Lasting Impact

 

 

 

Today’s Reading: Titus 2,Psalms 4

Over the past several years, I have been able to listen and become more aware of God and the Holy Spirit in my life and my daily actions. When I received this passage to reflect on this week, the Holy Spirit allowed me to fully experience his message: I am with you.

The first week of August for my family is one that has a lot of emotional attachment. Three years ago, my family and I were celebrating my daughter, Ruby’s, baptism and the following day, August 4th, my wife’s grandfather passed away. Last year, my mother’s sister’s husband passed away on August 5th. And this past Friday, my sister’s father-in-law passed away. These were men that were the backbone and foundation of families that I am directly attached and bonded. It is hard to loose these men, but I gain some peace at the love and devotion that they lead by example. The combined years of marriage that they had were over one hundred years. The influence and wisdom that I received was truly impactful and have help to shape me as the man I am today.

As Paul writes to Titus about the right living in church and the role of the elder men and women play, I know that the Spirit is working in me to continue to live the examples that I have been expose.

Titus 2: 3-5: Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

These men create ways to show me how to be 1.) Temperate 2.) Worthy of Respect 3.) Self-controlled 4.) Sound in Faith, Love, and Endurance.   I learn a lot from these gentlemen as was instructed to Titus and Timothy. I know that each of the last times that I had with each of these men were filled with God’s grace and the knowledge and wisdom that I received allows me to take courage that God is with me and all that were a part of their lives.

As we read and pray through these scriptures, let us allow God to bring people to influence and encourage us to be the person that He can use to encourage others and show Christ’s love. Amen

Order In Your Life=Spending Time With God

In just a few days, we will be leaving for our annual summer vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks. We usually try to plan this trip around my husbands family and we meet up as they are available. Years ago, my husband (the engineer) actually made a spread sheet for us all to follow. He made itineraries and lists for everyone. I will admit that we all made fun of him for doing this. But, guess what??? It might have been the best trip we have taken with the entire extended family because it was so well planned out. This planning brought order to our trip. There was no questioning what we were doing, or questioning who was bringing what, or even questioning what was for dinner. My husband has a quality about him that was used set our family vacations in order.

This brings me to the theme of Titus Chapter 1. Paul wrote this letter to Titus and instructed him to do one thing: to set the church house in order on the island of Crete.

Titus 1:5 – “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you”

Paul continues by listing qualities that the Church Elders must have. Most of the qualifications involve character, not a skill or knowledge. A person’s life-style and relationships provide a window into his or her character.

Some of the characteristics that a qualified elder must have:

*blameless, husband of one wife, father of well-behaved children who share the Christian faith, hospitable, love goodness, self-controlled, of a sound mind, temperate, upright, holy, free from sin and wickedness, disciplined, holding to the truth of the Gospel, and able to teach believers and argue the faith effectively with doubters.

Some of the characteristics that an elder must not have:

*overbearing, self-willed, arrogant, quick-tempered, habitually angry, drunken, violent, and given to dishonest gain.

Paul left specific instruction on his task to put order into the Church. Paul wants Titus to put pastoral leadership in place in the Christian church on the island and he wants him to be careful in his selection of the leaders. He wants people who are respected in the community, family men who are even tempered, welcoming to strangers, wise, fair, and reverent.

We are called to be people changed by God’s love and desire to demonstrate what Paul stresses to be the qualities needed in leaders. Be people who are consistent at home as well as at church. Be people whose personal integrity is seen by outsiders as well as insiders. Have a spiritual life that draws upon the power of God and shows itself in one’s life, and know what we believe and why. We will be stronger and so will others because of Jesus who demonstrates these qualities for us.

When we spend time in God’s Word we get to know Him more intimately and He puts the desire for order in our lives. Spending more time with Him develops these qualities daily. May we all put a daily time in our busy calendar to spend time with Him…He in turn will put order in our lives.

We can also weave Psalm 3 into this passage. As we spend time developing these characteristics in our lives…LIFE HAPPENS! Sickness happens, challenges at work happen, a messy house happens, busy schedules happen, stress happens, etc…etc… So what do we do??? We can mirror David in this Psalm. David’s enemies sought to harm him. He was fleeing his son and maybe up to 10,000 soldiers. David could have depended on his army to defeat his enemies, instead, he turned to the Lord. He depended on God’s mercy, therefore, he was at peace with whatever outcome occurred. We can overcome fear by trusting god for his protection in our darkest hour (or as I need to continually remind myself, even in the little things!).

