gee, I had this post all typed out this morning but then had computer trouble and lost it all. Oh well, I still had my time in the word Titus 2:11-15 It is about how we are to be denying ungodliness and worldly desires (ooo, that's a hard one) and to live sensibly, righteoulsy and godly in the present age. The last verse in this chapter "Thse things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you." reminds us to stand firm, grounded in Him.

I have also had the lyrics to a song going thru my head that ties in well.

Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another (idol)

Oh Lord let us be a generation that seeks
that seeks your face, oh God of Jacob.

Jacob was not the ideal person, but God knew who he could become. A new name, Israel, and a new heart - he became a leader of God's people. Our God is a God of second chances. He offers us a new beginning.

adorn

Titus 2 gives very clear descriptions of how we should live. As an 'older' woman I am to be reverent in behavior (not necessarily stodgey), not a malicious gossip (that is easy to slip into), not a drunk (okay, that's an easy one for me)teaching what is good (I try to do that) encouraging young women to love their husbands, love their children, be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind and subject to their husbands, so that God's word is not dishonored. Gee, kinda dumps some responsibility on me. I'm not only responsible for my own actions and training up my children but I am to be training up other women. So, essentially, that 'mom' thing continues, now instead of the link with my sons it is with young women. I see. I am to still love and guide my sons but they are to be lead by men now. And my husband's job as a father to our daughter has shifted a bit, well I guess it has been in transition for a while. She needs the leading of women now. Her dad will still be her dad, but she is old enough that some of her training now should be by women. When does this transition start? Is it in highschool? Do the teen years just cry out as the time for other adults to become involved in their lives? This isn't a new idea - youth groups are in fact the beginning of that transition. Elementary children have attahments to teachers but not in the same way. Their parents are still their leaders, teachers their friends. But those teen years when kits get restless and seek out other people's ideas. That is a crucial time. Who will they find? Who will they follow? Who will know when they are in the depths of despair (but wearing a mask well) The Lord has opened my eyes, once again, to the need for mentors - old and young, for teens and men & women.

I don't know if He is calling me into that ministry but He has certainly pointed out that I should live my life so that I show "good faith so that they (I) will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every resptect. I love that verse (Titus 2:10) I do want my life to adorn, bring extra interest to, the doctrine, teaching, love, of God. Who wouldn't want to be a lil bling for Christ? LOL

Who do I serve?

"Paul, a bod-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those hosen ofGod and the knowledge of the truth which is accordign to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who canot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word in the proclamation wit which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior..." Titus 1:1-3 Bond servant - what does that mean? I am not sure but it makes me think... I have chosen to have a master. Well, in a way. God is Lord of all, but some of us have chosen to recognize that and live as His servants. But, do I? In my mind and heart the answer is 'yes'. But do I live that way, daily. Do I act as though I am a servant - putting my master's desires before my own? I know that my master deserves the place of honor and I know that my master's leading, wisdom, orders, are the best. But do I live and act that way? As His servant I have been entrusted with the knowledge of godliness and the hope of eternal life. I have that knowledge but do I treat it with honor, as a special gift? I need this daily reminder to deny myself, stop serving me, and keep focused on Him, His desires, not mine. Why am I so often foolish and choose to follow my fleshly desires. How can I so easily turn aside from His path? Deep down in my heart, I want to follow Him, but I stray. "Choose this day whom you will serve" Today - Lord - help me follow, serve, You.

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14 Can't you just picture this, standing before the vast oceans. The mighty roar of the waves,the horizon that goes on and on, making your own thoughts small and trivial. We see His glory in His creation and yet many do not know Him. The time will come that even they will see and know His Glory. But will it be too late? Habakkuk wrote this while surrounded with corruption and despair. Yet he was able to see beyond the misery, filth, betrayal. He saw the redemption that is to come. He saw the hope. "Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18 Not only do I want and cling to that hope, but I want others to have that hope as well. Lord, help me to be usable by you to reach the hearts of those without hope.

No Lions but...

