Tag: 2 Timothy 2

Posted in Christian, Word of God

How to Make God Happy

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 1 Comment on How to Make God Happy

Philippians 2:1-7 KJV
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, [2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

We live in such a selfish generation. It cracks me up (and not in a good way) when I hear people say that the young people of today are an entitled and spoiled generation. I’ve been guilty of saying it. And then I think, “Really, just the young people? What about the old people? Like us.” Those who get angry if all the pieces of their daily puzzle doesn’t fall into place. If their hamburger was missing a pickle or their fries were too soft. Let’s get real for a minute about our own attitudes and expectations in life. Let’s talk about our priorities and lack of commitment to the things of God.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians he was in prison. Not even the prison of today, but a crude cell, no personal potty, there were not three hots and a cot. But his priorities and thoughts were on the people of the church. Is ours? Do we encourage one another?

Comfort one Another

How do you do that? In another letter Paul answered that question when he told the church to comfort one another by reminding each other that Jesus is coming back!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This has got to be a top priority in our life to keep our minds and attitudes in check about what’s important. Forget about the missing pickle, what about the missing soul that will be in Heaven because we didn’t take the time to tell our friends and family about Jesus?

Have Fellowship with the Spirit

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This wasn’t to make him a scholar. This was to help him understand the importance of staying connected with God every day. This world sucks the life out of you. There are some serious things that occur in the course of a day. It’s not always just about the pickle. Sometimes there are issues that need our attention but further more need God’s guidance. In two days I had two such incidents. Two grandchildren in what could have been a life altering incident. But praise God, they were both fine. But in those moments, I didn’t give one iota about a pickle or anything else. I knew I had to turn both of the boys over to God and deal with He decided. One of those issues is still ongoing. My grandson needs the Lord’s intervention. But I want to back up to the drive through and reorder. And God says no… you get what I give you.

Bowels of Mercy

That feeling in the pit of your stomach when something breaks your heart and makes you want to do something for someone. We expect God to have a limitless supply for us, but our level of mercy is not quite as deep. But we know when God is working in us and through us, and causes us to care at a new level, but it i’s at that time that we have to determine “what am I going to do with this mercy?” Will you act on it, or just give them a quick word and move on.

God said it is the three points of this message that fulfill His joy! This is how we make God happy.

  • We comfort one another – that means Christians should be together.
  • We fellowship with the Spirit – that means we should be with God.
  • We have bowels of mercy – Which means to act when God calls.

Are you there. Or like me, could you use a little more work in making God happy? When you think about all you have to be grateful for, it should cause us to talk to God about what to do with it. Life can get serious in a heartbeat.

Don’t worry about the pickle.🥒

Posted in Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Overthrowing the Faithful

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Overthrowing the Faithful

That’s Satan’s daily agenda. He can’t have our souls, so he’ll settle for our days and boy do I make it easy for him sometimes. As I began to write this morning; trying to wrap my mind around spiritual things, the debate from Tuesday night’s Presidential spar came into view. I was nauseous because President Trump did not bring his “A” game. I expected better. Biden, no doubt through the aid of medicine, and only the Lord knows what else, actually kept himself together with he exception of a few meltdowns and multiple bold face lies that Chris Wallace, the moderator,  helped him with. And so my mind went there, because all it took was a little something shiny to get my mind off the task of sharing Jesus, and onto my frustration. My mind was almost overthrown.

Overthrow by definition is to “subvert or defeat.”I cannot be defeated because I have Christ living in me, but… I can certainly be subverted (overthrown or confounded).

On my phone is the 1828 dictionary which defines words from a biblical viewpoint. One of the best apps by far for a child of God who studies the word. When using “subvert” in a sentence for example it read “ He is the worst enemy of man, who endeavors to subvert the Christian religion. The elevation of corrupt men to office will slowly, but surely, subvert a republican government.” 

Wow… did that fit in where my mind was going! Maybe God didn’t mind me being frustrated.

America is being overthrown from within and the children of God have two choices: either stay distracted with Satans political rhetoric which will accomplish nothing productive, or point lost souls to Christ, Christians souls to their purpose, and leadership to the cross as a reminder that Victory has nothing to do with the outcome of an election.

So today I fight the overthrow, perhaps you need some help too!

2 Timothy 2:16-21 KJVS

The Babblers

[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Have you ever seen a time when people ramble on without reason? Or a time when people feel that they have the right to spew their opinion at anyone, regardless of insult or injury? It’s crazy. And yet we tolerate it as the norm, because suddenly it is. Babbling or rambling, they run a close race. But the word babble comes from Genesis 11 in the period of time after the flood, when all the earth was in one language, but God “confounded” them with multiple languages as the result of their belief that they could become as high as God by building a tower. 