Introduction to Titus

Today’s reading:  Introduction to Titus, Psalm 2

Although the book of Titus comes chronologically after 2 Timothy in our Bible, it was probably written about the same time as 1 Timothy.  Like Timothy, Titus had been a traveling companion of Paul, and someone whom Paul had been developing into a church leader.  At the time Paul wrote this letter, Titus had been given responsibility for overseeing the churches that had been planted on the island of Crete.  The book includes four primary instructional themes to guide his leadership.  These themes are timeless.  They are applicable for 21st century Christ-followers as much as they were for those in the first century.  Will you watch for them as we read this short book together?

Qualities for Leaders (Titus 1:6-9) – One of Titus’ responsibilities was to appoint leaders for the Crete churches.  This section of scripture reminds us that a person’s conduct outside the church should reveal their fitness for service inside the church.  A leader of God’s people must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:8-9).

Character of Christ-followers (Titus 2) – Christ-followers in various age groups have different experiences and different needs.  While each group has a different role to play in the church, all are expected to live upright, self-controlled and godly lives.  For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…(Titus 2:11-12).

Citizenship (Titus 3:1-2) – Christ-followers are to be good citizens, obeying government leaders, and working honestly.  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2).

A good life (Titus 3:4-8) – We are saved by the grace of God, not because of the good things we’ve done.  While good deeds won’t earn salvation, our gratefulness for God’s grace should compel us to serve others.  This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8).

You may not aspire or be called to church leadership.  But let Paul’s teaching to Titus be a guide for your life…these things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8).

 

In Closing

If you knew you were at the end of your life and writing your last letter to people you loved, what would you say?

2 Timothy 4 closes out Paul’s final writings in the Bible. He knew he was at the end of his life and he was passing the torch to his dear friend Timothy who was like a son to him.

In his personal instructions and closing (verses 9-22), we can observe that Paul is very people focused. Thinking about what is (or should be) most important to any of us, I think about the people I’ve been entrusted to love, teach, guide and to learn from and wanted to share two stories from this week.

On Tuesday, a close family member had a very serious health scare; one that caused great panic for a short period of time. Immediate thoughts went though my mind wondering if I’ve properly shared the gospel with him, if I’ve treated him with love, goodness, kindness, and gentleness. What if the last time I saw him was truly “the last time”? What would life be like without him?

On Thursday, Amy’s car broke down with an issue that was a severe safety hazard an hour from home while I was several hours away at work. She had our boys with her and the car was packed full of luggage. Generally a panic situation.

One of my biggest fears in life (apart from public speaking) is actually that my family would be stranded somewhere in a broken down car AND that I’d be too far away to help! With immediate prayer along with feeling nauseous, I started making phone calls.

Praise God, our local dealership actually called a tow truck, had the truck come to the dealership and pick up a loaner car, bring that car to Amy, then take our car back to the dealership.

And based on my own experience with tow truck drivers, I’ll admit to some negative bias. Not this guy! Amy said he was so nice and helpful, she was blown away… wow!

Praise God that these two situations had best case scenario results. Praise Him for putting people in our lives who listen, respond and give us love. May we respond in a way that honors God and his calling.

Starting today we’re going through the Psalms for additional praise and teaching. Here’s a link for today: Psalm 1

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. (2 Timothy 4:22)

Legacy Living

Who are some of your family or friends that have left a legacy with you?  Who are you leaving one with now?

We have had many beautiful, inspiring, God-centered posts on legacies. As I look back at some of these timely pieces I wanted to highlight a few allowing us to reflect and use for future encouragement.  Here they are:  Nothing New Under the Sun But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ,  Penalty Power and Promise, Ordinary People, Chasing the Wind, Foundation in Christ, Heart Right with God, Influence,  and My Father, a Glimpse into Our Heavenly Father.

These heart-touching, faith inspired posts encourage, fill you with joy, and give you a reminder of the opportunity we have everyday to leave a legacy. Paul leaves a legacy of a person who was transformed by God’s grace. Paul models actions instructed by God, he shares His words of wisdom, love, and faith instructing Timothy and us through God’s word.