Finishing up the second book of Timothy, Paul speaks of his first time being brought before the judge. No one was there to help him, his friends had run away. Did he accuse those friends of being traitors? No. Did he accuse God of abandoning him? No He prayed that his friends would not be blamed for deserting him. And he stated that the Lord stood with him and that he was able to boldly preach an entire sermon "for all the world to hear". He did not look at the bleakness. He saw the opportunity that God had provided him to share the Gospel. He did not feel alone because he had a close relationship with God and could feel His presence. He saw it all as part of God's plan. How else could the message be shared with these people? "Yes, the Lord will always deliver me from all evil..." does not mean that the road will be an easy one. Paul was writing this from prison. So, did God deliver him from evil? Even in prison Paul was a witness for Christ. Wherever God leads me, I can be used of Him - IF I am focussed on Him so that I know His leading. Can I be as upbeat and cheerful, only seeing the good in His plan, as Paul was? I hope and pray that the answer is 'yes'. After all, as Paul wrote "He saved me from being thrown to the lions."

"To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen" 2Timothy 4:18

Leave nothing undone

Yesterday's reading (yes, I did have some quiet time then but didn't journal about it) again spoke of teaching God's Word. "And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus... to preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not." 2Timothy 4:1-2 So I am still seeing God keep this teaching idea on the front burner of my life. I have already sought out a place to teach. Now I am waiting on God's timing. But God is not calling me to only take this message for meaning Sunday School teaching. As I reread these verses today He highlighted the second part of verse 2 ".... encourage them to do right and all the time be feeding them patiently with God's Word." Feeding them, like a baby, little bits here and there. And then my eyes were brought back to chapter 3 "But you know from wathing me...You know what I believe and the way I lie and what I want. You know my faith in Christ..." My every movement, word, and lack thereof is teaching. Lord, please help me not be an obstacle to your love. Please help me use every opportunity to show YOU to others. May I look back and say as Paul did in 4:7 "I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to Him."

My eyes tear up as I read "Stand steady, and don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Brind others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do." "My time has almost run out." My mind wanders in many directions. I am going to visit two different loved ones, both facing cancer. One, strong in the her faith, having had surgery the other day for a reoccurrance. The other one, not a believer, who is still recovering from surgery 6 months ago. I don't know if the scripture reading today is a glimpse into one of their lives or not. But I do know that as Paul urged solemnly to Timothy to preach God's Word, stand steady and not be afraid (whether that is about suffering or being ostracized for teaching God's Word)and he also said to LEAVE NOTHING UNDONE THAT YOU OUGHT TO DO. Those are my marching orders. God help me.

When you were a small child you were taught...

Children's Sunday School. Teaching them simple songs, Bible verses and telling them Bible stories. It isn't just babysitting them while the parents are in groups or service. 2Timothy 3:14-15 "But you must keep on believing the things you have been taught. You know they are true for you know that you can trust those of us who have taught you. You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures' and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus." Paul is telling us that the reasons Timothy knew the teachings to be true are A)he could trust his teachers and B)he was taught the Scriptures as a small child. Of course Jesus has been made real to him, I am not belittling that. But this passage really puts importance on trustworthy teachers and the need for the Scriptures to be taught to small children. When you are feeling low, what songs run thru your head? Is it the latest greatest from the radio? Or do you cling to "Jesus loves me, this I know"? How many Bible characters names can create as vivid a picture in your mind (besides Jesus, Mary & Joseph, and other key people) as Zaccheus? You can easily remember that he was small but he didn't let that get in the way of what he wanted to do, get close to Jesus. He was hated but Jesus saw beyond that He saw the heart and loved him. He was changed because he sought Jesus. So many truths come to mind just because that simple children's song has been planted in my mind. I have been away from children's ministry for quite a while, serving in other ways. But lately the Lord has been burdening my heart, calling me back to it. I wait to see where He leads me.

Don't water down your faith

Reading 2Timothy 4 today gives me a bit of an eerie feeling. It is scarey when you think of what is out there in the world. This is prime politician time so, of course, my mind goes there, but it is all around us, not just in the political realm. Is the anti-christ out there right now? I don't know but from what I see there is a possibility. "But the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some in the church will turn away from Christ and become eager followers of teachers with devil-inspired ideas. These teachers will tell lies with straight faces and do it so often that their consciences won't even bother them." This is not far fetched. It is going on every day. Be wary of who you follow. Make sure you truly know the Son of God as your Savior. The verses go on to remind us that Spiritual fitness is far more important than physical fitness. We need to stay in shape so that we are tuned into God and not easily led astray. But these verses also make me think of the importance of reaching people so that they are not led astray. Even people in our churches will turn. It is so easy to go with the flow and accept what is being dished out by these "teachers with devil-inspired ideas". How desensitized are we becoming about homosexuality? How easily do we accept couples living together? Abortions? what else? tolerance of cults and timidity with our own faith? Shape up! The stronger we stand the easier it becomes for others to stand also. Keeping the peace is not what we are called to do.

