Keep on Keeping on!!!

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 3 v. 14  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, know from whom you learned it.

O - Observation

It is a way of life. The very word "continue" points out that this is a journey. Continue means not to stop. We must continue to read God's word. Daily. We must continue to reflect on what it says and
apply it to our life. We can't get discouraged if we stumble or get side tracked. We can't let life's problems or attractions divert us from our relationship with him. There are rewards for continuing in Christ. James 1 v. 12, "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised for those who love him.

A - Application

Am I continuing in my faith?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to continue in my faith in you until the day I die.  Love Will.

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You will face persecution

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 3 v. 12  Indeed all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

O - Observation

Persecution. Webster defines persecution as "cruel treatment because of race or beliefs." God points out that if we desire a Godly life in Christ Jesus we will be persecuted. Persecution, just like troubles or Joy, comes in various levels of intensity. In certain countries, Christianity is abhorred, and people are openly persecuted due to their faith. In America, the persecution is less dramatic, but it is still there. However, the flash points of a Christian lifestyle is under attack right now. Abortion, homosexuality, origins of life. Standing for these will separate you. It will cause the world to treat you different. But, thru it all, subtle or direct, God is there with you. The rewards are great. Revelation 3 v. 21a, "He who conquers, I will grant him to sit on my throne."  

A - Application

Am I being persecuted because of my faith?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to conquer the persecutions that I face.   Love Will.

Who to avoid

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 3 v. 1-5  But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will become lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather then lovers of God, holding the power of religion, but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.

O - Observation

Are we in the last days? Going through this laundry list sure would make you think so. I can see evidence of every one of these things on the list. But, has it always been this way? Probably. Sinful beings are good at being sinful. I just think that the pace, and volume and intensity of these things has exponentially increased in today's times.

A - Application

How well am I avoiding such people as the ones on the list?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to stand firm in these last days.  Love Will.

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We are to be skilled teachers

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 24-25a  And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.

 

O - Observation

We are to be skilled teachers. I think of the best teachers that I have ever had. What made them so great? 1) They were passionate about the subject. 2) They were patient with me, both in learning and (gasp) when I was fooling around. 3) They encouraged me, saw more in me than I did. So, we are called to be teachers. Matthew 28 v. 19a, 20b, "Go therefore.. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."  We need to model those traits when we interact with the people of the world and with the people we know.

 

A - Application

How is my teaching skills? Do I have anyone to teach?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be an excellent teacher for you. Send many people my way to hear what you have to say.  Love Will.

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Pick your controversies!!

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 23  Have nothing to do with stupid senseless controversies; you know that they bread quarrels. 

O - Observation

Talk to the hand. This is great instruction on how to live your life. Pick your fights, because this verse doesn't say, don't be involved in controversies, just not the stupid ones. So what's a stupid controversy? Ones whose core issue is pride. During the last supper, the disciples argued over who was the greatest. Luke 22 v. 24, "A dispute also rose among them, which of them was to be the
greatest." Those things really doesn't matter to Jesus. Controversy creates conflict, so why live your life full of conflict, especially on things that produce nothing. The only controversy we should ever be involved in is the controversy of the cross.

A - Application

How selective am I in picking my controversies?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Give me the wisdom to walk away from the stupid controversies of life.  Love Will.

Pick the Right Target for your life

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 22  So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.

O - Observation

Pick the right target for our lives. I think about my youthful passions. Umm... might not of been the best. They still carry forward today, if only muted by the responsibility of a family and a job. It still is all about me. It still can be a destructive path. But, when I do turn my attention and focus towards eternal targets,my life becomes much more purposeful and passionate.   These are things of great value. Matthew 6 v. 19-20, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves do not break in and steal.

A - Application

What is my target? Am I passionate about reaching it?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to focus on eternal targets.  Love Will.

Everyone has a purpose (and they are all important!)

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 20  In a great house there are not only vessels of Gold and Silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. 

O - Observation

Everyone has a purpose. Some of us, God has determined our place, to be noble, to be wealthy, to

have "it" made. Others, he has determined to be common, laborers, not a "mover and shaker". But that's OK. The first thing to remember is that all of these vessels are in the Great House. We don't have to be one or the other be called one of Gods. The other thing to remember is that God will use all the vessels for what ever purpose he wants. It doesn't make a difference what our situation is, God will use us. 2 Timothy 2 v. 21, "If anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work."