While reading today’s reading of  2 Timothy 1 I think about the legacy being made by Paul and Timothy. I also reflect on the legacy left by Timothy’s family that filled into him. 2 Timothy 1:3-5.  Where some of us may have testimonies of coming to faith based on extraordinary circumstances like Paul. Others may have been filled into at a young age in believing homes like Timothy. Either way it is all good.  God is good!

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

These verses bring me to a personal examination, What kind of faith am I leaving for our succeeding generations I’m around daily? What do my actions, words, and character show?  Keep the Faith! Our consistent, sincere, Jesus modeled focused faith leaves imprints on others.  These reminders and influences can be read in all the posts listed above.  Despite our imperfections, live out the faith we believe in God.

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

So some reminders as we listen to Paul’s final letter. Abide in our faith at all times.  Like BJ said on Sunday, put on Gods armor so when good and bad circumstances happen we know how to respond. Ephesians 6:10-18 Remember the promised faith that is centered on God. James 3:17 He holds our yesterday, today, and tomorrow in His hands. Now, I know there’s no guarantees in parenting, we can model, love on, and try to do all the things we can to influence our children.  It may not work.  But, I know there is a guarantee in God.  Titus 1:2 He has a perfectly designed plan through it all.  Keep the faith! Lead, Learn, and Live out a legacy of Love for all those around you.  Your legacy is a life that is telling itself in the living.

 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

Keep and share the promise of life in Jesus Christ today.

Pray through Psalm 121 as you enter into your day.

2 Timothy-Paul’s Final Words

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6

 Today we welcome the second book of Timothy. Here we read Paul’s last words of encouragement and advice from his jail cell before he is executed. Biblical scholars date Paul’s second letter to Timothy between 66 and 67 AD. He was convicted of being a follower of Jesus and sat alone in a Roman prison writing out his final words of wisdom. As I studied this time in Paul’s life, I wondered whether Timothy received his letter in Ephesus before or after Paul’s death. I imagine Timothy reading and rereading the letter, the great weight of responsibility resting squarely on his shoulders. He opens the letter tenderly,

“To Timothy, my beloved child…” 2 Timothy 1:2

 What follows is a rich tapestry of wisdom, advice and encouragement. As I consider both the author and the recipient, I’m aware that there has never been another person like Paul. He shows us his vulnerability and his loneliness in this letter. It’s clear that he has surrendered and uses his imprisonment and impending execution as an example of obedience and faith in Jesus Christ. His words are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. In this final letter to Timothy, Paul outlines four main tenants for leading in Christian service:

  • Be Bold
    • Paul encourages Timothy to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit he has been given to both preach and teach
    • He reminds Timothy that there will be opposition and that he must persevere without guilt or shame
  • Stay Faithful
    • Paul anticipates his martyrdom and uses it as a powerful example of loyalty
    • Paul speaks of endurance and diligence, he reminds us that God will give us strength to remain steadfast in the face of evil
  • Preaching and Teaching
    • Paul encourages Timothy to carry the burden of truth and train others in preaching the doctrines of Christianity
  • False Teachings
    • Finally, Paul warns Timothy that there will be false teachers. He implores Timothy to correct, rebuke and finally encourage those teachers to preach sound doctrine.

Just as we cherish the final words, the handwritten notes and photos of a loved one that has passed, so can we cherish Paul’s final words to Timothy. I’m looking forward to studying these chapters with you this week and exploring how our community is not so different from the Ephesian community in 67 AD. May God bless us as we commit to being in the word with Him this week!

 

Fight The Good Fight

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 6

Not too long ago, I scheduled Friday evening walk-thru to discuss some problems a customer was having with his house.  It was the only time he had available.  Not surprising, this busy executive was running late.  When finally he walked into the house, I greeted him with a handshake and a big smile, expecting him to unload on me about the busy and tumultuous week that he has had.  Cautiously, I asked, “did you have a good day?”  His response was one that I will never forget.  He said, simply and authentically, “I fought the good fight.”  What an interesting comment!  Since that conversation, I’ve stopped thinking about my days as good, or bad.  Instead, at the end of my day, or week, I remind myself that I am fighting the good fight.  Paul gives us some interesting feedback today about the good fight.  He uses four words to outline how we do it.

