YOU ARE AWARDED THE...: II Timothy 4:8

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the  Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 
II Timothy 4:8

My youngest son has been in Scouts since first grade. He just bridged over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He received the Arrow of Light award, which is the only patch that you can carry over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. So, now he starts his quest for Eagle Scout. One of the cool things about scouts is that along the way they earn patches and belt loops (Cubs) and then merit badges (Scouts). There are rewards. Paul knew there was a reward, the crown of righteousness awaiting him. There is one awaiting you and me too. 

Have you ever wished that Jesus could just be there at that moment? Have you ever just wished he would come today? I don't know how you could possibly come to Christ in any meaningful way and not wish to see him face to face. The Spirit of God just calls you. When you are church, singing, worshiping, listening to the teaching and serving, isn't that simply the manifestation of your desire to know Christ? It should be.

Hopefully you understand that when Paul says, "and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" he means you and I! We have a crown of righteousness awaiting us! Don't give up! Keep pressing on! God is faithful. He will accomplish though you what he wants to do. 

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace to not only save me but us me by any measure. Praise be to you in us today!

FIGHT, FINISH, FAITH: II Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7

Fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. There it is, three checks to make sure you are on track.

Are you fighting the good fight? Think about that...the good fight. There are many bad fights out there. I think back on most of the battles I have had over the years and I doubt if I would get into it about many at this time. They just wouldn't be a good, as in worthwhile  fight.  There are some things that you must fight for and there is no way to avoid it unless you totally cave into the world. What was Paul's good fight? Sharing the gospel and building up churches. 

Are you setting yourself up to finish the race? When I first gave my life to Christ I guess thought that Christ's second coming would be within a few years. I still believe Christ could come at any time, I just realize that he is very patient and there are many yet to be saved. My place is to run this race like he might come today or the day after I die. Either way, I run for  Christ and to Christ.

Are you keeping the faith? Not a faith, the faith. Faith in Christ, in his death, resurrection, intercession and return. Faith in his faithfulness, his unfailing love, his grace, mercy and forgiveness. Faith in his absolute sovereignty. He alone is God. 

Father, help us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith. Praise be to you in us today!

IT IS YOUR DUTY: II Timothy 4:5

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 
II Timothy 4:5

What are my duties? Maybe, the real question is: What are not my duties? 

Now, I don't want to just focus on the obvious ones like be the spiritual leader. Because, if I am not Christlike in that I am willing to serve...all I say is just bla, bla, bla, clanging cymbal.

As a husband and father my duty is to make sure that whatever needs to be done, gets done. That does not mean by delegating it all to my wife. For me, sometimes that means when I come home from work and I just want to crash on the couch, I may need to cook. Other times it means vacuuming. 

Remember, trying to lead/serve a family is not about our own innate abilities, it is about the power of God working in and through us to meet the needs of our families. He is faithful. Paul said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). I do believe in knowing when it's time to call the plumber, but, you know what I mean. If I see a need in my family, get it done.

Father, give us the strength and love to serve our spouses and families. Praise be to you in us today!

WHO ME? EVANGELIST?: II Timothy 4:5

"But, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 
II Timothy 4:5

Although my dad is the master of small talk (he once talked to a guy 20 minutes on the phone before realizing it was a wrong number) he was always intimidated by the thought of witnessing to someone. But God, being both amazing and humorous, still wanted to use him. I remember after he first gave his life to Christ, he would come home and in utter shock and tell mom how he ended up sharing with someone about Christ. Basically, the Holy Spirit would lead the other person to pretty much say, "What must I do to be saved?" Then my dad we have to tell them about the saving work of Jesus Christ. What would happen is that men who knew my father saw a change in his behavior and would ask him why he changed. He would tell them the truth. Christ was changing him. 

As normal people, not evangelists, sometimes we do the work of an evangelist however the Spirit of God opens the conversation. Don't be afraid. Let God work in you and someone will eventually ask why you live like you do. 

Father, in this world of darkness, living by faith in Christ, obedient to your commands, will make us stand in contrast to the world around us, in the world but definitely not of it. Help us to shine with your love, mercy, forgiveness and grace. Praise be to us in you today! 

KEEP YOUR HEAD: II Timothy 4:5

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."   II Timothy 4:5

What is your primary ministry? Your primary ministry is first to your spouse and then your family. Think about that for a second or two...If there is ever a place where you might not "keep you head" it is usually with your family. Sometimes we come home after holding everything in all day at work and we sort of vent or just sort of relax and then ,"BAM", a little drama, a little or not so little family crisis slams us right in the face! It can be hard to "keep your head" when all you want is just fifteen minutes of peace. 