Have you seen a time when so many people believe they are as smart as God, or that there is no consequence for actions against God? God doesn’t have to create a new language, we’ve confounded ourselves with unrealistic ideas that make no sense. Someone thinks something up, and it must be right, because they did. Kneeling (which I consider an act of humility) is now an act of disrespect toward our nation and flag. Vulgar and unapologetic language that used to be a rated “R” conversation in front of the general pubic and especially children, is now rated “G.” And most everyone accepts it as the norm. 

Babblers are tearing at the fabric of our nation by tearing down our nation one family at a time where nobody respects anybody and anything goes. As Paul instructs Timothy to avoid ( shun) these vain babblers, he tells him that the lying and misleading speech is like a mouth canker. Ouch! Paul even goes so far to call out their names.

 [17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 

But Paul warns that those lies will “overthrow the faith of some.” Cause their downfall. The problem with society (as a whole) is that we’ve become so accustomed to a false narrative by the left, that we’ve stopped defending the right. 

[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

We’ve been told to shun (avoid) the babbling, and now Paul says to depart from the iniquity. “Walk away Chuckie, just walk away.” 

It’s easier said than done sometimes. But by staying in a conversation with anyone who argues that what’s going on, on the left, is okay, we’re subjecting our mind to the damage it does. Arguing with them will serve little purpose, but a mic drop moment of walking away might cause them to think, and it will certainly let them know where you stand. 

[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. [21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

If we avoid, and sometimes just walk away from the negative, nasty comments of the day, we’ll be doing ourselves a favor and allowing our minds to focus on what God would have us focus on. His work… you know… the good work.

As I begin my day to day, it’s my prayer that God will send someone who needs Jesus across my path, and that I will have the clarity of the word of God to share Christ with them in a way that causes them to desire to know Him. 

Just because the world is evil, doesn’t mean that I have to be subjected to it. I have the light of Christ living in me that can certainly outshine any darkness of this world. Amen! Shine on Children!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Christmas

The Vessel, the Voice and the Value

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 1 Comment on The Vessel, the Voice and the Value

It started with a conversation with a friend and woman of God Angel Murchison two days ago. We were sharing the many things that God has done with our lives and the countless ways He has used us in our prospective ministries. As we spoke the words “vessel and voice” came into my mind; how blessed I was that by being a willing vessel, allowing my voice to be used for the glory of God I had become of value.

Just for the record, I’ve always been of value to God. After all He died for me. But in my own eyes I struggle with worth, and for certain worthiness.

The thought continued into a conversation with my friends Daniel and LuAnn Johnson as we worked on a Christmas giving project together. We were trying to be willing vessels. We were using our voice, and we knew that it was of value for the Kingdom… but deed…. We weren’t sure how.

By doing all the things that God had laid on our heart to do, we weren’t really seeing the fruit of our labor by way of souls being saved and lives being changed. So what’s a girl to do if “there ain’t no proof in the pudding?” (that’s an old time colloquialism for evidence of effectiveness).

So this girl went to the word of God.

2 Timothy 2:20-21

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work

Various Vessels

Gold, silver, wood and earth. I look at those materials and I can see various people who align metaphorically. I view myself as an earthen vessel, a clay pot crafted in the Master’s hand as the scripture relates in Romans 9:21

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

We are, I am, what the Master makes me to be. Unfortunately there are times that all I see is “God made me weird.” I have quirky ways, weird ideas and take random leaps of faith or fiction that sometimes end well, and other times end in disaster. And God has to put me back on the wheel and work the bumps out of life again.

Vigilant Vessels

Ever watchful for an opportunity to serve.

That’s why I do crazy things with people like LuAnn and Daniel Johnson like host a community Christmas party. They’re a little crazier than me because they drove from North Carolina to West Virginia. But God said go, and so they did. And God said join them, and so I did. And together we make a good team because we look for opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life and for the chance to tell the world that Jesus Saves!

Victorious Vessels

Victory doesn’t always look like crossing the finish line for a trophy. Sometimes it looks like an unfinished project.

As Daniel, Luann, their young Clayton and I, fed and encouraged the folks who came to our Christmas party, we attempted to sow seeds on a cold December day, believing that they’d take root and grow into something amazing for the Kingdom. But if we’re honest there were some seeds that fell on stony ground.  Those seeds suck the life out of me because they make me feel like a failure and cause me to question once again the value of my ministry reach.