Flee – (v11) to escape, shun, run away from

From what in your day, or week did you flee?  Or, maybe you did not flee when you should have.  Perhaps, there s something in your life this very moment that you need to flee. 

Pursue – (v11) to run swiftly in order to catch something, to seek after eagerly, earnestly attempt to acquire

What are you pursuing in your life?  Are you full throttle in your career?  For what purpose?   Maybe its money, or is it power?  In this passage, Paul is encouraging us to pursue faith and only faith.  That means running after God, earnestly and swiftly.  The goal is to catch him!

Fight – (v12) struggle, strive, to contend with an adversary

No, it will not be easy.  Things won’t go our way.  It will often feel as if someone is fighting against you.  The good news is that we have been given amazing tools for this battle.  Ephesians 6:10-18 describes how God protects us.  He gives us “full armor” so that we can stand firm.  Additionally, He wants us to fight hard against our adversary with his sword of truth.

Take Hold – (v12) take possession, attain, seize

God does not want us to wait until the battle is over.  He wants us to claim the prize, now!  Don’t forget, he already won the war.  He sent his only son to die on the cross (1 John 2:12-14).  Its time to stake our claim.

Father, thank you for simple ways to better understand your Truth.  Give us wisdom today to see clearly what we are pursuing.  Provide us with the courage we need to flee from temptations.  Resolve in our hearts a desire for you that enables us to fight.  We trust in your armor to help us stand firm.  Today, Lord, victory is yours.  Not even death can overcome it.

My Father, A Glimpse Into Our Heavenly Father

Today’s reading is 1 Timothy 5.

Please forgive me, as this is the 2nd writing in a row about my family. My family is far from perfect to say the least like all families, but I could not help but think of my Dad when reading this passage. This chapter specifically talks about the treatment of widows in 1 Timothy 5:3 and family 1 Timothy 5:8. For much of the last 15 or so years my Dad has cared for widows. Two of his aunts, who were my Grandfather’s sisters, were widows with no children who lived alone for many years and then transitioned into an assisted living facility and then eventually a nursing home. They have now both passed. My Dad picked them up for church each Sunday, insisted they come to every holiday, and even made sure they had a corsage like all the other women at church on Mother’s Day so they didn’t feel left out.  Not only did he care for their physical needs and managed their finances, but most importantly, he cared about the way they felt about themselves. He cared about their dignity. I can’t help but think of how proud my Grandpa must have been of my Dad looking down from Heaven and seeing his son care for his sisters who had no one else.

It doesn’t stop there though. My Grandma, my Dad’s mother-in-law, was also in the nursing home with dementia at and around the same time. My Dad would stop by mid-morning each day to pick up and drop off her laundry and check in to see how she was doing. Even though she didn’t know who he was and wouldn’t have noticed if he didn’t come by or that her glasses were dirty, he would stop by just to bring a smile to her face and to clean her glasses every day. I know how great this made my Mom feel seeing the love her husband had for her own Mom. I can only hope that I can make him and my wife Shannon that proud someday. Now, my Dad cares for a widow who has no living relatives and is in need of someone to help her after her sister passed. I heard someone once say you can tell the character and quality of a person by how they treat someone who can give them nothing in return. Come to think of it..isn’t that what God did for us when he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us? He gave us something we could never repay Him for and something he didn’t need to do. He wanted to do it though. 1 John 4:16 says, “God is love…” We will never be perfect and that is why we need Jesus. But, we are called to be a shadow of his image for others to see His love through our lives and actions.

I’m wrapping up my 17th unbelievable Annual Meeting in Milwaukee for my company, Northwestern Mutual, and I had the chance to hear Wheaton College legendary football coach Michael Swider speak for the second time in my life. If you ever have a chance to hear him..go! He has me crying and wanting to run through a brick wall for God, my family, and those I lead every time I hear him. He said, “Your reputation is what others think about you. Your character is what God and the angels know.” 1 Timothy 5:25 says, “So also good works are conspicuous and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” Coach Swider said we all will have a meeting with God someday. We just don’t know when it is. He asked, “What if your meeting with God was tomorrow?” And it could be! What would He say to you? He knows your character and true heart. Although we only need to ask for forgiveness and believe in Him for his grace and good works cannot earn his grace and eternal life, I sure hope and pray that if my meeting is with God  is tomorrow he will say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” I know He will say that to my Dad. What do you think he will he say to you?

