules God continues to spell out in our lives for everyday. If we think we can sin, and it makes no difference, because we have been forgiven, we forget the verse in Hebrews 6:6 which states that if we turn from Christ and desire forgiveness, we crucify him all over again. (I softened that verse, it is much stronger than I wrote. Btw, the new NIV sadly changed its wording to make it more palatable too.)
K and A, much more can be said about this small part of this verse. Remember that there are more rules in the NT than there are in the Old. Jesus didn't eliminate rules, he expanded them. People love to quote just two that he gave: Love the Lord your God, and Love your neighbor as yourself, but they often forget one key phrase: All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. In other words, the other rules are given so you know how to love. They help you understand how God defines love. Do not be disqualified, rather run the race he has laid out before you for great is your reward.
~Dad
Monday, February 11, 2019
The Good Althlete Competes, 2 Timothy 2:5a
The Good Athlete Competes
2 Timothy 2:5a Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete
An athlete competes to win a prize. If he doesn't compete, he doesn't win. It was always hard for me to watch track and field events. A guy would be two laps behind the leader and his coach and others watching would cheer him or her on by saying, you're doing great! Keep it going! I just shook my head. But really they were doing much better than everyone watching, they were competing and would finish! Similarly, if we are to win in our walk with the Lord. We first need to commit to being part of the team, then we must not give up and complete our walk through to the end.
K and A, I am glad that you started the race... but don't give up. Keep going until God calls you home. Do not look who is ahead or who is behind. Throw off everything that hinders you from succeeding so you can run the race God has set out before you. As a good athlete, you must compete... Every once in awhile I'll tell someone I wrestled in high school... well, in 9th grade. I quit after that, the lights hurt my eyes. You see, I didn't make it to the end because I stopped competing. Do not be like me in that respect... hold on to Christ through to the end.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:5a Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete
An athlete competes to win a prize. If he doesn't compete, he doesn't win. It was always hard for me to watch track and field events. A guy would be two laps behind the leader and his coach and others watching would cheer him or her on by saying, you're doing great! Keep it going! I just shook my head. But really they were doing much better than everyone watching, they were competing and would finish! Similarly, if we are to win in our walk with the Lord. We first need to commit to being part of the team, then we must not give up and complete our walk through to the end.
K and A, I am glad that you started the race... but don't give up. Keep going until God calls you home. Do not look who is ahead or who is behind. Throw off everything that hinders you from succeeding so you can run the race God has set out before you. As a good athlete, you must compete... Every once in awhile I'll tell someone I wrestled in high school... well, in 9th grade. I quit after that, the lights hurt my eyes. You see, I didn't make it to the end because I stopped competing. Do not be like me in that respect... hold on to Christ through to the end.
~Dad
Sunday, February 10, 2019
The Good Soldier Pleases His Commander, 2 timothy 2:4b
The Good Soldier Pleases His Commander
2 Timothy 2:4b he wants to please his commanding officer
There are many correlations here to the "good soldier". Of these correlations are children, students, employees, and even wives. Each of these are to be submissive to the authority over them. Some leaders are bossy, others kind. Others may be cruel and unrelenting. If you think about the ruthlessness of the Roman army, you can only imagine how the Roman officers acted. Yet, Paul says that the good soldiers tried to please their commanding officers.
K and A, You have many commanding officers. From you boss at work, the teacher in the classroom, the pastor in church, to your father and your husband at home, you have someone telling you what to do. How you act is your choice. You choose if you will listen and obey and what attitude you have if you do. But... the good wife, the good employee, the good Christian chooses to please their officer. So, live in such a way that God is pleased to be your father. Our heavenly Father has adopted you into his family and desires a pleasant, kind, and helpful daughter, Choose to please him!
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:4b he wants to please his commanding officer
There are many correlations here to the "good soldier". Of these correlations are children, students, employees, and even wives. Each of these are to be submissive to the authority over them. Some leaders are bossy, others kind. Others may be cruel and unrelenting. If you think about the ruthlessness of the Roman army, you can only imagine how the Roman officers acted. Yet, Paul says that the good soldiers tried to please their commanding officers.
K and A, You have many commanding officers. From you boss at work, the teacher in the classroom, the pastor in church, to your father and your husband at home, you have someone telling you what to do. How you act is your choice. You choose if you will listen and obey and what attitude you have if you do. But... the good wife, the good employee, the good Christian chooses to please their officer. So, live in such a way that God is pleased to be your father. Our heavenly Father has adopted you into his family and desires a pleasant, kind, and helpful daughter, Choose to please him!