I think the key is to still remember the grace of God and to let him reign. We can never let down our guard and never give up the reign of Christ in our hearts and minds. The day is not over until I lay my head on the pillow and that is not when I forget about God but when I thank God for bringing me through another day on planet earth. 

Father, bring us through this day and help us to keep our heads in all situations! Praise be to you in us today!

THE AGAINESS OF GRACE: II Timothy 4:2

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

Last night my youngest son had a baseball game. It did not go well. In contrast to our last game where we almost played error free, this game was a complete error fest. One of the other father/coaches looked at me in complete frustration and said that for this time in the year we just shouldn't be having these kind of problems. As the manager (and father) I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to help the boys learn to get over a mistake, refocus and make the next play. Most importantly, I need to do it with great patience and careful instruction. 

Think of how many situations in life this truth applies. As a supervisor, manager or trainer you must be patient and skillfully instruct someone on how to do something. Even as a co-worker we need to patiently "teach". 

Spiritually speaking, we all struggle sometimes to grasp the simple truth that God's love applies to us. We all fall short. We all sin. That is not an excuse. Sometimes we struggle to grab hold of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. You might call it the againess of grace.

When we are given the opportunity to help someone live by faith we need to "teach" with great patience and careful instruction. Remember the amazing patience that God's is displaying toward you at this very moment. As Christ is patient with us, we need to be patient with others. Teach with the againess of grace. 

Father, thank you for your great patience with me! Praise be to you in us today!

YOU ARE THE TEACHER : II Timothy 4:2

• "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

As a parent and a teacher I find myself saying a lot of things trying to get my children and students to continue to work hard and not give up, to persevere. I just never know when a truly teachable moment will actually come. 

I need to have the word of God as my guide, my reason for doing not only what I do but, how I do what I do, because my actions will leave their imprints upon my children's lives. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in positions where we need to correct people, maybe even rebuke them (in love and humility), but, we should always try to encourage people. Leading your family can be tough because you have to face each other in the aftermath of a confrontation. But, love leaves away out and a way in. Discipline is not rejection. So lead in truth, which is the Word of God, and lead with love, like Christ. 

Father, help us to lead with love, like Christ. Praise be to you in us today. 

IT'S NOT ABOUT WARM FUZZIES: II Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."        

II Timothy 3:16-17

You know what the problem with most idea's about having a daily devotional time is? In my opinion the problem is that most people are just looking for a warm fuzzy. You just want to read a verse or two, feel good about yourself and go on with your day.

The problem with all that is that sometimes a life of faith is spent enduring trials, hardships and persecution.  Sometimes we are simply blowing it, we are in sin. There are times when I wake up in the morning and I need the Bible to rebuke me and to correct me otherwise I am going to step into some serious problems. 

Last night I watched a bit of Sports Center on ESPN before I went to bed. Mano Ginobli of the San Antonio Spurs was talking about why they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies. He basically say they played poorly. He didn't sugar coat it and he said that if they didn't improve they would lose again. I think that is one of the reasons the Spurs are always good, they look at themselves honestly. Spiritually we need to look at ourselves honestly. Because sometimes the issue is we just are not obeying Christ. 

Seeking God on a daily basis is a start. Knowing that it is not always about just feeling good is a mature thing. Submitting to the discipline of the Spirit as we read the Scriptures is where growth happens.

Father, help us to not just read the Scriptures to feel good but to listen honestly and grow. Praise be to you in us today!

THE BIBLE, IT'S ALL GOOD: II Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17

Why do we need to read the Bible? Why should we take the time to try to study the Scriptures? Because we need to be taught, sometimes rebuked, corrected and and constantly trained in righteousness. If we truly want to live the abundant life, we need to live by faith in Christ and the Scriptures tell us how to do that.

It's sort of funny because there is a bit of an issue going on with a "loophole" in a rule for my son's little league about the pitch count. What is telling is that you can violate the spirit of the rule, which is to safeguard kids arms, by taking advantage of the loophole. As a parent I am disturbed that the board is more concerned with taking advantage of the loophole rather than the protection of 8-11 year olds arms. What's my point? My point is that we should read the word seeking the simplicity of faith, not the complexity of legalism. I think that is why some people like the question (which my mother always said to me long before the bracelets), "What would Jesus do?" or "Would Jesus hit his brother?" 

Obedience may not always be easy, but it usually is pretty simple. 

Father, help us to not just read the Bible but to do what it says. Praise be to you in us today. 