A - Application

Am I satisfied with the vessel that I am? Am I allowing God to use me as he sees fit?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Prepare me to be used for your glory.  Love Will.

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Present Yourself!

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

O - Observation

Your best foot forward.

This verse encourages us to present ourselves to God. We don't need to run or hide from him. But, how do we present ourselves to God? The key word is "workman". A laborer, one who takes directions, one who is not the boss. I think about my professional life, as long as people are focused on their duties and trying their best, I know that there is nothing to be ashamed of, even if there are mistakes along the way. Hey, we're not perfect. So it must be with us as we handle the truth. It results in Hebrews 4 v. 16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in the time of need."

A - Application

How am I presenting myself to God?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be a great workman handling the truth.  Love Will.

Making the correct Life Choice

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 12b -13  If we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself.

O - Observation

Deny. Webster defines deny as, "Declare untrue, or refuse to allow." Deny is an action. It requires premeditation. We have a choice, we can accept God's word as the truth. Or.. we can deny it. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 10 v. 32-33, "So everyone who acknowledge me before men, I also will

acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven." This part is on us. We must take the action and respond. The beauty of this verse is the last part. Jesus will remain faithful, loving, caring forgiving to us. Even if we are not to him.

A - Application

As I making my choice? Denial or acknowledgment?

P - Prayer
Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior.  Love Will.

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Attach yourself to Jesus

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 11-12 The saying is sure, If we have died with him, we shall also live with him, if we endure, we shall also reign with him.

O - Observation

Attach ourselves to Jesus. This verse tells us that there is great reward for attaching our lives, our

purpose with Jesus. Its not to say that the short term may be hard: endure, die. But the rewards will be great: live, reign. Revelation 2 v. 10b, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." Jesus knows we can't do it alone, that's why he offers himself up for us. Matthew 11 v. 29, "Take my yoke upon you, and Learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Being yoked with Jesus, means letting him lead your life. It also means he is by your side and providing energy and power to get through life.

A - Application

Have I attached myself to Jesus?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Take me where you want me to go. Help me to be faithful to you till I die.  Love Will.

The Lesson of the Hard Working Farmer!

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 6-7 It's the hard working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

O - Observation

A know it all. This is the last of three professions that God tells us which gives us great insight to his

brain, his logic, the soldier, the athlete and the farmer. This last one, the farmer, points to the reward of his hard work, "getting to have first dibs on the food he produces. Ensuring that they are covered. Jesus talks about his farming in Matthew 9 v. 37-38, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labors are few, pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Jesus wants us to go out and share the good news. Build relationships. Save lives. I have a sneaky suspicion, those that do will receive their "first fruits" in heaven. So many relationships - so much time.

    

A - Application

Am I approaching my life as a hard working farmer for Jesus?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be a Laborer for Christ. Love Will.

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Follow the Rules

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 5  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

O - Observation

Don't get disqualified!!! What's the value of training and performing if you break the rules? Compare and contrast Mark McGuire with Albert Puhols. McGuire was the man, but hey, he cheated, he took performance enhancement drugs. So although he was a stud, his studliness will be forever tainted. Not so with Albert Puhols. He is the man, and its due to him following the rules. Think of the Pharisees in Jesus time or some people that we may know like them. They make their own rules (much like McGuire) of religion. They appear to be great but miss the rules. Matthew 23 v. 25, "Woe to you , scribes and Pharisees! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity."

A - Application

Am I following God's rules for my life?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Your guidance for my life is all I need. Help me to train in them.  Love Will.

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The Duty of Representing

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 4-5  Share in the suffering as a good soldier of Christ. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.

O - Observation

The few, the proud, the soldiers of Christ. Think about what it entails to be a soldier, they strip your old habit, ethics and remold you into a different person. Its a function of boot camp. A person that
comes out of boot camp will be more disciplined, and know a lot more about themselves. Its not necessarily a day at the beach. So it must be for ourselves. We need to go through spiritual boot camp to strip our self and dress in the armor of God. Wearing the uniform of a soldier is an honor, but also reflects a duty to represent the country. People watch their actions. So it is with us, those that are Christians, we represent Christ.