~Dad
Saturday, February 9, 2019
The Good Soldier Not Involved In Civilain Affairs, 2 Timothy 2:4a
The Good Soldier Not Involved In Civilian Affairs
2 Timothy 2:4a No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs
What does it mean to be involved in civilian affairs? It used to be taught to Anabaptist Christians that we are not to be involved in governmental issues. We would not run for political office, campaign, nor vote for candidates. God chooses our leaders, so we should be happy with whom we get. No worries, God is in control (the new NIV is terribly written here!)... It is certainly rare to hear that teaching anymore.
I believe if we look at what soldiers did then and do today, we can get a good picture of what we are to do as Christians, even good Anabaptist ones.
2 Timothy 2:4a No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs
What does it mean to be involved in civilian affairs? It used to be taught to Anabaptist Christians that we are not to be involved in governmental issues. We would not run for political office, campaign, nor vote for candidates. God chooses our leaders, so we should be happy with whom we get. No worries, God is in control (the new NIV is terribly written here!)... It is certainly rare to hear that teaching anymore.
I believe if we look at what soldiers did then and do today, we can get a good picture of what we are to do as Christians, even good Anabaptist ones.
- Good Soldiers do not care what the world around them is wearing - they have a uniform that conforms to their unit
- Good Soldiers do not run around and party and get drunk - they must be alert to dangers around them and be ready to react at any moment
- Good Soldiers do not seek approval from their friends - they have a commander to please
- Good Soldiers do not fight among themselves - they know the enemy, and it is not their fellow soldier
- Good Soldiers are not lazy - they stay focused and busy minding their own business
K and A, forget trying to keep up with the world. As a good soldier of Christ, stay focused on the affairs of the Lord. In the past, I couldn't understand why my grandpa didn't know who Elvis Pressley was (story below). But, as I got older I understood. He purposely chose to be ignorant of the things most people cared about; who are the latest singers, the latest sports stars, the latest movies or TV programs, the latest anything... like today, you must focus on others things or the drum beat of the world will hammer it into you. Like in the past, worldly accomplishments are everywhere, Grandpa Allen chose to ignore all that "news" and focus his time and efforts on the affairs that God deems important:
- The Word
- Prayer
- Getting together with other believers
- Preaching and teaching, he had his own radio program, often preached at two or three churches on a Sunday
- And much more
Being a Good Soldier to him meant fleeing the passions of the world and giving all to God. You would do well to imitate his passion for Christ and his church.
~Dad
Grandpa Allen's story: I remember Aunt Lois telling us one time that after Elvis died, grandpa saw his picture on TV. I met him once, he said. I didn't know he was famous. He continued, I saw him up at the gas station in Potter Brook (west of Westfield, PA) Elvis got out of his big white Cadillac and came over and said, Hi, I'm Elvis Pressely. Grandpa replied, Hello, I'm Allen Brubaker, nice to meet you. Grandpa had no clue who he was. We all figured Elvis' ego got deflated just a bit. :)
Friday, February 8, 2019
The Good Soldier Endures, 2 Timothy 2:3
The Good Soldier Endures
2 Timothy 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
A soldier today is different than in Jesus' day, but so was the common man. Everything was physically harder then. In comparison, we are wimps today. Yet we can still compare the common man of today to the enlisted one.
The "man on the street" could come and go as he pleased. If he had a dream or a desire, he pursued it. If he chose to slack off and take it easy, it was his choice. But, as a soldier of the Roman army, his life was determined for him. When told to come, he came. When told to go fight, he went. It made no difference what the weather was, how tough the enemy appeared, or if he was in the middle of a meager meal... his life and direction was set before him. As a good soldier, he girded his loins and marched into battle.
K and A, as a soldier of Christ, endure the path Christ leads you to. He will be with you and help you. Be strong and courageous, for your God goes with you! Trust in the Lord. He will direct your path as you lean on his wisdom and plan. Acknowledge him in all you do and you will find courage to do what is right. Others will seek their own pleasure, but you must first seek his way in your life. For it leads to life itself. So, march on, good, Christian soldier through anything that comes your way!
~Dad
Song
Onward Christian Soldier
2 Timothy 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
A soldier today is different than in Jesus' day, but so was the common man. Everything was physically harder then. In comparison, we are wimps today. Yet we can still compare the common man of today to the enlisted one.
The "man on the street" could come and go as he pleased. If he had a dream or a desire, he pursued it. If he chose to slack off and take it easy, it was his choice. But, as a soldier of the Roman army, his life was determined for him. When told to come, he came. When told to go fight, he went. It made no difference what the weather was, how tough the enemy appeared, or if he was in the middle of a meager meal... his life and direction was set before him. As a good soldier, he girded his loins and marched into battle.