KNOW SCRIPTURE, BECOME WISE: II Timothy 3:14-15

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 3:14-15

I few years ago I was greeting people as they entered the church and there was one man who was in bad shape. His clothes were worn and dirty. His face was unshaven. He looked like someone living on the street. I began to see him attending regularly and he committed his life to Christ. He began to change. He is now on staff at that church! He wasn't a street person but his life was a wreck and knowing Christ changed him into a productive person. He has a great wife and family. Living his life by faith in Christ Jesus has given him the wisdom to live a godly life.

Sometimes we forget that wisdom comes from following the truth taught us in Scripture. I am blessed that my mother and grandmother always made sure we went to church. I can not remember a time when going to church was not a part of my life. I can not remember a time when acting like Christ and obeying the Scriptures was not part of the conversation concerning how I lived my life. Really, if there is any success to my life it is when I have tried to live my life in a godly manner by faith in Christ Jesus. 

I encourage and exhort you to continue to seek Christ and live by faith in him. We know he tells us in the Bible to love as he has loved us. So, how will you do that today?

Father, help us to live through faith in Christ Jesus today! Praise be to you in us today!

YOU CAN'T ARGUE SOMEONE INTO THE KINGDOM: II Timothy 2:23

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." II Timothy 2:23

When I first started teaching there was a group of guys who started teaching couple years after me. They were all atheists and liberals. When they found out I was a Christian and not a liberal they just couldn't believe it and would ask all kinds of questions. I would ask them a few. The discussion would usually turn into a full on argument brawl. After a while I just told them that if they really wanted to know why I believe what I believe, just ask. They did and in the end about three guys found their way to Christ. 

I also notice that I have become a bit more tactful myself. I found that you need to always allow someone a way out, because, if you back someone into a corner (even verbally) they usually will try to fight their way out. Francis Schaeffer said that he once debated an atheist and when he got home his wife asked him if he won the debate. He said yes, but he'd never do it again because he felt that he beat the guy up so bad that he would never come to Christ. Truth without love can just be a battering ram. 

You can't quarrel/ argue someone into the kingdom. You may give an answer to your beliefs and that may be an opening to share the gospel. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Remember, the goal is to turn people to Christ, not away from him. 

Father, give us grace to gently answer those question or challenge our beliefs. May we turn people to you, not away from you. Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T PANIC, SEEK THESE FOUR: II Timothy 2:21-22

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." II Timothy 2:22

Only one thought on fleeing. Notice Paul does not say to think, pray, or resist. He just says, "Flee". Don't think, just flee. 

I once was at a situation where someone threw a military grade tear-gas canister into a high school basketball game. People just ran out in complete panic, knocking each other down and running every which way. It was mayhem. Sometimes I think that is what our attempts at repentance look like. We're all over the place, knocking into things, just doing anything. Paul gives a four specific spiritual points to seek.

First he tells us to seek righteousness, then faith, love and peace. The opposite of evil desires is righteousness, acting Christ like. Acting Christlike is faith in action. Remember in I Timothy 5:1-2 Paul had exhorted Timothy to treat others, and specifically younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. To act righteously is to love as Christ loved us. Faith in action is manifested in love. When you act righteously, by faith, in love, you will be at peace with God and others. Seeking God this way with others who call on the Lord out of pure hearts is what church is all about. That's Christianity. 

Father, help us to seek righteousness, faith, love and peace together in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

A PRAYER TO BE NOBLE: II Timothy 2:20-21

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the later, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." II Timothy 2:20-21

Father, I am thankful to be part of your family and part of your house. Cleanse me from that which is ignoble. Give me a heart for you, your word and your people. Teach me your ways and lead me in your paths of righteousness. Thank you, my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, for being my righteousness! Make me useful and prepared for any good work. Praise be to you in me today! 

SEALED AS GOD'S: II Timothy 2:19

"Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."" II Timothy 2:19 

As an ex-construction worker, I know that if the foundation is good the house at least has something to build upon that will keep it level and square. And I have seen some houses built upon some pretty rough ground.  Christ is the cornerstone of our salvation. At the bottom of everything is Christ's death and resurrection. I am a sinner. Christ is my Savior. Christ is my righteousness. That is the bottom line.

The Lord knows that we are his. If we have confessed that Jesus is Lord and believed in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). God knows us. He knows me, he know you. We are his. 

Our job is to turn away from wickedness. Wickedness will present itself. We just have to turn away from it. That may mean choosing not to do something or it may mean removing something. Whatever it is, turn from wickedness. Turn to God and trust him to fulfill you. Remember, you are God's child. 

Father, thank you that you know us, that you know we are yours. Help us to turn from wickedness and trust in you. Praise be to you in us today!

NOT A CHAINSAW OR BUTTER KNIFE: II Timothy 2:15

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

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword". The problem is that most of the time we use the Bible more like a chainsaw or a butter knife! Either we try to force our way by saying, "The Bible say! The Bible says!" Or we pick a quote with little or no reference to what the issue really is. 