 

A - Application

As a representative of Christ, do I get entangled in worldly "civilian" pursuits?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be a great soldier for you.  Love Will.

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Remember the source of Strength

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 2 v. 1 You then my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

O - Observation

The source of our strength. Its the knowledge that Jesus died for all so that they may live in heaven with him eternally. 1 Timothy 2 v. 4, "Who desires ALL men to be saved and come to the knowledge

of truth." Knowledge that God sent his son Jesus, to die on the cross for us is empowering. There is nothing that can separate us from the Love of Jesus. Romans 8 v. 38-39, "For I am sure that neither death, not life, not angels, nor principalities, not things present, not things to come, nor powers, no height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Knowing that God is on our side, who can be against us?

A - Application

What is the source of my strength?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Thank you for being there for me, in good times and bad. You are my strength.   Love Will.

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Live a hospitable life

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 1 v. 16  May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphours, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains. 

O - Observation

Hospitality. Webster defines hospitality as friendly and generous treatment of guests. This is a great trait to have. It is a mindset that is worthy to strive to achieve. But it takes sacrifice, it takes putting others before you. It takes listening and acting on what a person's needs are. This is especially true when we help fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6 v. 9-10, "And let us not grow wearing in well doing; for it due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." This is a great description of Oneiphours. What a great role model.

A - Application

Am I living a hospitable life? How do I handle it when I grow weary of hospitality?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be like Oneiphours.  Love Will.

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Guard the Truth

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 1 v. 14 Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

O - Observation

Guard the truth. Protect it. Webster defines guard as something that protects against harm. So what is the truth? There is only one God. There is only one way to eternal life. His name is Jesus. Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 4 v. 1, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." What is the most deceiving doctrine taught? That there is no God. We are given insight to what this leads to, written almost 2,000 years ago. Romans 1 v. 28a-29, "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God... They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, gossip, slanders, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil." A lot’s at stake to guard the truth.

A - Application

Am I guarding the truth in my life?

P - Prayer

Jesus, You are the truth. Help me to protect that knowledge.   Love Will.

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Do not be ashamed of the name of Jesus

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 1 v. 12b But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day which has been entrusted to me.

O - Observation

There is nothing to be ashamed of! Knowing that Jesus is my Lord and Savior is NOT embarrassing. It is controversial. The name Jesus is a divisive name. 1 Corinthians 1 v. 22-23, "For Jews demand  signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles." Saying that Jesus is God and is your God will cause some people to think your different. Old fashioned. Not up with the times. But Paul gives us the best quote in Romans 1 v. 16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: It is the Power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

A - Application

Am I ashamed to say Jesus name in Public?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Take away any hesitation in my life to proclaim you.  Love Will.

We have a Holy calling

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 1 v. 9  Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works, but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago.

O - Observation

We have a holy calling. Those who believe that Jesus is their Savior, who trust in him, have a set purpose or calling. Jesus laid it out for us in Matthew 28 v. 19a, 20a, " Go therefore and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. " This is our

purpose. This is the work that we have to do. We can't do it alone. My skills, my personality, may not seem to fit to well with this calling. But, if we work together with fellow Christians, playing off of each others strengths, then things are much more doable. 1 Corinthians 12 v. 12, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the member of the body, thought are many, are one body. So it is with Christ."

A - Application

Have I considered how I fit in, my role in Jesus holy calling?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Motivate me to do your will. Use me as you see fit.  Love Will.

Recognize the power that God gives you

S - Scripture

2 Timothy 1 v. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self control.

O - Observation

We are energized! God gives us a three prong volt of energy. He does not want us on the sofa. Nor not standing up for what is right. Nor not sharing what is our source. NO!! He wants us to stand apart from everyone else. He gives us the tools of love and self control. Both of these together is a very powerful force. Isaiah 40 v. 29, "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." What type of Power is he giving us? John 1 v. 12, "But to all who receive him, who believes in his name, he gave the Power to become Children of God." Knowing that you are a Child of God, is indeed very powerful.

A - Application

Am I using the Power that God gave me?

P - Prayer

Jesus, Remind me daily of the gift of power, love and self control.  Love Will.