K and A, as a soldier of Christ, endure the path Christ leads you to. He will be with you and help you. Be strong and courageous, for your God goes with you! Trust in the Lord. He will direct your path as you lean on his wisdom and plan. Acknowledge him in all you do and you will find courage to do what is right. Others will seek their own pleasure, but you must first seek his way in your life. For it leads to life itself. So, march on, good, Christian soldier through anything that comes your way!
~Dad
Song
Onward Christian Soldier
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Why Teach, 2 Timothy 2:2
Why Teach
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach.
Why is it that we need to teach others the Gospel? Certainly, it is to help others understand the truths of the Gospel and live lives pleasing to the Lord. But, there is another reason: we teach so others may become teacher themselves. God will bring into our lives people who God wants to develop to carry on the message to others. 1st Timothy was written to help us define who those people are, leaders who will carry on the work when we are not around. Notice the word Paul uses... entrust. We take the doctrine of the Bible and give it to others to keep safe, unadulterated. They will have the responsibility to carry it on to others. These chosen, reliable men and women will need to be trained in order to be qualified to carry on God's work. Notice the progression Paul describes, He taught sound doctrine to Timothy who then sought reliable men to teach them to teach others. We can project the next steps... they in-turn teach others and on and on the pattern is repeated.
K and A, That pattern worked. Here I am today teaching you to carry on the message of the Gospel. Certainly, I do so that you may live it out in your own life, but I also do it so you will in-turn teach others that same Gospel who will learn to live it out in their lives and possibly become teachers themselves. When you teach keep these things in mind...
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach.
Why is it that we need to teach others the Gospel? Certainly, it is to help others understand the truths of the Gospel and live lives pleasing to the Lord. But, there is another reason: we teach so others may become teacher themselves. God will bring into our lives people who God wants to develop to carry on the message to others. 1st Timothy was written to help us define who those people are, leaders who will carry on the work when we are not around. Notice the word Paul uses... entrust. We take the doctrine of the Bible and give it to others to keep safe, unadulterated. They will have the responsibility to carry it on to others. These chosen, reliable men and women will need to be trained in order to be qualified to carry on God's work. Notice the progression Paul describes, He taught sound doctrine to Timothy who then sought reliable men to teach them to teach others. We can project the next steps... they in-turn teach others and on and on the pattern is repeated.
K and A, That pattern worked. Here I am today teaching you to carry on the message of the Gospel. Certainly, I do so that you may live it out in your own life, but I also do it so you will in-turn teach others that same Gospel who will learn to live it out in their lives and possibly become teachers themselves. When you teach keep these things in mind...
- Teach the same Gospel that was given in the Word - do not add to it nor take away from it.
- The gospel is comprised of truths taught by Christ and his apostles which are mirrored in the Old Testament - do not bypass the examples shown to us in the Old Testament. They were written as warning for us.
- Teach any and every one who will listen - but choose reliable ones to whom the message can be entrusted.
- Teach them to pass it on to others - Jesus is not to be kept to ourselves!
Daughters, will you be faithful to the Gospel? Continue your life long commitment to know the Scriptures, be willing to teach it to others, and most of all be devoted to the Gospel in your own life.
~Dad
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
The Power Of Grace, 2 Timothy 2:1
The Power Of Grace
2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
In Ephesians 6:10 it says: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. I think it is not appropriate to combine these two verses, if I may use a double negative. The might of God's power is in the grace he provides for us.We must recognize the power available through grace. One aspect of grace is defined as the power given by God to do what he asks us to do. If we live in the grace provided to us because of our relationship with Christ Jesus, we can please God and not sin! Really, you say? Because we are conditioned by many of today's popular Christians songs and false teachings, it is easy to believe we cannot please God. But those messages are not true. Jesus calls us to live holy lives, to be perfect just like our heavenly father. That is the message of the Sermon on the Mount.
K and A, do not be fooled by the teachings of today. You can live a holy life! But not on your own strength. It is a gift from God provided to those that have accepted Christ as their savior. No, it is not that simple: you accept Christ and you are never tempted nor sin again. Salvation is not a free pass to heaven. It comes with trials and struggles, but each can be overcome, because God provides what it takes to conquer them. His power and his strength are necessary to live free from sin. You get his power through the filling of his Spirit and living in his glory. You must believe and trust in him and not in yourself if you expect to please him. So, daughters, be strong in the grace found in Christ Jesus.
