224th Week, I Timothy Intro - Chapter 4 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)
Monday, I Timothy Introduction
I Timothy Intro
Jane Jones
THOUGHT
We find that even without trying, we model our values. Parents in particular demonstrate to their children what they consider important and valuable. Timothy was a prime example of that. He was influenced by godly relatives. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish believers who helped shape his life and promote his spiritual growth. So we will be in the book of Timothy which was written for the purpose of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, a young man, whose spiritual life grew from modeling his life after his mother and grandmother.
I can’t help but think about my life and the personal influences that have made a difference in me. I, like Timothy, grew up with a very godly mother and grandmother. What a joy to have my grandma living with us up until the time of her death. I can still picture her holding her worn out Bible, reading it at times, when she could not sleep. I remember the influence of my mother, making it very clear that her happiness and zest in life, was from knowing Jesus and having him in her heart. Her influence on Dad, Gare, Jeanie, and I has been huge and life changing. We look forward to the reading I Timothy will have on us this month. Stay tuned.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, we thank You for the good influences in our lives which have kept us on the right path. We thank You for those individuals who have helped us to keep our feet from slipping. We thank You for they have encouraged us by saying, “God is for you”. Yes, God is for you today - at this hour - at this minute. No need to wait. He is with you. Thank You for the people who have shared His value in our lives with us. We look forward to hearing Your Words from the book of Timothy. AMEN
Tuesday, I Timothy Chapter 1
I Timothy 1
Verse 2
Jane Jones
Verse 2: To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
THOUGHT
Do you realize what a powerful sentence this is, and that it is so full of riches. Grace means “God’s free and unmerited favor for sinful humanity”. Mercy means “forgiving, compassion”. And peace means “state of calm; freedom from strife or discord; harmony in personal relationships”. What a true gift from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord to Timothy. Folks, that gift is for our taking as well. It is free. It is our salvation. It will get us through our days. All we have to do is open up our hearts to Jesus. His free gifts are priceless. Grab it! Take it! Jesus wants us to.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your gifts of Grace, Mercy, and Peace, which knows no boundaries. May we, like Timothy, try to hold on to these priceless gifts that You continue to give us free for the taking day after day, after day, after day, after day, after day. Help us be appreciative and gracious of all that You give us. We rest in Your peace this evening. AMEN
Wednesday, I Timothy Chapter 2
I Timothy 2
Verse 4
Jane Jones
Verse 4: who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
THOUGHT
The gospel message has a universal scope; it is not directed only to people of one race, one sex, or one national background. God loves the whole world and sent His Son to save sinners like you and me. Never assume that anyone is outside God’s mercy or beyond the reach of His offer of salvation. We have work to do. We must be disciples and reach the world with God’s love.
I’d like to close today with this illustration: (The names have been changed to make the story more real to us; spoken as if Tanya wrote the story.)
“When my younger daughter, Crystal, was two, I lost her in a department store. One minute she was at my side, and the next she was gone. I panicked. All of a sudden only one thing mattered--I had to find my daughter. Shopping was forgotten. The list of things I came to get was unimportant. I yelled her name. What people thought didn’t matter. For a few minutes, every ounce of energy had one goal—to find my lost child. Her older sister, Sierra, was crying, running all over trying to find her little sister. (The lost was found, hiding behind some jackets with a smile on her face.)”
No price is too high for a parent to pay to redeem her child. No energy is too great. No effort too demanding. A parent will go to any length to find his or her own. And so will God. He, too, wants us to find the lost and tell them the great story of Jesus and eternal life.
Mark this down. God’s greatest creation is not the flung stars or the gorged canyons; it’s his eternal plan to reach his children.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord, Jesus, we have work to do today. We must be about Your work spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why is it so hard at times? Lord, please be our hands and feet today directing us to walk across the room for You and share the story of Your precious son, Jesus. May it be a day surrounded by Your Love of all of us. The Salt Shakers love You, Jesus. AMEN
Thursday, I Timothy Chapter 3
I Timothy 3
Verse 4
Jane Jones
Verse 4: He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
THOUGHT
This is an awesome verse for the Bible spells out very clearly that we must first manage our own family before anything else. We sometimes make the mistake of thinking our work at church and our volunteering are so important that we are justified to ignore our family. WRONG! Spiritual leadership must begin at home. If a man is not willing to care for, discipline, and teach his children, he is not qualified to lead the church. Don’t allow your volunteer activities to detract from your family responsibilities.
Do you remember how bedtime was a bad time as kids? As children we could never understand the logic of going to bed while there was energy left in the body or hours left in the day. At the close of the day a dad went in to kiss his five year old boy good night, and his son’s eyes opened and said, “I can’t wait until I wake up.” What an attitude! Is it because that boy had a great father and mother, ones that took care of the family needs first? Parents, let your Heavenly Father lead you in joy and place the job of family matters first before seeking responsibilities at church. Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to Your Father.
PRAYER
Father, please lead us in the job of parenting. May we be led by the Holy Spirit. Teach us to look to You, our Spiritual Father, for guidance. Help us not to ignore our responsibilities at home, and may we learn moderation when it comes to volunteering and serving. I will close with love and admiration for You, Dear Jesus. AMEN
Friday, I Timothy Chapter 4
I Timothy 4
Verse 8
Jane Jones
Verse 8: For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
THOUGHT
Are you in shape? Have you ever thought about whether you are in shape spiritually? How about a resolution for your spiritual life? In our society much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but spiritual health (a person’s godliness) is even more important. Our physical health is susceptible to colds, flu, disease, and injury, but faith can sustain us through all these tragedies and more.
To train ourselves to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God given abilities in the service of the church. Are you developing your muscles? How in shape are you spiritually? To get in shape physically you need a good pair of running shoes, possibly a treadmill, elliptical cross-trainer, weights, etc.
To get in shape spiritually you need a Bible so you can study. You have a heart so you can pray. You have a mind so you can think. You need nothing elaborate. Start your workout today to prepare for the present life and ------- the life to come.
PRAYER
Lord, we pray that this year we will be in the best shape spiritually that we have ever been. We thank You for walking with us and for Your patience and understanding if we fail to ‘workout’ for You every once in a while. We pray that our Salt Shaker’s devotion is great training as we get in shape for the present life and the life to come with You. For the desires of the hearts of my family, Lord, You know them all. Please bless my family with Your continued grace. We look to You for everything. Love You lots, Jesus. AMEN
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