 

Paul and his verbs

Wow. 1 Timothy 4 is filled with instruction. The second portion is filled with lots of verbs:

  • Command
  • Teach
  • Don’t
  • Devote
  • Do not neglect
  • Be diligent
  • Watch
  • Persevere

Paul seems to be getting shorter in his messages and stronger here in this verse. How can we tackle all he is asking us to do? Let’s start with the view of Paul as Timothy’s coach and as our coach. The first part of this chapter tries to point out that some will go astray. He could be talking about the people of Ephesus but he also is showing us that it could happen to people we know today. He is clear that demons and temptation will take people down a different path in life, an ungodly life, those focused on using God’s gifts in the wrong manner. He reminds us that everything he created is good. That’s a great way to start each day, isn’t it? Remembering all we see, have, do was created by God and is intended to be good, not evil or for evil use.

 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Paul then asks us to work on our discipleship, helping others learn and grow, and helping others stay on the right path. If we are “…nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed…”, then maybe we can help others learn about this good teaching. I think we can do this in many situations. I tried it out this week and received a good response (not always the case I know). One of my friend’s took her oldest to college way far away. I sent her my favorite verse Jeremiah 29:11. I have never really had an in depth conversation with her on this subject of religion so I was taking a risk, but I wanted to show I share her anxiety. It worked. She was caught off guard and very thankful.

Back to Timothy.  Paul then moves on to coach us to not only focus on physical training, but to focus on our spiritual training. In some cases it is easy to go out and run or go to the gym, but shouldn’t it also be easy to sit down and read the bible or go to church on Sundays? Doesn’t seem to be as easy. We have to train ourselves, get in the routine (our Bible Journal community), and continue to track our progress.   He reminds us to put our hope in the living God, the living word and spirit.

Lastly, Paul goes to his strong verbs. Even though some of us are young :-),  I think he really means all people who might be young in studying the word or young in sharing our faith with others or truly young in age. He wants us to be confident in our ways and in our voice, not letting others overshadow us. He wants us to set an example for the nonbelievers and believers in our speech, in our conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

And don’t take it lightly or think you aren’t worthy. I take this as speaking openly or testing the waters when it might seem uncomfortable. Or if it’s too hard to speak, put your faith into action.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1

Lastly, one of my favorite verbs.  Persevere! That’s hard, but if we go back to the first part of this chapter, we don’t want to be one of the ones Paul refers to as abandoning the faith.

I wish you well today as you:

  • See everything God created as good
  • Coach others
  • Stretch to show your faith even if you might be “young”
  • Watch for signs
  • Continue to persevere in following God’s path

Influence

When I saw which chapter of 1 Timothy was today’s reading, I had to smile, because it’s a passage of Scripture that I’ve read so many times before. While the heading of the chapter is “Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons,” a mentor of mine a few years ago encouraged me to read 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and a similar passage, Titus 1:5-9, and consider the same qualifications Paul lists for these church leaders when praying and waiting for my future husband. At first, it seemed like a weird suggestion to me, but once I dug deeper into the heart of what God was saying in these passages, I realized that my mentor was right, and the man I wanted to end up with someday should have these sorts of characteristics as the leader of our marriage and of our future family. In 1 Timothy 3, we see that Paul has a few main characteristics that he points out as being of particular importance in the character of a leader. 1 Timothy 3: 2-10 says,

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

Verse 11 shares a little about Paul’s expectations for women:

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

And lastly, Paul finishes with a few more words about men as leaders in the church:

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

While I’m not looking for a husband anymore, my mentor’s advice was helpful… and I’m blessed to say that God brought someone into my life who lives out each of the characteristics that Paul says we should look for in leaders and that tmy mentor said I should wait for in a husband. 🙂 But regardless, I think we can all learn from 1 Timothy 3, because we ALL have influence somewhere in our lives. Whether we’re involved with a family, a church, a business, a small group, or even a friendship, we ARE leaders and we CAN lead where we are. Furthermore, we can become better leaders by developing these godly characteristics within ourselves and asking God to grow us in these areas. Today, my prayer is that God will help me grow where I am currently weak so that I can be a better leader in the areas over which I have influence… no matter how big or how small.