~Dad
2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
In Ephesians 6:10 it says: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. I think it is not appropriate to combine these two verses, if I may use a double negative. The might of God's power is in the grace he provides for us.We must recognize the power available through grace. One aspect of grace is defined as the power given by God to do what he asks us to do. If we live in the grace provided to us because of our relationship with Christ Jesus, we can please God and not sin! Really, you say? Because we are conditioned by many of today's popular Christians songs and false teachings, it is easy to believe we cannot please God. But those messages are not true. Jesus calls us to live holy lives, to be perfect just like our heavenly father. That is the message of the Sermon on the Mount.
K and A, do not be fooled by the teachings of today. You can live a holy life! But not on your own strength. It is a gift from God provided to those that have accepted Christ as their savior. No, it is not that simple: you accept Christ and you are never tempted nor sin again. Salvation is not a free pass to heaven. It comes with trials and struggles, but each can be overcome, because God provides what it takes to conquer them. His power and his strength are necessary to live free from sin. You get his power through the filling of his Spirit and living in his glory. You must believe and trust in him and not in yourself if you expect to please him. So, daughters, be strong in the grace found in Christ Jesus.
~Dad
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
What A Guy, 2 Timothy 1:16 - 18
What A Guy
2 Timothy 1:17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.
This man, Onesiphorus, was appreciated by Paul. When so many others abandoned him because he was under arrest, Onesiphorus searched to find him, so Paul could be refreshed in spirit. And so he was. Onesiphorus was so appreciated that Paul blesses him and asks God to show mercy to him and his family then, and in the last day.
K and A, are you that "guy" that brings hope and joy to people's lives? Are the refreshed by your presence? There are those that are hurting, some because of their own mistakes or sins, others because of the sins of others. But, you can be the hope they need. I pray that you are not ashamed to come to the aid of others when some other people think they should be abandoned and left to their own miseries. caring for the downtrodden is the heart of God, so be that guy!
Here is a situation that brings joy to a father... Is that your daughter? Yeah, she's mine. She likes to help people in need. Not just joy to my heart but to the heart of your heavenly Father as well.
~Dad
2 Timothy 1:17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.
This man, Onesiphorus, was appreciated by Paul. When so many others abandoned him because he was under arrest, Onesiphorus searched to find him, so Paul could be refreshed in spirit. And so he was. Onesiphorus was so appreciated that Paul blesses him and asks God to show mercy to him and his family then, and in the last day.
K and A, are you that "guy" that brings hope and joy to people's lives? Are the refreshed by your presence? There are those that are hurting, some because of their own mistakes or sins, others because of the sins of others. But, you can be the hope they need. I pray that you are not ashamed to come to the aid of others when some other people think they should be abandoned and left to their own miseries. caring for the downtrodden is the heart of God, so be that guy!
Here is a situation that brings joy to a father... Is that your daughter? Yeah, she's mine. She likes to help people in need. Not just joy to my heart but to the heart of your heavenly Father as well.
~Dad
Monday, February 4, 2019
Abandoned, 2 Timothy 1:15
Abandoned
2 Timothy 1:15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
(much of the following paragraph is my thoughts, not straight from the Bible)
Following Christ can be a lonely road to walk sometimes. The reason Paul was in prison, house arrest, was that he challenged his accusers and dared to appeal his case to the emperor. This didn't sit well with many of his fellow believers and leaders of the churches he had started. They distanced themselves from him to avoid any flack. They didn't want to ruffle any feathers so as to get rounded up if Paul's excursion failed. So, they deserted him leaving him to stand alone except for a few faithful friends like Timothy.
K and A, if you choose to stand for Christ and his Word, if you choose to live out the Bible in your life, if you choose to be different from the world... other Christians will abandon you. Oh, they may, may be kind to your face, but they will not walk with you. This is especially true if you take a conservative stance following what the Bible specifically says.They will scoff at your way of living to other maybe even straight to your face. Here are some areas where they will abandon you
2 Timothy 1:15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
(much of the following paragraph is my thoughts, not straight from the Bible)
Following Christ can be a lonely road to walk sometimes. The reason Paul was in prison, house arrest, was that he challenged his accusers and dared to appeal his case to the emperor. This didn't sit well with many of his fellow believers and leaders of the churches he had started. They distanced themselves from him to avoid any flack. They didn't want to ruffle any feathers so as to get rounded up if Paul's excursion failed. So, they deserted him leaving him to stand alone except for a few faithful friends like Timothy.