And then a man walks through the door that just needed to feel like someone cared, and we did. And it was in that moment that I see the hand of God and heard the Spirit whisper… “that’s why you’re here.”

I felt the ribbon go around my neck and the Lord kiss my cheek and say “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We were vessels of honor and value. Sanctified (set apart from the way the world views obedience and victory) and meet (of value) for the good work that the Lord has for us in the Kingdom.

Victory! It’s not always the big wins that are of value. Sometimes the value is in the little we do being vigilant vessels.

I hope you enjoyed this word today, and I pray you’ll share this post as well as the ministry of www.theJesusChick.com. Over the next month I’m working on a my website style as well as it’s content in hopes of being a bigger blessing and opening the doors of opportunity.

You too are a valuable vessel! God bless you and Merry Christmas from the Jesus Chick!!!!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose

What’s in Your Tool Belt This Week?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What’s in Your Tool Belt This Week?

Much like my counterparts of yesteryear there is a great deal of my Saturday preparing for my Sunday. Although mine is not to the degree of those of the past. I’ve heard my parents speak about spending Saturday’s ironing ‘Sunday go to meetin’ clothes, preparing things for Sunday’s dinner that could be prepared ahead. Getting done any normal daily work that could be done a day ahead so that Sunday was spent in genuine rest in the Lord Jesus.

Sunday’s are not so Holy for the church or the world either one.  I would be guilty of failure to “rest” on any given Sunday. Although I’m in church for morning and evening services, I’ve been known to spend those few hours in between at a store, or any other number of activities. But my Saturday’s are spent preparing Sunday School lessons, Powerpoint presentations for services and attempting to get my head wrapped around worship. The world takes its toll on me. Even though I’m home much of the week.

Saturday is not the only day I work on the building, but it does cause my mind to be more focused. Sad… but true.

What’s in your tool belt for the weekend services? That’s the question I ask myself.

HAMMERING IT DOWN

No self-respecting carpenter would be found without a hammer in his/her too belt. Jesus Himself learned the trade of carpenter from His earthly father and building the church is the foundation of Christianity. If Sunday services are no more than a lecture hall, we’ve missed the mark. God nailed down our purpose when He handed out the great commission for all believers. Not just preachers.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Contrary to popular belief He did not say sit on your hinder parts in the church on Sunday and accept no responsibility in the building process. Pastor’s need to pass out a few hammers on Sunday morning and remind the congregation as they leave the building to use the tools he’s given them for the week.

PRYING IT UP

I fully believe it would take a pry bar to get some believers up out of their seats, their hands out of their pockets or their voices out of the depths of their soul. Today we should be preparing out hearts for the services in the morning. Imagine if we took the time on Saturday to pry the sins and junk deep within us out and entered the building with a Spirit of freedom to worship. Wow!! What would that look and sound like?

King David knew that a clean heart was necessary for the freedom of fellowship with God when he wrote Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

It would be good if today we did a little cleaning before Sunday and pried some of the dirt out of the corners of our lives.

MEASURING OUR FAITH

My grandchildren love to find David’s tape measure and pull it out as far as the can only to release it and watch it zing back inside itself. I fear we often measure our faith in the same manner. A quick look at the distance we’ve traveled, the things we’ve done and then it’s back in the box with a pat on the back for a job well done. But what if we measured our faith by the word of God instead of by the world’s standards. Would our faith even make it out of the box?

In preparing for Sunday’s services I wonder what my faith looks like to God. Have I built anything substantial this week or is my work simply cosmetic. While the structure beneath is rotting inside.

SAWING THE WORD

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

If we look at the New Testaments example of building the church, I’m pretty sure we’re not even in the same blueprint. And before anyone says “times have changed.” We must admit, “The Lord hasn’t.”

His word is as relevant today as it was the day it was written. If Peter could see 3000 saved, so can we, but not without a change of attitude toward the tools of the trade.

Nowhere in the book does it say there was a dress code to serve Christ.

Deuteronomy 22:5 reads:

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”

This scripture was written at a time when both men and women wore basically the same form of apparel. Although no doubt there was a difference between the two. Just as my jeans and my husbands are completely different. My pockets have bling! His pockets have a leather patch. I wear lace, he wears plaid. But people will read into the word things that just are not there. They do the same thing with worship, evangelism and ministering the gospel. Rather than focusing on building the house… they worry about the drapes.

There are rules. They still apply. But many of the rules for which we govern our Sunday’s with are not found in the word.

When you build a house, you start with the foundation. When you build a church you do the same. Every single word of God.

Isaiah 28:9-10 reads

Who shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.

God laid out the instructions for building His church. We need to stick to the plan.

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