For Future Generations - by 4Him
...
If we could find a way to preserve our faith
So those who follow us
See the price that was paid
Then maybe when they question
What it’s gonna take to survive
They’ll find the strength to carry on
In what we leave behind

So I won’t bend and I won’t break
I won’t water down my faith
I won’t compromise in a world of desperation
What has been I cannot change
But for tomorrow and today
I must be a light for future generations

Lookin’ in the eyes of the children
Knowing that tomorrow is at stake
When the choice is up to them
Will they have the strength to say

We won’t bend and we won’t break
we won’t water down our faith
We won’t compromise in a world of desperation
What has been we cannot change
But for tomorrow and today
We must be a light for future generations

Soldier, Athlete, Farmer

2Timothy 2:3-7 Use the illustrations of these three: the soldier who takes on the suffering, and persecution yet still fights on for the cause. He also does not let his interests in worldly affairs distract from his focus on his leader. The athlete who must follow the rules or be disqualified. And the farmer who earns a large crop by his hard work. Verse 7 "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." The verses above this section seem to appeal to me more as Paul is telling Timothy to be strong with Christ's strength and teach others those things. Teach these great truths, pass them on to others. Since I am waiting to see if I am to be teaching Sunday School this seemed to be the Scripture message for today. But then I get to the part of these three illustrations and the words telling me to think on this and ask for how they apply to me. Persecution is not a topic that gives helps me start the day off with a lot of enthusiasm. But what it does bring to mind is a friend who is now facing a reoccurance of cancer. She has a battle before her. What can I do to help? Well, certainly, prayer. And not the lip service type of raising her name to the Lord. But the deep down, all heart, crying out to the Lord for help. I also think of a missionary friend. But what does the Lord have in store for me? Am I ready to be His soldier, ready to face sacrifice and persecution and still press on in His army? The athlete part has me stumped. Following the rules, but I like to step outside the box and try things a new way. That's now bad and I don't think that is what is being addressed here. Following the rules of Christ - love the Lord your God and love others. I do break those rules when I put Me before God and others. I have to think on this some more. The farmer, to me, is definitely a good example of a hard worker - a trait that I am sorely missing. I pray that my mind with continue to ponder these illustrations throughout the day to see what God's is calling me to.

"It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work, not because we deserved it but because that was His plan long before the world began - to show His love and kindness to us through Christ.... Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you, especially concerning the faith and love Christ Jesus offers you. " 2Timothy 1:9,13 God's master plan included me, with all my faults and weeknesses. He knew me so He equipped me to fit in His plan. Why me? I totally don't deserve it. I see that Paul, in his letter to Timothy, was thinking that same thing. Even Moses questioned God's choice of him. He wasn't a leader by any of today's standards, or even of those times. I always looked at my sister as the 'artist' in the family. So why am I used this way? Why have I been given the crown of a child of the King? I don't desreve any of it and I certainly would not of been chosen by anyone else for this life. Sally Klein O'Conner sings a song reflecting on the same thing.
"He wants improbable people for impossible tasks
Don’t assume He hasn’t gathered all the facts
Just trust that He’ll help you through all that He asks
Improbable people for impossible tasks "
I need to focus on what He wants me to do, remembering that I am sooooo not the right one to do this - without Him. The only reason I can be an artist, or a princess, is Him. That is so plain and simple and my head knows it so well but I put that aside at times and forget that I am sooo unworthy, untalented, improbable. Please let me never forget that and yet, when you call for me to do a task let me truly trust in the abilities you have given me. "Guard well the splendid, God-given ability you received as a gift from the Holy Spirit who lives within you." 2Timothy 1:14

Pray much

This morning I was, once again reading 2Timothy and there it was, again, "Pray much for others". I have been seeing some answered prayers lately and also learn of more prayer needs. I have been sending prayers up but now I am starting to think that I have been surface praying. Kind of like lip syncing. Saying the words, caring for them, but how much heart action have I put into it. I am doing a skit on Sunday about the Lord's prayer. I have done this skit before and on the surface it is a humorous lil thing but it does have some good points. But I think God is telling me that it is more true about my praying style than I want to acknowledge. I've had a bit of a knot in my gut about practicing this skit. And now I see why. God is calling me to a deeper prayer life. No more lip service.