If I see something in someone and just quote a verse and tell them to get it together or else they are in sin I could be shredding their faith. What happens if they are sincerely struggling with something, seeking God, but just having trouble? What if what they really need is someone to walk alongside them a while and instead I just condemn them? That's what I Corinthians 13 is all about, love. Think about Christ. Although he never condoned sin he was always kind to sinners (like me) when offering them a way of repentance. The only people Jesus was harsh with was with the so-called spiritual elitists, those who thought they were already righteous. 

So, apply the word of God with love and wisdom, correctly handle the word of God.

Father, help us to correctly handle your word and to dispense it with wisdom and love. Praise be to you in us today!

GOD'S APPROVAL: II Timothy 2:15

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

This past week they had a uniform inspection at my son's Cub Scout Pack. All the scout's are checked to make sure they have the proper uniform and everything is in the proper place. It is fun to watch the boys proudly wear their uniforms and recite the Scout's oath. As a Christian I think I need to check myself sometimes and maybe even allow myself to be checked on occasion. 

Stop for just a moment and do a little check on yourself. I don't mean find a bunch of reason's to get down on yourself, or to recite all your failures. There is no need to make a vow to spend an unrealistic amount of time in prayer or Bible Study. 

What I am saying is to just ask yourself if you are seeking to be approved by God. The purpose is not to create a condemnation list, rather, it is to remind you where to focus yourself. We know God approves of taking time to read the Bible, to pray, and seeking opportunities to serve others in his Name. We do my best and pray for grace for the rest. 

Father, help us to seek your approval and not man's. Bless our efforts to live by faith. Praise be to you in us today!

CHRIST'S FAITHFULNESS IS OUR STRENGTH!: II Timothy 2:11_13

"If we died with him,
     we will 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."
 II Timothy 2:11-13

Jesus told us that if we are to be his disciples we have to deny ourselves, take up his cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). Paul reminds us that if we die to ourselves we live to him, which is real life, life everlasting. That death will take some enduring on our part but, the end result for us is that we will reign with him. Pretty good deal.

Notice that there is a difference between disowning Christ and being faithless. To disown Christ is to take yourself out of the family. You know, if you say you are no longer a Christian... To be honest, that scares me. Not that I have said that, but, I know there are times when I certainly don't act like a Christian. And I think that is the difference between denying Christ is your Lord and Savior and sinning. We will sin. We will. There are times when our faith falters, yet, Christ remains faithful! That is the good news! Because Christ cannot disown himself, he will remain faithful even when we struggle and that is our strength, his faithfulness!

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your faithfulness, even when we are not. Praise be to you in us today!

GO BACK TO THE CROSS: II Timothy 2:8

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel." II Timothy 2:8

Many moons ago I was talking with a graduate student who was a Muslim. I was just out of high school. The conversation had begun to spin out of control. My mom had told me that whenever you get into a discussion with someone, particularly from another "faith" (or cult) to just keep going back to the cross. He kept wanting to say that Jesus was just a prophet, I would remind him that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. Mohammed did not. If he did not understand something he would say something about leaving it to the prophets. The central issue which he wanted to avoid at all costs was that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, the gospel. 

You know, that are a lot of things to learn from the Bible. There is a lot you can benefit from studying apologetics, yet, it is always going to boil down to this: Jesus died for our sins and rose again from the dead.

Father, thank you for Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Praise be to you in us today!

STRONG IN GRACE: II Timothy 2:1

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 
II Timothy 2:1

Where do I find my strength? In the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

I think of David and in the moments of his deepest need he turned to God and reminded himself of God's gracious love toward him. When his boss (Saul) whom he faithfully served to take his life he turned to God's gracious love toward him. When his enemies surrounded him and attacked him, he turned and found his strength in God's gracious love toward him. When his own son turned against him, he found strength in God's gracious love toward him.

So, turn to God and find strength in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

Father, hear our cry and show your grace toward us. Praise be to you for your grace in us today!

GOD IS ABLE: II Timothy 1:12

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." II Timothy 1:12 

God is faithful. God is Sovereign. God is loving. God's will will be done. 

What did Paul entrust to God? Besides his own salvation, Paul was deeply concerned with Timothy and all the churches he had planted in his missionary journeys. In an amazing way Paul trusted God with everything that God had entrusted to him. 

God has given us our spouses and children, friends and co-workers. He died for all of us. To pray and ask God to bless my marriage is really just agreeing with God. I just have to be obedient and love my wife. 

Father, help us to trust you because you love us and ever live to intercede for us. Praise be to you in us today!