K and A, if you choose to stand for Christ and his Word, if you choose to live out the Bible in your life, if you choose to be different from the world... other Christians will abandon you. Oh, they may, may be kind to your face, but they will not walk with you. This is especially true if you take a conservative stance following what the Bible specifically says.They will scoff at your way of living to other maybe even straight to your face. Here are some areas where they will abandon you
- Honoring Sunday as a holy day established by God
- Dressing with propriety and modesty
- Fleeing the patterns of this world
- in th e way you dress
- in the style of music
- in the phrases and words they use
- swearing
- course talk
- abbreviated swear words
- minced oaths
- the latest slang
- Not consuming alcohol, any form: beer, wine, whiskey, rum, vodka, and cooking with it as well. Stay away from things that look like it like non-alcoholic beer etc...
- Refraining from listening to and knowing secular music
- Not coerced into dancing and other worldly pleasures
- Limiting the amount of movies or TV programs, Most are ungodly and promote ways contrary to Scripture. Others will think you are odd when you do not know what they are talking about.
- Keep from gambling or betting on sports, visiting the casino, buying raffles, playing bingo, certainly they don't understand where you are coming from and they will distance themselves from you
- Not supporting places that promote wrong behavior: dance clubs, sports bars, bar and grills - but they serve good food there, I don't have to drink
- Homosexuality and gender alterations, allowing your child to decide
- Abortion, but how about rape and incest, the mother, so you should decide who lives and who dies. Do as much as you can for both, leave the rest up to God.
- Sexual promiscuity, living with boyfriend, keeping pure before a sexual encounter
- And soon to come to the church - vaping and taking drugs - opioids, marijuana. (its already here in many places)
- To many more to name...
Are all of these examples that Paul didn't do or preach against? Of course not, not specifically that is. So, how does one determine what they should be involved with and what they shouldn't? Stick closely to the heart of God, look back on your heritage and that of the church, and most of all, if the world seeks its pleasures there, flee it. If the world finds satisfaction there, question its worth, if a habit is listed as an addiction and sickness, take note for they just gave you an excuse. The major stance to take stand against is when the act is directly against what the Bible has said. Do not change the truth of the Word because someone says it was a cultural issue. It is still true today and most likely the truth can be expanded to the evil practices of today - in fact, that's what most of my examples are.
Daughters, I say all that to say this... do what is right even when it appears you are standing alone. You'd be surprised how many others are following the narrow way, Elijah was! (1 Kings 19:15, & 18). And remember, you are never really alone. Christ is walking with you. Pleasing him is much more important than pleasing others. In fact he say if we deny him before others he will deny us before the Father. So, let the world and even the church abandon you, even is past close friends do, for Christ will be there for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you!
~Dad
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Protect the Gospel, 2 Timothy 1:14
Protect The Gospel
2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
There are those, today, who say that we need not worry about the purity of the church or its message. They say that God will protect it, and we just need to keep from being caught up in the arguments of what is right or wrong. Let people make up their own minds. We just need to love each other and all will be fine.
But, this isn't what Paul tells to Timothy. He says that we must guard the truth for its is an enemy who is looking to pollute the church, to divide it and destroy it. He tells us to contend for the faith for people have crept in among the church and believe they can live immoral lives without consequence.
K and A, you are called to live out your faith in a true way shown by Scripture, but you also must protect your faith in the church, in Sunday school, special group meetings, on church board, and where ever spiritual principals are taught. This is your duty as a follower and especially as a leader. Tough job sometimes. You may feel like you are all alone, but you aren't. God - the Holy Spirit, lives in you to help you. Go and preserve the truths of the Gospel. It has been entrusted to you.
~Dad
Friday, February 1, 2019
Keep To The Truth, 2 Timothy 13
Keep To The Truth
2 Timothy 1:13 What you have heard from me keep as a pattern for sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
People believe teachers. They are thought to possess the truth about the subject they teach. Hungry people hang on to every word spoken and it is ingrained into their being. This is why it is crucial for preachers and teachers to have a foundation built on solid doctrine. Paul tells Timothy to not deviate from what he had taught him in order that others may know the truth. What he had learned from Paul was that truth.
K and A, I do not possess all biblical knowledge and wisdom. I read the Word of God knowing it is true and try to relay those truths to you. I believe that what Paul taught them is as relevant today as it was when he taught them to the church in his day. So, when you read these blogs prove them by the scriptures. Know that they are more than an historical accounting, they are life for your being, a pattern for living and eternal life for the future. The Bible is God's Word given so you may know the truths of life. Be careful not to deviate from them that others may see your life and believe and desire to follow Christ.
~Dad
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