Power, love, and discipline

Okay, no excuses. Can't get away with saying that I'm shy, weak, or whatever. That isn't true. I have been equipped. The Holy Spirit isn't shy, weak, or whatever. "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" 2Timothy 1:7 Power, love and discipline - there it is clear as day. I have them in me because of the indwelling Spirit. I can't wimp out with some feeble excuse. He has given me all the power I need for whatever is before me. I have His love to share, that means compassion too. And there's a killer, discipline ! Self control, willpower, call it what you will but it says in the Bible that I have it - when I rely on the Holy Spirit. That is a toughie. Lately I haven't had any will power or self discipline, especially concerning food. But I do have it, He has equipped me with it, I just need to call on Him to take control. My flesh is weak but He has given me the gift of the Spirit to take care of that. So, why don't I? Why don't I let the Spirit take control? I know in my head when I am doing wrong. So why can't I get a grip and do the right thing? Easy answer - who am I letting control my life, my actions? Going back to that song that I blogged about last week, do "I surrender all"? um, no, not really. Its about that daily thing I am suppose to do - deny thy self. Choosing to do that on Sunday, after hearing a wonderful sermon, doesn't do it. It has to be a daily thing. And what better way than to start each day focusing on Him so that I am in tune and open to hear Him. Lord, let this day be one for You. May my life reflect the love, power, and discipline that you have equipped me with. Help me to surrender my all.

I'm not worthy

We had a sweetheart dinner tonight (okay technically it is no longer Saturday, but let's just count this as such) and one of the speakers talked of someone saying that they were not worthy of the love of his family and wife. That got me thinking. I am not worthy of the love of my husband. You see, I know me, I know the inner me. I know that I am not worthy. But he loves me, me with all my faults. His love is a gift to me. It is God that has given that love, to him and to me. We were made for each other. That isn't just a cutsie phrase, it is fact. Before we were born we were in God's plan. He created us to be the perfect match for each other. Like puzzle pieces that have the right shape, and alone are not complete. THAT is God's gift to us. When I stop and think of it - I am so unworthy of such a gift. But so thankful for it.

What's is yet undone?

"I command you before God ....That you fulfill all He has told you to do" 1Timothy 6:13-14
uh oh, that word "command", can't ignore that, can't just hop, skip and jump to the next passage, one that is easier. Nope, there it is in black and white (and a bit of yellow from my highlighter) - do, and finnish, what He has called you to do. Okay, well I didn't go back to the Mission to finnish the relief stenciling that I started yesterday (which, frankly, went very well despite my concerns but because of His control). Let's just say that I whimped out because of the weather. True my back and legs were crying out last night. But I am a fair weather bird when it comes to going down to the Mission. It is 19 miles each way. I am glad that I cleaned up the area yesterday, rehanging pictures, moving furniture back, and put the ladder into a corner behind a partition. I also checked in with staff and found out that there was no problem with my holding onto the supplies until I was done. I am planning on returning. The stenciling is just over half done, now I have the trickier areas around obstacles, but I think the stenciling can be completed in one more day. It looks like I should really make it a priority to do that on Monday.

But my heart still isn't settled. God is telling me that there is more. I have a large project that I started many years ago that I haven't completed. It isn't impacting anyone else, which is the excuse for not working on it. But I did say it was a project I was going to do and I haven't finnished it. It has been on my mind lately too. I guess God has been trying to nudge me for a while but I haven't been listening. urrrgh, this is not something I want to go back to. But I know that there will be joy when done AND I bet there will be joy while completing it. So why do I stall? Because I am me, lazy, wanting to play with other stuff. Kind of a been there done that, it won't be anything new so why go back? Why??? Because He is calling me to go back to it. Because I need to "fulfill all He has told" me to do, "so that no one can find fault" with me.

Okay, so that project needs added to my activities. Geepers, watchout what you ask for. When you start giving God a chance to be heard, for example: quiet time, He listens and talks to you.